BUSHNELL

Bushnell's Infinity binocular line sports a good-looking open bridge design and 45mm objectives.

Bushnell has become known for much more than just optics. In the last couple of years the company's line has expanded to include optics as well as laser range-finders, GPS devices, trail cameras, digital cameras, flightlights, night vision devices, and speed guns. Despite the diversity of the product line, Bushnell remains very much an optics company at heart. To this end it has introduced the new Infinity line of binoculars for 2007. An open bridge design gives them a Continental flair.

They feature rubber armoring and O-ring seals, and they are waterproof to survive hard use. The Infinity comes with either 8.5X or 10.5X magnification and 45mm objective lenses. The in-between objective lens size aids performance without adding bulk or weight. Poking about inside, one finds roof prisms with PC-3 phase coatings with a new SHR coating. All lens surfaces are fully multicoated, and external surfaces feature Bushnell's RainGuard water-repellent coating. The 8.5X model sports a wide 420-foot field of view at 1000 yards and a healthy 5.25mm exit pupil. Both models weigh in at 25 ounces.

EOTECH

EOTech has introduced a new model of HWS, the M557.AR223 along with 3X and 4X (shown) magnifiers.

EOTech, now owned by L3 Communications, brought out yet another version of its hugely popular HWS (Holographic Weapon Sight) this year. Called the M557.AR223, it was designed specifically to increase the versatility of this rugged design. Based upon the proven M552, the M557.AR223 is designed to be more adaptable to modern add-ons while at the same time requiring less rail space. To allow night vision monoculars or EOTech's new 3X and 4X magnifiers to be easily mounted behind the sight, the unit's controls have been moved to its left side.

To allow the EOTech M557.AR223 to work with night vision devices or a magnifier mounted behind the optic, its controls have been moved to the left side of the unit.

Plus, it is fitted with a new reticle that features bullet drop compensation aiming points, which allow it to be used at extended ranges in conjunction with a magnifier. The aiming points consist of 1 MOA dots that are calibrated to match the trajectory of 5.56mm ammunition when fired from an M4 carbine. To complement this new optic, EOTech also introduced 3X and 4X magnifiers. When mounted behind the sight, these magnifiers turn a 1X HWS into a low-magnification optic. Both flip-to-side and QD mounting systems are available. Why two magnifiers? Well, the 3X is intended to be lightweight and economical while the 4X offers good performance out to 600 meters.

I.O.R./VALDADA ENTERPRISES
When I.O.R. of Romania introduced scopes with a sixfold magnification increase a couple years back, the company set the optics world on its ear. Why? Because many engineers did not think it was feasible in a riflescope. For 2007 I.O.R. upped the ante and introduced the world's first scope with a sevenfold magnification increase. Starting at 4X, I.O.R.'s new design zooms all the way up to 28X. Built on a 40mm tube (yes, 40mm), it's 16.5 inches long, weighs 39 ounces, and has a 56mm objective. It features an oversize elevation turret that provides 25 MOA of adjustment in a single revolution. Total adjustment range is 90 MOA in 1/4 MOA clicks.

In addition to this impressive optic, I.O.R. also introduced a new 4-14X 50mm model designed expressly for use on .50-caliber antimaterial rifles. Also built on a beefy 40mm tube, it features 125 MOA of adjustment in 1/4 MOA clicks. Length is a fairly compact 15.25 inches, and the scope tips the scales at 36 ounces. Optics are typical I.O.R., built using Schott glass and featuring fully multicoated lenses. Both scopes come with steel 40mm rings.

KAHLES

Kahles has introduced a new Helia KX line of riflescopes for 2007. Developed specifically for the U.S. market, the KX scopes are built on one-inch tubes.

Kahles is one of the oldest and most respected optics manufacturers in the world. For 2007, it introduced the Helia KX line of riflescopes. Developed specifically for the U.S. market, this new line is built on a one-inch tube and is intended to be attractively priced. Models are 3-9X 42mm, 3.5-10X 50mm, and 4-12X 50mm. Blessed with handsome good looks, very good optical images, extremely wide field of views, and light weight, they will be right at home in the hunting fields.