SHOT Show 2018: FN America

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January 24, 2018

FN America’s full display product line distracted me the direction I was headed an the purpose for which I was going there.

SCAR’s, AR’s, SAW’s, and there fine handgun display took a while to navigate. The folks at FN are proud of the line-up and the reasons behind it. A display of U.S. Military small arms currently deployed rounded out one end of the line credentialing the rest.

In another corner I found the forbidden treasure.

FN’s SCAR-SC (Subcompact) is an LEO available product. I and several other writers shook our fists and sky from the media room for the cruel tease to the public domain.

In functionality though the SC is a fine concept for a variety of LEO carbine tasks. It’s small and would easily maneuver inside a cruiser. It’s upgraded non-reciprocating charging handle address the issues of using a magwell grip that’s more common on smaller carbines and submachine guns like the MP5. Everything on the SCAR-SC has been retuned and engineered as necesarry for the smaller form and shorter barrel.

Someone just needs to put an SB Tactical PDW end cap body on that frame and we have ourselves a subcompact pistol like none before.

FN’s booth was most about continuing a refinement on their current lineup. The SCAR-SC is the only addition to the U.S. line while all others are adapted variations on their core firearms.

SHOT Show 2018: The Second Day

By

Keith Finch

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January 24, 2018

There is a tremendous amount going on here at the Sands Expo Center and the amount of product here is astounding.

Franklin Armory’s mysterious Reformation has been revealed. As many theorized they have used a departure from traditional rifling in their barrels to achieve the status ‘Firearm’ under ATF designation. Another arena where R&D engineers have managed quite a feat. The barrels have straight lands and grooves and do not impart a stabilizing spin to the round.

Stabilized flight is instead achieved in the .300 Blackout by the engineering of the projectile. It’s a clever concept even if it makes the full system very specialized. Traditional ammunition can still be used but the rounds will be flying straight bore.

I’m mostly enjoying the Reformation for the fact it engineers around a problem. It also will be standard with the BFS III Binary Trigger.

A stop at Armament Systems and Procedures was enlightening. ASP is an almost exclusively Law Enforcement focused organization and their dedication to the efficiency, durability, and usability of their lights, cuffs, batons, and sprays is paralleled with an aggressive free training program they offer to departments and agencies around the nation to better prepare LEO’s to survive encounters that go hands on less lethal. Every one of their products is designed from an active use training standpoint. Nearly everything they make was designed first and foremost to assist the needs of an actively responding officer.

I’ve been religiously carrying their Tungsten handheld flashlight and I’ve never been more impressed by the purposeful engineering on an otherwise simple product.

They do a full line of scale training weapons and it fits with the company’s hyper focused determination to see a continuously better trained LEO community.

Rolling through Meprolight’s booth and stopping to talk revealed and a well thought out expansion and evolution on many of their legacy optics. You’ve seen the releases here.

Their MicroRDS though is a very cool take on the iron sight vs. reddot on a pistol. They just turn night sight iron sights into a sturdy QD mount for the RDS. I’m attempting to get one for T&E

Quick update guys and back at it. I stopped by U.S. Optics too but so engaging was the conversation I never got the camera out. But one of the scopes will be on deck for review too.

The Party was Lit

By

Keith Finch

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January 24, 2018

Last night was the Nighthawk Custom and Agency Arms sponsored shoot and party.

There were guns from FNH, Kalashnikov USA, Agency, and Nighthawk on the lines to light up the night at Pro Gun Club just outside of Las Vegas.

FN brought a line up of SCAR rifles, an FN15, and a MK46, and a few others. The SCAR17/MK17 SBR full-auto was always roaring. Everyone needs to shoot one, that is simply an inescapable fact.

The finale after a hungers were sated with tacos was a minigun shoot in which a Winnebago was the the target.

Party was lit up my friends. Drinks were had, stories exchanged and then back to the Expo in the morning

SHOT Show 2018: ATEi

By

Keith Finch

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January 24, 2018

ATEi is a nationally known customization specialist from Taylor, MI. Custom slides, coatings, triggers, RMR addition milling, ATEi is one stop locale for changing up your stock firearm and making it your own “Combat Weapon System” .

