Key features of the Merger LRF XQ35 include its 384×288 uncooled Asi <25mK 17μm NETD sensor which allows the Merger LRF XQ35 to deliver industry-leading thermal sensitivity, while providing users clarity for even the slightest temperature differences in their surroundings.

The high contrast 1024×768 AMOLED HD display resolution ensures unparalleled image clarity and detail. The fast aperture F35/1.0 germanium objective lens combined with a 3-12x digital magnification provides a crystal clear picture at various distances, and its laser rangefinder delivers accuracy at ranges of up to 1400 yards, making it an invaluable tool for hunters, surveyors and other outdoor enthusiasts.

These features, combined with its two independent batteries which provide up to 10 hours of continuous operation, make the Merger LRF XQ35 perfect for wildlife observation, search and rescue operations, animal identification or hunting after sunset. It also has eight different color palettes to adapt to specific tasks and changing observation conditions, which allows flexibility in the field.

With its built-in photo and video capabilities, the Merger LRF XQ35 can capture high definition images and store them on 16GB of built-in memory. Compatible with Stream Vision 2, this device can stream to mobile devices and tablets, enabling users to share their experiences with others.

Crafted with a high-quality reinforced aluminum alloy housing, the Merger LRF XQ35 is not only incredibly strong but also lightweight. This digital thermal binocular is built to withstand harsh environments and can weather shocks, drops, moisture, heat and cold. It operates flawlessly in temperatures ranging from subzero -13° to scorching 122° fahrenheit, ensuring it performs flawlessly in any conditions. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can also comfortably handle wet environments and survive an accidental toss into a shallow stream or river.

Vietnam Era: Passive Scopes

The Vietnam era scopes were the early passive scopes. The blooming problems and fade-outs made them somewhat unreliable for sniper use. The AN/PVS-2 was useless as a sighting device. The adjustments in the scope just would not hold a zero at any range, even with the best of rifles. They were, however, useful for observation and often used from towers to scrutinize enemy activity.

The rubber eyepiece has a device to open the aperture so you may view the scope. Obviously the light coming from the scope could give away one’s position. On the first generation scopes there was no such device. Special Forces personnel many times noted that the operators often had “Owl Eyes”, a greenish glow that emanated from the eyes during use.

One sometimes sees photos of a “starlight” scope mounted on an M2 HB .50 caliber Browning machine gun. This was not very practical as the recoil forces soon destroyed the device. Also, the first shot most often blotted out the orthicon tube.

The AN/PVS-2 starlight scope was, also know by the acronym STANO (Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Night Observation). It was developed by the US Army at the US Army Electronics Command with optical support of the Wollensack Optical Company, as its prime contractor. With a weight of 5.94 pounds it is rather ungainly on an M16 Rifle. It eliminated the cumbersome backpack battery, but in the humid conditions of South East Asia, battery integrity was a nagging problem. There was also a constant whining sound from the instrument that threatened to give away one’s position.

John “Gunny” Smith (Gunny ran security at the old North Country Shoot) was on the “Rock Pile” DMZ, when he encountered a first generation starlight scope mounted on an M14. It had been stabilized on a tripod in the bunker. He reported movement on the line, and was given the order to fire. He fired a burst at the movement but his contact, in reality, was of the Simian kind. He had eliminated a rather large indigenous Monkey!

Active Devices

There were some infrared, active devices used in Vietnam including the WWII Sniper scope on the M3 Carbine. There was one used on the M14, but it still required a battery pack, a six-pound, six-volt nickel cadmium battery.

There was also the metascope originally designed in World War II by the US Navy, which evolved into a transistorized hand held active device for viewing out to 50 meters. When you see the large 1000-watt searchlights on tanks, with the infrared filter, they would be used to illuminate the area to be seen through the metascope.

