What a Beautiful Old Pistol!

The picture above is of a 1944 Nambu Pistol.  These were used extensively by Japanese forces from 1925 to 1945.  I can’t claim to be an expert on WWII-era guns, so I took a few photos and asked our product specialists if they could tell me a bit more about it.

1944 Nambu Japanese Characters

First, the various markings on the gun tell an interesting tale.  On the left hand side are some Japanese characters.  They let you know this is a Type 14 model pistol.  On the other side some numbers are stamped that let you know the month and year the gun was manufactured.  I didn’t know this about Japanese guns, but the dates are from the last emperor change, so in the picture below when you can see ’19.3′ it means the gun was manufactured 19 years from the last emperor change, which was in 1925.  Add 19 to 1925 and you get 1944, the year the gun was made.  The ’3′ is the month, so this particular gun was manufactured in March of 1944.  Pretty cool.

1944 Nambu Pistol For GearExpert

Another cool thing with the gun is that I have the original holster.  It’s actually in really good shape.  It’s all leather with a leather strap, and though you can tell it’s not brand new, the markings on the inside of the pouch are still clearly visible.  I’ve done a bit of research online for Nambu Type 14 Pistols and their holsters, and most of them are so worn you can’t read them, but as you can see mine is really easy to read.  Fortunately, someone in the office can read Japanese, and he says those two symbols are for a town or neighborhood near Tokyo.  It’s either West Kasai or West Katsushika.  This is most likely where it was manufactured, but it might also be where the soldier who owned this gun is from.  Inside the pouch are some old cotton clothes that appear to be the original cleaning clothes.  There’s no gun oil or cleaning solution, so I’m going to look into a mild cleaner so that I don’t risk ruining the pistol.

Nambu Pistol Pouch

I also have the capture papers for the pistol, which show my Great Uncle Bernard officially received these guns on November 28, 1945.  I never met my Uncle Bernard, but it appears he was a Corporal in the war and either fought or was stationed in the Pacific.  I know he never had kids and was close to my dad, but I’d never heard the story of this gun.

Nambu Pistol Pouch Inside

My dad passed away 4 weeks ago Friday, and I’ve been going through his things a lot since then to help my mom.  My dad loved to tell stories and I swear I’d heard every single one of his about a million times, but friends of his came to the wake and told me all sorts of stories that I’d never heard before.  It’s strange to think I might be able to learn a lot more about him now that he’s gone.  I think a good place to start is with a bit of family history.  I’m going to find out everything I can about my Great Uncle Bernard and how this Nambu pistol came into his position and how it came to be passed down to my dad.  Stay tuned to GearExpert and follow along in my journey!

Crimson Trace is a premiere laser sight manufacturer.  They produce a wide variety of lasers that will greatly enhance your accuracy in the field.  Your speed of target acquisition goes through the roof with a laser sight, and they’re super easy to use.  Crimson Trace makes options for almost every firearm, from 1911s and Rugers to foregrips for your AR-15.  But they’ve expanded their horizons recently with the Zombie Laser Grips.  Laser grips are incredibly convenient, as activation is usually achieved through your normal grip.  No need to think about pressing a button.  When you draw your pistol, the laser turns on.

This is especially important in high-stress situations, such as when a massive zombie horde is bearing down on you.  Fumbling with an “On” switch can mean the difference between beautiful life and reanimated death.  I know I’d rather have a Crimson Trace Zombie Laser Grip than a bite mark.  We currently have five options available.

The Crimson Trace J-Frame Defender Zombie Grip

Crimson Trace J-Frame Zombie Grip

The J-Frame Defender is designed for use with an S&W J-Frame Revolver, which is a perfect zombie hunting gun.  It has instinctive front activation, so your fingers will turn it on as soon as you draw, and the hard polymer material is tough enough to hold up to loads of abuse.  Trust me, when the zombies come, your firearm and laser sight are going to go through a fair bit of abuse, so this durability will prove key to your success.  It uses CR2032 Lithium batteries, which last a long time and aren’t terribly difficult to find.  When you’re scavenging through supplies you don’t want to be searching for an elusive set of batteries.

