SIMMONS MASTER SERIES
Simmons' economical Master Series ProHunter scope line includes the patented TrueZero flex erector system, and the QTA Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece -- plus true one-piece tube construction for increased mounting area, aspherical lens technology and fully multi-coated optics, HydroShield lens coating, new SureGrip rubber surfaces on all eyepieces and side-focus parallax adjustments.

Also unprecedented in a value-priced riflescope is the Simmons TrueZero windage and elevation dial mechanism, which employs an audible-click ball bearing and spring system to significantly reduce wear while maintaining dial reliability and accuracy over time.

The dials themselves do not screw in or out, but pull an internal post, which insure equal click value throughout the full adjustment range. Also, the dials are completely sealed against water intrusion, even with the windage and elevation caps off. Seventeen variable-power ProHunter variations are available, from 2-7x32mm to 6-24x44mm, plus two fixed-power versions in 4x32mm and 6x40mm, in a variety of finishes and reticle configurations. (www.simmonsoptics.com).

SWAROVSKI Z6
Swarovski's Z6 scope series offer a six-times zoom factor, and were the first scopes to feature this magnification range. The Z6 scope's field of view has been increased by nearly 50 percent in some models, plus significant increases in eye relief. The illuminated Z6i versions of the series have Swarovski's High Grid technology built into the eyepiece for the best possible reticle illumination, protected by a low-profile forged aluminum housing that is completely watertight.

Unlike other illuminated scopes, there is no "tacked-on" battery housing. The new riflescopes have a wide choice of reticles, all in the second image plane, which means that only the target is enlarged when changing the magnification and not the reticle itself. This makes aiming considerably easier and allows use of the same reticle placement at all magnification levels for easy trajectory compensation at different ranges. The new 30mm Z6 scopes are now available in 10 different configurations. (www.swarovskioptik.com).

TRIJICON ACCUPOINT
Trijicon, Inc. has introduced the first AccuPoint riflescopes to combine the company's advanced, self-luminous aiming technologies and superb clarity with the added precision of the hunting industry's most popular reticle -- a cross hair. The new Trijicon AccuPoint with an illuminated cross hair reticle does not require batteries for operation, eliminating the need for extra batteries and potential for failure during a critical moment in the field.

The new Trijicon AccuPoint riflescope series is designed to deliver accurate, effective aiming under even the most challenging conditions, extending hunting hours for greater success. Trijicon's exclusive battery-free tritium technology provides precise amber illumination where the cross hairs intersect, regardless of available light. The new cross hair series of Trijicon AccuPoint riflescopes also features Trijicon's newly updated Manual Brightness Adjustment Override, which allows the user to shade the tritium and fiber optics during daylight. The Trijicon "AccuPoint" riflescope line is available in 1.25-4x24mm, 3-9x40mm and 2.5-10x56mm versions, all with 1-inch tubes. (www.trijicon.com)

TRUGLO TRU-BRITE
TruGlo's new Tru-Brite scope line offers great utility at an economical price. Available in 3-9x44mm, 3-12x44mm and 4-16x50mm versions, all feature dual-color illuminated reticles that allow choice of red or green for faster target acquisition in low-light conditions.

The reticles can also be used in black without illumination. All have waterproof/fog-proof/nitrogen gas-filled construction, and the BDC (Bullet-Drop Compensating) models have special reticles that can be easily calibrated to most centerfire cartridges and accommodate targets up to 600 yards away. The Tru-Brite series also features shock-resistant construction to 1,000 gravities, optical-quality all-weather see-thru/flip-up lens caps and a rubber-coated, speed-focus eyepiece. The lenses have specially formulated multi-coatings to provide maximum brightness, clarity and contrast, and the zoom index on the power ring is at 9 o'clock for more ergonomic use. All Tru-Brite models also have low-profile, large-diameter windage/elevation adjustment drums with coil-spring tensioning, a rheostat for adjustable brightness intensity, one-piece aircraft-quality aluminum tubes and durable, scratch-resistant, non-reflective matte finish. (www.truglo.com)

VORTEX VIPER 3.5-10X50
Vortex Viper premium riflescopes offer 95 percent light transmission and premium, fully multi-coated optics at a price hundreds less than premium brands. XD (Xtra-low Dispersion) objective lens elements of extra-low dispersion glass enhance image resolution and are precision-crafted to exacting standards for clarity and color accuracy. XR anti-reflective coatings deliver image detail with extremely high resolution and light transmission. Fully multi-coated, scratch-resistant coatings eliminate annoying, image-degrading reflections and offer extraordinary brightness for a lifetime of trouble-free lens protection.

The Viper's patented Precision-Force Spring System uses an ultra-performance copper alloy/cobalt-beryllium spring that greatly increases the fatigue life of the erector support system over more commonly used materials, but changes in spring pressure over time are virtually eliminated because the spring maintains a constant force throughout the entire range of motion. And most important, windage and elevation adjustments are consistently smooth, thanks to the spring's resistance to galling against the erector tube. (www.vortexoptics.com)

WEAVER GRAND SLAM
Weaver Grand Slam riflescopes continue to be superb performers while remaining value-priced. All Grand Slam scopes are equipped with the Micro-Trac 4-point adjustment system, unique in the industry. Any adjustment made to the tube for windage is independent of any elevation changes.

Most conventional conversion systems use two screws and one spring to adjust their erector tubes. Eventually, adjusting one screw "too much" will cause the spring to inadvertently affect the adjustment of the other variable. These other systems do not operate independently from one another like the Micro-Trac. The Micro-Trac erector tube is always being directed from the same point, so angular motion is consistent. Click adjustments are always consistent to a minute of angle. (www.weaveroptics.com)

ZEISS RAPID-Z RETICLES
Zeiss continues to expand its "Rapid-Z" user-friendly reticle system into additional riflescope models. Rapid-Z variations include the standard Rapid-Z 600, Rapid-Z Varmint, and Rapid-Z 800 formats for common hunting calibers, and the Rapid-Z 1000 for longer-range shooting. Horizontal lines with yardage reference numbers indicating distances provide accurate and easy holdover to rapidly engage targets at any distance within the capability of the cartridge being used.

Yardage distances vary depending on the format of the reticle whether the Rapid-Z 600 and Rapid-Z Varmint for use out to 600 yards, or the Rapid-Z 800 and Rapid-Z 1000 for use out to 800 and 1,000 yards, respectively. In addition to holdover reference points, the reticles have reference points for windage equating to 5- and 10-mph winds along the horizontal axis of the major yardage lines. All Rapid-Z reticles will have the added ability to perform quick range estimation through the use of a simple ranging bracket feature. (www.zeiss.com).