It was no surprise they already had a G19x with the full treatment top to bottom.

While opinions vary on whether stock guns or these rock star level modified guns are the way to go at the end of the day ATEi is providing any degree of customization you desire over stock ‘perfection’.

There is an immense market in improving a gun to fit your shooting and aesthetics requirements. Changing a trigger compliment proper trigger squeeze or adding an microdot because it greatly enhances hit probability at distance is a far cry from some “just for the ‘Gram”.

Of course, it’s your money. It’s your gun. Do it how you want. Your can mod it to enhance and craft a shooting characteristic or you can mod it because.

In looking to add modifications to a carry gun though consult with the fine folks at ATEi. Giving them the directional vision to improve your stock firearm to a more personalized and functional form by covering your end users requirements will insure you are satisfied with any modification.

ATEi knows there stuff. I can feel Glock heading there direction in the future. TBD on whether or not a G19x

From The Range at SHOT Show 2018: EOTech VUDU 5-25x Prototypes and Green HWS

By

Keith Finch

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January 23, 2018

Michigan continues to produce some amazing items for the industry and I hit up EOTech to play with their latest two offerings.

The green reticled HWS are a serious shooting consideration. Why green? Easy on the eyes is the simple answer, the human eye picks the green up quicker in many respects and that makes this quick reflex optic even quicker. Every other standard from their HWS lineup remains, now just easier to see than ever. This is impressive, working with green lasers has in the past presented challenges, power consumption being high on that list.

What really made this stop worthwhile was this optic

It’s a prototype VUDU 5-25x front focal plane. While that’s not can unheard of project by any means keeping the overall length under 12″ was. Optics of this profile fit so much better on modern tactical platforms, especially shorter ones with limited real estate. I will get my hands on one and get back to you guys.

Two reticles were displayed, a Horus and a TMR. The TMR was mounted up to the Mossberg 6.5 Creedmoor

Glass was crystal clear and the eye box was generous. Even at 25x where things get really tight on most optics finding a clear sight picture was quick. At 5x it’s still usable as a quicker optic for more reflexive shooting. Whether on a precision bolt gun or a semi-auto DMR this 5-25x is going to find itself eminently usable.

100 yards on a hostage swinger steel target was a delightfully simple task at 5x and might as well have been cheating at 25x.

If you’re in the market for new glass, keep an out for this dropping later this summer!

I Spy with My Little Eye… Knight’s SR’s

By

Keith Finch

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January 23, 2018

More on this to come… I want to sit down with Knight’s Armament before digging into these fine firearms.

SHOT Show 2018 On Deck!

By

Keith Finch

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January 23, 2018

ATEi has worked up the G19x, the only one I've found so far. I don't normally go for tricked Glocks.. normally.

As anticipated the range and now the SHOT Show floor are stocked to the breaking point guns, ammo, and tactical gear. Check this out!

The Ladyhawk 2.0 is here. Smooth as she looks.. smoother in person

Nighthawk Custom has delivered with Agency, Railscales, and Hillbilly 223. These guns are in a league of their own. Hands on here.

MP5’s are continuing to emerge… These were on display at PTR along with their more traditional roller delayed offerings.

Product refinement, correlation, and customization is the everywhere.

Zenith had their factory SBR Z43 on the range and ringing steel with the irons at 100, 200, and 300 made my day… and theirs, apparently I was the only one who didn’t miss.

More to come guys. There’s a lot to unload!

We Like Shooting 230 – Couch for sale, slightly stained

By

We Like Shooting

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January 23, 2018

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 230 – tonight we’ll talk about Glock Airsoft, black rhino concealment, chiappa spencer carbine, survival axes and more!

Source: https://welikeshooting.com/show/230/

We Like Shooting Double Tap 047 – Guido

By

We Like Shooting

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January 22, 2018

Welcome to We Like Shooting’s Double Tap, Episode 47, Tonight we talk about gun tech, we’ll answer your questions on Dear WLS, we’ll talk about NOT GUNS, and revisit past gear

Source: https://welikeshooting.com/show/double-tap/dt047/

Media Day at The Range: PreSHOT Check-in

By

Keith Finch

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January 22, 2018

Welcome to Las Vegas.

