GearExpert

The Night Vision and Thermal of SHOT 2016

Feb 10 • News • 14389

This week we take a look at a GearExpert exclusive take on my favorite night vision and thermal units to come out of SHOT 2016!

Well, here we are again. SHOT Show 2016 has ended and the lust for all the new exiting gear just won’t go away. If you are like me you are sitting there, cursing out loud, because there is too much cool new gear and not enough budget. You will have to be tactful and calculating. You will have to compare all of the different offerings to see where you should put your hard earned money. It sounds like something easy enough to do, but I find it difficult, as there are so many great new offerings that are innovative and different. Usually in these situations my wallet ends up losing, and my gear collection wins. And for 2016, my gear collection will be winning in the form of night vision and thermal, as there were a host of cool new low light optics unveiled at the show!

When browsing the night vision and thermal manufacturers at SHOT, there were some releases that didn’t just catch my eye, but the eyes of many of my coworkers here at GearExpert. One such awesome Example is the Apollo Mini 336 by Armasight. The Apollo Mini 336 is a quick detachable or “clip-on” thermal optical device that sits in front of your chosen sighting system. You can place it in front of your existing and sighted-in riflescope, allowing you to keep your zero true. In essence it’s a thermal scope that quickly reconfigures to a standard daytime optic with the quick removal of the thermal device. Of course being a thermal system, if the situation calls for it you can use the Apollo Mini during the day as well, as it is not subject to daytime use trauma like night vision optical devices are. There are other clip-on style thermal devices out there, but what sets this one apart is its size and weight. It is just under 5 inches long and slightly over ½ pound. To my knowledge, this is the smallest and lightest offering on the market. At a retail price of $5978, it is not cheap; however it is definitely one of the lightest, smallest and most effective thermal clip-ons out there.

Armasight 336 Clip On

Another new item from Armasight that has amazing potential for military or law enforcement is the IRIS. This is a remote eyepiece that is compatible with many of Armasight’s thermal riflescopes. It is available either in a wired system for security, or as a wireless system for more convenience. The idea is that now you can have another person seeing exactly what you as the rifleman see. Whether this is your spotter, your commanding officer, or possibly your hunting buddy will of course vary with your use.

Another cool new device that captured the attention of many of my coworkers here at GearExpert was the ATN Thor HD. Thor HD is a series of thermal riflescopes with mounting provisions for Picatinny rails. They have many different flavors of Thor HD’s with various magnifications and resolutions. With a retail price range of $1999 for the 384 1.25-5x to $5999 for the 640 5-50x, these units are actually quite affordable in the thermal scope world. Built into the Thor system is a ballistic calculator that automatically calculates your impact shift and shows the crosshairs in the appropriate place. Another cool feature of particular note to hunters is the brand new recoil activated video or RAV. This senses the recoil of the firearm discharging and saves you a video from 10 seconds before the shot to 20 seconds after the shot. You don’t need to delay taking a shot (and risk not being able to take it at all) to hit a “record” switch. The recording will happen without you having to remember to do so. One final feature that caught my attention was the profile manager. You can set up the scope for one gun, save its profile, then move the device to another rifle and set up another profile. This allows you to move back and forth with no need to re-zero, because all the changes you previously entered are saved. Just choose the profile that you configured to match your rifle and bang, you are back on target! Now one thermal riflescope can truly fit your needs on multiple firearms.

ATN ThOR HD

Also new this year from ATN is the X-Sight II HD. This is a digital night vision scope for both day and night use. Its mindboggling number of features is just plain outlandish. Who would think that you could jam pack them all in an optical device that retails for only $599 for the 3-14x and a scant $100 more for the 5-20x? Some of the features include full HD both day and night, including video and photos, range finder, ballistic calculator shooting solution, recoil activated video, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, gyroscope stabilization, magnetometer, accelerometer, E-barometer, smooth zoom, profile manager, E-compass, GPS geotag, all built around the Obsidian II core. Now that is one insanely sweet package that is not out of reach of the average shooter.

Also at the show, FLIR updated their Scout Thermal imaging monocular to the new Scout III. The changes are subtle but profound. Where the older system worked at 9 Hertz (or cycles per second), which could produce a choppy image, these new models work at 30Hz or 60Hz depending on the model. In addition to their previous resolution offering of 320×240 pixels, they now also offer a resolution of 640×480 pixels. The greater the resolution the more definition you will be able to see in the image. This is especially crucial as you look at things at increasing distances. The older resolution will retail for $2499, while the new higher resolution offering will retail for $3499.

