BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold visits the Shot Show, Las Vegas.
The 37th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show®) opened at the Sands Expo Center for a four-day run, January 20-23, welcoming an expected 60,000 industry professionals eager to see the latest products offered by the firearms and outdoor industry.
It’s worth looking at the background and structure of the Shot Show to understand the size and breadth of products and services offered to industry and sportsmen alike.
Owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, the SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind in the world.
For the sixth year in a row, SHOT Show took place at the Sands Expo Center, whose many improvements-including a remodeled, natural light-filled lobby to additional food courts and Wi-Fi hotspots-have drawn widespread approval from attendees. The show is the largest event hosted at Sands Expo Center, and during its run injects $90m in non-gaming revenue to the Las Vegas economy. SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Hosting more than 1,600 exhibiting companies, the show floor exceeds 630,000 net square feet-equivalent to more than 13 acres or the area covered by the Great Pyramid at Giza. Some 12.5 miles of aisles lead to displays of a wide range of products, including firearms, ammunition, gun safes, locks and cases, optics, shooting range equipment, targets, training and safety equipment, hunting accessories, law enforcement equipment, hearing and eye protection, tree stands, scents and lures, cutlery, GPS systems, holsters, apparel, leather goods, game calls and decoys.
“We’re coming off our largest and most successful show last year-a bar we welcome and hope to exceed with the 2015 SHOT Show. Our goal each year is to provide our customers with their finest SHOT Show experience ever,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
The Editor was lucky enough to be balloted in to the Range Day at Boulder City and the Desert Sportsman Range in Las Vegas. The Range Days give the Media a unique opportunity to test the systems and see if the actual performance justifies the press release!
SHOT SHOW OFFICIAL BOULDER CITY RANGE DAY
Driving through the haze out of Las Vegas in his hired new Ford Mustang, the Editor was ready for good relaxing day on the Range and so it proved!
AIMPOINT
BATTLESPACE started its Range Day by visiting Aimpoint to congratulate the Company on celebrating 40 years in business and to test its new sights. It is worth looking to see the history of Aimpoint to see how this Company has grown into a world leader in sighting technology form its early days as the originator and pioneer of Red Dot sights.
Founded in 1975 by Gunnar Sandberg, the company’s non-magnified products provide superior levels of speed, accuracy, and rugged design to hunters, law enforcement, and military organizations worldwide.
The Aimpoint Electronic was the company’s product introduced in 1975. Hunters immediately understood the advantages of this new technology, and it quickly gained acceptance by competitive shooters as well. Other key product developments soon followed, including the Aimpoint Mark III, and Aimpoint 3000 during the 1980’s, and the now famous Comp Series of sights during the 1990’s. The 2000’s saw the development of Aimpoint’s Advanced Circuit Efficiency Technology (ACET), which provides Aimpoint sights with battery life measured in years, and introduction of important new products including the CompM4, Patrol Rifle Optic, Carbine Optic, and Micro series of sights.
The U.S. Army was the first military force to recognize the advantages of Aimpoint’s parallax-free, red dot technology. In 1997, the Army awarded Aimpoint its first contract for the supply of electronic sights. Since that first contract, Aimpoint has delivered over one million sights to the US Military, and is the only supplier type-classified to provide the M68CCO close combat optic to the US Army and Air Force. Adoption of the Micro T-1 by the US Army as the Sniper Quick Fire System (SQFS), and by USSOCOM as the Enhanced Combat Optic – Optimized (ECOS-O sight) continues to expand the company’s reputation as a dependable military contractor. Aimpoint’s latest development, the FCS12 electronic fire control system, promises to continue this trend as well.
“Forty years ago, a small group of Swedish entrepreneurs developed a sighting technology for use by European hunters. They had no idea that the company which formed from these humble beginnings would ultimately become the worldwide standard in reflex sighting technology.” said Lennart Ljungfelt, President of Aimpoint AB. “We have reached this company milestone by always placing the needs of the customer first, and by designing high quality products that can survive in any conditions. On this 40th anniversary of the company, we reaffirm our commitment to the customer, and look forward to the future.”
Aimpoint is a privately owned company located in Malmo, Sweden. The company’s US subsidiary, Aimpoint Inc. is located in Chantilly, Virginia.
The Editor was then invited to the Firing Point to test the new products shown by Aimpoint.
Carbine Optic
Again in 2014, Aimpoint announced the introduction of the Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO), a new sight designed specifically for rifles such as the AR-15. This new product expands upon the company’s already proven designs and focuses these features into a high quality, entry priced optic.
The Editor shot a magazine of bullets with the ACO and hit the target every time! Lightweight and easy to fit, this new sight was developed with the modern rifle owner in mind, and the ACO is ready to mount and shoot directly out of the box. A full suite of branded accessories, such as front and rear flip covers, an anti-reflection filter, and spare battery holders are available from dealers, and allow users to customize the sight to fit their specific requirements. The ACO pairs a 30mm aluminum alloy sight tube with an extremely rugged fixed height mount designed to provide absolute co-witness with AR-15 backup iron sights. A two minute of angle (2 MOA) red dot is utilized to allow maximum target acquisition speed and accuracy at all distances. The ACO is completely waterproof, and offers one year of constant-on use from a single 1/3N battery.
New MICRO T-2 sight
Another sight launched by Aimpoint in 2014 is the new Micro T-2 sight The Micro T-2 will be available for shipment in mid-October 2014, and will be offered alongside the company’s existing Micro T-1 product.
Since its introduction in 2007, the Aimpoint Micro sight has become the worldwide standard for compact reflex sights. Law enforcement and military end users have embraced this sight for its compact size, durability, and extremely long battery life. Feedback received from professional end users identified a series of desired product enhancements that have now been added to this new product. These changes include: a new sight housing which allows the addition of front and rear protective flip covers and anti-reflective devices, additional physical protection for the sight’s adjustment turrets, and increased ruggedness for the sight’s internal electronic components.
The most important development in this new sight however, is enhanced optical performance. A newly designed front lens, incorporating an important breakthrough in reflective lens coatings, provides a noticeable increase in the clarity and performance properties of the Micro T-2. This ensures that no matter what angle or conditions the shot presents, the user is able to get on target quickly and accurately.
“Instead of merely making improvements to an existing product, our development group started with a completely new design” said Brian Lisankie, President of Aimpoint Inc. “in terms of the optical components, the Micro T-2 takes the level of performance available from a compact sight to an entirely new level. It also provides features and performance formerly available only in much larger optics.”
