On display at the 2017 SHOT Show were dozens and dozens of new shooting sports optics, as well as several dozen established optic lines that saw significant upgrades. The biggest push was for new riflescopes, especially tactical and long-range models. Various thermal, binoculars and night-vision units were on display, too. Shooting Sports Retailer was there to cover it all.
Remember when reading this story (and our riflescope and thermal and red dot posts) that the MSRP’s cited are only suggested and do not necessarily reflect real market conditions. Several of the pricier rifle scopes, for example, were already available “on the street” for hundreds of dollars less that MSRPs, even before the SHOT Show had ended! Here are the best thermal and red dots we found.
Thermal
Leupold LTO Tracker Thermal Sight
The all-new LTO (Leupold Thermal Optic) Tracker is a hand-held thermal observation and game recovery tool — one that big game hunters will appreciate. With its state-of-the-art thermal imaging engine, the LTO Tracker provides exceptional image quality, fast 30Hz frame rates and detection of heat sources out to 600 yards. This unit features a 20-degree field of view and offers a 6X digital zoom. Five different thermal filters allow the user to choose the view that’s most beneficial, while the LTO’s powerful sensor is effective from -4 to 140F. It’s waterproof to IP67 standards, too. It over 10 hours of continuous use from a single CR123 lithium battery. MSRP: $879. www.leupold.com
Sig Electro-Optics ECHO1 Thermal Reflex Sight
SIG SAUER, Inc., introduces the ECHO1 Thermal Reflex Sight, the latest addition to the Electro-Optics line from SIG SAUER. The ECHO 1 Digital Thermal Imaging Reflex Sight is the most advanced direct-view thermal sight in the world. Based on the newest generation of thermal imaging sensors, this digital sight offers day or nighttime predator and hog hunting, while functioning similarly to a conventional reflex sight — using both eyes open for fast and intuitive target acquisition with greatly improved situational awareness. The sight is also perfect for home defense, law enforcement, military, and search and rescue situations. There are eight different display modes, including “White Hot” and “Black Hot” to enhance the display for optimal thermal image. MSRP: $2,999.99. www.sigoptics.com
FLIR ThermoSight CM/CL
The ThermoSight CM/CL long-range clip-on thermal rifle sights come in 50mm lens and a resolution of 320x240 or 640x480 or a 75mm lens with a resolution of 640x480. MSRP: starting at $3,995. www.flir.com
Pulsar Helion Thermal Handhelds
New for 2017 is Pulsar’s lineup of thermal imaging handheld monoculars. The Pulsar Helion models allow small details — like the hair on your skin — to be viewed in great detail at close range thanks to high-grade optics technology. Coming in a variety of units, the Pulsar Helions produce a crisp and clear image through an AMOLED screen featuring 640x480 display resolution. With 8GB of storage and a built-in video recorder, look back on your hunts without having to purchase an external video recorder. Top Helion models offer an incredible 1,800-meter detection range, while all models boast multiple color palettes for customized display. MSRP: Starting at $2,749.99. www.pulsar-nv.com
From the April issue
Red Dots
Aimpoint’s Micro S-1 Shotgun Sight
Aimpoint, the originator in red dot sighting technology, released the new Aimpoint Micro S-1 sight, designed specifically for use on shotguns with a ventilated rib. The Micro S-1 should greatly enhance hit percentages for waterfowl and upland bird hunters, and on the sporting clays course. It will provide a compact, low-profile optic for turkey and deer shotgun hunters, too. The optic may be attached directly at any point along the ventilated rib. It currently includes interchangeable adapter plates to fit most Browning, Beretta and Benelli shotguns. The big, bright 6 MOA red dot provides fast target acquisition. MSRP: $804. www.aimpoint.com
Steiner R1X Red-Dot Tactical Sight
Steiner’s new R1X Red-Dot Tactical Sight are ideal for military and law enforcement, allowing engagement with targets for greater situational awareness. The R1X Red-Dot sights provide quicker target acquisition and enhanced close-range accuracy for patrol rifles and AR platforms. Lightweight and compact, the R1X features 7 levels of illumination, is parallax free and comes with the option for a single-dot or 3-dot stadia reticle. Other features include a true 1x lens and the ability to co-witness with iron sights. The R1X runs on two CR 2032 batteries but can operate on a single battery if necessary. MSRP $630.99. www.steiner-optics.com
Featured image: Sig Sauer Electro-Optics (Facebook)