Our normal Sunday pace was altered due to SHOT travel and I’m about to set out for the range. As usual the findings will be found here and at 248Shooter.

Enormous thanks is due to Sig Sauer and Gray Guns is for making our late arrival into the desert here an enjoyable and worthwhile one yesterday.

And for anyone wondering… Yes the P365 was here in force.

And yes… I liked it.

Henry Repeating Arms Introduces First New Models of 2018

By

Keith Finch

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January 20, 2018

BAYONNE, NJ – January 18, 2017 – Henry Repeating Arms, one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the United States introduced over two dozen new models in 2017, including shotguns for the first time in the company’s 20-year history. The offerings are expanding again in early 2018 to include a new tribute edition, an additional finish option for the popular Big Boy line of lever action rifles, and an emergency preparedness kit that includes the U.S. Survival AR-7 rifle, among others.

Big Boy Color Case Hardened Rifles

Spurred on by the popularity of the .30-30 and .45-70 Color Case Hardened lever action rifles introduced in 2016 Henry is adding six more guns with the same finish for 2018. Color case hardening is a time-honored technique that results in harder surface areas of the treated steel, and the waves of deep color make it easily recognizable. The receiver and forend cap both get this color case hardening treatment, while the barrel, lever, and trigger have a blued finish. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for use with optics, and the rifle comes standard with fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sighs and a brass bead front sight. The barrel is Henry’s iconic octagonal blued steel barrel, and it is available in either a full-length 20-inch rifle version or a 16.5-inch carbine version. Besides the reduced overall length, weight and capacity the carbine version features one other difference with the large loop lever installed from the factory. Shooters value the aesthetics of the large loop lever, but it also plays a more practical role in cold weather when a smaller lever might not fit gloved fingers comfortably. The straight grip American Walnut stocks come pre-drilled with swivel studs for use with a sling, and the wood is deeply checkered to get a more confident grip on the gun. The Big Boy Color Case Hardened rifles and carbines are available in .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .45 Colt, and .357 Magnum/.38 Special. These caliber options make this model a strong pairing with a centerfire revolver of the same caliber. The tube magazine under the barrel can hold ten rounds of ammunition in the rifle version, or seven rounds in the carbine version. All variations of the Big Boy Color Case Hardened models share an MSRP of $1,045. For more information visit: https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/big-boy-color-case-hardened/

Henry U.S. Survival Pack

The U.S. Survival AR-7 is consistently one of Henry’s top sellers. Famed firearms designer Eugene Stoner invented the rifle, who is most well-known for creating the AR-15, which saw service with the U.S. military as the M16. The manufacturing rights for the AR-7 were passed to Henry Repeating Arms in 1997 when they made several changes to improve reliability, accuracy, and durability. Once used as an emergency backup firearm by U.S. Air Force pilots the rifle is now a top choice for recreational users, backpackers, emergency preppers and survivalists in need of a utility takedown rifle. For 2018, the brand new U.S. Survival Pack revolves around the 3.5-pound rifle that breaks down for carrying into its 16.5-inch stock. The kit includes a myriad of American-made items to aid with survival and emergency preparedness, which can all be packed up into the custom case made by Allen along with the stowed rifle and spare magazines. Among the items included in the kit are 100 feet of MIL-C-5040H Type III green paracord, which can serve as lashing or fishing line, a Mylar emergency space blanket to reduce heat loss in the body, and a black rubber SWAT-T tourniquet for emergency first aid. The fire steel, made by ESEE from 1095 carbon steel is used with ferrocerium rods or true flint, and a divot in the center assists fire starting with a bow drill. An ultralight Frontier Filter Straw is also included in the kit for water filtration. The filter is certified to EPA standards for the removal of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, as well as reducing chlorine and other chemicals. Datrex emergency food bars are shelf-stable for up to 5 years and come vacuum-sealed in a specially designed polymer-foil package. Four of these bars are included in the kit for a total of 1,000 calories. To help with skinning an animal for additional food, or for whittling roasting sticks or kindling, the kit comes with a Buck Rival folding knife featuring a 2.75-inch stainless steel blade, black nylon handle, and one-handed thumb stud opening. The Henry U.S. Survival Pack, model #H002BSGB has an MSRP of $550 and must be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. For more information visit: https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/henry-u-s-survival-pack/