The Crimson Trace Full Size Glock Zombie Laser Sight

Crimson Trace Zombie Grip For Full Size Glocks

If you prefer a Glock to an S&W, the Crimson Trace Full Size Glock Zombie Laser Grip is perfect.  Unlike the J-Frame model, this zombie laser has a rear activation switch.  It will still activate with a natural grip, but it doesn’t modify your grip in quite the same way.  The Glock Zombie Laser Grip also uses lithium batteries, and the long battery life gives you more tactical options.  Scientific studies have proven zombies are drawn to the red dot from a laser sight.  Much like a bull or cat, zombies cannot help following the red dot.  This gives you the chance to herd the undead creatures away without using precious ammunition.  You can lay traps or save loved ones with this simple technique.  Keep in mind that seeing red will make them hungry, so while you can buy yourself some time, at some point you’ll have to deal with especially ravenous zombies.

The Crimson Trace LG431 Ruger Zombie Laser Grip

Crimson Trace Ruger Zombie Grip

A Ruger is a fantastic sidearm for the zombie apocalypse.  It’s lightweight and gives you plenty of power to take down the undead.  Shotguns are popular, but you always need to complement a rifle or shotgun with a handgun.  You may not have time to reload a shotgun in a crisis.  But just because your Ruger isn’t serving as your primary weapon (though it certainly could) that doesn’t mean you should neglect to make it as effective a tool as possible.  The Crimson Trace LG431 Ruger Zombie Laser Grip attaches around the trigger guard, so it will most likely require a new holster, but there are plenty of options available from Galco so you won’t have a difficult search to find one.

The Crimson Trace Springfield XD Zombie Laser Guard

Crimson Trace Springfield Zombie Grip

Another trigger guard-mountable Zombie Laser Sight is the Crimson Trace Springfield XD & XDM Laser Guard.  What separates this model is the battery.  You can use either one 1/3 3V Lithium battery or two 357 silver oxide batteries.  Both provide north of 4 hours of power.  I think having two options will serve you especially well after the zombie apocalypse, as batteries may be tough to come by, so if you can only find one type, you’re still all set.  The Springfield XD Laser Guard still gives you outstanding performance and instant activation, so you’ll take down a whole horde without missing a shot.

The Crimson Trace Zombie 1911-Style Pistol Laser Grip

Crimson Trace 1911 Zombie Laser Grip

Last but certainly not least we have the Crimson Trace 1911 Style Pistol Zombie Laser Grip.  1911-style guns are one of the most popular handguns in the world, and it’s no wonder why.  Not only is it a beautiful gun, but it has unreal performance and reliability that is nearly unmatched in any other handgun.  You can count on a 1911 Pistol to take down a zombie, and you can count on the easily-mounted Crimson Trace 1911 Zombie Laser to always activate and keep you on target.  This is an unbeatable combination.

Regardless of the option you choose, a laser grip intended for zombie slaying is going to keep you alive.  Laser sights are perfect for up close and personal shooting, and that’s where you’ll need it when the zombies show up.  After all, they can’t bite you from far away!

Most people think zombies know no fear.  Untrue.  Most zombies never encounter a situation that they NEED fear, but if you mount one of these awesome Crimson Trace Zombie Grips you will see terror fill the eyes of the undead.  And to make this better, they are available at OpticsPlanet now!

Today, we’ve put together a couple new videos to give you a better idea of what some knives look like in action, rather than with a static photo.

The Gerber Mini Paraframe Folding Knife

The video at the top of the page is of the Gerber Mini Paraframe Folding Knife, which is a perfect little folding knife for carrying around all the time.  The blade is 2.2 inches long, so you’ll hardly notice it in your pocket, but the serrated edge will give you a fantastic cutting tool.  The blade is stainless steel so you don’t need to worry about it’s durability.  This is a simple knife.  Outside of the pocket clip there aren’t any real bells and whistles on the Gerber Mini Paraframe, but it is a solid knife for casual use.

Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife

If you’re looking for bigger and stronger in a knife, the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife is a cool choice.  This is a fixed blade knife, and that blade is roughly a quarter inch short of 5 inches, so this knife is going to be too big for slipping into your pocket every day.  It is a smart choice for hunting and camping though, and there are some sweet accessories that come along with it.  I highly suggest checking out the video, especially toward the end, as George shows off the sheath, which has leg straps for a secure fit, and an included blade sharpener so you can put a quick edge on your knife.  It may not be for everyone, but the Gerber Infantry Knife is a tough tool for many situations.

