by the wide magnification range makes it the perfect choice whether sitting in a treestand or stalking mountain game. The 30mm scope includes the switchable FLEXCHANGE 4A-IF reticle and corrections are MRAD, made in .36-inch increments per click. The elevation turret provides 13.2 inches of corrections at 100 yards. Visit swarovskioptik.com to learn more. MEOPTA USA ● Meopta’s Optika5 2-10x 42mm PA riflescope with side parallax adjustment (10 yards to infinity) is an exceptionally versatile riflescope delivering razor-sharp images at close ranges. It’s engineered to withstand heavy recoil, making it welcome on in-line muzzleloaders and slug guns. It can be used with the Strelok Pro ballistic app and is built to handle the extreme bi-directional recoil of spring-piston air rifles. The Optika5 2-10x42mm PA sports a 1-inch tube, 5x zoom, zero-reset turrets, and advanced lens coatings for true color fidelity and Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright lens coating for maximum light transmission. Meopta’s MeoDrop hydrophobic lens coating aggressively repels water and makes it easy to wipe away grease, smudges and dirt. Capped turrets are made of rubber-armored metal and the rear-facing magnification display allows setting magnification while on the rifle. The zoom ring comes with a throw lever for quick adjustments when wearing gloves. Windage and elevation adjustments are ¼ MOA and SFP (Second Focal Plane) ZPlex or Z-Plus reticles are available. All Optika5 scopes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and feature a one-piece tube and Zero-Reset elevation turret. Visit meoptasportsoptics.com to learn more. BLACKHOUND OPTICS ● Blackhound Optics’ flagship Emerge series is offered in 2-12x44mm, 3-24x56mm, and 4-32x56mm configurations, providing numerous options for a reasonable price. They’re covered by a Lifetime Promise Warranty. Each scope comes with a quality set of rings, dual set of magnetized scope levels for precision installation, 3-inch sunshade, spring-loaded lens covers, lens cloth, and all necessary tools. They’re engineered in the U.S. and built with preable in 8mm, 11mm, and 14mm heights. A flush mount box includes 14mm and flush mount 1/10 MRAD windage and elevation adjustments. Details making it especially handy and a serious buy for the money include six levels of red illumination with on/off positions between each intensity level, fast-focus eyepiece, complete EP-level clean room assembly, a 100 percent fog, shock, (tested up to 1,200 Gs) and waterproof guarantee, and aircraft grade aluminum construction and a rugged design ready for tough environments. Visit ritonoptics.com to learn more. ZEISS ● Zeiss LRP S3 first focal plane (FFP) riflescopes provide versatility and best-in-class total elevation travel. Since this is Zeiss, they also sport one of the industry’s most advanced optical systems, delivering ultra-sharp images and gathering a maximum amount of light in low-light conditions. The Zeiss LRP S3 425-50 (4-25x50mm) offers a large field-of-view ideal for medium- to longrange shooting wrapped in a compact, lightweight 34mm design engineered to withstand 1,500 G-force of shock over multiple impact cycles. This scope allows a staggering amount of total elevation travel—160 MOA or 46.5 MRAD. The advanced optical system provides 90 percent light transmission in a package measuring 13.4 inches long and weighing 36.7 ounces. Nitrogen purging makes it fog and waterproof. Visit zeiss.com to learn more. SWAROVSKI ● The Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 P is the newest addition to the Swarovski Z8i series, which include Swarolight illumination with an integrated inclinometer sensor that automatically extinguishes the lighted center dot when the rifle is canted out of plumb, a quick reminder to level the rifle before shooting. Illumination includes a left/right switch to select the option of 0-32 twilight settings, or 33-64 daylight intensity. The 1.7-13.3x42 P provides a massive field of view in a lightweight package weighing just 21.9 ounces. The 13.2-inch scope comes with transparent scope covers, a replacement battery inside the illumination cap, and a microfiber cloth. The huge versatility provided