Shriners Tribute Edition

The new Shriners Tribute Edition, actually announced in late December, recognizes the Shriners International fraternity with a rifle built on the award-winning Golden Boy platform. Henry Repeating Arms is donating a portion of each sale to the organization to assist with their many philanthropic efforts. Serial #1, presented to the Shriners at their headquarters in Tampa, Florida on December 13th, 2017, is now housed in their memorabilia room. The Shriners Tribute Edition, model #H004SHR has an MSRP of $1,213.

Henry rifles can be purchased through a licensed firearms dealer. Most dealers offer a discount off of the MSRP.
For more information about the company and its products visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354.

About Henry Repeating Arms

Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the country and the leading lever action manufacturer. Their company motto is ‘Made In America Or Not Made At All,’ and their products come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The original Henry rifle played a significant role in the frontier days of the American West and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought-after rifles in the history of firearms. The company’s manufacturing facilities are in Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI.

FABARM Professional STF 12 Gauge Coming to the States

By

Keith Finch

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January 20, 2018

The New .50 caliber Umarex Hammer is an Air Rifle!

By

Keith Finch

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January 20, 2018

Umarex USA has officially announced the introduction of the Umarex Hammer^™, the American-made .50 caliber air rifle that has become the most powerful production airgun on the planet.

The Hammer has been conceived, designed and engineered in America and is being made in the U.S.A. Its assembly will take place in Fort Smith, Arkansas within the facility of Umarex USA. Adam Blalock, CEO of Umarex USA, Inc. said, “We continually look for products that we can make right here in the USA and more specifically, within the walls of our building in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Hammer represents powerful innovation in air rifles and I couldn’t be more excited that we’re equipped to build it right here.”

The sheer energy and three full-power shots delivered by the .50 caliber Umarex Hammer^™ is achieved by its proprietary, patent-pending, Lightspeed^™valve. The innovative engineering used to design this internal mechanism coupled with a .50 caliber, 550 grain lead slug is responsible for the generation of its 705 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. Almost as impressive, it only takes two pounds of effort to operate its straight-pull bolt. This short, effortless, two-inch action is all it takes to cock the rifle and advance the magazine.

Umarex USA’s engineers produced multiple prototypes of various mechanisms for the Hammer during nearly a two-year process that has resulted in the most innovative production big bore hunting air rifle. The soul of the Umarex Hammer is powered by our most essential element—air. 4,500 pounds per square inch of compressed air fill its on-board carbon fiber cylinder to a capacity of 24 cubic inches. The Hammer’s Lightspeed^™ valve, coupled with a precision regulator instantly pulses a measure of air compressed to 3,000 psi, behind the projectile. This innovative patent-pending system efficiently propels a .50 caliber 550 grain lead slug at a muzzle velocity of 760 feet per second and a 250 grain slug at over 1,000 feet per second.

The Umarex Hammer^™ has a multitude of useful and user-friendly features that both hunters and shooters appreciate. In addition to being the most powerful airgun delivering three regulated, full-power shots, it is the only production big bore air rifle that offers multiple shots from its patent-pending chamber magazine—other big bore air rifles require the insertion of a round into its chamber after every shot fired. Unique to the Hammer is the utilization of three safeties—a conventional hammer block, a magazine lockout that prevents it from discharging without a magazine inserted, and a trigger block safety. “You won’t find safety mechanisms to this extent on any other big bores. The Umarex Hammer is the most powerful production air rifle in the world, so we charged our engineers, from the beginning, to incorporate safety mechanisms that would help prevent unintended discharges.” said Steve Lamboy, Senior Director of Strategic Development at Umarex USA.