SOG Seal Pup Elite Tactical Fixed Blade Knife

For another fixed blade option, but this time from the fine folks at SOG, check out the Seal Pup Elite Tactical Knife.  This knife is very similar to the Gerber Infantry Knife, though I have to admit I miss the sharpener.  The sheath with the SOG Seal Pup is tough and user-friendly, but it doesn’t have the sharpener.  It does connect very easily to various harnesses and belts, and you can mount it in the way you want.  It’s a nice general use field knife.

SOG Salute Folding Knife

Like the Gerber Mini Paraframe folding knife, the SOG Salute Folding Knife is a simple and straightforward knife.  Both are great for slipping in your pocket, though the SOG Salute has a little bit longer blade, and it has a really tough back lock, which keeps the blade nice and secure.  These details are huge, and take the blade to the next level, but I know in some places you aren’t allowed to carry a blade over 3 inches.  This is a fantastic knife though, and is a great addition to your EDC.

What do you think of these New Knives?

I’d love to hear which of these knives is your favorite.  Do you prefer a fixed blade or folding?  SOG or Gerber?  Sound off in the comments below!

There are a few questions about gun cleaning that come up from time to time even from experienced shooters.  The first is, “How often should I clean my gun?”  This is a good question, and it varies from gun to gun.  Once upon a time you had to clean your gun constantly.  The powder was so horrendously corrosive that it would ruin a gun in no time without vigilant care.  Nowadays you can get away with fewer cleanings, and if you’re particularly casual in your gun use you might not need to clean quite so much.  Note that even if you don’t shoot very often you should still clean your gun regularly.  A lot of shooters around the office here at GearExpert by OpticsPlanet get so much enjoyment out of cleaning their guns that they do it all the time!  This seems kinda crazy to those who view cleaning their firearms as a chore, but when you love guns as much as we do it’s hard to not want to spend a few more minutes taking your AR-15 apart and getting it in perfect working order.

Actually, cleaning your gun regularly is a good idea in large part because you will become so familiar with how the gun works that you’ll have a better idea of what’s going on in case of a problem.

We want you to have the greatest success with your firearms.  From giving you the best scopes and gun accessories to the perfect holster for every conceivable activity, we give you the gear you need to succeed.  But we take it a step further.  One of the first posts ever on GearExpert was on Breaking in a Leather Holster.  On OpticsPlanet we also have a whole How-To Section that gives you advice on everything from Choosing the Perfect Scope or Flashlight to the Differences between Golf and Hunting Rangefinders.  The video above is of our Product Specialist Chase Bending running through how he cleans his AR-15.  After years cleaning and maintaining guns in the Army, Chase has learned some of the best ways to keep his AR-15 working perfectly.  As Chase says, there’s more than one way to clean a gun.  While his is by no means the only way, it is certainly one of the better ways to clean a gun.

Otis M-16 Cleaning System

Chase uses a handful of different products when cleaning his gun, all of which are for sale on OpticsPlanet right now.  The first is the Otis Technology M-16 Soft Pack Cleaning System.  This is a great compact cleaning system that you can bring along in all sorts of gun cases to the range or just store away easily until you need it.

Hoppe's 9 Gun Cleaners

Next up, Chase has the Hoppe’s 9 Elite Gun Maintenance Kit, which comes with gun oil, gun cleaner, copper terminator and a foaming gun cleaner.  Hoppe’s 9 is a legend in the gun cleaning biz, which is why every one from the most green to the most experienced shooters turn to their cleaners.

Vanguard Stead Aim Rest

Finally, Chase uses the Vanguard Steady-Aim Bench Rest to keep his AR-15 firmly in place while he cleans it.  This is very helpful for keeping yourself organized while cleaning your gun.  You don’t want to take everything apart, clean each piece to perfection, and then find out you lost something.

Check out all of our Cleaning Kits.  You may have a specialized gun that requires specific tools.  We aim to give you those tools, and with our How-To Guides and Videos we also aim to help you learn how to use them.