FLIR Scout III

The devices I have mentioned here are not without their cost. An unfortunate truth of life is that if you want quality gear, you either have to pay for it or steal it from someone who did. I do not like the consequences that theft brings to the table, not to mention the moral implications. This leaves me with the sole option of getting my things legally by paying for them with money I worked hard to earn. Since this is the case, I want my money to work as hard for me as I did for it. I imagine being able to buy a single device that can do it all. Alas, technology is fickle and takes time to catch up to my demands. However fast approaching this technology breakthrough with cutting edge science is IR Defense. They have released a very interesting new model dubbed the REAP-IR™. This is a thermal offering that functions as a standalone sight, or as a clip-on style unit. You read that right, it does both! It updates its screen at 60Hz, so there is no fear of choppy images. It has multiple reticle save locations that allow you to move it from rifle to rifle with your zero saved for each one. At just under 21 ounces and just over 6½ inches long, it isn’t the smallest or lightest, but more than makes up for it with versatility. All in all, it makes one neat package. It will have a competitive retail, but remember, it does the job of several units all on its lonesome.

Where should my night time optics money go? What should I choose to use while shooting in the dark? To be honest, I still haven’t decided. I absolutely love that the manufacturers are as prolific as they are. I adore the annual influx of the new and the improved. This variety constantly gives me more options to choose from. An old friend of mine always went by the maxim “variety is the spice of life”. If you are interested in night vision or thermal devices, life is now spicy indeed. In the end, I’m not sure which cool new thing or things I’ll choose, but I’m glad for the ever growing diversity of options.

Cal Leibovitz • No Comments on The Night Vision and Thermal of SHOT 2016
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2016 AR Upgrades: Make it Your AR

Feb 10 • Reviews, News • 44502

The AR is still the King; Long Live the King. SHOT 2016 had an impressive array of new products for a variety of firearm platforms, but the AR was still the top dog (although the AK was not far behind). While the 1911 vs Glock debate may rage on, the AR is the quintessential American gun today. And why not? They are affordable, useable, and customizable. So if you don’t have an AR yet, or just bought one and don’t know where to start making changes, here are some out of the box upgrades to consider.

Optics

While iron sights are a great starting point to teach fundamentals and invaluable as a backup, a dual plane sight system is always slower than a single plane. That is why getting either a red dot or a riflescope is always worth the investment.

If you are looking for a red dot, then keep an eye on the Hartmann MH1 which is being brought to market here in the US by CAA. Built by a shooter for shooters, this red dot is packed with one of a kind features. PTT compatible, dual power source (USB rechargeable battery and backup CR123 battery), the largest field of view currently available, and almost completely programmable are the main highlights. The reticle and ergonomics are also superbly designed. While the optic isn’t on the small size, it should fit on just about any platform you can put a picatinny rail on.

If you are looking for a riflescope, these days the world is your oyster. Sig has entered the optics market with force and their riflescopes are nothing to sneeze at. They have quality optics available in both low end magnification ranges and high end magnification ranges with a variety of price points to accommodate most budgets whether you are hunting, precision shooting, or running a 3 gun match. EoTech is another familiar name that is branching out into the riflescope sector. Their Vudu series is launching with 3 models; 1-6x, 2.5-10x, and 3.5-18x. While the models at the show were still prototypes, these scopes look promising and should compete well in the higher end market space.

Lights & Lasers

It is hard to hit what you can’t see, which is why weapon lights and lasers are so useful. But activating your light or laser should be second nature, which several new products are getting closer to achieving.

Crimson Trace LINQ

The Crimson Trace LiNQ system not only makes activation more intuitive, but also does away with the clutter of PTT wires. The AR grip houses the controls and uses a secure, Bluetooth-like, wireless connection to communicate with the rail mountable light/laser module. Even if
the grip communication fails, the light/laser module can be manually operated.

TNVC is also declaring war on PTT wires with their TAPS switch. While technically it was announced last year, the TAPS is finally in production. This switch has 2 buttons and each is programmable for multiple functions. Compatible with Surefire and Steiner cables, users can create a low profile setup that controls all of their electronic accessories from one source. While the switch does use a battery to power the programmable module inside, the TAPS unit would still activate a light or laser if the battery fails.