The Micro T-2 can be mounted on nearly any individual weapon platform, and can be used with all existing mounts that fit the Micro T-1. This sight is compatible with all generations of night vision devices. The Micro T-2 is ideal for use with Aimpoint’s wide range of accessories including the 3X Magnifier, and Concealed Engagement Unit (CEU). The Micro T-2 can operate for up to five years of constant-on use, using just one CR-2032 battery, and is waterproof to 25 meters.
The Editor shot with the original Micro sight on an H&K MP4 in Sweden in 2011. This new sight gives even better first hit probability shooting with both eyes open and will certainly widen the gap in response time between targets against other competitors. In Sweden the Editor shot 1.9 seconds faster with the Micro that the Trijicon equivalent, this new Micro will certainly widen that gap.
Aimpoint H34-S
The Editor then used the Aimpoint H34-S, a sight designed for us on carbines. The first shot hit proved the point! When the Editor asked why the recoil was so strong on this weapon he was told that the cartridge was solid shot! A bad combination for any bad guys in a stand-off, this combination would penetrate anything!
FCS 12 DURS
At the Shot Show Booth, the Editor was given an update on the Aimpoint FCS 12 and the under development FCS 21, Fire Control Systems, which now come under the acronym of Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight (DURS). CEO Lennart Ljungfelt told the Editor that a number of countries had expressed interest in the sight, the USA in particular. Following on from the Swedish order, Aimpoint has secured a new unnamed customer which even with the quantity of beer offered on the Booth, Lennart would not reveal!
Following on from the original Carl Gustav application, the sight is now widely sued for application on the 40mm grenade launchers. The NAMMO 40mm grenade seen in a video on the booth is programmable in flight and controlled by the Aimpoint system via an antennae linking to the projectile. This means that rounds can be dropped behind walls to prevent concealment by the enemy.
Seek Thermal
Following the ground breaking launch of the FLIR ONE Thermal IPhone clip-on device in 2012, Seek Thermal, a company run by former Indigo Optics personnel launched the Seek XR which is a mechanical upgrade to the original Seek Thermal camera, introducing an adjustable lens that now allows the optics to focus on objects or scenes that are much farther, or closer, than the original version permitted. The Editor visited the Seek Thermal booth on the Range to talk through the product and to obtain one for evaluation.
The Seek XR has an actual optical focus which is a huge improvement on kits predecessor and beats FLIR ONE in this capability. It’s also cheaper than FLIR ONE at $300, watch this space! Seek XR will soon be available for both iOS (Lightning connector-only) and Android (USB OTG support required) devices.
EOTECH
EOTECH demonstrated its in-line sighting system combining the new EOTECH Model 518 sight with the L-3 Lightweight Thermal Weapon sight, a combination used by many of the world’s armies.
“The key to the success of this in-line system is that only the 518 is required to be zeroed, not both devices. This means that the Thermal Sight can be easily dismounted and replaced without the requirement for zeroing.” Amy Miller told the Editor.
Having seen a number of attempts by other companies to crack the requirement for in-line sighting systems, EOTECH seems to have cracked it and is in the forefront of this technology.
Tracking Point
Having been unexpectedly balloted out of the Range day last year, the Editor was only able to trail the new tracking Point system on the simulator.
This year we were given the chance to shoot the weapon and it met all the predictions on the simulator seen in 2014.
The Tracking Point Precision-Guided Firearm is a comprehensive, purpose-built weapon system. It incorporates the same tracking and fire-control capabilities found in advanced fighter jets. Shooters of any skill level can now shoot better than the best shooters who ever lived.
A TrackingPoint Precision-Guided Firearm ensures never-before-seen precision at extreme distances and high target velocities. Here’s how:
* TriggerLink™ connects the tracking optic with a guided trigger.
* Tag-and-Shoot™ technology lets you designate an exact target impact point.
* The tracking system then guides the trigger release.
The instructor prepared the Editor for an extraordinary shooting experience beyond belief. It is simple:
* Press the tag button to designate an impact point.
* Align the reticle with the tag.
* Squeeze and hold the trigger.
* The Precision-Guided Firearm does the rest.
The only manual input is the Windage which is put in from dials at the top of the site.
Bang! Direct hit at 1000 yards.
This system transforms a rookie shooter into a marksman and we expect the introduction of this system to alter the way personal protection squads are trained to avoid first hit kills.
At the Show Scott Calvin of Tracking Point told the Editor that sales were now in the thousands but still restricted by ITAR to US Military Sales only. The US Army PEO has a Requirement for the type of system developed by Tracking Point in 2020, Tracking Point has it ready now, hence the restrictions. Scott told the Editor that a Gulf country had requested $3.5 million worth of guns and this had been refused. The new uprated Tracking Point system shot by the Editor and seen at the Booth is now available on a number of chassis including Remington and LMT. The price of the guns ranges from $7500 to $40000.
“How was the system developed? The Editor asked.
“John McHale, founder, CEO and Chairman of NetWorth, Inc., was hunting in Africa and he missed a shot at a gazelle. On the plane home he thought about a system which ensured a first hit kill, placed $30 million down for development, hired all the key players to enable the development and the rest is history!”
At the Show TrackingPoint announced a new family of bolt-action Precision-Guided Firearms that are significantly lower weight than their previous bolt-action hunting systems. The newly introduced 300WM and 308 weigh approximately 10% lighter compared to the prior 750 Series. The company is also introducing a 260 Precision-Guided Firearm that weighs 10 pounds. All new models incorporate TrackingPoint’s advanced fighter-jet-like fire control technology, allowing hunters to make extraordinary shots on North American and African game.
“Reducing size, weight and power was a focus for TrackingPoint Research and Development in 2014,” said Vann Hasty, TrackingPoint senior vice president of engineering. “The Precision-Guided 300WM and 308 bolt actions are ideally suited for making precision expansive shots on elk, moose, caribou, mountain lions, bear and African Plains game. The lightweight Precision-Guided 260 is optimized for whitetail and herd management.”
The 300WM and 308 can track targets moving as fast as 15 mph and up to one-half mile away. The 260 can track targets moving as fast as 10 mph and up to one-third mile away. Once the target is locked and tracked, the fire control system assists the shooter in making shots that were formerly almost impossible, even for elite marksmen. Targets are tracked to within 0.38 inches at one-half mile on the 300WM and 308 and to within 0.25 inches at one-third mile on the 260.