Keep shooting, and keep your guns clean!

The door to your study is slightly ajar, but wind from the open front door blows it open.  A man armed with a rather large knife stands before you.  Adrenaline rushes through your body, causing your hands to shake.  Just a week ago you might have been in real trouble when trying to get at your revolver.  Your shaky hands and panic-stricken mind would no doubt have struggled to get past your old vault, and you would have had to open a desk drawer just to get at the gun safe.  But not today.  Today you have the GunVault SpeedVault Biometric Fingerprint Pistol Safe.  This safe is mounted on the inside wall of your desk, right next to your leg and within easy reaching distance.  You press a finger down on the scanner and the safe drops open, presenting your gun at 45 degree angle, which is perfect for a quick draw.  You pull the gun and the home intruder drops the knife and raises his hands.

SpeedVault Draw

This is the beauty of the SpeedVault.  Whether you pick the biometric fingerprint model as I just described or the normal digital version where you enter a 4 digit code to pop open the safe, you’re going to get an extremely easy to use gun safe that gives you FAST access to your handgun.  We first got to see the SpeedVault at SHOT Show (video of our interview with GunVault’s Danny Lovio talking with our product specialist Trevor above).  They showed off a few other safes as well, but it was the SpeedVault that really stole the show.

SpeedVault Quick Access in Emergencies

I just got to take a better look at the GunVault SpeedVault in person, and I can honestly say it really impressed me.  It’s not terribly heavy, so if you’re just going to leave it sitting on a table without mounting it, the SpeedVault won’t be as good an option as some of the other great GunVault safes, but if you choose to mount it on a desk, nightstand or possibly even in your car, the SpeedVault truly shines.  The quick access you get is just perfect for drawing your handgun when you need it.  The interior foam lining will keep your gun snugly held so it doesn’t get scratched, and the mount is super easy to use, so you’ll have it perfectly placed in no time.

We took a look at the SpeedVault right here in the office!

With the SpeedVault, GunVault has shown they go far beyond most safe manufacturers.  Most gun safes are only concerned with keeping your guns safe, but GunVault also wants to keep YOU safe.  Having your firearms close at hand gives you the chance to defend yourself should the need arise.  Take a look at the GunVault SpeedVault and I’m sure you’ll never store your handgun in another safe again.

GunVault SpeedVault Closed

Undead Shooting Practice?  You need Champion Zombie Targets!

Champion Zombie Targets

One of the most sensational pieces of zombie prep gear we have to offer is the Champion VisiColor Zombie Target.  Some people think these are just for adding some fun to their normal shooting practice, but there’s a lot more to these targets than just having a laugh at the range.  Hitting a roaming zombie is tough.  You have to conquer fear and calmly pull the trigger as a zombie nightmare stalks you or one of your loved ones.  The ‘Hostage’ option is perfect for these moments.  You get to practice shooting around a loved one to save their lives!  There’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun, but don’t think of these zombie targets as just a comedic tool.  You must prepare to keep death at bay, and these targets are the perfect accessory for these moments.

Keep a Steady Aim even Under Undead Duress with a Champion Bipod

There’s a common misconception that you’ll constantly be on the run during the zombie invasion.  Not so.  In fact, if you find yourself on the run for more than a very short period of time it’s likely already too late for you.  The survivors of the coming zombie uprising will prove that it is those who find cover and take the perfect shot every time that will survive.  Why?  Ammo conservation.  When the zombie plague hits your town, ammunition will be the most valuable commodity in the world, and you can’t afford to miss a single shot.

Champion Bipod

So what’s a great way to stay on target?  A bipod.  Even the most hardened of soldiers experiences fear.  Think of the last time you were truly scared.  Sweat trickled down your forehead.  Your hands shook.  Your eyes darted back and forth until you finally decided you were safe.  If your hands shake you’ll have a very hard time making a consistently accurate shot.  If you have a Champion Rock Mounts Adjustable Bipod on your rifle you’ll have a much easier time making every bullet count.  This adjustable bipod extends from 6 to 9 inches, and it attaches easily with a sling swivel stud.  Easy attachment is super important in high stress situations, like when an evil jaw is trying to clamp down on your best buddy, so quickly attaching a bipod and putting lead right through that monster’s brain is an absolute must.  This Champion Bipod is also lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about it slowing you down in the moments when you do have to move quickly.