LaserMax wasn’t as concerned with going wireless but they still were focused on intuitive ergonomics when they designed the Manta Ray. This rail-mounted light can be used with a pressure switch, but has a rubber exterior so that it closely feels/resembles a rail cover panel when mounted on the handguard. Snap it onto the rail (just like you would a rail cover) and you have a comfortable, low profile, rechargeable, adjustable intensity weaponlight.

While I’d like to think that with the right sight and light, you can take on any challenge with an AR, there is no end to how you can set up your rifle. So here are a few other things I think are worth your time and money.

Galco released a single point bungee sling which has a shock-absorbing elasticized synthetic bungee that keeps your rifle close when you drop it to transition to your pistol, but stretches enough to allow you to wield the rifle with the opposite hand. Available in flat dark earth or black, this sling embodies all the quality you’ve come to associate with Galco.

Timney is offering a two-stage trigger for the first time, likely in response to the increasingly popular two-stage CMC and Elftmann triggers. Franklin Armory had some very exciting trigger innovations with their Binary and Release triggers, but unfortunately they are currently only offering those in their own rifles.

Cobalt Kinetics was a name on the tip of everyone’s tongue and not just because of their complete rifles. Their buffer replacement kit, while only available for rifle length systems at this time, is an innovative approach to the age old setup. Their tube is lined with a low friction material and the buffer can be configured with different weight inserts for fine tuning.

While there were more muzzle devices than I could count, one really stood out. “Blast Shields” have become much more common in the last year, in large part due to AR pistols in my opinion. Fortis Manufacturing came out with the Control Blast Diffuser which uses a unique and simple quick detach system. Fortis is freely sharing this QD design so that their diffuser will be cross compatible, although currently only the Fortis brake and Rainier Arms brake are available.

All these products are focused on enhancing the end user’s experience. Just because you bought a factory rifle does not mean that it has to stay that way. Whether you are a “plinker” or a “door kicker”, it’s your AR. There may be many like it, but this one is yours.

Matt S. • No Comments on 2016 AR Upgrades: Make it Your AR
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Thermal Imaging for Home Defense?

Feb 3 • Reviews • 28481

For eons, thermal imagers have been something that you only see in movies or had to sell three organs on the black market to afford. The latest innovations from FLIR with their tiny and inexpensive Lepton core, has all but let the thermal monkey out of the cage for other companies to create the smallest of small and affordable thermal options.

One of those companies, Torrey Pines Logic, launched their T-10 series of mini thermal picatinny rail mountable imaging cameras. Why would anyone want/need such a thing?

Watch my video above since it tells you exactly how I see this Torrey Pine T-10M working with my current home defense setup.

Jeremy L • 1 Comment on Thermal Imaging for Home Defense?
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Top Gear from Vista Outdoors at SHOT Show 2016

Feb 1 • News • 15202

Every year tens of thousands of members of the firearms industry head to sin city to check out the latest guns and gear at SHOT Show. While I can’t/won’t describe in detail the numerous ways in which this show is unlike any other trade show in the world, I can say that this year was all about new optics, accessories, gear, etc., and not so much the new end all be all handgun or rifle. The Vista Outdoors monstrosity of a booth did not disappoint in their new product offerings for 2016.

Vista Outdoors which is the umbrella for brands like Bushnell, RCBS, BLACKHAWK, Primos, Weaver, and a bajillion other companies, had a wide range of new exciting product launches at the show. In no particular order, here are my favorites from their booth and why I like them:

Bushnell Elite Tactical Hunter 4.5-18x44mm Riflescope

While the scope is not “new” for 2016, the addition of an illuminated reticle to this 4.5-18x44mm Elite Tactical Hunter scope is what’s new for the year. Having shot a little bit with the original/ pre-illuminated version myself, I can tell you that having this new lit reticle is long awaited feature that many people were looking for.

BLACKHAWK Knoxx GEN III Stock – Remington 870

Anyone that’s done their fair share of shooting full power loads out of their Remington 870, can describe in detail the slap of the face and pain the stock of the gun puts on your body. Now in it’s third generation, the tried and true way of mitigating 12 ga recoil by installing on one of Blackhawks recoil reducing Knoxx stocks has gotten even better. Claiming 80% recoil reduction, six position adjustability, QD sling attachments, adjustment to eliminate stock rattle, and what I can personally attest is the most comfortable rubber buttpad in existence, are just a few improvements that make this stock a winner for 2016.