Umarex USA collaborated with PolyOne Corporation, a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, in the design, engineering and material selection for the stock of the Umarex Hammer^™air rifle. As a result, the stock, forearm and other key polymer components are produced from Nymax^™, an advanced polymer that withstands the rugged trials of outdoor hunting and shooting. Designers from the IQ Design group at PolyOne added three locations into the rifle’s forearm that accept M-LOK accessories, and incorporated a sling stud into the lower half of the rear stock. Together, the advanced polymer materials and innovative design, including smooth edges and tight-fitting joints, form a modern and functional stock for the Hammer rifle that is both shooter-friendly and made to last. Richard Turner, President of Umarex USA, Inc, said, “In working with PolyOne, we targeted certain design and performance aspects of the polymer portions of the Hammer. The PolyOne team embraced our concept and the performance targets and worked hand-in-hand with our product development team to develop specific options that met our design, weight and most importantly performance goals.”

The Umarex Hammer^™ is equipped with additional features that include a standard AR Magpul grip, Quick Disconnect Foster fitting to fill the onboard air cylinder, externally visible air pressure gauge, a button-rifled .50 caliber barrel, and 8.5-inches of Picatinny rail. MSRP $799.99.

Umarex Hammer^™ Energy Generation
Grain      Material                FPS       Energy (ft. lbs.)
180         Umarex^® ARX^®   1100       484
200         Lead                     1055      495
250         Lead                     1000      555
275         Lead                     945        545
300         Lead                     930        576
330         Lead (Lyman)       935        641
350         Lead (Lyman)       875        595
550         Lead                     760        705

Umarex Hammer^™ Features & Specifications

Made in the USA
Most powerful production air rifle on the planet
Delivers 760 foot pounds of energy
Shoots a 550 grain lead slug at 790 feet per second
Places 3 rounds of 350 grain lead slugs within an inch at 50 yards
Straight-pull bolt with 2 lb. cocking effort and just 2 in. of travel
Delivers 3 full-power shots using 8 cubic inches per shot
Patent-pending Lightspeed^™ valve
24 cubic inch carbon fiber tank holds 4,500 psi compressed air
Regulated to 3,000 psi per shot
Utilizes Quick Disconnect Foster fitting for filling
Standard Magpul AR grip
Machined Picatinny Rail 8.5-inch in length with 20 slots
Modern stock design and manufactured by PolyOne
Three slots incorporated in forearm for M-LOK attachment
Rear sling stud built-in
43.75-inch overall length
8.5 pound overall weight unloaded without scope
29.5-inch barrel length with full length composite shroud
3 lb. trigger weight
Three safeties: hammer block, magazine lock-out, trigger block

Umarex sporting airguns, optics, long distance lights, and accessories are available at local sporting goods dealers and retail locations around the world. Sporting goods dealers may order Umarex products from many established outdoor goods distributors.

About UMAREX USA

Umarex USA, Incorporated is one of North America’s fastest growing outdoor sport and recreation companies. Umarex USA innovates, develops and markets products under brands owned or licensed by its parent company, UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG. Such brands include Axeon® Optics, Beretta^®, Browning^®, Colt^®, Elite Force^®, GLOCK^®, Heckler & Koch^®, Hornady^®, IWI^®, Optical Dynamics^™, Ruger^®, RWS^®, Smith & Wesson^®, UMAREX^®, Walther^®and others. For additional information regarding Umarex USA visit UmarexUSA.com.

XS Sights Announces New ‘No Questions Asked’ Warranty & New Booth Location at the SHOT Show

By

Keith Finch

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January 20, 2018

XS® Sights will have a new booth location at the 2018 SHOT Show. The company is moving from the lower level to the main floor of the Las Vegas Sands Convention Center and will be in booth #16054. The booth design is completely new, and XS will be displaying its popular F8 Night Sights, including new F8 models for the Smith & Wesson M&P pistols and SIG SAUER P320 striker-fired pistols.

XS is also implementing a new ‘No Questions Asked Warranty’ for all sights as of January 1, 2018. This new warranty is an effort to provide exceptional customer service and to encourage more people to install their own sights. Given the limited lifespan of tritium, any XS sights with tritium will be backed by a 10-year, no questions asked warranty. After 10 years, XS will replace these sights as needed at a steeply discounted price.

“We want our customers to feel comfortable installing their own sights, and our new ‘No Questions Asked Warranty’ should give them peace of mind that we have their back and will take care of them in the rare case that something goes wrong during the installation process,” said Zack Kinsley, marketing manager for XS Sights. “We value our customers and want to provide outstanding service and support to them.”