52 | inside firearms | sept / oct 2023 mium Japanese HD glass. The Emerge HD optical system is combined with new MOA or MIL glass-etched illuminated reticles set in the first focal plane (FFP) scope. The elevation turret features a pop-up second-turn indicator and an adjustable zero stop. Tubes are treated to Type III hard anodizing and the side parallax knob, magnification ring, adjustable eye focus, and illumination controls hold ergonomic knurling for a sure grip in wet weather. All are fog, shock, and waterproof and endure a rigorous two-stage quality control process—first before leaving the Japan factory and again after reaching the U.S. Emerge riflescopes are ruggedly built with all parts milled from aluminum. Visit blackhoundoptics.com to learn more. Binoculars TRACT OPTICS ● TRACT Optics’ TORIC UHD 15x56mm Spotting Binocular offers an ideal optic for spotting elusive game in big country or pin-pointing impacts on long range shots when set on a tripod. These binos feature TRACT’s advanced UHD (Ultra High Definition) system, which includes SCHOTT HT (High Transmission) glass and ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lens that provide sharp, bright images. The $1,044 MSRP makes them competitive in this magnification class, especially considering the cutting-edge technology and features. The apochromatic optical system and ED lens provides exceptional detail, resolution, and light transmission with exceptional edge-to-edge clarity with no color fringing. It offers incredible light transmission and the oil-phobic lens coatings help keep them cleaner in the field. They’re argon purged to be fog proof and offer a wide field of view and generous eye relief. The simple Locking Diopter system eliminates inadvertent movement and ensures strain-free viewing. Visit tractoptics.com to learn more. BUSHNELL ● Bushnell’s new Match Pro ED 15x56mm Binocular is purpose built to include the company’s SHOT-CALL Reticle for competition and long-range shooting. These high-quality binoculars were designed for long-range precision shooters looking to combine features of a high magnification binocular and a MRAD based reticle. Designed with a proprietary, rotating SHOT-CALL reticle, the new binoculars are perfect for helping shooters with spotting, ranging, target sizing, and shot correction. The Match Pro ED features fully multi-coated ED (ExtraLow Dispersion) Prime objective lenses and BAK-4 Abbe-Koenig roof prisms with PC3 dielectric phase coatings to ensure 92 percent light transmission. They feature Bushnell’s EXO-Barrier to repel moisture and dust. The offset SHOT-CALL reticle has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after interpupillary distance adjustment. Users can set up and lock in with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and provides stability while putting pressure on the binos when mounted on a tripod in high wind. A rugged magnesium housing protects the binoculars internal mechanisms while IPX5 waterproof sealing shields them from weather. The bino comes with Bushnell’s 20-year Lifetime Ironclad Warranty. Visit bushnell.com to learn more. VORTEX OPTICS ● Vortex’s newly-introduced Triumph HD 10x42mm binocular delivers quality, durability, and the company’s lifetime VIP Warranty. The Triumph HD 10x42mm comes with an affordable sub-$150 price tag with good resolution and contrast for detecting animals in the shadows. The HD optical system ensures crisper color and sharper images and the fully multi-coated lens deliver greater clarity and low-light performance. The durable, compact roof prism design holds protective armor coating, and they’re tripod adaptable. Adjustable eyecups make them compatible with glasses. They are fog, shock, and waterproof and ship with a neck strap and adjustable GlassPak binocular harness. Visit vortexoptics.com to learn more. MEOPTA USA ● Meopta’s MeoPro Air Binoculars are the newest premium binocular from the Czech company. The Air is available in 8x42mm (MSRP $1,099.99) and 10x42mm (MSRP $1,149.99) models TRACT OPTICS TORIC UHD 15x56 BUSHNELL MATCH PRO ED 15x56mm VORTEX TRIUMPH HD 10x42mm MEOPTA MEOPRO AIR ZEISS SFL 30 8x30mm
and features an ergonomic open-hinge design and lightweight magnesium-alloy chassis engineered to withstand harsh treatment. ED glass with Meopta’s proprietary lens coating provides edge-to-edge clarity and exceptionally bright, sharp images while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration. Colors are true and vivid, and contrast is enhanced, making it easier to see detail in low light. Air binoculars feature Meopta’s MeoShield anti-abrasion and MeoDrop hydrophobic moisture-, grease-, and dust-repelling lens coatings. The twist-up eyecups can be removed for cleaning. They are fog and waterproof. Visit meoptasportsoptics.com to learn more. ZEISS ● Zeiss SFL binoculars (SmartFocus Lightweight) were designed to be compact and lightweight. The new Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) Concept ensures true-to-life color reproduction and the highest level of detail. Its SmartFocus Concept positions the focus wheel perfectly to enable fast, precise focusing, even while wearing gloves. Optimized ergonomics and a large exit pupil allow for relaxed viewing. The SFL 30 (8x30mm) offers a field of view up to 142 meters at 1,000 meters and focus as close as 1.5 meters. Thinner lenses and