Today is the opening day of SHOT Show. Very excited to see what's new, who's new, and what exciting products are being shown for the first time. This year I have set up appointments with a few companies we have been chatting with throughout the past year.....
Carson, Sellmark, Kowa & AIM Sport. We are looking to expand our offerings this year. Looking forward to what this week will bring.
Day 1:
My first meeting was over at Vortex .
I kick off SHOT Show every year with Vortex. We have an amazing relationship with Vortex and I love seeing these guys.
The new products that were announced are very exciting, as they always are.....
Basically the entire PST line of riflescopes has been replaced with a Gen II series....
"This updated favorite hands an unfair advantage to shooters who seek to keep the upper hand in every situation from close quarters to long-range shots. The illumination dial is cleanly integrated into the side focus adjustment knob for easy access and streamlined performance. The glass-etched reticle offers shooters highly functional, intuitive, and detailed hold points, yet remains uncluttered for optimal viewing and features 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting."
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP - EBR-2C MRAD, Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP - EBR-2C MOA & Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 - EBR-4 MOA
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP - EBR-2C MRAD, Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP - EBR-2C MOA & Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 - EBR-4 MOA
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32 FFP - EBR-4 MRAD & Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32 FFP - EBR-4 MOA
The expected delivery time for these new Gen II's is Mid March.
In the original PST's we do still have a few:
Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP - EBR-1 MRAD #PST-416F1-M reduced to $749.99
Viper PST 2.5-10x44 - EBR-1 MRAD #PST-210S1-M
&
Viper PST 1-4x24 - TMCQ MOA Capped #PST-43111 reduced to $399.99
Before I left for SHOT I was asked on one of the forums what the upgrade is on the new Gen II PST's. I asked our Vortex Tech rep and he replied:
"The new Gen.II PST is altogether a new unit, both optically and mechanically. Starting with the turret system, we’ve integrated our famous RZR-system, borrowed from the Gen.1 5-20x50. Optically, the new Gen.II boasts an unquestionably improved optical-system, yielding significantly better edge-to-edge clarity, contrast, and low-light performance. The illumination controls have been relocated to the parallax knob, which has had its range of operation increased as well. We’ve added a new reticle to the line, the EBR-4, and overall, travel has increased slightly. The new 1-6x24 is a remarkable contrast to the 1-4x24, and altogether, the differences outnumber the similarities."
Seems like they've been taking upgrades quite seriously
They've added a couple of Tactical Diamondback 1" Tube Scopes for an affordable tactical option($299.99 / $279.99 and arriving in just a couple of weeks):
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 - VMR-1
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40 - VMR-1
"Exposed tactical turrets built for dialing elevation and windage allow quick and precise bullet drop and wind drift compensation at extended ranges. When we say precise—we mean it. These turrets track better than any Bloodhound and reliably return to zero every time. A zero-reset feature lets you re-index the zero reference marks on both turrets after sight in, while fiber optic rotation indicators integrated into the turrets provide a visual cue of your turret’s position."
In Red Dot Sights they've added the:
Venom Red Dot - 6 MOA Dot "A 6 MOA dot promotes rapid target acquisition, while providing a precise point of aim—getting shots down range and on target fast." At $229.99 I think this is a homerun addition to this field of sights.
&
Razor AMG UH-1 Holographic Sight - 1 MOA Dot "The incredible features of the Razor® AMG™ UH-1™ are matched only by its tough, tenacious performance. Absolute zero distortion and an impressive sight picture with unobstructed view ensure rapid, instinctual target acquisition.
The shatterproof XR plus fully multi-coated windows and holographic elements are incredibly durable and promote optimal light transmission. All sensitive components are protected in the base of the sight, increasing durability, while eliminating the need for an obstructive secondary shroud."
At $499.99 I think it's a winner
**Super Exciting** - Vortex Fury HD 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular LRF300 Finally a quality, reasonably priced ($1199.99) 10x42 Rangefinding binocular. "High quality optics and long-distance ranging capability come to together in our all-new Fury™ HD 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binocular. Convenience, speed, efficiency, and valuable dual-purpose functionality—all the advantages of a high-definition binocular perfectly paired with an angle compensated rangefinder. Right side controls are simple to use and easily manipulated with a single hand – leaving your other hand free to hold your bow, rifle, or other important piece of equipment.
HCD CORRECTED SHOOT-TO RANGE
The Fury uses HCD (Horizontal Component Distance) angle-compensated ranging technology to give bow and rifle shooters the critical distance data needed to make accurate shots. Capable of ranging reflective targets to 1600 yards with an ultra-fast readout."
Once again they have done something untraditional and lowered prices on some popular items...
The Ranger 1000 & Ranger 1500 laser rangefinders
All of the Viper HD binoculars have been reduced in price, as well as all of the Crossfire binocular series.
FYI, We have confirmed a good stock of the Viper 6.5-20x50 Riflescopes in your choice of BDC or MilDot @ $299.99 reduced from $469.99.
Stop # 2 of the morning was with Swarovski or should I now say Swarovski/Kahles
Those of you who have been around a while know that Swarovski distributed Kahles in the USA years ago and then that stopped. Well now that is the arrangement again and the Kahles products are very exciting.