Each model is Internet-enabled via Wi-Fi. Companions and fellow hunters can see what the shooter sees. Friends and family can securely connect remotely to a shooter’s gun with a smart phone, tablet, laptop or smart television and enjoy live voice and video from the field. Shooters can make concealed shots and blind shots using digital shooting glasses. The digital shooting glasses are a collaboration between TrackingPoint and Recon Instruments of Vancouver, British Columbia. TrackingPoint’s ShotGlass™ shooting app runs on Recon’s Jettm smart glasses. Video is streamed from any Precision-Guided Firearm to the glasses, allowing shooters to tag-and-shoot targets without having to expose their head or body.
“We are excited to have the first Internet-enabled gun,” said Danielle Hambleton, TrackingPoint’s vice president of marketing. “Hunting is a deep, rich, spiritual experience. Now loved ones can be virtually transported to anywhere in the world and share experiences that are beyond belief.”
All models are available for order now. The Precision-Guided 300WM and 308 bolt actions are $12,995 and will ship in April 2015. The Precision-Guided 260REM is $7,495 and will ship in May.
TrackingPoint™ also announced the debut of its 338 TrackingPoint (338TP) Precision-Guided Firearm at SHOT Show 2015 in Las Vegas. Code-named the “Mile Maker,” the 338TP is a new precision caliber developed by TrackingPoint and is equipped with TrackingPoint’s famous fighter-jet “tag and shoot” technology. The 338TP allows even novice shooters to make mile-long shots with greater precision than the most skilled marksmen in the world—even on targets moving 20 mph.
The 338TP is a new round designed by TrackingPoint to deliver the range of a 50 caliber with the precision of a 338. “This is a clean sheet of paper design. It’s not a 338LM and not a 338WM. It is a 338TP (TrackingPoint) and has never-before-seen ballistic capabilities,” said Vann Hasty, TrackingPoint Vice President of Engineering.
Like other TrackingPoint products, the 338TP utilizes advanced image processing and tracking technology to acquire and follow targets. Once a target is acquired, it is virtually impossible for it to escape. TrackingPoint is the first firearms company to introduce state-of-the-art fire control technology. Fire control systems, historically reserved for advanced weapon systems like the F35 jet and the M1 tank, eliminate human error when firing a weapon.
“At TrackingPoint our goal is to continually stretch the possibilities of firearm technology,” said Hasty. “The 338TP takes another giant step giving our soldiers a precise and powerful tool for defending our freedom. This breakthrough also gives shooting enthusiasts the ability to make precise shots at extreme distances.”
Marketed to the U.S. military and as a high-end platform for shooting enthusiasts, the 338TP has the ability to wirelessly stream real-time shot video to wearable digital shooting glasses. The digital shooting glasses are comprised of TrackingPoint’s ShotView™ software running on the Recon Instruments Jet smartglass platform. The digital shooting glasses enable users to shoot around corners and other protected positions, team with other shooters, and have greater situational awareness. It also allows users to record video and voice for later review or to share with others.
Advance orders for TrackingPoint’s 338TP, priced at $49,995, will be accepted beginning January 2015, with first shipments anticipated in July 2015. Visit TrackingPoint during SHOT Show 2015 at Booth 14940 in the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas.
Other products seen on the Range Day included
TALON Gyro-Stabilized Weapon Mount. Paradigm SRP has developed a truly state of the art universal gyro-stabilized marksman platform known as the TALON. It is designed for precision shooting applications from moving and stationary vehicles. Devised primarily for helicopter use, it is equally capable of working from ground vehicles, sea vessels, and in static emplacements. The TALON is the only unit of its kind capable of stabilizing and removing unwanted movement, which allows unprecedented accuracy for military and law enforcement applications.
The BREVIS II is a new line of suppressors that surpass existing technology in muzzle mount suppressors. The BREVIS II excels at weight, sound and flash reduction without a handling penalty in close quarters. With durability similar to barrel life, the BREVIS II is a true flash hider replacement that performs as part of the host system.
Having ended the Shot Show Range day with a spectacular shoot with the new crazy quail multiple clay trap controlled by an App, the Editor made his way to the Desert Sportsman’s Range
ATV Corp.
The Editor visited the ATV Corp. Booth to find out about new developments for the prowler Range of vehicles. Jeff Rivers showed the Editor the C2 VLSV/ITV which is the most powerful variant of the Prowler Can-Am which has been sold to the US and the UAE in particular.
He then showed the Editor the Prowler Squad Configured Can-Am which is an enlarged version of the Prowler with uprated suspension to provide greater payloads.
“We are also developing an advanced diesel powered Prowler 11 TD which will be launched next year.” Jeff Rivers said.
DESERT SPORTSMAN’S RANGE
The Editor fist visited the Desert Sportsman’s Range in 2011, this year was no different as he was greeted to the noise of machine gun and rifle fire cracking through the desert air!
ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL
The first port of call was the Accuracy International (AI) Firing Point. A world leader in sniper rifles of extreme performance and accuracy, the Editor first met AI when they very kindly loaned weapons for the 2009 Owning the Night event, this loan made the event a huge success with a Scots Guards ‘F’ Company member winning the FLIR sniper trophy using an AI rifle.
The Editor was then invited to Bisley for a shoot which he accepted with alacrity in 2010. So what could the new range of AXMC rifles give in extra performance which the previous models couldn’t?
Alice Bond set the Editor up first with the AXMC .300 WINMAG and then the AXMC, a .338 Lap Mag.
The latest in a long and distinguished line of combat proven sniper rifles, the AX series comprises the stand-alone AX308 (.308 Win) and the multi calibre AXMC, a .338 Lap Mag which can be reconfigured to .300 Win Mag or.308 Win in minutes simply by changing the barrel, bolt and magazine/insert.
CALIBRE: .338 Lapua / .300 Win mag
WEIGHT: 6.6Kg (14.6lb)
(Empty magazine, no scope, 27” barrel with muzzle brake)
DIMENSIONS: 1225mm x 180mm x 90mm
(Stock folded 965mm x 180mm x 100mm) (27” barrel, no scope)
BASE RIFLE: Right side folding stock over bolt, adjustable cheekpiece, adjustable buttpad with spacers, pistol grip, flush cup sling attachment points, 30MOA STANAG 4694/Mil Std 1913 action rail and 16” forend tube and rail, double chamber standard muzzle brake, 1 x 140mm plain accessory rail, 2 x 80mm flush cup accessory rails, user manual, 1 x 10 round double stack CIP magazine.
COLOURS: Black or green stocksides with black metalwork or pale brown stocksides and metalwork.
