Shooting Special: The 2015 Gun and Optics Test

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Redirect to EEF https://www.outdoorlife.com/features/gun-and-optics-test/intro/

Summary

When the Outdoor Life Gun and Optics test team assembled on the frozen, windswept plains of eastern Montana in early March, the task that lay ahead of us was at once familiar and formidable. After all, this is the fifteenth year that we’ve conducted our annual evaluation of the newest firearms and sporting optics (and by now we’re used to performing the test in sub optimal conditions), but the fields of guns and glass for 2015 were large and more diverse than any we’d ever seen. It was clear that we had our work cut out for us. The rifle category includes everything from budget-priced bolt guns to competition ARs and perhaps the finest all-around hunting rifle ever built. Two remarkable over/unders were sure to be the highlights of the shotgun field—until a plain-Jane autoloader improbably stole the show. On the optics side, the riflescope field was so large that we had to divide it into three purpose-oriented groups. Meanwhile, the across-the-board quality of the binoculars made for an extremely competitive field. Read and watch the full results here.

Shooting Special: The 2015 Gun and Optics Test

AGM Thermal Scopes and Monoculars on Sale at Amazon AGM Thermal Scopes and Monoculars on Sale at Amazon

MIL vs MOA: Here’s What Hunters and Shooters Need to Know MIL vs MOA: Here’s What Hunters and Shooters Need to Know

First Look: Remington 2020 Digital Optic System First Look: Remington 2020 Digital Optic System

The 17 Best New Versatile Riflescopes Put to the Test The 17 Best New Versatile Riflescopes Put to the Test

The Best New Riflescopes for Hunting 2021, Tested and Reviewed The Best New Riflescopes for Hunting 2021, Tested and Reviewed

New Riflescopes from SHOT Show 2022 and Beyond New Riflescopes from SHOT Show 2022 and Beyond

Watch Our Shooting Editor Do Unspeakable Things to His Nightforce ATACR Scope—In the Name of Science Watch Our Shooting Editor Do Unspeakable Things to His Nightforce ATACR Scope—In the Name of Science

The Best Rifle Scopes Under $500, Tested and Reviewed The Best Rifle Scopes Under $500, Tested and Reviewed

The Best LPVO Scopes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed The Best LPVO Scopes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Budget LPVOs, Tested and Reviewed The Best Budget LPVOs, Tested and Reviewed

We Put the Best Hunting Optics to the Test. Here are the Winners We Put the Best Hunting Optics to the Test. Here are the Winners

The Best Budget Optics from SHOT Show 2019 The Best Budget Optics from SHOT Show 2019

Top Rangefinding Binoculars Put to the Test Top Rangefinding Binoculars Put to the Test

Shooting Tip: Low-Cost Alternative for Zeroing Your Gun Shooting Tip: Low-Cost Alternative for Zeroing Your Gun

Vortex Viper HD 8×42 Binocular Review Vortex Viper HD 8×42 Binocular Review

Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binocular Review Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binocular Review

First Look: The EOTech Vudu 1-10×28 FFP First Look: The EOTech Vudu 1-10×28 FFP

The Best New Rangefinders, Tested and Reviewed The Best New Rangefinders, Tested and Reviewed

Tackle Test ABU GARCIA TORNO SERIES BAIT-CASTERS Tackle Test ABU GARCIA TORNO SERIES BAIT-CASTERS

The Ultimate Bug-Out-Bag: How to Make an INCH Kit The Ultimate Bug-Out-Bag: How to Make an INCH Kit

Big Ass Knives Big Ass Knives

Bow Shootout 2003 A test team grades this year’s leading bows Bow Shootout 2003 A test team grades this year’s leading bows

7 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Wild Aoudad Hunt 7 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Wild Aoudad Hunt

New Fishing Tackle: 25 Spinning and Baitcasting Rods Tested for 2016 New Fishing Tackle: 25 Spinning and Baitcasting Rods Tested for 2016

Treestand Safety Harness Review: OL Tests the Top 5 Harnesses Treestand Safety Harness Review: OL Tests the Top 5 Harnesses

Tackle Test 2015: 5 Innovations, Most Improved, and Boutique Gear Tackle Test 2015: 5 Innovations, Most Improved, and Boutique Gear