The firearms industry is known for innovation, and 2016 looks to be another bright year with new product releases coming from several storied makers as well as a few new companies.
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Lights, lasers and sights are constantly improving as manufacturers continue to push the envelope on what’s possible for tomorrow’s shooters, and here are some of the best targeting and illumination products hitting the market soon.
Aimpoint’s New Magnifiers
Aimpoint’s new 3X-C is an affordable 3X magnifier for the commercial market while the 3XMag-1 and 6XMag-1 models are updated versions for military and law enforcement needs that offer 3X and 6X magnification, respectively. All three magnifiers are designed to work in line with most electronic reflex sights and have adjustable diopters. Each can use the Aimpoint Flip Mount, which allows the magnifier to be quickly flipped into or out of position, or removed from the firearm completely. (aimpoint.com; 877-246-7646)
Burris Eliminator III 4-16x50mm
The 4-16x50mm Eliminator III is Burris’ newest laser riflescope. It’s equipped with a built-in rangefinder and is programmable for the exact ammunition used by the shooter. The Eliminator III provides customized trajectory compensation with the push of a button. A bright red dot designates the new aiming point with any magnification the shooter selects. New this year is a remote cable switch that allows the shooter to activate the range button without disturbing the sight picture. (burrisoptics.com; 970-356-1670)
Burris XTR II 1-8x24mm
This scope has a 34mm tube to pull in all available light with 1-8X magnification for tactical, sport and 3-Gun AR shooters. The XTR II 1-8x24mm riflescope has a dual focal plane reticle design that allows the crosshairs to change size with magnification, while the size of the illuminated center remains constant. The mil measurements and trajectory lines are accurate at any power. The design allows for fast, easy transitions between short- and mid-range shooting. The riflescope has dimensionally matched precision adjustment knobs and Zero Click Stop technology. It also includes Burris’ new Modular Adjustment Dial (MAD) System to help the shooter download specific ballistic information and local conditions to provide a visual aiming point for assured accuracy. (burrisoptics.com; 970-356-1670)
C-More Laserpoint
C-More has introduced its Laserpoint, a small laser that mounts directly to the slide of your pistol. Currently available for Glock pistols, the Laserpoint mounts over the rear sight and sticks to the slide via magnets. There’s no need for expensive gunsmithing or even tools to install the Laserpoint. On top of that, this unique little accessory emits a red laser that is easy to see in most lighting situations. A button at the rear of the unit turns the laser on and off. A 2032 battery powers the Laserpoint, and in case the laser goes down, the unit has independently adjustable front and rear sights on top to use for backup sighting. (cmore.com; 540-347-4683)
Crimson Trace LiNQ
Crimson Trace’s new LiNQ light and laser system consists of two parts: an AR control grip and a rail-mounted light/laser module. The two components are connected wirelessly to eliminate any possible snag points. The grip uses a secure Crimson Trace-developed LiNQ interface system that can turn on both the 300-lumen light or laser, or both, as required. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)
Crimson Trace LL-801 Laserguard Pro
Made for the S&W M&P Shield, the LL-801 Laserguard Pro combines a red laser diode with a powerful 150-lumen LED white light and Crimson Trace’s Instinctive Activation system for fast targeting in any environment. This system uses a switch just below the pistol’s triggerguard that makes it easy to switch between the light and laser (or use both simultaneously), and it serves as a master on/off. The unit is sighted-in at 50 feet but also comes with all the tools needed to make adjustments for your gun’s point of impact if needed. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)
Dead Ringer Widow Maker
The 1.5-6x32mm Widow Maker scope from Dead Ringer features a second-focal-plane, glass-etched reticle, a fast-focus ocular and fully multi-coated lenses. The 8.9-inch-long scope has lockable turrets that offer 0.5-MOA click adjustments. Finally, the reticle is illuminated for superior sighting in a variety of lighting conditions. (deadringerhunting.com; 585-355-4685)
EOTech Vudu Scopes
EOTech has launched its new series of Vudu scopes. These 1-6x24mm, 2.5-10x44mm and 3.5-18x50mm scopes feature EOTech’s illuminated, first-focal-plane Speed Ring reticles for fast target engagements. These scopes feature coated, XC High-Density, low-dispersion lenses; glass-etched reticles; and hardcoat anodized aluminum external bodies. The scopes are fogproof and resistant to water and shock. (eotechinc.com; 888-368-4656)
HiViz LiteWave Sights
While fiber-optic sights are becoming more and more popular on firearms, HiViz’s new Litewave Compsite sights have improved “light pipes” that gather light more efficiently and have what most other do not—a protective covering to prevent the damage when accidentally impacted. There different sizes of white, green or red light pipes are available. (hivizsights.com; 800-589-4315)
LaserMax Manta-Ray
The 1.8-ounce, low-profile, dimmable, “mint green” Manta-Ray LED weapon light is made to simply snap on a forward Picatinny rail (or used handheld by itself) to provide sufficient light for navigation without excessively flooding the area with revealing light. Made in collaboration with Manta Defense, the rubberized unit can be adjusted from its maximum 140 lumens down to just a dim glow for very covert operations. It can be recharged from an AC adapter or even from a computer’s USB port for a full one-hour run time. (lasermax.com; 800-527-3703)
Leupold VX-3i