OPTIONS
- Tactical threaded double chamber muzzle brake for AI suppressor
ACCESSORIES
- STANAG 4694 / Mil std 1913 accessory rails to attach to AI’s patented KeySlot™ mounting system
- AI bipod and Harris bipod mounts
- Bipods
- Handstop with sling loop and Flush cup
- Rear butt spike
- Suppressor
- Slings
- Cleaning kits
- Transit cases
Not being a regular rifle shooter, the Editor used the old aiming stance drummed into him, aim low to compensate for the recoil. So he did! Result miss!!
Alice was tracking the shots and advised the Editor to raise the aim to the centre of the target with both weapons. Result 8 out of 10 hits! Not bad for an amateur!
The new AXMC series lives up the other press reports, easy to handle and use, lightweight and most importantly any recoil has been almost eliminated due to the new design.
LEUPOLD
The Editor shot with the brand new advanced Leupold D-EVO sight on the Lewis Machine Tool (LMT)stand with an LMT CQB 16 .556 carbine
Leupold engineers have innovated again with the all new Dual-Enhanced View Optic (D-EVO™). A unique, innovative design allows the 6x20mm D-EVO to be paired perfectly with the Leupold Carbine Optic (LCO™), or virtually any red dot sight, to deliver a bold aiming point for reflexive shots and a magnified image for long-range precision with the mere movement of your eye. The exclusive Close Mid-Range Reticle with Wind Holds (CMR-W) allows users to successfully estimate range and engage targets with greater precision, speed, and flexibility and the hold-overs are compatible with 5.56/.223 and 7.62/.308 cartridges. The reticle features a 0.5 MOA dot surrounded by a 5 MOA circle, mil-based ranging features and windage hold points. The D-EVO utilizes minimal rail space, is waterproof to 66 feet, and is backed by the Leupold Gold Ring Lifetime Guarantee.
The system enables the shooter to keep the weapon on the target and look down at the magnification, a huge advance to precision shooting and first round hits.
LMT also showed the Editor the new lightweight barrel system for the L129A1 chosen by the UK for its Sharpshooter rifle requirement with the FLIR MUNS sight. LMT has taken 15oz of weight off the weapon by usage of lightweight metals. The option has not been taken up by the UK.
LMT also showed the Editor its new M203 stand-alone grenade launching system which uses the same chassis as a standard rifle.
H&K
The Editor was shown the HK169 40 mm LV grenade launcher. The HK169 was developed by Heckler & Koch as a state of the art successor of the well-known HK69 to meet all the requirements for modern warfare or law enforcement applications. The 40 mm LV stand alone grenade launcher is very effective against lightly armoured point and area targets at ranges up to 350 m. In its role as a less lethal launcher the HK169 is ideally suited for all types of law enforcement tasks.
Features
* MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail on 6 o‘clock, additional 9 and 12 o‘clock options
* Foldable (G36) buttstock
* Safe and reliable due to double action trigger mechanism
* Ambidextrous controls
* Enables the use of all natures of 40mm LV grenades in any length
Once the user can get accustomed to the Red Dot sighting system, the HK169 is lightweight and easy to use and a first shot hit was achieved by the Editor.
The next day the Editor made his way to the Shot Show to view the new exhibits and technology.
REVISION
In BATTLESPACE UPDATE Vol.17 ISSUE 03, 19 January 2015, End of the road for another UK capability! We said that ‘Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that the UK MoD has chosen an Israeli solution from the Source Group, an Israeli Company, supported by Revision of Canada for the Vertis Infantry System Requirement in preference to long-standing supplier, NP Aerospace (Now Morgan) part of Morgan Plc. Source, as Prime Contractor, will supply a range of equipment including Torso Protection, Helmets with mandible protection and guard visor and Eyewear. Revision will manufacture the eyewear and helmets at its Canadian plant. Sources suggest that the Morgan workforce were informed yesterday of the loss of the contract which the Company has supplied since 1979, the latest being the Mk6 and Mk. 7 helmets. No redundancies are believed to be involved. Helmets have been manufactured in the UK since World War 1. The MoD did not comment on request from BATTLESPACE.’
We visited Revision on their Booth at the Shot Show to get an update on our story. We were told that the Company could not comment further on the leak but said that the contract should be signed with Source within weeks. The contract is initially for 9000 systems which includes the Source webbing system and the Revision package. Revision told BATTLESPACE that its unique Modular Suspension System (MSS) in the helmet allowed far better comfort for the user to together with Revision being able to meet the 1kg weight requirement. The other Virtis bidders were BAE Systems, Thales and Morgan, deliveries are due to start in June 2015.
Revision has had considerable success in developing helmet systems from a standing start with Denmark being the launch customer, followed on by the German Police. This MoD win should place the Company in a good position to win other requirements in the USA against Gentex for the ACH program, Sweden which uses the NP Mk VII helmet, Switzerland and Holland.
EXELIS
The Editor popped by the Exelis Booth for our annual Shot Show update from PR supremo Tim White. Exelis was exhibiting its Individual Soldier System and White Phosphor capability. During the four day show, the Individual Soldier System goggle were available for interactive demonstration by SHOT Show attendees and was seen by the Editor. The Individual Soldier System integrates voice, video and data into tactical networks allowing commanders to view what soldiers are seeing, send instructions like texts, alerts or images directly to the goggle’s display in a light and sound secure way. This system integrates the Exelis i-Aware Tactical Night Vision Goggle with the high-data rate SpearNet EVO radio using Jagwire to provide on-demand access to critical geospatial intelligence data, reducing the time from collection to decision. White Phosphor capability provides night vision users with a black and white image instead of the traditional green image that has become the signature view through most Generation 3 night vision technology. This is done using a P-45 phosphor screen, instead of the traditional P-43, allowing an alternate coloration closer to black and white imagery, which some users prefer. Exelis offers this option in its peak performance Gen 3 tubes.
Tim White told the Editor that Exelis had recently achieved a number of key international contract wins and another announcement was ready to be released soon for another international night vision customer.
DESERT TECH
Desert Tech, a precision rifle manufacturer based in Salt Lake City, Utah announced three new products for SHOT SHOW 2015 – The R7S Remington 700 drop in stock chassis, a much anticipated left handed version of the popular SRS rifle system, and a 10 round magazine for the SRS, it was announced by Nick Young, President & CEO, Desert Tech.
R7S Chassis
Remington 700 Short action rifle chassis
The R7S stock chassis was designed for users looking to maximize the portability, comfort, and accuracy of their Remington 700 short action rifle. The R7S has an adjustable cheek-piece, adjustable length of pull, ambidextrous folding stock, a precision monopod option, and polymer insulation on all skin contact points. The R7S is a true drop in chassis for all Remington 700 short action rifles including oversized recoil lugs without modification, The R7S is also designed to accept both Accuracy International Ax magazines and Badger Ordnance magazines.