The Other Side

Though the VC and NVA “ruled the night”, they had very little in the field of night vision. The dreaded Dragunov Rifle sight (PSO-1) had one feature that few knew about. It did have an infrared detector sensitive to any active light source. The reticule was also illuminated in red in order to maintain visual purple integrity. This is the mechanism in your eye that allows you to see in low light. By no means was the sight capable for seeing any better in low light, but it was the best they had.

The use of the night vision devices in Vietnam was in the incipient stage. For the detection of enemy movement and disposition, it had its moments; but for target acquisition of individual soldiers, it was less than satisfactory. It was not until the Gulf War that man’s dream of seeing in the dark was fulfilled.

The Eagle Arms Division of ArmaLite is introducing its first new model in 5 years: the Eagle Arms AR-10 rifle, with first shipments scheduled for December 2000. Like the famed Eagle Arms brand M-15 rifles, the Eagle AR-10 is a no-frills rifle of high quality and low price. The retail price of the Eagle Arms AR-10 is $999.95. It is intended to compete with .223/5.56mm rifles in the AR class. For the first time, retail customers will have the opportunity to upgrade to a .308/7.62mm rifle for a price only slightly higher than that of the smaller caliber rifles. The Eagle Arms AR-10 is very similar to the ArmaLite AR-10A4 rifle. It features a 20 inch chrome-moly barrel, and the A4 style flattop upper receiver and front sight base (gas block). It is provided with black furniture and a 10 round magazine. It will accept all optional ArmaLite scope mounts and the removable carry handle and sights. While the receivers of several competing rifles are machined from plate stock or extrusions, the new Eagles are finely machined from aircraft-grade forgings. Unlike the ArmaLite AR-10s, the Eagle Arms rifle is not equipped with a recoil check (muzzle brake). The ArmaLite brand AR-10 rifles, like our M-15 rifles, remain the company’s flagship line. ArmaLite rifles are available with more features and options, and are manufactured to a higher degree of fit and finish than the Eagle Arms line. The Eagle Arms rifles are standard grade rifles intended for hard use, and feature the same internal mechanism as the ArmaLites. In addition to complete rifles, Eagle Arms offers AR-10 lower receivers and lower receiver assemblies. The new lower receivers will retail for $290, with complete lower halves selling for $397.00. ArmaLite brand receivers are not available for sale. Supplies of the new Eagles are limited, and they’re being shipped in conjunction with orders for ArmaLite brand 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles. During periods of peak demand, priority of ArmaLite’s capacity will be to the ArmaLite line, so delivery dates for the Eagles will be estimates. For more information on these new rifles contact Armalite, Inc., Dept. DEPT. SAR, P.O. Box 299, Geneseo, IL 61254. Phone: 1-309-944-6939. Fax: 1-309-944-6949. They can be found on the web at www.armalite.com.

ITT NIGHT VISION CAMERA-ADAPTER VIEWER

Now outdoor enthusiasts can document their nighttime adventures on film. ITT Industries Night Vision is introducing the Night Quest 190 a rugged, compact and versatile night vision unit that attaches to camcorders and 35mm cameras. ITT Industries Night Vision, the leader in night vision technology, adapted night vision to cameras and camcorders in response to consumer demand. Even in extreme low light conditions the Night Quest 190 can document on film recreational, animal and even criminal activities with superior clarity and resolution. Not only does the Night Quest 190 give outdoor enthusiasts the capability to perform new and different tasks at night; it also gives them the ability to document them. ITT Night Quest 190 works by collecting minute amounts of undetectable light and intensifying them, creating near-daylight conditions through the eyepiece. Independent of the camera or camcorder, the unit operates as a hand-held, night vision monocular. To document night vision experiences, remove the rubber eyepiece and attach the unit to a camera or camcorder using the locking adapter bracket and mounting rings. The Night Quest 190 has a new feature that enables users to deactivate the shut off device, allowing a camera to run for extended periods of time. The Night Quest 190 is designed to work with a variety of lenses as well. Users can remove the unit’s objective lens and attach their favorite lens to its c-mount lens. Other features of the ITT Night Quest 190 include a 40 degree field of view, low battery indicator, automatic brightness control and Generation III technology. This new unit is weather resistance and weighs only 18 ounces. Optional accessories for the ITT Night Quest 190 include an infrared illuminator which allows users to see in extremely dark conditions which have a little or no ambient light. Also available for the ITT 190 is a 50-mm lens. For more information on the ITT Industries Night Vision’s complete line of equipment for security and law enforcement, recreational or marine use contact ITT Night Vision Industries, Dept. DEPT. SAR, , 7671 Enon Drive, Roanoke VA 24019. Phone: 1-800-488-2848. They are on the web at www.ittnightvision.com.

