Thermal and night vision devices give would-be victims a clear advantage in defense of life and property
By Brent T. Wheat

It’s your worse nightmare. Something went “CRASH!” in the living room and now you’re lying in bed, shocked awake and quietly trying to hold your breath while straining for tendrils of sound. The sole focus of your existence at this moment is trying to classify the problem as routine or something far worse.

Is it the cat, a cat burglar or something more horrendous? Did one of the kids get up in the middle of the night and bump a table or is someone inside your home, preparing unthinkable horrors for you and, even worse, your family? As your feet silently hit the floor and you consider the options, your first wish is for some kind of superhuman vision that would give you a clear advantage in what could soon be a lethal-force encounter.

Fortunately, if you are among the growing group of truly prepared Americans, you have an extraordinary advantage that gives you the figurative high ground against any threat: thermal imaging and night vision devices (NVD). Read more

A nature walk with the latest thermal gear

Leica Sport Optics has unveiled its first red dot sight, the Tempus ASPH, designed to make hunting faster and more flexible. Leica is the first premium manufacturer to implement its red dot sight with aspherical optics, guaranteeing an even crisper and more brilliant image of the illuminated dot, extremely high image quality as well as excellent viewing comfort.

The clear, sharply outlined illuminated dot allows a far more precise and faster identification of the game in every hunting situation. The shot is placed precisely where the red dot is seen, regardless of the angle when targeting fast. Another special feature of the Tempus ASPH. is its high-contrast and brilliant image performance. The natural color rendition and outstanding light transmission offer a clear and high-contrast image, maximizing comfort and safety. Read more

https://hi-luxoptics.com/products/hi-lux-optics-pentalux-tac-vf-4x-20x-ffp

Specifically designed for the requirements of the tactical and competitive shooter, the Hi-Lux PentaLux TAC-VF 4X-20X FFP features the illuminated CW1-FFP first focal plane reticle. The Mil scale CW1-FFP reticle remains constant at all magnifications and can be use for holdover at any power. The CW1-FFP reticle is available in red or green illumination and includes 3 night vision light levels.

The Gen 2 version has larger, more tactile turrets with increased internal adjustment.  The total adjustment range is 20 Mils for windage and elevation in 0.1 Mils-per-click increments with 120 clicks-per-revolution. Each turret can be re-indexed after zeroing. Read more

Cranston, Rhode Island – SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA, a subsidiary of the Austrian based company, announces the NEW KAHLES K525i, the professional choice for the highest demands.

The rugged K525i with its magnification range has been developed for tactical use and long distances. It is intended to help competitive shooters to achieve longer distances. The clearly defined, precise clicks, together with the exceptional repeat accuracy, provide highest precision and reliability. Read more

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – Everyone loves thermal and digital night vision, but not everyone loves constantly buying and switching out batteries. For those looking to break the routine of trips to the store for batteries, Pulsar has a new lithium-ion PB8I Power Bank (PL79110).

A 5,100 mAh capacity USB rechargeable external battery pack, the PB8I Power Bank allows up to 20 hours of continuous use on just a single charge. Weapons mountable, this power bank is shockproof and can be mounted to any firearm with a compatible rail system. Perhaps the most useful feature of the PB8I is its built-in, push-button charge level indicator, which displays the charging level for you so you’re never caught by surprise with a dead battery.

Constructed of ABS plastic, this durable power bank can withstand the elements with an impressive IPX7 waterproof rating. Luckily for weight-conscious hunters and tactical shooters, the PB8I Power Bank only weighs 7.8 oz. and is compact enough to not take up needed space on rifles. A thermal and night vision addict’s best friend, the new Pulsar PB8I Power Bank includes a micro USB cable for charging.

Read more

GW:  After having met Vickie on numerous occasions at outdoor media events, I can say categorically that the industry is losing one upbeat representative and strong supporter.  She has been a loyal corporate sponsor of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and no doubt, we’ll miss her generous contributions to the organization.  I’ll remember her kindly as I peer through my Alpen spotting scope in the years to come.  Wishing you nothing but the best in the future, Vickie.

“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.” — Earnie Harwell

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – Alpen Outdoor Corporation (Alpen Optics) will be ceasing all operations and closing its doors effective Feb. 28, 2018.

Many factors, including family health issues, a difficult business climate, competitive dynamics and factory production challenges have led owners Tim and Vickie Gardner to this tough decision.

“I want to express my love and gratitude to all the awesome friends I’ve made over the last 22 years,” Vickie Gardner, VP of STUFF and Marketing for Alpen Optics, said. “Just thinking of everyone gives me a big warm feeling, puts a gigantic smile on my face and leaves me with a bittersweet heart. I want to thank each and every one of you for your loyal support and love over the years. I guess Winnie the Pooh said it best, ‘How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.'”

Established in 1996, Alpen Optics has provided best quality optics, including binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes and accessories at affordable prices to hunters, birders, wildlife watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Over the years, Alpen Optics has been presented a number of awards celebrating the optics top-of-the-line quality, durability, impressive design and affordability. Thanks to these qualities, Alpen has developed a loyal customers base that is truly valued and appreciated and will be deeply missed by both Tim and Vickie.

“It is now time to start a new chapter in our lives, and we sincerely thank you for your past support and friendship,” Vickie said. “Happy trails to you until we meet again. Love and blessings from Tim and Vickie.”

About Alpen Optics
Alpen Optics has won seven Outdoor Life Great Buy Awards (more than any other optics company), one Outdoor Life Editor’s Choice Award and one Field & StreamBest of the Best Award.

Appleton, WI ? Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), a leading manufacturer of law enforcement products, is now shipping more than a half-dozen new additions to its line of high-performance tactical lighting solutions. The products were first unveiled to enthusiastic industry and media response at the SHOT Show, and are now in stock and making their way into ASP’s distribution channels. ASP Vice President of Marketing, Michael Hess, says that the company has been in major growth mode in the flashlight category over the past couple of years, and that will accelerate in 2018. “We have been gratified to have more and more law enforcement agencies adopting our flashlights,” says Hess, “and one of the benefits of that is being able to incorporate a tremendous amount of field testing and feedback into our new models.” Read more

EAGLEVILLE, PA  – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, launched the Streamlight® Jr. F-STOPTM, an ultra-compact 2AA alkaline penlight that allows users to smoothly transition between spot and flood beams to meet both close-up and area lighting needs.

The Streamlight Jr. F-STOP’s adjustable focus allows users to transition the beam from a piercing spot light to a smooth flood pattern by simply sliding the flashlight’s bezel. Read more