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65mm Spotting Scope

An improvement and possible takeover of the Trophy XLT line of Bushnell spotting scopes and a street price under the $300 mark, this new Trophy X65 SS was one of the most wallet friendly optics I saw in the Vista booth. Some things to note about this Bushnell X65 spotting scope, the glass was good to great, everything turned and twisted smoothly, a durable housing and the new no questions asked warranty round out my favorite features of this high value spotting scope.

Jeremy L • No Comments on Top Gear from Vista Outdoors at SHOT Show 2016
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The OTHER Hard Case Company

Jan 14 • Reviews, News • 19102

When you think hard plastic case manufacturers, Pelican is usually the brand that comes to mind. They’ve been around for a hell of a long time and make cases that work, so why would you even think about taking a look at a different brand?

Being the rebel without a cause that I am, I decided to go out on a shooting centric limb and try out a new long-gun case from a company many people aren’t familiar with, Nanuk Cases. I’m not going to bore you with the spiel about who they are as a company and what they’re all about. That sort of thing looks great on a press release but I know you came here to get the scoop on what makes their case so great, so without further ado….

Now before I go into detail about what tickles my fancy about Nanuk’s 995 hard case, I should probably tell you what I’m using the case for. I, like a growing population of people in this country, have become obsessed with the sport of 3-gun. (If you’re scratching your head as to what I’m talking about, check out this informative guide here by pro shooter Jesse Tischauser that explains the sport in detail.) 3 Gun quite matter of factly requires you to use three guns, a shotgun, pistol, and a rifle. The larger national level matches are all over the place and usually mean that you’re flying with your guns to the match.

Considering that this sport is super gear intensive and the guns aren’t exactly small, you’re left with trying to stuff your weapons in a 50ish inch hard case. As any semi frequent flyer knows, the golden number for checked baggage is 50 lbs. If you don’t hit that magic number, you’ve turned a $25 baggage fee each way into the worst $100 ever spent each way. Since most of us flying to matches can just not bring essential items like mags, slings, etc., to save weight the only other way to shed pounds is by finding a hard case doesn’t weigh a plastic metric ton.

Because of what can only be described as engineering sorcery, the 995 case by Nanuk comes in at 21.6lbs with foam. While its closest competitor is tipping the scales with foam at 23lbs. Sure we’re talking a difference of only 1.4 pounds but that little bit is the difference of flying with a gunsmithing tool kit or not. See where I’m getting at?

The craziness doesn’t stop there, on top of it being lighter it’s also larger in every dimension than its similarly sized/featured competitor. For those of you that can’t put two and two together, this case can carry larger and heavier gear, guns, whatever, and still keep your baggage fee’s from pillaging your wallet.

On top of the larger dimension and less L-B’s, the 995 case is packing some seriously whiz bang features that sure you don’t need but will more than appreciate when you’ve had to travel eleven hours in one day and just want to get home from a match.

Working from the top down, the spring loaded carry handles are a huge plus because we all know when sliding gear in the back of a pickup bed that if the handles on your case are sticking out they’re getting busted or snagging on something, preventing it from sliding out freely.

Cinching the case closed are Nanuk’s “Powerclaw” latches which give you a lot of leverage or closing power especially when trying to cram a bunch of stuff that doesn’t fit inside the case. Not only do they help initially close the case but they keep is sealed like Fort Knox during the deliberate destructive handling of airport baggage personnel.

Another feature that I really appreciate on the 995 case are the stainless steel reinforced lock loops. Since I’m on the subject of locks, there’s a total of four spots for you to throw a lock on this case. When you’ve got four locks on the case it makes it damn near impossible to pry out any area of the case as most would-be thief’s would do.

There’s always a catch…….. You’re right, I’ve left out a semi-crucial detail, the price. With a street price of basically $100 more than its closest rival case it might scare away some of you cheap asses out there. And there’s nothing wrong with that but realize that you’re overlooking hands down best hard case for the money because of a few bucks difference.

Jeremy L • No Comments on The OTHER Hard Case Company
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