New from Meopta USA is the MeoPro HD 80 Spotting Scope. It is a premium low light spotting scope with a large 80mm objective lens made from fluoride glass (an expensive type of glass that prevents chromatic aberrations). It has the same basic design as the Meopta MeoStar S2 but lacks the ED elements (even more expensive glass), and has an integrated 20-60x eyepiece instead of an interchangeable piece, significantly decreasing the price. Using the MeoPix adapters, iPhone 4, iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 phones can be attached to the eye piece to take photos. The MeoPro HD 80 has a MSRP of $1,724.99.

From the press release …

 HAUPPAUGE, NY, April 9, 2014 – Meopta USA introduces the MeoPro HD 80 spotting scope.   This sleek new spotter features an 80mm fluoride objective lens and MeoBright ion-assisted multi-coatings for outstanding performance in low-light conditions.  Designed to meet a lower price point than Meopta’s European-made MeoStar S2 82mm spotting scope, the MeoPro HD 80 has an angled body and integrated 20-60x eyepiece.  Its CentricDrive™ mid-body focus control is easy and fast to use in the field, even with gloves on, and the image quality is crystal clear making it easy to assess game at long distances.  Like all other optics in the MeoPro line, the HD 80 is assembled in the United States at Meopta’s Long Island, NY facility.

“This new spotting scope is the first in our popular MeoPro line and is made for hunters who want a mid-range price point but are simply unwilling to compromise on performance,” said Reinhard Seipp, general manager and COO of Meopta USA.  “We chose to go with a fixed eyepiece in order to lower the cost and not compromise on quality.  In fact, we have incorporated a lot of the technology from our state-of-the-art MeoStar spotter into the MeoPro HD 80 such as Schott glass, the fluoride objective lens, CentricDrive focus that allows for fast adjustments from close ranges to extended distances, and the rugged, fully- armored magnesium alloy chassis.  The overall performance of the Meopta HD 80 – the superior color fidelity, edge-to-edge clarity and sheer brightness and quality of the images – will give hunters a top-tier scope view at a great price point.”

The MeoPro HD 80 works seamlessly with Meopta’s MeoPod TP-1 tripod and also with the MeoPix iScoping Adapters for the iPhone 4 and 5 models and Samsung Galax S4.  Its rotating, integrated tripod foot also works with most tripod interfaces on the market without the need for an adapter.

Nitrogen filled, waterproof and shockproof for maximum durability, the new MeoPro HD 80 will enhance any trip afield.

One of my favorite things to find: a small company with a nifty product. iSights has released a rail-compatible (Weaver & Picatinny) rail adapter for the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy-series phones. The phone comes complete with available apps from the iTunes and Google Play stores.

After speaking with the reps, they confirm that this has been tested and will hold up to 5.56. Testing for other AR calibers will be coming “soon”. Their intent is to test to Barret .50 recoil.

The iSight mount retails for $39.99 and is available now from their website. You can check out the app anytime.

Video of the action below:

Even though I won Top Shot Season 4 and a pro shooting contract with Bass Pro Shops, my self-taught amateurness is often still on fully display. I recently tested the Remedy .338 Lapua Magnum by Surgeon Rifles, both with and without a suppressor. For those of you who are well skilled in rifle shooting, you may get a good laugh at some of the rookie mistakes I made on my day out at the range. It’s a learning experience, and lucky for me I like to learn whether it’s through my own mistakes, or through intelligent readers such as yourselves.

The Surgeon “Remedy” in .338 Lapua Magnum. Nightforce scope, Harris bi-pod, and wine not included.

I drove 2 hours to my closest long distance range where I shot out to 600 yards. As to be expected, I met some really nice folks. When I set up my rifle, my first mistake was not having a stool as I assumed that they would have stools. My second mistake was that I forgot my shooting mat at home, so guess I wasn’t shooting prone! Thankfully, the R.O. had a spare stool so I was all set. I knew the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 scope was zeroed in at 100 yards, but I had forgotten to check to see if the scope used hash marks or mil dots, and then looking up ahead of time what the corresponding hold would be at 600 yards. The Nightforce had mil dots, and thankfully the other shooters were kind enough to give me an approximate hold to get me on paper and walk it in.

View of the effective muzzle brake.

View of the folding buttstock.

