What's new in the world of optics? I thought some of you might be interested, so I spent a good deal of time poking about at this year's SHOT Show looking for the latest and greatest. Last year there were some profound steps forward in technology regarding scopes with built-in laser rangefinders. But as impressive as last year was, I think 2007's offerings are even better. How so? Well, there are some very talented engineers out there who are burning the midnight oil to outdo one another, and this year I saw some exciting advancements in riflescope optical design. While it is almost impossible to cover all the new riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes released for this year, I can give you a look at the highlights.

AIMPOINT

Aimpoint's new CompM4 was recently adopted by the U.S. Army and features an improved mounting system, 2 MOA dot, and eight-year battery life.

Aimpoint has been supplying rugged red-dot sights to the U.S. Army for years, and they have proved more than a match for the iron-sighted AKs deployed by our enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recently, Aimpoint further enhanced its red-dot sight performance with the introduction of the new CompM4. This new model, recently adopted by the U.S. Army, features improved diode circuitry that allows it to run constantly for over eight years on a single AA battery! So much for worrying about dead batteries.

Featuring a 2 MOA dot, improved mounting system, and 16 intensity settings (nine day and seven night vision) via an easy-to-use knob, this model will fit onto any standard M1913 rail. Plus, the 2 MOA dot is well suited for use with Aimpoint's 3X magnifier. Adopted by the U.S. Army as the M68CCO, 163,000 units have been ordered for our troops.

BURRIS

Burris's new Euro Diamond binocular line has a definite Continental flair to match its fine optical performance.

Last year was a big year for Burris because of the number of new introductions, including additions to its XTR tactical line, the introduction of a new line of Fullfield II tactical scopes, and the Laser Scope. So I was very curious to see how Burris would follow up this year. The good news is that Burris isn't resting on its laurels; the company has rolled out a host of new products for 2007. Among these are additions to the Euro Diamond line, a new XTS-235 red-dot sight, and a super-compact XTS-2575 spotting scope. The XTS-2575 is especially interesting due to its small size, made possible through the use of a Cassegrain-style mirror system. Measuring only 10 inches long and weighing just 33 ounces, it sports a 25-75X eyepiece and a 70mm objective.

Perhaps the biggest news from Burris is the introduction of a new premium line of binoculars. Wearing the Euro

Weighing less than two ounces (with mount), Burris's FastFire red-dot sight features all-metal construction, a 4 MOA dot, and long battery life.

Diamond name, the line consists of 8X42, 10X42, and 12X50mm models.

Intended to compete with the best from Europe, Burris's new Euro Diamond line has a definite Continental edge to it. Mixed in with the good looks are premium optical glass and prisms, broadband multicoatings on every lens surface, and phase correction and a silver coating on the prisms. The result is an eye-catching binocular that I very much look forward to reviewing in the coming months.

Don't need a binocular but would like an optical aid when bringing the heat onto a target? Check out Burris's new compact red-dot reflex sight called the FastFire. What is it? It's a tiny red-dot sight intended for mounting onto the slide of a pistol--or anything else that could use a compact reflex sight. Weighing less than two ounces (including mount), the FastFire features all-metal construction, 4 MOA dot, automatic brightness control, and extremely long battery life. Unlike similar sights, the FastFire also incorporates a simple on/off switch. Compact sights along these lines have exploded in popularity in recent years, and I suspect the FastFire will do very well.