Their Riflescopes include 3 sizes:
1-6x24
6-24x56
10-50x56
The 6-24x56 has a unique way of being offered....Your choice of Right or Left side windage adjustment
These scopes are all FFP with illuminated reticles.
There are 5 different reticles, however, I believe the most popular one will be the SKMR3 which is a Christmas tree configuration:
FFP MIL
0.5 Mil increments on vertical
0.2 MIL increments on main horizontal
0.5 MIL increments on marker bars
On the Swarovski side of things they had such an overwhelming demand for their Z6, Z6i & Z5 Riflescopes during their end of the year Anniversary Sale that they decided to keep these reduced prices going forward into 2017. So nice to see a company lower prices on great products.
They also have begun a promotion on their X5 and X5i Riflescopes reducing the pricing on these fantastic scopes.
It's a power morning with all the big companies. Next stop was Leupold I was hoping they had something as game changing as their VX3i Riflescopes that they showed us last year. I was beyond not disappointed. These guys have it together in a big way. So much going on over here.....
"The all new Leupold LTO-Tracker thermal viewer allows hunters to get a greater understanding of their surroundings and have greater success recovering game long after the sun goes down. The compact LTO-Tracker is only 5.6 inches long and weighs less than 10 ounces, allowing it to be carried comfortably in a pant pocket. While the easy to find CR123 battery delivers 10 hours of continuous operation. Equipped with a 6x digital zoom and 21 degree field of view, this thermal device will detect game up to 600 yards away. The LTO has 6 color palettes to choose from and a user controlled reticle for greater viewing precision. The Leupold LTO-Tracker is Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the United States and backed by the Leupold 5 Year Electronics Warranty." Only $699.99 and something you've got to check out.
This is the SHOT Show product to see. OH, nice extra added bonus, totally made in the USA
"The new BX-2 Tioga™ HD binoculars have the versatility you need in an affordable package, with an added edge.
Extra-low dispersion (HD) lenses and the Twilight Max Light Management System combine to give you a crisp image,
vibrant color, and optimal contrast in harsh or poor light. Includes GO Afield shoulder strap and binocular case, lens
covers, and lens cloth." Available in all sizes from 8x32-12x50 and in both black and camo I think this will become their main line staple binocular. Priced from $249.99 - $399.99 they'll be taking a bite out of the binocular business in 2017, IMO. It's the same type of addition that last years VX-3i riflescopes were in that price point.OH great news, Leupold listened to the consumers and finally are including a great binocular case and nice strap with all their binoculars. A great improvement over what they were including, you'll be very happy.
Some of you may have already heard some about their new VX-3i LRP (Long Range Precision) riflescopes "When long range hunters, shooters, or precision rifle competitors need extreme accuracy, the VX-3i LRP delivers. The Twilight Max light management system lets you hunt longer, or pick out distant
targets from the shadows with unsurpassed clarity and resolution. Choose first or second focal plane reticles in
MOA or MIL, with matching adjustment increments to match your specific shooting style. The all new elevation
adjustment features a unique travel indicator and adjustable zero stop. The windage dial features a protective cover
that can be replaced with the included thread protector if you prefer running an exposed dial. A redesigned power
selector with included throw lever makes magnification changes quick and easy. The VX-3i LRP defines Versatility."
I feel that this scope series is Leupolds answer to the sub $1000.00 LR Optic offering both 1st and 2nd FP and MOA & MRAD choices. It also features metal on metal zero stop.
Leupold heard little feature requests when building this scope. If you prefer to leave the windage cap off they included a thread protector. Let's you go cap on or cap on while still keeping the threads in tact. They are even including a throw lever in with these great scopes. A nice touches all around.
FYI, for those of you who have wrongly assumed this is a replacement for the Mark 4 you are incorrect. There is a Mark 4 replacement coming mid year. Not a Mark 6, lol, I'm sure you can figure this out
Lastly, is the VX-6HD which is the upgrade replacement to the VX-6.
"The VX-6HD is taking optical performance to a whole new level. We gave it a High-Definition optical system for sharpened clarity, and the Twilight Max™ Light Management System for even greater low-light performance, giving hunters a visible advantage at dawn and dusk when the biggest game is on the move. The new CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2) elevation and ZeroLock windage dial lock in place so they cannot be inadvertently rotated off their zero. A mere press of a button will allow the user to dial up two turns of elevation, if necessary. On the 2nd revolution of the elevation dial, the button sinks in to show you are on the 2nd turn so you can dial for extended ranges and never lose your place. All VX-6HD CDS-ZL2 riflescopes include one free Custom Ballistic Dial with purchase. To make scope mounting even easier, we added an in-scope Electronic Reticle Level indicator for precise leveling, and a throw lever for fast magnification changes, right or left handed. All VX-6HD scopes include illuminated reticles with an easy to use 1 button intensity adjustment.
OH, wanting you to get some fantastic SHOT Show deals Leupold hooked us up with their #170262 BX-3 Mojave Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binocular to offer you at only $379.99 reduced $200.00 from $579.99. I alerted my web master to get this posted on our site, however, until he does just call us @ 516-217-1000 to place an order
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