reduced dimensions make them 30 percent lighter than binoculars in the same class, without sacrificing viewing quality, and providing 90 percent light transmission through Zeiss T* multicoating. The rugged magnesium housing ensures ruggedness. SmartFocus coupled with the DoubleLink Bridge offers exceptional ergonomics, and requires just 1.4 turns to focus from up close to infinity. They measure 4.7-by-4.6 inches and weigh just 16.2 ounces. Visit zeiss.com to learn more. Rangefinding Binoculars SWAROVSKI ● Swarovski’s ground-breaking EL Range rangefinding binoculars offer precision and the ability to customize functions to suit individual needs, including transferring ballistics data. This technology was released in the EL Range 42, but the newer EL Range 32 offers lighter 25-ounce carrying weight with the same useful technology. The rangefinder with customizable configuration allows users to adapt the EL Range 32 to specific needs while providing Tracking Assistant to help shooters narrow down the area where a shot was taken. The compact EL Range 32 includes Swarovski’s premium optical system, providing high-contrast images with natural colors and razor-sharp contours. The rangefinder includes an integrated tilt indicator with a unique angle shot program and displays either adjusted shooting distance or angle for ranges from 10.9 yards (10 meters) and further. Users can utilize the EL Range Configurator App for iOS or Android to set up the rangefinder to suit their needs and plug in custom ballistics data. Based on this and atmospheric data such as air pressure and temperature, shooters are able to realize greater precision in conjunction with compensated shooting distance for uphill/downhill shots. It also supplies the number of clicks required for accurate scope corrections. Visit swarovskioptik.com to learn more.
54 | inside firearms | sept / oct 2023 LEUPOLD ● Leupold announces its bestin-class BX-4 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular. The BX-4 Range HD TBR/W 10x42mm range-finding binocular fuses Leupold’s DNA engine and ballistics software with the company’s renowned BX-4 binocular. These range-finding optics are highly intuitive and fast, while offering top-quality optical viewing allowing hunters and shooters to spot and range targets simultaneously, saving valuable seconds when game is detected. A high contrast red OLED display delivers visible readouts in any light, and edge-to-edge resolution makes glassing sessions easy on the eyes. The BX-4 Range HD is built around Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which delivers excellent dawn-to-dusk light transmission, exceptional glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity diehard hunters need to succeed. Leupold’s True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W) technology offers a high degree of precision, offering 25 selectable ballistics groups to take in a preferred cartridge and providing more accurate adjusted range. With TBR/W’s 10-mph wind holds, customers are provided all the information needed to perform first-shot hits. Combine those features with Leupold’s Custom Dial System and shooters can get on target in seconds. The BX-4 Range HD ranges reflective targets to 2,600 yards, trees at 1,600 yards and deer-sized game to 1,100 yards. This range-finding optics also allows ambidextrous operation. Visit leupold.com to learn more. BURRIS OPTICS ● Burris’ 2023 Signature LRF 10x42mm range-finding binoculars redefine fast and accurate ranging. The integrated rangefinder offers everything needed to range game in any environment out to 2,600 yards and provide essential data for ballistic management. Signature LRF 10x42mm binos present information in an easy-to-read headsup display, presented in five ranging options: line-of-sight (LOS), horizontal distance (HOR), LOS and HOR, LOS and angle (ANG) above and below horizontal, and HOR and ANG. The Signature LRF is accurate to +/- 1 yard at less than 1,000 yards and +/- 2 yards at more than 1,000 yards. Auto displays the range of the target with the strongest return signal; Sport the range of the closest target in a group; Hunt the farthest range of a target in a group; and continuous Scan. This unit combines proven Signature HD binos and the technology found in Eliminator riflescopes—delivering excellent image sharpness and edge-to-edge clarity courtesy of multi-coated HD lenses and BaK-4 roof prisms. They weigh 36 ounces and retail for about $1,200. Visit burrisoptics.com to learn more. HAWKE OPTICS ● New for 2023, Hawke’s Frontier LRF Binoculars combine high light transmission optics and a laser rangefinder relaying information via a red colored OLED display to create an efficient hunting optic. The Frontier is part of Hawke’s H7 optics, offering stunning