Unfolded Stock Length
R7S: 33.5” (85.1 cm)
Folded Stock Length
.308 Win: 22.6” (57.4 cm)
.223 Rem: 16.6” (42.2 cm)
Weight
R7S: 3.26 lb (1.47 kg)
MSRP FIXED STOCK: $745
MSRP FOLDING STOCK: $795
Future drop-in chassis’ may include the Remington 700 long action and Savage actions.
Left Handed SRS
The Stealth Recon Scout A1 (SRS-A1) is the most versatile Sniper Rifle system in the world. It is nearly a foot shorter than conventional sniper rifles and maintains 1/2 MOA or better accuracy with match ammunition while maintaining the ability to change the rifle’s caliber and length. All of the features of the standard SRS, including the caliber conversion kits, are now available to left handed shooters.
MSRP: $5,295 – $5,745 depending on caliber choice
10 Round Competition Magazine
The 10 Round Magazine will increase the firepower of all SRS Chassis outfitted with conversions chambered in .243 Win, .260 Rem, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5×47 Lap. The single-feed magazine will fit all existing SRS systems.
MSRP: $155
DTSS .375 CheyTac Suppressor by EliteIron
This HTI suppressor is made exclusively for Desert Tech by EliteIron and fabricated from non-magnetic, 304 stainless steel and trued for concentricity. The internal parts, made from 17-4 PH stainless steel, are CNC-machined from solid billets and 100% TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded for added strength and toughness. The internal baffle design is a heavily modified so-called “K”-type. Knurled bands at the attachment end of the sound suppressor aid in the installation and removal of the unit and serve as tactile locator bands in subdued light.
MSRP: $1,895
DEAD AIR ARMAMENT
Dead Air Armament™, the suppressor company founded by Mike Pappas and distributed through BPI Outdoors, announced the latest addition to their 100% USA made, unique product line, the Mask -22 silencer. Dead Air’s new .22LR suppressor is available in two versions, a Heavy Duty constructed of titanium and stainless steel and a Light Duty model that is a proprietary blend of titanium and 7075 T6 Aluminum. Since the .22LR caliber is well-known to be one of the “dirtiest” rounds, Dead Air came up with the ultimate solution by making the Mask-22 disassemble easily and completely for cleaning. A Cerakote finish on both models prevent corrosion and wear from what will be years of shooting enjoyment.
Both the Heavy Duty and Light Duty Mask-22 suppressors measure 5.25 inches in length with a 1.070 inch diameter. The Heavy Duty model weighs 6.3 ounces and can be used for direct thread applications. It is rated for .22LR up to 5.7 x 28. The Light Duty model weighs approximately 5.0 ounces and is rated for .22LR only. The Mask-22™ Heavy Duty and Light Duty suppressor models from Dead Air Armament are backed by a no questions asked Lifetime Warranty. MSRP is $499.00.
DILLON AEROSPACE
Aaron Kirch of Dillon Aerospace showed the Editor details of its new Land Rover Defender Gun Platform variant which was in development at last year’s Shot Show.
The Dillon Aero Land Rover Weapons System provides users with the ability to mount the M134D or M240/MAG 58 machine guns onto a Land Rover Defender or similar vehicle. This system allows for complete 360° traverse, providing an uninterrupted field of fire. The Land Rover M134 System includes bearing ring, user defined rollcage/bearing support structure (if needed), 3,000 round magazine and feed system, integrated weapons battery and battery trickle charge system.
Options for the Dillon Land Rover Weapons System include M240/MAG 58 weapons mount with high- capacity magazine system and user defined spare magazine stowage racks.
MISSION FIRST TACTICAL
Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™) announce that MFT Mags™ in 5.56 are now available. MFT has designed the polymer 5.56 magazine in 30-round and 10-round capacities for the AR15 and M4 platforms. The magazines fit a wide range of additional rifles including the HK® 416 and MR556A1, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN® SCAR™ MK 16/16S, and others. The standard 30-round magazine has, in addition to its larger capacity, a stipple texture and low profile front ribs that makes handling and extraction easy. Both the 10 and 30-round MFT Mags in 5.56 x 45mm also function flawlessly in .223 Rem, and .300 AAC (SCPM556) caliber platforms. Both magazines have a flared floor plate that aids in extraction, provides drop protection and is compatible with tight double and triple magazine pouches. The floor plate includes a paint pen dot matrix area for easy identification marking. Mission First Tactical designed both magazines to disassemble quickly and simply without requiring tools. The magazines’ double floor plate safety release tabs allow the user to safely release spring tension during disassembly and quick ammo dumps. The safety release tabs also protect against accidental discharge. The magazines have an oversized mag catch notch in the rear of the magazine that provides increased mag catch clearance. A long-life stainless steel spring and four-way anti-tilt follower are included, ensuring reliable feeding. They are also self-lubricating. Mission First Tactical magazines are tough, reliable and of the highest quality and were made using a specially developed and reinforced super tough polyamide from DuPont’s Military Plastic Division. Made entirely in the U.S.A., the Mission First Tactical Standard Capacity and 10 Round Capacity Polymer Magazines both retail for $14.99 and are available online.
BERETTA
U.S. Army weapons officials will not evaluate an improved version of the service’s Cold War-era 9mm pistol, choosing instead to search for a more modern soldier sidearm. In early December, Beretta USA, the maker of the U.S. military’s M9 pistol for 30 years, submitted its modernized M9A3 as a possible alternative to the Army’s Modular Handgun System program — an effort to replace the M9 with a more powerful, state-of-the-art pistol. The improved M9 features new sights, a rail for mounting lights and accessories, better ergonomics and improved reliability, Beretta USA officials said. But by late December, it was all over for Beretta’s engineering change proposal for the M9.
The Army’s Configuration Control Board decided not to evaluate the M9A3, according to a source familiar with the decision. The move clears the way for the Army to release a pending request for proposal that will launch the MHS competition. Program Executive Office Soldier would not comment for this story until Army Public Affairs has approved a statement, PEO Soldier spokesman Doug Graham said Thursday night. The Army began working with the small arms industry on MHS in early 2013, but the joint effort has been in the works for more than five years. If successful, it would result in the Defense Department buying nearly 500,000 new pistols during a period of significant defense-spending reductions. Current plans call for the Army to purchase more than 280,000 handguns from a single vendor, with delivery of the first new handgun systems scheduled for 2017, according to PEO Soldier officials. The Army also plans to buy approximately 7,000 sub-compact versions of the handgun. The other military services participating in the MHS program may order an additional 212,000 systems above the Army quantity. The effort is set to cost at least $350m and potentially millions more if it results in the selection of a new pistol caliber.
