While the hot-as-magma market for guns and ammunition has dominated the news, optics are also selling at a record pace. Fortunately, optics manufacturers have been able to develop and introduce a dizzying array of new products, including new thermal & nightvision optics.
ATN | ThOR LT 320 3-6X Thermal Weapon Sight ATN’s ThOR LT 320 series incorporates the new 320x240 12um resolution sensor for superior image quality. Though powerful and compact, the ThOR LT 320 is the lightest thermal scope in the ThOR line. Its internal lithium-ion battery provides more than 10 hours of run time.
Magnification: 3-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm Reticle: Multiple options Length: 11.5 inches Weight: 22.4 ounces MSRP: $1,899.77 (800) 910-2862; atncorp.com
Burris | Thermal Riflescope (BTS50) Packed with practical features to help you own the night, the Burris Thermal Riflescope features a choice of 10 reticles, four-power zoom, hot track, stadiametric ranging and five unique color palettes, it will quickly detect objects of interest in ultra-low visibility. Intuitive one-hand operation and adjustable brightness/contrast promotes hassle-free use.
Magnification: 3.3-13.2X Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: 10 options Length: 9.8 inches Weight: 9.4 ounces MSRP: $4,199 (888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com
InfiRay Outdoor | Mini Series ML19 Whether operated as a handheld monocular or a helmet-mounted, hands-free unit, the ML19 won’t weigh you down. Features include a manual focus lens, video out, HD display, stadiametric rangefinder and Bluetooth picture in-picture.
Magnification: 1X Objective Lens Diameter: 19 mm Reticle: N/A Length: 4.6 inches Weight: 7.9 ounces MSRP: $2,999 (800) 769-7125; irayusa.com
Liemke | Keiler 35 Pro Thermal Monocular Blaser’s Liemke brand has introduced the Keiler Thermal Monocular. The powerful 35 Pro is capable of heat detection up to 1,350 yards away. It incorporates a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A 50 Hz frame rate and rapid refresh rate assure outstanding image quality.
Magnification: 2-4X Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm Reticle: N/A Length: 7.48 inches Weight: 14.81 ounces MSRP: $3,332 (210) 377-2527; blaser-group.com
Pulsar | Thermion2 XP50 Offering 10 reticle options (three scalable, seven fixed), eight color palettes, picture-in-picture, a claimed 2,000-yard detection range and separate zero-profiles for different applications, Pulsar’s new Thermion2 XP50 thermal scope packs a lot of tech.
Magnification: 2-16X (digital) Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: 10 options Length: 16.22 inches Weight: 31.74 ounces MSRP: $5,499.99 (817) 225-0310; pulsarnv.com
SiOnyx | Aurora Pro The full-color night vision Aurora Pro is a feature-laden, HD camera that can be hand held or mounted on a 5.56 NATO rifle. It includes recoil-activated image capture, a built-in GPS and a compass. A Picatinny rail mount is available for an additional $49.
Magnification: 1-3X (digital) Objective Lens Diameter: 15.4 mm Reticle: N/A Length: 4.7 inches Weight: 9.8 ounces MSRP: $999 sionyx.com
Zeiss | DTI 3/35 Designed with an intuitive shape to foster ease of use in diminished-lighting conditions, Zeiss’ first thermal-imaging camera is ideal for spotting threats at night. Controls can be identified and actuated quickly in the dark, even while wearing gloves.
Magnification: 2.5X Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm Reticle: N/A Length: 7.6 inches Weight: 15.9 ounces MSRP: $2,999 (800) 441-3005; zeiss.com
X-Vision Optics is releasing a new thermal reflex sight offering an excellent price to performance ratio and also designed with versatility in mind.
Keep your defensive firearm is secure and away from prying hands.
A durable and low-profile belt that helps you carry your gear without standing out from the crowd.
Mount a red dot to your shotgun and keep your spare shotgun ammo close at hand.
In the April 2022 issue of Shooting Illustrated, this column looked at my all-time favorite carry gun, the Colt Model M or 1903/1908. This month we look at my favorite European semi-automatic, the Mauser HSc and its cousin, the Heckler & Koch Model 4.
The bolt-action rifle manufacturer joins other companies such as Lehigh Defense and Chip McCormick Customs.