The new F8 Night sights are easy to install with a sight pusher and can be filed to fit. XS also includes any specialty tools needed for installation with each sight such as a Glock front sight screwdriver, locktite, and Allen wrenches.

About XS Sights

XS Sights is known for making the fastest sights in any light. For more than 20 years, the XS team has created some of the most innovative sights on the market today for pistols, rifles and shotguns. Whether used for personal defense or hunting, these sights are designed and built to be the absolute best for their specific purpose.

Shot Show 2018: Meprolight Exhibits a Unique Multi-Spectral Weapon Sight

By

Keith Finch

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January 20, 2018

Combining Uncooled Thermal Channel with Digital Day/Night Camera, MEPRO NYX-200 improves soldier’s situational awareness and allows rapid target acquisition in any lighting conditions and any environment

Shot Show 2018, Las Vegas, USA, January 23-26, Stand #15138

January 18, 2018 Meprolight Ltd. –a member of the SK Group and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, self-illuminated sights, and Laser Range Finder systems for military, law enforcement and civil applications – will introduce at Shot Show 2018, the unique MEPRO NYX-200 multi-spectral weapon sight and hand-held device.

The MEPRO NYX-200 combines an uncooled thermal channel with a sensitive high-resolution digital day/night camera. The sight improves the soldier’s situational awareness, and allows rapid target acquisition in any lighting conditions and in any environment.

According to Benny Kokia, Meprolight, VP Marketing and Sales , “Modern battlefield challenges force soldiers to carry an expanding array of systems, sensors, and equipment. The weight of this equipment and the need to operate a variety of devices reduces mission effectiveness and may compromise soldier safety. To solve these issues and improve the modern soldier’s operation, we developed the MEPRO NYX-200.”

“The MEPRO NYX-200 is a lightweight, all-in-one weapon sight that includes a thermal imaging channel and day/night sensitive camera, integrated DVR and IR pointer,” Mr. Kokia continued. “This solution replaces at least four (4) different systems currently carried by the average soldier. It allows ongoing work, 24/7, in all environments and weather conditions – meeting the demands of the modern battlefield and increasing mission effectiveness.”

The MEPRO NYX-200 is available in two configurations: thermal channel with digital night camera or thermal channel with digital day camera. The combination of thermal channel and digital night camera (DNC) enables enhanced situational awareness with maximum view at any level of darkness in any environment. The thermal channel can be used in total darkness and through fog, camouflage, etc. The sight’s digital night vision is optimized for Close Quarters Battle (CQB), face recognition, and more.

The combination of thermal channel and digital day camera (DDC) enables the soldiers to use the sight for both day and night operation, eliminating the need to change sights/devices between day and night, and allowing soldiers to move between dark and light environments, such as entering dark places also during daytime.

Long operation time based on four (4) commercially available batteries enables soldiers to complete missions without power failure. The integrated IR pointer (optional) supports various tactical scenarios including CQB and covert night operations. Using integrated DVR enables image capture and video recording and transmitting for mission debriefing. MEPRO NYX-200 was designed and fabricated to the most stringent military standards, including MIL-810, to assure years of reliable operation under all field and environmental conditions.

About Meprolight

Meprolight is a member of the SK Group and a leading international electro-optics company, developing, manufacturing and marketing systems for armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilian markets since 1990. Meprolight provides comprehensive solutions with a wide array of combat-proven products: electro-optical and optical sights and devices, night vision sights and observation systems, thermal sights, fire control systems and other self-illuminated products and accessories. Meprolight’s solutions are currently operational in safety and security applications for law enforcement, military and civilian communities worldwide.

About SK Group

SK Group is a privately held technology and innovation holding company specializing in global frontline defense, and paramilitary solutions, marine infrastructures and property development. SK Group provides small arm systems, electro-optic and laser solutions, imaging systems, naval solutions and more. Drawing on Israel’s innovation and field-proven solutions, SK’s companies offer a powerful track record of technology, experience and excellence.

For more information on Meprolight, please visit: www.meprolight.com.