Beretta USA officials said they have not received official notification of the Army’s decision. “Obviously, they didn’t take a whole lot of time on this,” said Gabriele De Plano, vice president of military marketing and sales for Beretta USA, reacting to the news of the Army’s pre-Christmas decision after the M9A3’s December 10 unveiling. Army officials “didn’t ask a single question; didn’t ask for a single sample” for evaluation, De Plano said. The Army maintains that the M9 design does not meet the MHS requirement. Soldiers have complained of reliability issues with the M9. One problem has to do with the M9’s slide-mounted safety. During malfunction drills, the shooter often engages the lever-style safety by accident, Army weapons officials say. The M9A3’s “over-center safety lever” can be configured to act as a de-cocker, a change that eliminates the accidental safety activation, De Plano said. As part of the joint requirement process for MHS, Army weapons officials did a “very thorough cost-benefit analysis” that supported the effort, Army weapons officials said. The old fleet of M9s is costing the Army more to replace and repair than to buy a new service pistol, officials said. The M9A3 is not a perfect pistol, De Plano says, but the Army should at least evaluate it. The M9 pistol can be “improved for hundreds of millions less than a new MHS pistol,” De Plano said. “We can sell them this new pistol for less than the M9 pistol.” Beretta currently has an open contract for M9s that the Army awarded in September 2012 for up to 100,000 pistols. Deliveries of about 20,000 have been scheduled, leaving 80,000 that could be ordered in the M9A3 configuration for less than the cost of the current M9, De Plano said. “Why not do a dual-path like they have done in other cases,” De Plano said. The Army was determined to do just that when it set out to search for a replacement for the M4 carbine. The service launched a competition to evaluate commercially available carbines while, at the same time, it evaluated improvements to the M4. In the end, the service scrapped the competition and ended up adopting the M4A1 version used by special operations forces. “They could explore this,” said De Plano, by ordering 10 M9A3s. “What’s the downside?” (Source: Military.com)
GLOCK
GLOCK, Inc. announced the release of the new GLOCK Modular Optic System (MOS). The MOS platform was designed by GLOCK engineers to enable users to mount their preferred reflex sights to their pistol in order to improve their target acquisition. The Gen4 models G34, G35, and G41 will now be available in the new MOS platform. Coming soon is GLOCK 40 Gen4 in MOS Configuration – the long slide pistol is intended for 10mm enthusiasts as well as handgun hunters. “Our research has prompted us to release the MOS configurations for the G34 Gen4, G35 Gen4 and G41 Gen4 and the new G40 Gen4 in the MOS Configuration.” stated Josh Dorsey, VP at GLOCK, Inc. “The new GLOCK MOS platform offers a convenient way to mount reflex sights without costly alterations to a warrantied slide.” The MOS models include an Adapter Plate Kit containing 4 adapter plates as well as the tools for the removal and installation for a variety of optics. Optics are not included with the MOS pistols. The specifications for the Gen4 MOS configured G34, G35, and G41 are the same as their respective non-MOS versions. The MOS configured G34 Gen4, G35 Gen4, and G41 Gen4, was unveiled at the GLOCK booth (#12254) during the SHOT Show.
THE Blast Tracker – FROM Med-Eng®
An innovative device – The Blast Tracker – from Med-Eng® is arming front line personnel and those who routinely face blast and shockwave events with valuable information. With exposure data instantly displayed and logged to a personalized unit not much larger than a credit card, The Blast Tracker can be mounted almost anywhere. The unit captures valuable data for better understanding of blast overpressure on the body’s critical organs, correlation with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), and addresses the practical need to mitigate risks to users during live operations and training. The Blast Tracker is the most advanced device of its kind, bringing current, historical and cumulative blast exposure to users’ fingertips. Unlike other sensors, the Blast Tracker displays, records and wirelessly downloads specific blast event data in the field, allowing field personnel to make decisions without delay.
“Protecting frontline personnel is at the core of what Med-Eng does and we are proud to be at the leading edge of this increasingly important occupational health effort,” said Dr. Aris Makris, Med-Eng Chief Technology Officer. The Blast Tracker is Bluetooth-enabled for wireless download and on-the-spot data analysis, which gives team leaders instant feedback for positioning their forces in safer configurations. The palm-sized sensor easily mounts on a helmet, body, or physical structure. Its battery recharges wirelessly, eliminating cables and allowing it to be deployed in the field for up to 100 hours of operation over a duration of up to a year on a single charge. With historical and cumulative forensic data recorded on a Blast Tracker, medical providers can glean valuable knowledge about how traumatic brain injuries and related conditions correlate to repeated blast exposure – substantial health issues that are currently poorly understood. For unexpected blast events, the device can also be used as a ‘black box’ of forensic data. Noted Dr. Makris, “We believe the Blast Tracker will become an integral part of responsible health and safety practices by helping identify those who could be at risk, so preventive action can be taken before significant injury occurs.”
The Blast Tracker is now available and was featured at SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show booth #12762 in Las Vegas, NV, January 20 – 23, 2015. For more information, please visit www.med-eng.com.
Op.ELECTRONICS
The Editor visited the Op.Electronics Booth, a new Exhibitor, to see the new range Of advanced electronic products.
Founded in 1989, Op.Electronics is a Taiwan-based high-tech company with strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities, specializing in laser, optics, and electronics.
Featured products were:
Scope Smarter™. An intelligent scope-mounting device with built-in sensors and a computing unit. Calculates & displays drop and wind compensation from user’s key-in or wirelessly fed from ZAP®1600W.
TOP GUN® Ballistic Shooting Simulator makes learning of long-range shooting easier and more effective. Calculated ballistic compensation illustrates the influence of gravity and wind on a shot at any distance and also elevation.
TOP GUN® Marksmanship Shooting Training System for Target Shooting, Law Enforcement, and Ballistic Shooting.
ZAP® Long Range Laser Rangefinders featuring Auto Scan, measures in Rain or Fog and Elevation/Height/Compass readout. Compact design with hi-optical transmission and lit display (model 1600 & above). Drop and wind compensations (model B) and wireless data transmission (model W).
ARMASIGHT
Armasight showed a number of new products including;
Zeus Thermal Imaging Riflescopes
Armasight introduced its latest and most technologically advanced family of Zeus Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights to the sporting, law enforcement, and military markets. The Zeus product line is based on the latest FLIR Tau 2 VOx microbolometer core. Each model of the line has optimizing performance, price, and state-of-the-art technology for a variety of uses and mission applications ranging from the seriously committed hunter to the military designated marksman. While primarily designed as a weapon scope, the Zeus functions equally well in its collateral assignments as a magnified spotting scope or handheld thermal imager.
