Accuracy International
Model AE
Caliber(s): .308, others
Weight: 13.4 lbs.
Barrel Length: 24"
Rate of Twist: 1:12
MSRP: $2,493
www.accuracyinternational.org
Armalite
AR-10(T)
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 10.4 lbs.
Barrel Length: 24”
Rate of Twist: 1:11.25
MSRP: $2,080
www.armalite.com
Aurora Tactical
M91
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 14 lbs.
Barrel Length: 30”
Rate of Twist: 1:10
MSRP: $1,495
www.quicktactical.com
Colt
Accurized Rifle
Caliber(s): .223
Weight: 9.25 lbs.
Barrel Length: 24”
Rate of Twist: 1:9
MSRP: $1,424
www.colt.com
Bushmaster
V Match
Caliber(s): .223
Weight: 8 lbs.
Barrel Length: 20”
Rate of Twist: 1:9
MSRP: $1,030
www.bushmaster.com
Dakota
M76 Longbow
Caliber(s): .338 Lapua, others
Weight: 13.5 lbs.
Barrel Length: 28”
Rate of Twist: 1:10
MSRP: $4,250
www.dakotaarms.com
DPMS
Panther Bull Twenty-Four Special
Calibers: .223
Weight: 10.25 lbs.
Barrel Length: 24”
Rate of Twist: 1:8 or 1:9
MSRP: $1,189
www.dpmsinc.com
FN
A4 Special Police
Caliber(s): .308 others
Weight: 10.5 lbs.
Barrel Length: 24”
Rate of Twist: 1:12
MSRP: $5,736
www.fnherstal.com
LesBaer
Super Match
Caliber(s): .223
Weight: 11.5 lbs.
Barrel Length: 20”
Rate of Twist: 1:9
MSRP: $2,144
www.lesbaer.com
Remington
M700P
Caliber(s): 223, .308, others
Weight: 9 lbs. (700P LTR 7.5 lbs.)
Barrel Length: 26” (700P LTR 20”)
Rate of Twist: 1:9 (.223), 1:12 (.308)
MSRP: $795
www.remingtonle.com
Sako
TRG 22
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 10.25 lbs.
Barrel Length: 26”
Rate of Twist: 1:11
MSRP: $2,898
www.berettausa.com
Savage
10 FP-LE2
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 8.75 lbs.
Barrel Length: 26”
Rate of Twist: 1:10
MSRP: $511
www.savagearms.com
SiG
SSG3000
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 12 lbs.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Rate of Twist: 1:12
MSRP: $2,662
www.sigarms.com
Springfield Armory
M21
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 11.6 lbs.
Barrel Length: 22”
Rate of Twist: 1:10
MSRP: $2,975
www.springfield-armory.com
Steyr
SSG 69
Caliber(s): .308
Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Barrel Length: 26.5”
Rate of Twist: 1:12
MSRP: $1,799
www.dnrws.com/mannlicher
Weatherby
TRR Magnum Custom
Caliber(s): .338-378 Wthby. Mag., others
Weight: 10.5 lbs
Barrel Length: 26”
Rate of Twist: 1:10
MSRP: $2,649
www.weatherby.com
Winchester
M70 Stealth
Caliber(s): .223, .308, others
Weight: 10.75 lbs.
Barrel Length: 26”
Rate of Twist: 1:9 (.223), 1:12 (.308)
MSRP: $785
www.winchester-guns.com
Ghost of a Chance
You know, being a thug isn't easy anymore. Criminals, like cockroaches, are most active after the sun has set. But the incredible advance of technology has stolen the cover of darkness from the poor little miscreants by making night vision equipment extremely affordable. Of course, on a really foggy night, NV gear is of scant use. Enter Elcan's new SpecterIR.
Billed as "the first thermal weapon sight designed for law enforcement and security professionals," the SpecterIR does indeed offer new capabilities beyond conventional NV equipment.
The SpecterIR unit measures 13 inches in length and weighs roughly 3 pounds. Power is provided by three lithium-ion AA batteries, which are rated for 6 hours of continuous operation. The unit offers intermittent or constant-on operation. In the intermittent mode, the Specter switches on only when pressure is applied to the large, comfortable rubber eyepiece.
In operation, the postage stamp sized output screen shows a gray scene, with the reticle (an interrupted crosshair with central dot) contrasting in white. Objects warmer than the surrounding terrain glow white, increasingly so the hotter they are.
A little operational training is required here, as all sorts of objects will glow in the view of the SpecterIR. Take that clown peeking out from behind the dumpster down that alley there. The dumpster, having been warmed by the sun, glows just as Joe Dirtbag does, but his movements give him away instantly. The SpecterIR is capable of detecting a moving, man-sized object fully 200 yards distant.
Weapons mounting is via the now common Picatinney rail system. Adjustments for windage and elevation are comprised within the mount. The SpecterIR also features a video output jack (a wireless transmitter is available), and a polarity switch, which can be used to enhance contrast of the reticle when targeting.
For further info on the capabilities of the SpecterIR, www.elcan.com.
Jim Gardner is the editor of GUNS Magazine, and an internationally recognized firearms expert.