The Remedy comes with a 5-round magazine, and has a very smooth action with an oversized bolt handle. I held my first sighting shot four hash marks below level, and broke the shot. The trigger was feather light, which I loved. The trigger had minimal pre and post travel, and I was able to easily rack another round while staying on target. I saw my target come up from the pit, and there was no marker, indicating I had completely missed. The R.O. asked me what my hold was, and he recommended I drop down another two hash marks. My next shot was on paper. I walked it in with eight more shots and was getting consistent groups. My other mistake was not bringing a sandbag or a rear support for the buttstock, so it was challenging to keep a steady hold on the bench. I was using my fist as a support.

Once I was dialed in I shot two, 5-round groups. My first group was 6.5 inches, and my second group was 4 inches. Not too shabby. A few months prior, I shot this same rifle with a suppressor and can report that it was very effective in reducing recoil and report. The suppressor took the .338 Lapua recoil down to something around a low recoil 12 gauge shotgun round.

All in all, the Surgeon is a beaut to shoot, and I can’t wait until I get to one again. If you’re in the market for a high end rifle, take a look at Surgeon.

Surgeon sells directly to consumers, and proudly supports the United States military. The base price of the Surgeon Remedy is $5,400. Other models and calibers are also available. www.surgeonrifles.com.

Chris Cheng is History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 champion. A self-taught amateur turned pro through his Top Shot win, Cheng very much still considers himself an amateur who parachuted into this new career. He shares his thoughts and experiences from the perspective of a newbie to the shooting community. www.TopShotChris.com.

Most of our readers are familiar with Fred Eichler. For those not familiar with him he is a hunter of some note. He appears on many hunting shows as well as being a big game hunter, varmint hunter and possessed of a real passion for bow hunting. For those wishing to read more about him use this link. Fred Eichler Website

What does he have to with this article? Well Mr. Eichler worked with Rock River Arms in developing an AR varmint rifle made to his specifications based on his extensive experience in the hunting fields. These are the Fred Eichler Predator Series of LAR-15 rifles.

These rifles are in high demand with a current wait time of some fourteen weeks. I’ll vouch for that since it took about that long to receive my sample rifle from RRA. After receiving my review rifle I determined the scope I felt would give the best performance at distance.

I contacted Leupold who was kind enough to send a VX3 6.5-20X50LR Target/Varmint Hunter scope in 30MM matte finish. This scope has the longer turrets with a focus turret on the left side. The glass is super clear with a ranging reticle. Screw on turret covers are included.

Stats:

Caliber—–.223 Wylde Chamber for 5.56 & .223 Cal
Lower Reciever—–Forged RRA-LAR15
Upper——Forged A4
Barrel—-16 inch stainless steel, 1:8 twist, Cryo Treated
Muzzle—–RRA Tuned and Ported Brake / 1/2-28 Thread
Gas Block—–Low Profile
Trigger—-RRA Chrome Two Stage/Winter Trigger Guard
Safety Selector—-Star Safety
Handguard—-RRA Fred Eichler Series Free Float
Pistol Grip—-Hogue Rubber Tan
With Operator A2 Stock: Weight/Length 7.6 /36″
With CAR A2 Stock: Weight/Length 7.6 /34″
Accuracy—–3/4 MOA at 100 Yards
Included—-One Mag,RRA Case, Manual, Warranty
MSRP: $1395.00

The stats indicate a case is included but this is a black heavy gauge plastic case with egg crate lining top and bottom. The case contains not only the rifle but an in depth owners manual as well as rail covers. A separate booklet is enclosed explaining the use of the mil-dot system. There’s plenty of room in the case for a large mounted scope. The Leupold scope I used is a large scope so even with it mounted on the RRA there was plenty of room for extra mags etc.

Working front to back this rifle has an RRA directionally tuned and ported muzzle brake. This brake works well but man is it loud! It’s much louder than my AR with a Smith Vortex muzzle brake. I had some not so great ear plugs in when I fired that first round and my ears rang for thirty minutes. Not something I’m used to in an AR. Make sure you have that quality hearing protection on when firing this rifle!

The barrel is a 16 inch cryogenically treated barrel with a bead blast finish and heavy profile. The rate of twist is 1:8 that I found works well with 71 and 77 grain bullets but not so much with standard 55 grain ammo. The barrel is free floated with a mid length gas system. The handguard has a full-length rail on top with short rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock position. You’ll note the handguard also has cooling vents shaped like the paws of a varmint. Some like the paw prints some not so much.