The Zeus is a solid state, uncooled, long-wave infrared, magnified dedicated weapon scope intended for day and night engagements without the need to remove the sight from the rifle. The 24/7 mission capability is just one of its many strengths. Thermal imaging technology also allows you to detect targets by cutting through snow, dust, smoke, fog, haze, and other atmospheric obscurants. Unlike the use of laser targeting or near-infrared illumination to augment night vision equipment, the Zeus Thermal Imaging Weapon Sight is extremely difficult to detect with other devices, as it emits no visible light or RF energy.
In addition to being the smallest and lightest in their class, Zeus Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights are characterized by their simple and intuitive controls, functions, and features that are layered among direct button adjustments, direct combination button functions, and electronic menu selections. This “layering” of easy-to-understand control functions provides the operator with a framework for customizing his preferences and exploiting the robust variety of setting options available in the Zeus. The Zeus has a unique series of menu selectable temperature sensitive “scenarios” for rapid target detection in addition to a variety of color display presentations based on a rich, upgradeable software package. A wireless remote switch is included to activate the Zeus Thermal Imaging Weapon Sight when positioned in the “standby” mode.
The Zeus has the ability to record imagery and is equipped with a video-out capability in operator selectable NTSC or PAL formats. The Zeus uses the same multi-pin connector to provide video-in imagery, where there is a need for map or rangefinder display overlays, and external power access.
Zeus weapon installation is easy, repeatable, and reliable based on a unique and highly user-friendly MIL-STD-1913/Weaver/Picatinny rail-compatible, quick-release locking mechanism. The solid state technology and software algorithms, combined with a complementary color reticle platform, ensures maximum reticle contrast, high-level target accuracy, and boresight retention that cannot be achieved with mechanical boresight adjusters and traditional ballistic drums. This level of accuracy is translated into the electronic zoom (e-zoom) function of the Zeus Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights, which can be progressively increased from 1x to 2x to 4x and 8x without changing the point-of-aim to point of impact relationship of the targeting reticle.
The Zeus Thermal Imaging Weapon Sight represents one of the most sophisticated sighting devices available in today’s market to hunters, SWAT Teams, and military personnel, due to its superior price-to-performance value.
Apollo Thermal Imaging clip-On Systems
Armasight also introduced its latest and most technologically advanced family of Apollo Thermal Imaging Clip-on Systems to the sporting, law enforcement and military markets. The Apollo product line developed based on the latest FLIR Tau 2 VOx microbolometer core and optimizing performance, price, and state-of-the-art technology for a variety of users, from the committed hunter to the military designated marksman.
The Apollo is a solid state, uncooled, long-wave infrared, magnified dedicated scope intended for day and night engagements. The 24/7 mission capability is only one of the strengths of the Apollo. The thermal imaging technology also allows you to detect targets by cutting through snow, dust, smoke, fog, haze, and other atmospheric obscurants.
The Armasight Apollo eliminates the traditional requirement of removing your existing day scope from your rifle, to replace it with a dedicated thermal sight (which would also involve re-zeroing). The Apollo simply mounts in front of your own standard daytime optical sight. Factory bore-sighted to tolerances of less than 1 MOA, no re-zeroing is required. The Apollo allows the user to maintain consistent eye relief and shooting position, and because the user views his own day scopes reticle (which he is familiar with), no re-training is required.
In addition to being the smallest and lightest in their class, Apollo Thermal Imaging Clipon Systems are characterized by their simple and intuitive controls, functions, and features that are layered among direct button adjustments, direct combination button functions, and electronic menu selections. This “layering” of easy-to-understand control functions provides the operator with a framework for customizing his preferences and exploiting the robust variety of setting options available in the Apollo. The Apollo has a unique series of menu selectable temperature sensitive “scenarios” for rapid target detection, in addition to a variety of color display presentations based on a rich, upgradeable software package. A wireless remote switch is included to activate the Apollo Thermal Imaging Clip-on System when positioned in the “standby” mode. The Apollo has the ability to record imagery and is equipped with a videoout capability in operator selectable NTSC or PAL formats. The Apollo uses the same multi-pin connector to provide video-in imagery, where there is a need for map or rangefinder display overlays, and external power access.
Apollo weapon installation is easy, repeatable, and reliable based on a unique and highly user friendly MIL-STD-1913/Weaver/Picatinny rail compatible, quick-release locking mechanism.
- Simple and Quick conversion of daytime scope to Thermal Imaging
- Mounts in front of any daytime scope, no re-zeroing required
- The lightest and most compact scope in its class
- User selectable NTSC or PAL format
- The latest Tau 2 17-micron uncooled FLIR core technology
- Display Type: AMOLED SVGA 800×600
- Easy and Intuitive Drop-down user interface
- Color Modes: White Hot/ Black Hot/ Rainbow/ Various Color Modes
- Extended Operation Time with Optional External Battery Power Supply
- Recording: Video Output /Optional Video Recorder with onboard replay
- Hunting scenario algorithms for optimized performance (Hog, Coyote, Mountain Lion, etc.)
- Tactical Scenarios (CQB, etc.)
- Wireless remote control for tactical operations
- Waterproof, CNC machined aircraft-aluminum alloy construction
- Rapid start-up
ATN CORP.
The Editor visited the ‘new boy on the block in optics, ATN. However once having had the overview from UK manager Gary Thomson, it appeared that it was the Editor who was behind the times and that ATN is a well established US Company with ambitions to sell across the world! Watch out existing incumbents!
ATN is a leading manufacturer and developer of precision Night Vision optics and Thermal Imaging. In two decades we have built out a company focused on quality, innovation, and providing value to our customers. We manufacture the largest selection of low light optical devices and cater to consumers, law enforcement and military clients.
The R&D Department has consistently allowed us to launch cutting edge and innovative products and technologies. The new Thermal Line Thor Series Weapon Scopes, launched in 2011, have been universally recognized as the best line of Thermal Scopes on the market today. Their popular uses have been embraced not only by various branches of the military and law enforcement, but by a growing number of consumers that are unwilling to settle with anything but the best.
In 2012, the introduction of the ODIN and the New OTS-X Series of multi-use thermal monoculars have nicely rounded out our Thermal product line. ODIN designed for military and law enforcement customers in mind is build tough and its all mill spec components prove it. While the OTS-X provides incredible performance and great value for customers who don’t require all the rigors of actual combat.