Why leave your safety and the safety of those most important to you to chance?  Don’t leave prepping for the eventual zombie devastation to the last minute.  I’m not going to go gently.  I’m going to survive a good long time because I’ll have spent countless hours practicing my aim on a Champion Zombie Target with one of their amazing bipods.  If you want to stay living instead of living dead you better gear up with Champion now!

$200 off Nikon FieldScope ED 25-75×82 Zoom Spotting Scopes

The FieldScopes are even Brilliance Award Winners!

Serious hunters and shooters know having a good spotting scope with you is essential to hitting your target, whether in a hunting blind or at the range.  The Fieldscope ED Spotting Scope is simply phenomenal for either occasion.  If you’re at an extreme range you won’t need to worry about whether you’ll be able to see every detail, even in low light.  This sensational image comes from a number of factors, but the one that impresses most is Nikon’s ED Glass.  The ‘ED’ stands for extra-low dispersion, and this refers to the way light travels through the lens.  With ED glass the various wavelengths of the color spectrum are not spread out as much, and this provides a far sharper, clearer image than normal glass.  You will notice a MASSIVE difference in the field, which is why we love the FieldScope.

We wanted to give you the performance of the Nikon ED FieldScope at an even better price than normal, so if you buy one by May 10, 2012, you’ll get $200 off!  You can get either the straight or angled model, so pick you preference and SAVE!

$500 off Nikon EDG Binoculars

The Nikon EDG Binocular

That’s not a typo, we are actually offering Nikon‘s absolute BEST binoculars for $500 off right now.  Actually, maybe I should double check that…

Yep.  We’re offering $500 OFF the Nikon EDG Binoculars through May 10th.  WOW!!  There are a few different options available, all of which have the same great ED glass as the FieldScope Spotting Scopes, but you can choose the magnification and objective lens size that’s perfect for your needs.  You’ll also get a great tactile feel from the Nikon EDG binoculars, so you won’t mind glassing the field for hours on end.

I can’t imagine finding a better deal on binoculars or spotting scopes.  It’s not just the price.  The quality you get from this Nikon Spring Migration Optics Savings sale is truly unreal.  Don’t wait to take advantage of this sale.  As of May 11th you’ll regret delaying.

I’ve always like SureFire.  Their SHOT Show display had a TON of awesome gear, from their upcoming Annihilator to the Wristlight, which is a really inventive new tactical light that I’m sure will be incredibly popular when it’s released later this year.  But the SureFire Minimus is what I need.  While I might like to take out a few skunks on my walks using a SureFire Weaponlight on an AR-15, for now I’ll settle for seeing them ahead of time and avoiding a horrible spraying.

The Headband is easily adjustable and Super Comfortable

So what do I like about the Minimus?  First, it’s lightweight.  If you’re going to run around with this on your head, you don’t want it bouncing all over the place.  With the battery it weighs in at a feather-light 3.2 ounces.  The included headband is very comfortable and easily adjustable, so it’s no problem if you want to use it while wearing a helmet or hat (especially good for cold weather running when you’re wearing a winter cap).  The aluminum body of the headlamp is very tough without adding weight.  And the durability of this light goes through the roof because of the LED light bulb, which can withstand a lot of shock without flickering or dying.

The SureFire Minimus Provides 100 Lumens of Light on High!

Speaking of the bulb, you’re going to get a lot of light from the SureFire Minimus.  With a maximum output of 100 lumens you’ll have plenty of light for most situations, and that light is refracted over a wide area that perfectly fits your field of view.  It’s also adjustable, with three settings: low output of a single lumen (great if you need to get to the bathroom at night without waking up your wife!), medium output of 10 lumens (a good choice for reading or doing a bit of work on a motorcycle or a car) and high output of 100 lumens for situations like mine where you’re trying to get a glimpse of a pest at night.  You can also use the Minimus Light to make yourself more visible to others.  If you’re walking at night and want to make sure passing motorists can see you set the Minimus to medium or low power and you’re good to go!