The lower receiver has a standard thumb safety, Hogue tan rubber grip and twenty round aluminum magazine with anti-tilt follower. The upper receiver is a standard configuration. The bolt is an RRA design with a slightly different shape having a flat side at the two o’clock position.

The shooter has an option, when ordering, of equipping the rifle with a tan CAR collapsible stock or a rifle length fixed tan stock.

Range Time:

I started this session at 100 yards to sight the scope in and get a feel for the rifle and it’s two stage polished match trigger.

I’ll take a short departure from the range review to pass along some information on a fine set of gloves I used off and on during this very cool day. Several weeks ago I got a pair of ICRS gloves from The Spec Ops Shop. I’d been looking for a set of gloves with hard knuckles (comfortable), reasonably warm with index finger and thumb, which detach at the first joint of both fingers. After much searching I found these gloves, which not only allow using your trigger finger uncovered but the thumb, uncovered to manipulate the safety. Each finger cover folds over and back attaching the tips to the back of the glove with Velcro. Both gloves are made the same way for right or left handed shooters. I recommend these gloves to any shooter for handgun or rifle use. The price is $69.00 direct from Spec Ops.
They are currently sold out unfortunately.

Back to the range:

After sighting in the scope I setup to fire several five shot groups. The claim of ¾ inch groups at 100 yards is no exaggeration. Out of ten five shop groups I only had two groups that were barely under one inch. Most groups were right at the advertised ¾ inch with two groups less than ¾ inch. I was using a Grip Pod military version as my bi-pod. It worked very well especially later on uneven ground.

My second session was at a much greater distance. I measured the distance with my laser range finder at 316 yards. The picture below shows the distance. It’s difficult to see but the target is just left of center in the photo. My best group out of ten five shot groups was 3 1/4 inches. Pretty impressive performance with the Leupold scope set at 20 power on the RRA. The humidity was low at 44 %, with sunny skies and a slight breeze from behind me. The temp was 44 degrees.

I mentioned loads earlier. The best performance and the rounds I used for these groups was Hornady match ammo with a 71 grain bullet. These are excellent rounds for longer distances. This particular rifle really liked this load.

Conclusion:

Some may look at this rifle and say what’s so special it doesn’t look much different than others. Well the proof is in the performance. Obviously care was taken in matching parts as well as assembly. QC was very good with no defects I could find. The trigger came in right at 3 ½ pounds on this example. The trigger was also crisp with a nice let off. It also has a short reset.

The Predator isn’t a super fancy rifle with all sorts of unneeded bells and whistles just what you need to get the job done. I can without reservation recommend this rifle for varmint hunting or for that matter casual target shooting.

Lastly buy a good quality scope. If you buy a cheap scope you’ll cheat yourself out of the accuracy this rifle and many others are capable of.

Rock River Arms

I was looking for a compact green laser and white light combination that was small enough to fit my S&W M&P 40 compact. Most of those on the market were either a laser only or light only. The combination units were just too large and bulky for my concealed carry purpose.

After some searching I found the Viridian C5L, which is a sub-compact laser and light combination. It’s advertised as the smallest combination made and I believe it. At a bit over two ounces you hardly know it’s mounted on the pistol. The laser has the same power as most other larger types. You can see by the photos that the white light is considerably smaller than a dime. The stats listed below have the white light at 100 lumens but it does seem brighter.

Stats:

Dimensions:
1.90”L x 1.46”H x 1.31”W

Weight: 2.414 oz.
(including battery)

Construction:
Primarily 6061 Aircraft
Grade Aluminum, front and
rearconversion high strength
Zytel® polymer.

Laser Beam Intensity:
5mW peak, 532nm, Class IIIa,
Continuous wave.

Laser Beam Divergence/
Spot Size/Range:
1.2 mrad, appox 0.5” at 50 feet.
Up to 100 yards daylight,
2 miles at night.

User Adjustable:
Easy to use windage and
elevation adjustments on laser.

Battery Life:
4+ hours
of constant laser runtime, 7+
hours of pulsing laser runtime,
60 minutes of laser and light
runtime. Unit runs on one CR2
3v lithium (included).

Tactical Light Output:
100 lumens on continuous,
140 lumens on strobe mode.