What’s more all these systems are built right here in the USA. The devices are built from scratch, with our Production Team achieving levels of quality unparalleled in the industry. We are proud to say that American Technologies Network stands for Built and Developed in America. (We encourage our clients to visit our facilities and receive a tour of our manufacturing cells.)
The ATN Night Vision line has also received a number of new additions. A new line of Night Vision Binoculars, Goggles, Monoculars, and Weapon Scopes have been added to the ATN family. The new systems take advantage of advances in both electronics and innovations using lighter weight and higher performing optics. Coupled with a new line of 2nd+ Generation 10160 and 10130 tubes, launched in 2012, and offering incredible performance at an amazing price, ATN’s Night Vision line never looked this good.
ATN introduced its line of Digital Night Vision with “Ultra Bright” technology in 2012. The DNV line of monoculars offers incredible performance with a full color High-Resolution Display that is capable of offering bright sharp images even in the darkest of times.
WPT was first introduced by ATN in 2005 and has been a popular high performance product offering since that time. For years, it has exceeded performance requirements of professionals and laymen by providing high levels of contrast with low signal to noise level. In 2012, WPT line has been expanded to include a much larger scope of systems. While still offering high contrast WPT tubes, ATN’s new WPT models also boast far reduced cost and deliver an incredible bang for your buck.
However what also became apparent was that technology was not standing still and that developments of ‘Night Vision Chips, ‘previously considered too delicate were coming on apace along with other advanced technologies
BAE SYSTEMS OASYS
The best technology seen at shows often is found, for some reason, at the end of the show. This was proved by the new thermal imaging technology announced by BAE Systems OASYS.
BAE Systems OASYS announced of its first-to-market 12-micron thermal imaging technology that significantly improves the effectiveness of thermal weapon sights. The company’s Universal Thermal Clip-On version XII (UTC® XII) is the first military-grade thermal weapon sight to include the new 12-micron technology, which greatly reduces lens size, total system weight, and battery use, while delivering improved image quality.
“This 12-micron-based solution builds on our decades-long history of providing special operations and tactical customers with cutting edge thermal imaging products,” said Marc Casseres, director of Imaging and Aiming at BAE Systems. “Our 12-micron technology, will allow users to detect, recognize, and defeat threats in all weather and visibility conditions, like never before.”
Similar to the 17-micron Universal Thermal Clip-On, which is currently fielded by the U.S. military in support of long-range sniper and surveillance missions, the UTC XII will also complement existing day sight systems. This versatility allows users to rapidly move from day to night vision with no mission interruption.
Providing 12-micron technology furthers BAE Systems’ commitment to delivering the latest technology in unrivalled thermal imaging and aiming products for the most discriminating operators. The UTC XII allows the user to detect, recognize, and identify threats in all weather conditions, day or night, and provides the ability to simultaneously observe the target area through fog, smoke, dust, and haze to provide superior situational awareness. The company plans to integrate 12-micron technology into its full line of thermal imaging and aiming monoculars, weapon sights, and binoculars.
BAE Systems displayed the UTC XII, in conjunction with its distribution partners TSSI and Source One, at the SHOT Show.
Dennis Ginney of BAE Systems OASYS demonstrated the systems to the Editor and quite simply they provide the best clarity and images of any system the Editor has ever handled at half the weight. Obviously the system does not come cheap, BAE’s price range is between £15- 20,000 per system, but it’s worth it!
The Product range includes:
SKEETIR®X MICRO MONO-SIGHT.
The SkeetIR x is a credit-card size thermal weapon sight, delivering superior combat proven performance.
* The smallest thermal monocular available in the market
* Versatile system that quickly transitions from clip-on to handheld to helmet-mount mode
UTM®X UNIVERSAL THERMAL MONOCULAR.
The UTM x is a palm-sized 640X480 hybrid thermal monosight, featuring dual-band pointing/aiming lasers and thermal sensitivity exceeding that of any rival system.
* Enables multi-mission capabilities
* Rugged design with simple menu functions
UTC®X UNIVERSAL THERMAL CLIP-ON.
The UTC x sight is a high-performance universal thermal clip-on to existing weapon sights. It is currently fielded by the U.S. military and supporting long-range sniper and surveillance missions.
* Installs and removes without the need for boresight adjustment
* 60 Hz high-performance weapons-grade focal planes
UTB®X UNIVERSAL THERMAL BINOCULAR.
The UTB x is a high performance uncooled thermal binocular. The binocular offers a choice of a narrow, medium, or wide FOV lenses to enable multiple lens configurations.
* Improved targeting capabilities with digital magnetic compass
* Capability to capture still photos and output digital video
UTB®X-LRF UNIVERSAL THERMAL BINOCULAR – LASER RANGE FINDER.
The UTB x-LRF is a high performance uncooled thermal binocular with superior resolution and laser range finder capability.
* Range and pinpoint targets out to 2100 meters
* Optional visible or IR laser pointer
RED-I® REMOTE EYEPIECE DISPLAY-IMAGER.
RED-I is a remote see-through display that supports a variety of missions and weapon systems. The display-imager pairs with electronic sights that provide RS-170 video input, increasing the mission awareness by allowing the user to see around corners, unexposed.
* 800×600 pixel resolution
* Adaptable to most thermal sensor devicesOther companies seen include Steel Core Designs on the UK Pavilion whose Thunderbolt rifles are the latest offering from a long line of successful tactical rifle designs; offering unrivalled accuracy, comfort, ease of operation and above all safety. The new action uses a proven 4-lug bolt locking system, with a unique and innovative firing pin system. Computer 3D modelling, CNC machining techniques and materials make this our strongest, safest and most reliable action ever. Mike Cherry told the Editor that he was expecting a considerable order for up to 800 rifles for its new rubber clad product. Shield showed the Editor its new Switchable Interface Sight which it produces in two models SIS BD (Bullet Drop) and SIS CD (Centre Dot). Shield told the Editor that it had recently fulfilled a large order form an Eastern European customer.
As the Editor left the Show it was apparent that the market for sights and night vison equipment was so crowded and diverse that it was amazing, particularly with the defence spending downturn, that all these companies could remain thriving!
One black spot on the horizon was the discovery that a UK rifle manufacture had been reverse engineering OEM Muzzle Brakes, manufacturing them in lightweight metal and selling them as new without proofing them. News reached the show that one of these muzzle brakes had exploded on use, luckily there were no fatalities. The Company concerned would not comment when asked about this by the Editor. Every Shot Show produces such stories!