M-16 PIGTAILS FOR SHORTY RIFLES

Every once in a while a product comes along that is an obvious solution to a lasting problem. Usually it makes you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” The M-16 pigtail is just such a product. The Pigtail is an alternate to mil-spec or factory standard gas tubes for the M-16 and AR-15 family of weapons. Barrels of 16.5 inches or less all use the same length gas tube of approximately 9.79 inches. The pigtail replaces this tube. There are two different size Pigtails. This allows them to be fitted to both rifles with standard narrow or heavy bull barrels that use the 9.79-inch gas tubes. The Pigtail for the narrow barrel rifles fits inside the “Shorty’ handguards. The Bull Barrel Pigtail fits inside the floating tube hand guards. All of the Pigtails are CRYOGENICALLY treated for increased heat dissipation and metallurgic durability. The installation of the Pigtail is simple and requires only one or two modifications to the weapon. The upper receiver must be drilled and tapped for one (flat top) or two (A-1, A-2) set screws. These setscrews lock the gas tube in its proper position. Also the barrel’s gas port for AR-15’s, semi-automatic fire only, must be at a minimum diameter of 0.765 inches. M-16 barrels for full-auto firing must be at or opened up to a minimum diameter of 0.830 inches. No other modifications are required. The pigtail functions with mil-spec recoil springs and accompanying mil-spec buffers. Custom lengths are available for all barrels, including pistol and full length (24”) rifles. The major benefit of the Pigtail include alleviation of most short stroking problems, reduced recoil in semi-auto mode, consistent capability of controlled fire and increased heat dissipation due to both Cryogenic treatment and increased tube length. For more information on this “must have” new product contact Greg Leaf at M16 Pigtail, Dept. DEPT. SAR, , HC 70 #9L, Glorieta, NM 87535. Phone: 1-505-757-6532. The website is www.m16pigtail.com.

JLB INNOVATIONS INTRODUCES THE STEADY ARM

JLB Innovations Inc., has introduced a unique firearm device-designed for shooters of any age, size, gender or physical ability-that provides dramatically increased firearm stabilization for significantly improved shooting accuracy. Dubbed “Steady Arm”, the innovative new product is a moveable cradle that straps securely to the gun’s forestock at its balance point. Attached to the cradle is a camouflaged, telescoping aluminum rod that swivels connected to a special belt the user wears around his or her waist. Steady Arm’s patented design carries the entire weight of the gun at the shooter’s waist while supporting the user’s lower back. It provides complete mobility and allows the gun to be fired from any position. With the Steady Arm, the firearm’s weight is supported from the pivoting, center weight position on the gun, to the hips, eliminating the need for a sling and reducing fatigue during hiking in the field or maneuvering during tactical situations. Steady Arm works with rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns or crossbows. Instead of carrying the weight of the gun high off the shoulders, as most people do when carrying a gun in hand or using a sling, Steady Arm puts the weight at the shooter’s waist where it is hardly noticed. For more information on this new product contact JLB Innovations Inc., Dept. DEPT. SAR,, P.O. Box 65, Pinckney, MI 48169. Phone: 1-734-878-5610. They can be found on the web at www.steadyarm.com.