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about battery life, as the Minimus Headlamp uses a single Lithium 123A battery and will last up to 50 hours on low, 15 hours on medium and 1.5 hours on high.  That’s more than long enough for most situations so you won’t need to worry about buying batteries all the time.

There are a ton of great uses for a headlamp, so any time you need hands-free illumination check out the SureFire Saint Minimus LED Headlamp.  It definitely gets the GearExpert stamp of Approval!

Airsoft Shooting Range with Bushnell Banner Scopes!

Taking some shots at the NRA Meeting with Airsoft Rifles and Bushnell Scopes!

The first event we hit upon arriving at the NRA meeting was the shooting range.  I was hoping to try out some larger caliber guns, but they only had Airsoft Rifles this year, with targets that looked a lot like the Gamo Air Rifles Rocker Pellet Trap.  Five of us from GearExpert took shots, and our resident sniper, Kiril (a legit former sniper), won the friendly competition, though I wouldn’t call the competition entirely fair, as he hit five targets at one point with three shots.  Unless there’s some trick I don’t know about, I’d say his targets were falling a bit easier than mine.

A variety of Airsoft rifles were on display.  Some had iron sights, while others were equipped with fixed power riflescopes.  The rifle I used had a Bushnell Banner Scope, and it was super easy to hit the targets with that bad boy attached.  This shooting range wasn’t exactly the ideal situation to test the capabilities of a scope, as it was very bright (I can’t attest to how well the Banner would perform as the sun sets) and the targets were only about 20 yards away.  Even with iron sights it was no sweat hitting the targets at that range.  Regardless, it was great fun and a perfect appetizer to the main course of the convention floor.

Swarovski Binoculars make a big Impression with Compact Sizes

Swarovski Binoculars Helped us Glass the Floor at the NRA Meeting!

One of the first booths I stopped at was Swarovski‘s, and I spoke with Jason, who is one of their reps (as well as a really nice guy) and he gave me a ton of great info on the three different lines of binoculars that were displayed as well as a bit of info on evaluating binoculars.  First up, Jason told me about the Swarovski CL Binocular line.  These binos have a superb ergonomic feel, and they’re lightweight so you won’t mind carrying them or glassing for hours on end.  The next step up is the Swarovski SLC Binocular, which takes the lightweight and ergonomic design of the CLs and adds a new focusing wheel and provides brighter, clearer images because of a proprietary lens coating that lets in more light than you’ll find with most other binoculars.

Swarovksi CL Binocular Ocular lenses and Focus Wheel

The top of the line model was last, and it really knocked my socks off.  The Swarovski EL Binocular is truly special.  Clear, bright, ergonomic.  You name it.  But what I really like about the ELs is the edge to edge sharpness.  What that means is that unlike a majority of binoculars, you can see EVERYTHING through the lenses with perfect sharpness.  Other binoculars are only sharp in the center of the lens, and the further away from the center you get the blurrier the image becomes.  The Swarovski ELs avoid this by employing flatter lenses that are ground and polished to perfection.  Imagine the care that goes into crafting the beauty of a Swarovski crystal.  All that goes into Swarovski binoculars as well.

Jason also explained the various uses for each binocular, as some are better for lower light conditions than others, and some are more powerful for longer range hunting or birding.  I was aware going into the NRA Meeting that the size of the objective lens (the lens away from your face) is important for image brightness.  The larger the objective lens, the brighter the image.  At least that’s what I always thought.  Jason explained that the magnification also makes a big difference in how bright your image is.  Higher magnification means less light reaches your eye, which is why high power binoculars or telescopes have such large objective lenses.  So a 10×42 binocular will be brighter than a 12×42, so long as everything else is the same.  You might want the higher power, but keep in mind you’ll need a much larger binocular for early morning or late afternoon shooting.  The extra size and weight can be a hassle to haul during a long day of hunting.  If you’re in a tree stand or hunting blind it would be fine to use a powerful binocular on a tripod, but if you’re slogging through the mud to find that elusive deer you’ll want a far more compact and portable option.  Fortunately, Swarovski has great options, big and small, for your success.

Zombies Invade the NRA!