Activation and Modes:
Ambidextrous activation and
infinite amount of custom
operating modes (user can
customize laser pulse rate,
tactical light strobe rate and
light output).

Universal Mounting System:
Three modular rail sets included
with unit allows quick mounting
to virtually all railed handguns
(including sub-compact)
and rifles.

When I received the C5L with the Tac Loc holster I laid the holster aside and inspected the contents of the foam lined case. The case is organized with the unit itself as well as mounting hardware which consists of three rail sets for various pistols such as my M&P, Glock and other pistols. There are also three sets of screws for the rail sizes of these other pistols. Three hex wrenches are included to not only adjust the elevation and windage but for the initial mounting on your pistol. A single Viridian CR2 battery is also provided.

The operators manual is well written with easy to follow instructions for mounting, adjusting elevation, windage and maintenance. The manual also covers setting all of the operation modes for both laser and light and combinations of both.

This unit has been out for over a year but changes have been made in that time to enhance its capabilities. Primarily this is the ECR or “Enhanced Combat Readiness” system.

The ECR system is a mating of the C5L with the Viridian branded TacLoc holster. I suspect the holster is made for Viridian by Blackhawk since the back of the holster uses any Blackhawk holster attachment. The manner in which these two work together is by setting the laser and light on the desired setting. The unit is left activated then holstered which turns the unit off. When the user is ready to fire they simply draw the weapon which automatically activates the laser and light. It remains on until it’s re-holstered. In order to draw the weapon the user depresses the lever on the side of the holster releasing the pistol. The TacLoc is rated at a level two retention. The back of the holster is adjustable to fit any dress or tactical wide belt.

The laser/light can be operated in a variety of settings. In order to adjust the unit two buttons are depressed simultaneously cycling through each option. These settings are very easy to select unlike some I’ve used. One button is mounted on each side. With the unit off it can be activated by depressing either button with left or right hand. Please excuse the marginal video quality. I do intend to acquire a better camera. The video below shows the settings the user has available.

I’ve been using the C5L for a couple of months now and really like the combination especially when carrying after dark. I prefer to leave the laser on the constant setting with the LED on strobe. The laser is still easy to see even with the white strobe on. Not having to press any buttons to activate the C5L makes it very fast to draw and get on target.

The C5L with the TacLoc is my favorite combination for low light use. I can’t think of any other combination that offers the light weight, security, speed, comfort and concealability of these two products. Retail price on the C5L is $350 with the TacLoc holster at $69. I’m sure a bit of shopping around would save a considerable amount when purchasing both. If you own a compact pistol, with rail, I don’t believe you can do better than the Viridian C5L and TacLoc setup.

At SHOT Show next week US Optics will debut their new “true 1x” scope. They guarantee that it has no magnification at the 1x setting, so it functions like a red dot sight, but can be cranked right up to 8x for long range engagement.

Featuring the new 8:1 zoom ratio, the SR8 can be used similarly to that of a red-dot reflex sight at true 1x, making it one of the first variable power optics with a true 1x magnification.  The SR8 allows this while providing threat identification and engagements at distances in excess of over 800 yards.

The optical clarity of the SR8 is achieved through a precision-engineered lens system, with advanced lens coatings for superior performance in the harshest conditions. With the simple push of a button, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) red-dot can be turned on and used in total daylight, while the First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle allows for ranging and the MIL knobs and reticles offer exact dimensional accuracy.

As with all U.S. Optics scopes, the SR8 is constructed of Type III hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum; making it extremely durable and lightweight. Combined with the low profile sleek design, the new SN-8 makes for a snag free tool in all shooting situations.

The scope will be on display at Booth #20031.

Strike Industries (who never tire of launching new products) have designed a Trijicon RMR red dot sight cover with a transparent window that allows the sight to be used without the cover being removed. It can be seen demonstrated in the video below.

Other features include a finger grip to allow it to be easily flipped off and a lanyard hole (so it can be attached to a holster and be automatically pulled off when the weapon is drawn).

The MSRP is $12.95.

Kirsten Joy Weiss shares some tips on how to shoot a rifle in case the worst happens. You scope or your blade sight breaks off. She chooses a point above the receiver and a point on the barrel. Then shoots and walks the shots. She gets some impressive groupings.