STREAMLIGHT INTRODUCES CUFFMATE™ FLASHLIGHT

Streamlight, Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance flashlights for law enforcement professionals, introduces the CuffMate(tm), a handcuff key that features a high-intensity LED flashlight. Specifically designed with the needs of law enforcement professionals in mind, it combines the practicality of an alloy steel handcuff key with the ingenuity of a super-bright LED bulb. Weighing less than 0.5 ounces, the CuffMate(tm) is compatible with most handcuff brands, including S&W, Hiatt, American, Peerless, Trilock, Quik-Kuf and HWC. The CuffMate’s flashlight is activated through a squeeze switch, and operates on two long-lasting lithium batteries that deliver up to 1000 momentary bursts of light for more than 12 hours of run time. The unbreakable LED bulb provides up to 100,000 hours of use. Built to an unparalleled level of durability, the CuffMate is constructed of virtually indestructible polymer that is reinforced with fiberglass. A swiveling key ring connector offers increased convenience and accessibility to law enforcement professionals. The CuffMate lists for $19.95, and includes a limited lifetime warranty on the body, switch and handcuff key. For more information contact Streamlight, Inc., Dept. DEPT. SAR, , 1030 West Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19403-3996. Phone: 1-800-523-7488. Fax: 1-800-220-7007. On the web at www.streamlight.com.

KENWOOD INTRODUCES FREETALK™ WX RADIOS

Offering the latest in 2-way personal communications for outings and outdoor recreation, Kenwood Communications has introduced its first family radio offering 10 NOAA weather radio channels and a vibration call alert. The new FreeTalk WX (Model UBZ-GM14) is a compact, feature-packed FRS radio allowing parties to stay in touch over distances up to two miles and to talk as often and as long as they like, since airtime is free. With 14 channels and 38 talk groups per channel, a large illuminated LCD display, visual status indicators, slip-resistant finish, and accessory jack for a headset or speaker-mic, the FreeTalk WX is suited for use on land or water, at meetings or events, and for any activity where people need to keep in contact. The suggested retail price of the radio is $84.95. The FreeTalk WX is equipped with many convenient and practical features. Most prominently, the built-in 10-band weather radio receiver allows users to obtain the latest NOAA weather report for the region where they are located. When activated, the vibration call alert ensures that transmissions will be received even if the recipient is in a noisy environment, such as an outboard motorboat, sports arena or convention, and can’t hear a voice page or call tone. Users can lock the channel setting to prevent it from being changed unintentionally. A 1-second call tone can be used to alert users to a call. To conserve power, the FreeTalk WX has a battery saver function that switches the receiver on and off at predetermined intervals. When the battery is low, the radio beeps a warning. The large LCD, illuminated for use at night or in dark locations, displays both the channel and talk group numbers, the volume level setting, whether the radio is transmitting or receiving a signal, and whether the channel lock setting is engaged. Speaker volume is set with a 32-step control. For ease of use, the FreeTalk WX is small, less than 4-3/4” tall, 2-1/4” wide, and 1-1/4” deep, uses a fixed, low profile antenna, and is equipped with a removable belt clip. Controls are positioned so the radio may be held and operated with the same hand. An instruction manual is included, and the radio carries a 1-year warranty. For more information contact Kenwood Communications, Technology Park at Johns Creek, Dept. DEPT. DEPT. SAR, , 3975 Johns Creek Road, Suwanee, GA 30024. Phone: 1-800-950-5005. Their website is www.kenwood.com.

A prototype had already been built and was ready for preliminary testing when I became involved. Kodak had developed an insert-molding technique that allowed the imbedding of a pressed glass lens that was not edge trued, into the plastic body of a riflescope. This was a very advanced design and could dramatically lower the cost of quality military optics. The proper positioning of the lenses and prisms was critical to the success of this project and Kodak seemed to have perfected this difficult technique. This new scope was to have a Tritium illuminated reticle and also be fitted with a slide-on night vision adapter. It sounded like a very ambitious project that had almost everything going for it. I was very anxious to see this new scope and begin testing.