high-definition viewing with incredible color control and phase correction. High performance lens coatings and dielectric coated prisms ensure the highest level of light transmission, plus they feature water repellent lens coatings. The magnesium alloy chassis with rubber body armor protects the optic and ensures a firm grip when wet. Rangefinding capabilities include Distance, Rain, Hunt, Near, Horizontal Distance, Own The Night: INFIRAY OUTDOOR ● Continuing with exciting innovation in the world of thermal optics, InfiRay Outdoor introduces the FINDER V2 to the American market this month. This 640-resolution handheld thermal unit features a built-in laser rangefinder that can range targets instantaneously or continuously. For predator and hog hunters, or just the hunter who wants to learn what is happening on their hunting properties under the cover of darkness, this unit is extremely practical and handy for locating targets in the dark and determining their range. Like all InfiRay products (distributed via iRayUSA) the FINDER boasts excellent image quality, onboard recording, live viewing through a mobile app, and an industry-leading 5-year warranty. For only $2,499, this thermal viewer is sure to be popular with night hunters and those who engage in thorough scouting. Learn more at irayusa.com.
and Angle modes, including six-level display brightness control. The unit is waterproof to IPX7 and accurate to +/- 1 yard. Power is provided by a CR2 battery, and auto shut-off feature kicking in after 15 seconds. The optic comes with a MOLLE system, adjustable binocular harness pack, padded neck strap, and stay-on lens covers. MSRP is $1,329 for the 8x42mm model with ranging capabilities of 11 to 1,968 yards, and $1,439 for the 10x42m 11-to 2,515-yard capabilities. Visit hawkeoptics.com to learn more. GERMAN PRECISION OPTICS (GPO) ● RANGEGUIDE 8x32mm and 10x32mm binoculars by GPO combine an accurate laser rangefinder with compact, lightweight binoculars. These are some of the smallest, lightest rangefinding binos on the market, while still providing exceptional edge-to-edge clarity and precise ranging on reflective targets to nearly 1.75 miles. They capture accurate ranges of targets out to 3,062 yards with inclination/declination compensation. This is possible with the rubber-armored magnesium frame and small laser range-finding engine. The RANGEGUIDE provides nearly instant .25-second response time. Scan mode provides three readings per second, displayed on an orange OLED display with nine manual brightness levels. It can also be set to manipulate brightness levels automatically. The RANGEGUIDE measures ambient temperature, humidity, and air pressure. The rangefinder reliably ranges trees to 1,093 yards and deer to 766 yards. The display provides both line-of-sight distance and the user’s choice of adjusted distance, angle, or temperature. Coupled with the GPO bright high-transmission lens coatings, and double-HD laminated 32mm objective lenses, viewing during twilight hours is possible. It features a diopter focus and utilizes GPO’s premium cut-brass-geared focus-wheel system for a tight, consistent turning radius without free-play. Visit gpo-usa.com to learn more. SWAROVSKI EL RANGE 32 LEUPOLD BX-4 RANGE HD BURRIS SIGNATURE LRF 10x42mm HAWKE FRONTIER LRF 10x42mm GPO RANGEGUIDE
56 | inside firearms | sept / oct 2023 market trends | gear report Black Talon Tactical Calibrated Adjustable Drop-In Single Stage Triggers A s an obsessive varmint shooter, I’ve long understood the benefits of a lightpulling, crisp-breaking aftermarket trigger to pinpoint accuracy. What many AR/MSR owners fail to understand is how a quality drop-in trigger group can also improve the accuracy of the autoloading platform. The AR/MSR is a modular firearm, meaning adding an aftermarket trigger is easier than most might think—remove the pistol grip (careful to capture the safety retaining plunger/spring), pull the safety mechanism out of the lower receiver and then the two retaining pins holding the trigger group. The trigger can now be easily swapped, and the procedure reversed to finish. With experience, this becomes a 10-minute procedure. All my AR-15s, from my accuracymaximized 223 Remington varmint rifle, to my 6.8 Remington SPC hog rifle, hold quality triggers. The brands and models installed have elicited no complaints, so I really had no incentive to replace those already installed. That said, after installing Black Talon Tactical’s Small Pin Calibrated Adjustable Drop-in Single Stage Triggers in my 224 Valkyrie and 6.8 SPC, I’m very happy with the switch. These are fine triggers, including a clean, crisp single-stage break with zero creep or overtravel. They provide the feel of a fine bolt-action rifle trigger instead of the gritty, sloppy pulls of