The post How to Shoot a rifle with No Sights. appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

AimPoint has announced the upcoming release of the Micro T-2. The Micro T-2 will be produced alongside the existing T-1 and will be compatible with all T-1 bases and mounts. The T-2 was developed in response to feedback on the T-1. Notable changes include: “a new sight housing which allows the addition of front and rear […]

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The post AimPoint Announces the T-2 Micro Red Dot Optic appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

Primal Rights, an online long-range store, has posted up an excellent primer on the differences between first and second focal plane scopes. Many shooters take this knowledge for granted, but as an experienced one, I still found value in the the refresher course. They break it down barney style on how the reticle scales to the […]

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The post Primal Rights’ Primer: First vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

FLIR has released value-oriented thermal sight line, called the “R-Series” The sights are compatible with .308 and lower calibers. The R-Series is offered in digital 1x, 1.25-5x, 2.25-9x, 4-16x, 1.1-9x and 2-16x, through fixed 13mm, 19mm, 35mm, and 60mm focal lengths. Specifications (from FLIR): Model RS24, 1x RS32, 1.25-5x RS32, 2.25-9x RS32, 4-16x RS64, 1.1-9x […]

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The post FLIR R-Series: Low-Cost Effective Thermal Sights appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

Primal Rights has an excellent detailed overview of DesertTech’s 1-Piece Scope Mount built for serious long-range shooters. The mounts are designed specifically for their bullpup precision rifles but would certainly work on other offerings.   The 1-piece mount includes a built-in bubble leveler inserted into the base and is available in 20, 30, and 40 […]

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The post DesertTech 1-Piece Scope Mount appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

The FLIR ONE is a very nifty new product from FLIR (maker of high-end thermal imaging sensors and scopes). It is a low-cost thermal camera that attaches to an iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S. At a cost of just $350 it is perfect for DIY folks and has many uses around the home (heat leakage and […]

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The post FLIR ONE on Guns appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

We (and by we I mean me) are frequently criticized for only publishing reviews about expensive high-end knives, optics etc. not low-end affordable options. I love that our readers never hesitate to give us honest feedback No really, I do. Honest feedback keeps up in-touch with that you want to read. It is all to easy just write […]

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The post Ok Readers: What Under $200 Optics Should We Review? appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

What happens when optics guys put their hats on and design a scope for common sporting rifles in common shooting situations? You get a solid concept with the potential for excellent execution. The Mark AR series is designed specifically for Modern Sporting Rifles and similar intermediate caliber rifles. The features, magnification, and adjustment are specifically […]

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The post Review: Leupold Mark AR 4-12x Scope appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

Propper’s Blog posted up an excellent link on the early development of camouflage. As it turns out, the first impetus of camouflage in the modern era was from the development of optics… but not to target infantry. But before the First World War, camouflage mostly consisted of wearing drab colors difficult clearly to see at […]

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The post Optics and The First Camoflauge appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

Browe Optics has introduced their Browe Tactical Optic which incorporates the same glass, electronics, and internals as the Browe Combat Optic (originally titanium) into a 7075-T6 aluminum housing. The Browe Tactical optic maintains Browe’s signature SIC (single intuitive control). Specs (from Browe): Magnification: 4x Entrance Pupil: 32mm Exit Pupil: 8mm Eye Relief: 37mm Length:  132mm […]

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The post Browe Tactical Optic – Browe 4x Power in 7075-t6 appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

The new Glock MOS – Modular Optic System handguns were ready to fire at the Industry Day at the Range. Recognizing an increasingly popular trend towards red dot optics for handguns, the Glock MOS handguns provide shooters a variety of options for using many of today’s most popular red dot handgun sights, using an intuitive design. The […]

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Minox of Germany has introduced three new rifle scopes in their new ZP TAC line, marketed as a “High End Tactical” line of optics. The versions include the ZP8 and the ZP5 in two magnification options. These new scopes are particularly designed for professional military or law enforcement snipers and the rigors and stringent requirements those shooters […]

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The post Minox ZP8 and ZP5 TAC Rifle Scopes appeared first on The Firearm Blog.

Arisaka just released their new Optic Leveler at a budget friendly $23. It’s a simple design, with your scope rings a bit loose you set the base plate on the Picatinny rail (or one-piece mount) and place the leveling wedge under the turret cluster of your scope, then tighten. Check them out at ArisakaDefense.com. The […]

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