The system was never adopted by any military branch and was found to be inadequate in several areas during final field testing. I can attribute this to the simple fact that the majority of the designers and engineers working on this project had almost no firearms experience at all. It is not my purpose to disparage the company or its personnel, but I was amazed at the lack of basic firearm knowledge displayed by the staff. An example of this was apparent at the first test.

I was met at the range by the project manager and several engineers. At that time I was shown a short plastic scope that was mounted on a base that fit into the carry handle of the M-16 by means of a thumbscrew. The one thing that struck me as odd was that neither the scope or mount had any means of adjustment for windage or elevation. When I questioned the project manager about this he assured me that the scope was pre-sighted for trajectory along the bore of the rifle and that any adjustment was unnecessary. I was skeptical at best and began to explain the several variables involved in the mounting and sighting of a riflescope. I was assured that these variables were all taken into consideration and the testing proceeded. The scope was mounted on a rifle and the first tests were conducted to measure the forces recoil would have on the scope. These tests ended satisfactorily but not a single round of ammunition was fired at a target. Weeks later another set of tests were ordered to test the scope for accuracy. As you can imagine, this did not work out very well at all. Some of the engineers could not believe that the scope didn’t shoot the “X” ring out of the target as all of their calculations had predicted. It was then decided that a new mounting system had to be designed that incorporated adjustments for windage and elevation.

A.R.M.S., a well known scope-mount manufacturer was contracted to manufacture several prototype mounts that had thumbwheel adjustments for windage and elevation. These thumbwheels had click type detents and were located on both sides of the mount. The windage knob on one side and the elevation on the other. Several months later after the mounts were completed another round of tests were conducted. These tests were again not very successful as the click adjustments were far too coarse. One click could move the point of impact about twelve inches at one hundred yards. This was understandably unacceptable and revisions were ordered. By this time an alternative mounting system was also being considered.

I provided the project manager with some old type Bausch & Lomb mounts. These mounts had external adjustments for windage and elevation and had proven themselves reliable in the old Bausch & Lomb Balvar, Balfor & Baltur Riflescopes of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Like the Kodak scope, the Bausch & Lomb scopes also lacked any internal adjustment. A prototype mount was built and worked quite well. The scope could be adjusted finely and hold zero reliably. About this time a prototype of the Night Vision adapter was completed. It utilized a second generation intensifier tube that was activated by a lithium power source. The mounting system and focusing adjustments were not perfected at this point in time, but the system did work. There were at least two types of reticles developed for this system and a photo of the final design is shown. Some of the prototype scopes did not have the tritium lit reticles and the first ones had very crude hand etched reticles. There were two types of the revised A.R.M.S. mounts built. One fit into the carry handle of the standard upper receiver. The other was manufactured with a “Weaver” type base made to fit on the then newer type “Flat Top” type upper receiver. A padded O.D. colored nylon case was designed for the carrying of the scope on a belt. A final prototype design was submitted for testing, but was found to be unacceptable for service. At this time the project was disbanded and the personnel were reassigned.

I felt that this system had a great deal of potential but in my opinion the project was doomed from the onset. The main reason was the dismal lack of basic firearms knowledge of the personnel involved. If the scope had been originally designed with internal adjustments it would have had a far better chance of being successful. It is incomprehensible that a multi-million dollar project of this magnitude would be initiated without the input of several “Reasonably Knowledgeable Individuals” or (RKI’s) as we know them at SAR.

A few of the remaining prototype scopes and mounts have found their way into the hands of such a person. These scopes are unique in their design and are a rare piece of firearms history. If anyone is interested in obtaining one for their personal collection you can contact me through SAR and I will put you in contact. Please, serious inquiries only.