standard-issue AR triggers—which translates into improved accuracy. The Straight Profile trigger made it into my 6.8 SPC, which combined with the curved winter trigger guard, provided more room while wearing gloves during my December Texas hog hunting forays. The Improved Finger Position (IFP) Profile trigger was added to my Valkyrie, which when combined with the flat trigger guard, allowed my trigger finger to drop naturally and repeatedly into the bottom “mini” pad for more sensitivity when shooting long. These triggers utilize a calibrated scale plainly laser-etched into the trigger housing, something I have never seen before, allowing quick, repeatable adjustments from 2 to 5 pounds, consistent to 1 ounce. The IFP trigger installed on the Valkyrie was adjusted to break at a consistent 4.01 pounds, the trigger installed in the SPC breaking closer to 5 pounds (averaging 4.98 pounds). These are dedicated hog rifles most often shot at night with thermal imaging optics, and frequently wearing gloves. But if I ever feel the need for a lighter pull, that option remains open. These triggers include a composition of A2 tool steel core hardened to near 60 Rockwell C, and 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum hardened to a T6 temper. The anti-walk pins (screwing together from each side of the lower receiver) are awesome. The threaded retaining pins also held Lok-Tite for even greater reliability, another small touch that means a lot to gaining customer trust. The installation and adjustment tools were also included, which was a bonus not expected. Overall, these Black Talon Tactical drop-in triggers prove ultra-simple and hassle-free to install, and a pure pleasure to shoot. Go to blacktalontac.com to learn more. By Patrick Meitin
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58 | inside firearms | sept / oct 2023 inside the industry | industry 5Q Five Questions with Sports South S ports South, LLC has emerged as one of the nation’s largest distributors of firearms, ammunition, optics, archery, and other outdoor products. The fifth-generation business strives to provide its dealers with a consistent and timely flow of the product they need to thrive. Inside Firearms spoke with Cullen Gilbert, VP of Supply Chain for Sports South, to learn more. How has business been for Sports South in 2023, and what is your general outlook for 2024? ■ Things are as expected. The trajectory of the industry seems to be what it would have been if COVID never happened. Our commitment to both dealer and manufacturer profitability is never more on display then when stability, service, and the right inventory at the right price is of upmost necessity. Does Sports South carry any exclusive products that are not available from other major shooting distributors? ■ Our commitment to offering exclusive Special Make-Ups (SMUs) across a wide spectrum of firearms and shooting sports accessories makes us the go-to distributor for filling your displays with unique and high-quality product that sets you apart. What firearms and shooting products have proven most popular during the past quarter, and what do you believe makes these products so popular? ■ No one product category has led the pack. What we have found to be more trending is dealers buying what they need when they need it. The purchasing 20 wide instead of 10 deep seems to be the winning strategy. Sports South continues to provide the highest level of service when it comes to providing the most real-time product availability. With us taking on the depth of inventory, it affords the dealer the ability to be more concerned with the breath of industry representation on their end. What aspects of the Sports South business approach have helped the company become the distribution powerhouse it is today? ■ We’re a time and place utility. We distinguish ourselves by providing the fastest order turnover with the easiest means of doing business. Both aspects are required. If we rapidly get out the door what took you going through hoops to order, then it’s not good service. If placing your order is easy but we can’t get it to your door, then you’ll miss the sale. Through sophisticated, easy to use sales tools and the most knowledgeable sales force in the industry, we make doing business a pleasure. By having the highest-level automation and dedicated warehouse staff, we’re second to none in getting the most packages out the door in any given time. Who is eligible for your services, how do they go about signing up, and what kind of terms are extended to Sports South dealers? ■ Sports South services brick and mortar retailers. Joining the family is easy. Go to TheShootingWarehouse.com and click the “Become A Dealer” banner. After signing up, a Sports South account manager well quickly get back with you.