There were quite a few different zombie-themed products and booths at the NRA Annual Meeting.  Each of them reminded me of Charlton Heston’s famous line from the 2000 NRA Convention, where he said, “From my Cold, Dead Hands.”  Clearly, there are those involved in the shooting world who are worried Mr. Heston might still use his gun even after his hands are cold, as some pretty heavy-duty firepower and high tech optics were on display that were specifically geared toward taking down an undead ghoul.

Zombie Stopper Biohazard Reticle

I checked out EOTech‘s booth.  Much like at SHOT Show in January, they showed off the new EOTech Zombie Stopper.  A modified version of the EOTech XPS-2 Holographic Weapon Sight, the Zombie Stopper has a unique biohazard reticle pattern that will really help you target the weak spot of all zombies: the brain.  To go along with your zombie sight, EOTech also displayed their new G33 Magnifier.  Again, this debuted at SHOT Show, but the NRA Annual Meeting was my first opportunity to go hands on with the magnifier, and I was really impressed.  I briefly mention this in the video above, but what I liked most about the G33 is the sturdiness of the joint.  It’s very simple to use, but I had worried the G33 would flop back and forth because of the shock of recoil.  I found it needs a very firm push to flip up and down, so there is little chance it’ll fall over when in use.  Not having to think about a lever or button while still getting the fantastic performance of the G23 Magnifier is a great upgrade, and one I’m sure many of you will prefer when you get your own.

No Zombies will mess with us when the Apocalypse hits!

Another cool set of zombie products I got my hands on were courtesy of DS Arms, who manufacture the parts many of your firearms, from M16s to FALs.  In the picture above you can see Kiril and I with a couple of their tricked out rifles.  Mine had a gas-powered arrow launcher, Trijicon ACOG Fiber Optic Scope and a collapsible stock, and Kiril’s has an EOTech Holographic Weapon Sight and a custom muzzle with four spikes for when you run out of ammo but still have zombies attempting to eat your brains.  I never want the business end of an AR-15 pointed at me, but I especially don’t want to see it in my direction when there are spikes on the end.

Trijicon Sheds a bit of Light on Rifle and Bow Hunting!

Chase with the new Battery-Powered Trijicon ACOG

I love Trijicon.  Their ACOG scope is a phenomenal piece of equipment that gives you the kind of super fast target acquisition usually reserved for red dot sights, but with a little bit of magnification for greater accuracy.  The Bindon Aiming Concept Trijicon uses is just outstanding.  Most Trijicon ACOGs use either fiber optics or Tritium to light up the reticle, which is actually perfect for most situations, but some hunters prefer an actual battery in their scope.  It’s understandable.  I like batteries too, and having an old fashioned, simple brightness control knob just takes the ACOG to a whole other level.  Check out the photo above of our product specialist Chase taking a look through this new scope.  It uses a single AA battery (easy to carry some spares!) and looks great on that rifle.

For Greatest Bowhunting Success use a crouched stance and Trijicon AccuPin Sight!

One other Trijicon Sight I really liked wasn’t for a rifle, but rather a bow.  The Trijicon Accupin Bow Sight features a green ring with a green triangle dot in the center for easy aiming.  Oddly, they didn’t let me fire off any arrows Robin Hood-style in the middle of the convention hall, but I did take a look through the fiber optic-powered sight and was impressed.  Bright?  Check.  The hall was very bright, so there needed to be an extremely bright glow from the fiber optics to draw my eye, and I wasn’t disappointed.  I can honestly say I felt capable of splitting an arrow from 50 yards with this sight (probably not possible).

2012 NRA Annual Meeting Photo Gallery

Check out the NRA Meeting Photos below and see some more great shots from the convention floor.  From massive Smith and Wesson Revolvers and Zeiss Spotting Scopes to beautiful antique rifles up for auction, you can get a taste a few more flavors from the show.

Hey guys, I just got this fantastic post from Kate, who works closely with our vendors to make sure you get all the best new gear.  She recently went on a hog hunting trip in Texas and was kind enough to share her experience with us.  I don’t want to steal her thunder, so I’ll let her take it away! – Brian

Last week I had the opportunity of a lifetime to go hunting with a great group from EOTech. I promised I would blog about my experience, so here it is. I have been working at OpticsPlanet Inc. and in the hunting, shooting and outdoors industry for a bit over 3.5 years but this was my first foray into the hunting world.

