When Bushnell sent us one of their AR Optics 1-4x24mm PCL, I had mixed first impressions. The market is flooded with choices for low-magnification variable AR scopes for better viewing. However the more I looked at (and through) the AR Optics 1-4x, the more I liked it. The scope lists for $418 on Bushnell’s online store, but can be found for as low as $230 from online retailers like SWFA. It offers a pile of features for the price point.
It seems more and more “video game” type technology is creeping into the firearms world these days. Previously we brought you information on the amazing new systems from TrackingPoint that adds digital video and ballistics to the long range, precision rifle. We just caught wind of a new product that is more on the “ramen noodle” budget. A company called Inteliscope is set to release an adapter that allows you to mount an iPhone or iPod Touch to the top of a picatinny rail equipped rifle. This along with a companion app will allow you to use your iDevice as a 1-5x rifle scope. The form factor appears to be geared mainly towards AR type firearms, but could possibly be used on other high “height over bore” systems like some bolt action chassis systems. The company is taking pre-orders with a June 2013 ship date. We have no other information at this time, but this looks like a neat gadget. It may have some tactical applications if the durability is there, however it appears that the Inteliscope adapter does not provide any waterproofing or impact protection for the iPhone, thus limiting the environments it can be used in.
When creating instructional videos I often find times when explaining a concept just doesn’t do it justice. It would be much better if I could just show a student what I am talking about. The MINITS iWitness solves this problem. I can easily attach an iPhone to the back of a rifle or spotting scope and demonstrate concepts, scope reticles, bullet trace, etc.
Vision Pro Shop was kind enough to send one out to us to evaluate. We got a chance to try it out during the SWFA SS 3-15×42 range test. The iWitness kit held my iPhone 4s securely through a run at the gongs on our home range. A full review will be coming soon.
SWFA has now released their brand new 3-15x42mm rifle scope. This scope fits perfectly in the middle of their lineup. Priced at $699 it is less expensive than their 5-20x and 10xHD models, but stacked with more features than their bargain priced fixed magnification models.
The 3-15×42 borrows styling from the classic SWFA SS 10x fixed power rifle scope. You will find the same blocky turrets and fluted ocular housing. Personally I would have preferred the styling follow with the sleeker lines of the 5-20x50mm SS model, but the beauty of the 3-15x is in the function. Continue reading SWFA 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope Review