Using a new Twilight Max light management system Leupold developed specifically for hunters, the new VX-3i series offers increased brightness, color and clarity for low-light conditions. Leupold has done that by balancing light transmission across the entire spectrum to help view game moving at dusk or dawn. The VX-3i now has more aggressively knurled knobs with an updated dual spring tension system for durability that still lets users make fine adjustments like a target riflescope. It is available in a wide variety of magnification ranges from 1.5-5X to 6.5-20X. (leupold.com; 800-538-7653)
Steiner eOptics DBAL-A4
The new DBAL-A4 from Steiner eOptics is a four-function aiming and illuminating device that allows users to target and observe in both the visible and invisible spectrums. The DBAL-A4 combines four illuminators into one rugged, battle-ready unit: visible green laser, IR laser, IR illuminator and white light. The DBAL-A4 includes a single operational-mode switch for exceptional control during mission operations, and low-profile windage and elevation adjusters that maintain zero in the roughest conditions. The DBAL-A4 uses three CR123 batteries that provide power for long-duration missions. A pressure pad switch turns the aiming lasers and illuminators on or off, while a second pad can be used to instantly transition from infrared to visible operations. (steiner-optics.com; 888-228-7747)
Steiner eOptics SBAL-PL
New from Steiner’s eOptics division is the SBAL-PL, one of the most compact and lightweight pistol-mounted green laser and white flashlight combinations available today. The SBAL-PL combines a battlefield-proven green laser module with a new 500-lumen flashlight for rapid target acquisitions. The SBAL-PL’s low parallax allows the operator to minimize the differential between the point of aim and point of impact for increased accuracy at varying ranges. For maximum flexibility, the SBAL-PL allows the operator to either aim independently or aim and illuminate simultaneously, all with the quick tap of a button. The SBAL-PL is designed for quick mounting onto popular mid- to large-frame pistols with an integrated, adjustable butterfly mount. (steiner-optics.com; 888-228-7747)
Sightmark Wolverine CSR & FSR
Sightmark is now offering tough, rubber-coated aluminum CSR and FSR variants of its Wolverine reflex sight, and both are submersible to 3 feet. The sights deliver an average run time of 50,000 hours using just a single AA battery. The 1x23mm CSR sports a 4-MOA red-dot reticle with a 23mm objective lens and weighs only 10.3 ounces. The 1x28mm FSR is specifically built for the AR platform with a 2-MOA red dot and weighs only 12.3 ounces. (sightmark.com com; 817-225-0310)
Sig Sauer Lima1
Sig Sauer’s Lima1 red and laser sights are advanced, low-profile laser sights for handguns with rails. The Lima1 lasers mount to any Picatinny or Sig proprietary rails without the need for adapters or cross-slot modifications. Dual, finger-actuated switches support ambidextrous use while functioning in either continuous or momentary modes. These sights are ideal for target shooting, concealed carry and personal/home defense and will fit most holsters designed for rail-mounted lasers and flashlights. (sigsauer.com; 603-610-3000)
Sig Sauer Lima5
This integrated laser sight for P320/P250 handguns will fit with any compact or full-sized slide. The Lima5 seamlessly integrates either a direct red or green laser into a polymer grip module and supports simple battery changes in the palm swell. The activation switch is conveniently located below the triggerguard on the leading edge of the grip, with the laser module located below the dust cover of the pistol. (sigsauer.com; 603-610-3000)
Sig Sauer Romeo4
The Romeo4 is the ultimate red dot sight when fast, accurate target acquisition is a must. The sights come in four configurations for different applications, but all come with two mounts, flip-back lens covers and 50,000 hours of continuous run time. The Romeo4C is solar powered and works without a battery while the Romeo4M is tested to mil-spec water depth and thermal extremes. Three of the sights can switch between a 2-MOA dot or 65-MOA circle/2-MOA dot, and all run off a CR2032 battery. (sigsauer.com; 603-610-3000)
Trijicon MRO
Designed for professional and sport shooters who want a fully capable reflex sight, the new MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) from Trijicon has a 2-MOA red dot with six visible and two IR settings. It will run for five years on a single CR2032 battery life and is waterproof down to 100 feet. The MRO provides the user 0.25-MOA adjustments with positive-click reticle movement as well as ambidextrous brightness controls. Three mounts of various hieights are available for the MRO. (trijicon.com; 800-338-0563)
TruGlo Tru-Tec 20mm
This 2-MOA mini red-dot sight can be turned on by tapping anywhere on the optic and comes with a programmable auto-off function. It also comes with both high and low mounts for multiple uses, a 20mm multi-coated, objective lens and has variable brightness settings. (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)
TruGlo Tru-Tec 30mm
This tactical red dot features a 30mm objective lens and is available with or without an integrated red or green targeting laser. It is powered by CR123A batteries and has a 2-MOA reticle. The optional laser is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The reticle has multiple brightness settings, and the Tru-Tec 30mm comes with a quick-detach Picatinny rail mount and flip-up sight caps so it’s ready for use right out of the box. (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)
Viridian V300
The long-range, rail-mounted V300 LED illuminator provides up to 370 yards of target illumination using powerful CREE LED technology. The V300 comes in green, red, white or IR and has a remote switch for both intensity adjustments and motorized power-zoom light focusing that can be located anywhere on the carbine or shotgun as needed. It also has an integral digital CR123 battery indicator, and multiple weapons mounts are available. (viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)