As I was getting ready for the trip and figuring out what I needed to bring, I consulted our product expert and avid hunter Steve Ledin who brought me a huge bag full of hunting gear and apparel. I also received a backpack full of outdoor gear from our videographer and outdoorsman, Devin Ruddick. Along with some of these borrowed items, I packed my own Insight Technology flashlight for the trip. I was told we would have everything else we needed on location and that EOTech was bringing all of their coolest thermal, night vision, and gun sights on the hunt.

Tom, our EOTech rep, and I arrived in Dallas, TX early in the afternoon and took a trip to get our hunting licenses where we met up with the rest of the group, Ed, John, Lisa and Amy, who are all with EOTech. After a quick lunch we headed for Winona, a town about two hours east of Dallas and the location of our hunt. North Star Outfitters is situated on a beautiful ranch and we were met by Kyle, the ranch owner and our host. Everyone got right down to business, gearing up the guns and sighting everything in for the coming evening’s activities. I ended up shooting a couple different rifles out at the range and settled on the Bushmaster 450 as my weapon of choice for the hunt.

Kate has an Insight Technology Thermal Imager in front of an EOTech Holo Sight and G33 Magnifier!

The first night we drove out on a couple of golf carts with thermal devices in hand and mounted on our guns. I had no idea what to expect, but I put on several layers, tucked my city-girl jeans into some hunting boots, and covered myself from head to toe in mosquito repellent. I was ready to go! A friend asked me after I got back if I wore makeup on the hunt…but of course!

Riding along on the golf cart, I had my Thermal Eye X50 monocular ready, but as I looked through it I mostly saw a blur of shades of grey since we were moving pretty fast. The group of us drove along the paths and everyone peered out into the fields using their thermal devices to spot the hogs we were hunting.

After about an hour, the first one appeared in a large clearing behind a peach orchard. We stopped the carts and got out as quietly as we could. All of a sudden they told me that I’m to go first and switch from an observing-from-the-side-lines role to being up-to-bat in the blink of an eye. We left part of the group behind and made our way closer to the edge of the clearing. Now there were three of us and I had my bipod in hand as well as my rifle with the thermal scope. I had looked through this thing only once before we headed out for the night, but I’m sure glad I remembered where the on button was.

I was set up 46 feet away from the animal and settled the quad rail into the bipod. I can definitely say that my yoga classes paid off at this moment because I focused on regulating my breathing as the adrenaline was completely overwhelming. The sight was on, the round was in the chamber and the small click of the safety just echoed out. At least the gun was ready! I watched the hog through my scope, centered the cross-hairs and waited for him to turn sideways to take my shot. As Ed taught me, I squeezed the trigger while making sure that my reticle stayed on target and it sure did! I took the shot, the gun stayed in place, and with mixed feelings I can say it was a great shot! The huge hog fell to the ground and I had my first kill for the trip. He weighed in at 215 lbs and as I am told, was a fairly big boy.

Kate's First Hog!

A year ago I declined a similar trip because I wasn’t sure how I would feel about hunting. In this time I’ve heard horror stories about the devastation these animals are causing to the southern parts of our country. Since wild hogs are not native to these areas and have no natural predators, they are able to reproduce at incredible rates and overrun the land. As a result other animals get hurt and killed and farmland is rendered useless. This made me feel better about taking a few of them out.

Quite a haul at the EOTech Hog Hunt! Quite a successful trip!

During the remainder of the trip we went out hunting every night and even tried out the tree stands. I got another smaller hog and the group totaled in at nine kills by the end of the trip. I am very happy I had the opportunity to experience a hunt, especially considering the kind of equipment EOTech had there for us to use. Thermal devices are a rather expensive technology initially developed for the military and it was a real treat to be able to use the sights and monoculars on this trip. They allowed us not only to spot the game very quickly, but also to spend less time on retrieval and more time hunting. The people and the toys definitely made this trip!

Steve Ledin beat me to the punch the week I got back and blogged about my experience as well on www.riflescopeblog.com!