Optics

Update: The field test is now complete, and all the results are published. Click here to view the overall results and ratings for each scope! I wrapped up the testing portion of the scope field test last night!!! Although I significantly underestimated how much time this would require, I committed to do it … and now the hard part is over. I did get some great data that may offer new insight, and help fellow shooters see what they’re paying for. I’ve already started crunching the data, and plan to start publishing results within the next 2 weeks. Instead of analyzing all of the ...

Update: The field test is now complete, and all the results are published. Click here to view the overall results and ratings for each scope! Several have asked how the scope field test was going, so I wanted to give a quick update. Here is the original schedule I was targeting back in January when I was planning this, along with an update on where I’m currently at: April through May – Collect data. This is where I’m at right now. Although a few manufacturers didn’t get me scopes until mid-April, and its taken me twice the man-hours I originally estimated … I’m still hopeful to be ...

Update: The field test is now complete, and all the results are published. Click here to view the overall results and ratings for each scope! The 2014 High-End Rifle Scope Field Test is officially underway, and I’ve already collected pages of data. Here is a photo from Day 1 of testing at the range. The quality of glass on that bench is striking. This could be the finest collection of rifle scopes ever assembled. The 18 scopes in the pic total up to about $60,000 worth of optics! Thanks so much to everyone for the feedback on the tests! I got a ton of great tips that will make these field tests ...

Update: The field test is now complete, and all the results are published. Click here to view the overall results and ratings for each scope! Around April 14th, I’ll begin a massive field test focused on high-end tactical rifle scopes. A lot of companies have entered this space in the past 2-3 years, and I’ve assembled 18 of the most popular models in the $1500 and up price range. Here is the line-up: Bushnell Elite Tactical 3.5-21×50 Bushnell Elite Tactical 4.5-30×50 Hensoldt ZF 3.5-26×56 Kahles K 6-24×56 Leupold Mark 6 3-18×44 Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25×56 March 3-24×52 FFP Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×50 ...

Update: The field test is now complete, and all the results are published. Click here to view the overall results and ratings for each scope! In a few weeks, I’m starting a large field test for popular tactical scopes in the $1,500+ price range (plan to test $500-1,500 scopes later this year). Like my rangefinder field test, I plan to have a very objective, data-driven approach using a series of empirical tests that focus on: Optical Quality (resolution/clarity, contrast, brightness, etc) Mechanical Precision & Repeatability (tracking, return to zero, internal adjustments, etc) But before I start testing, I thought it’d be fun to ...

This review on the Vectronix Terrapin rangefinder is based on a 3 month long field test. It reflects the thoughts of 3 different precision rifle shooters as they used the product to observe and range hundreds of times. The full field test consisted of 8 different rangefinders, so we have a very wide view of what to expect in a good rangefinder. This post is compiled from our notes of what we specifically liked or didn’t like about the Vectronix Terrapin compared to the rest of the models out there. Pros: Extremely accurate and reliable Ranges small targets out to ...

This review on the Bushnell Fusion 1 Mile rangefinder binoculars is based on a 3 month long field test. It reflects the thoughts of 3 different precision rifle shooters as they used the product to observe and range hundreds of times. The full field test consisted of 8 different rangefinders, so we have a very wide view of what to expect in a good pair of rangefinder binoculars. This post is compiled from our notes of what we specifically liked or didn’t like about the Bushnell Fusion 1 Mile binoculars compared to the rest of the models out there. Pros: ...

This post is about what scopes and reticles the best precision rifle shooters are using. It is based on what the top 50 long-range shooters nationwide brought with them to the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Finale a couple weeks ago. Target engagements for a PRS match can range from 25 to 1,200+ yards, but there is definitely a focus on the “precision” rifle part regardless of the range. For more info on who these guys are, and why you should care what they think scroll to the bottom of this article. Update: These are results from the 2013 PRS Season. The data ...

This review on the Vectronix Vector 23 rangefinder binoculars is based on a 3 month long field test. It reflects the thoughts of 3 different precision rifle shooters as they used the product to observe and range targets from 25 yards to 18+ miles away hundreds of times. The full field test consisted of 8 different rangefinders, so we have a very wide view of what to expect in a good pair of rangefinder binoculars. This post is compiled from our notes of what we specifically liked or didn’t like about the Vectronix Vector 23 compared to the rest of ...

This review on the Zeiss Victory RF 10×45 rangefinder binoculars is based on a 3 month long field test. It reflects the thoughts of 3 different precision rifle shooters as they used the product to observe and range targets from 25 yards out to 1 mile hundreds of times. The full field test consisted of 8 different rangefinders, so we have a very wide view of what to expect in a good pair of rangefinder binoculars. This post is compiled from our notes of what we specifically liked or didn’t like about the Zeiss Victory RF compared to the rest ...