With advancements in firearms and the tactical gear that accompanies them, shooting is reaching new heights every single day.
Scroll through the gallery above for nine pieces of gear that are sure to improve your shooting in 2016.
For more on the items in the gallery, be sure to read the descriptions below on what makes this gear so special.
Aimpoint’s New Magnifiers
Aimpoint’s new 3X-C is an affordable 3X magnifier for the commercial market while the 3XMag-1 and 6XMag-1 models are updated versions for military and law enforcement needs that offer 3X and 6X magnification, respectively.
All three magnifiers are designed to work in line with most electronic reflex sights and have adjustable diopters. Each can use the Aimpoint FlipMount, which allows the magnifier to be quickly flipped into or out of position, or removed from the firearm completely. (aimpoint.com; 877-246-7646)
BlackHawk A.R.C.
The A.R.C. (Appendix Reversible Carry) holster is an inside-the-waistband model designed for appendix carry. Able to accommodate pistols with rear-mounted red-dot sights, the A.R.C. is constructed of a soft, durable, injection-molded polymer.
The design is also ambidextrous, so it will accommodate left- and right-handed users. Each A.R.C. includes two cant and ride height adjustment belt clips for 1.5- and 1.75-inch belts. (blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
Burris XTR II 1-8×24mm
The XTR II 1-8x24mm riflescope has a dual-focal-plane reticle design that allows the crosshairs to change size with magnification while the size of the illuminated center remains constant. The mil measurements and trajectory lines are accurate at any power. The design allows for fast, easy transitions between short- and mid-range shooting.
The riflescope has dimensionally matched precision adjustment knobs and Zero Click Stop technology. It also includes Burris’ new Modular Adjustment Dial (MAD) System to help the shooter download specific ballistic information and local conditions to provide a visual aiming point for assured accuracy. (burrisoptics.com; 970-356-1670)
Gemtech Tracker
Gemtech’s new Tracker suppressor is designed for hunters who want a lightweight (11.3 ounces) and reasonably priced suppressor. Its MSRP of $599 makes it Gemtech’s lowest-priced centerfire suppressor.
The Tracker can be used on .300 Winchester Magnum rifles with 24-inch or longer barrels, or .308 and .223 rifles with 16-inch or longer barrels. It can also be used on other .30-caliber and lower-caliber firearms. The 1.6-inch-diameter, 7.9-inch-long tube is made of aluminum while the 5/8×24 thread mount is titanium. (gemtech.com; 208-939-7222)
Sig Sauer SRD762Ti-QD
The SRD762Ti-QD from Sig Sauer is a Grade 5 titanium sound suppressor using a Fast-Attach muzzle device for mounting the silencer to the rifle. The rear mount has wrench flats to torque the silencer to the barrel. There is a secondary retention latch that is depressed to remove the silencer from the mount.
The SRD762Ti-QD is rated for use up to .300 Winchester Magnum and it comes with a Taper-Lok muzzle brake with 5/8×24 threads, matching the vast majority of modern sporting rifles in .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO on the market today. Other muzzle devices are also available. (sigsauer.com; 603-610-3000)
Sightmark Wolverine CSR & FSR
Sightmark is now offering rubber- coated aluminum CSR and FSR variants of its Wolverine reflex sight, and both are submersible to 3 feet. The sights deliver an average run time of 50,000 hours using just a single AA battery.
The 1x23mm CSR sports a 4-MOA red dot with a 23mm objective lens and weighs only 10.3 ounces. The 1x28mm FSR is specifically built for the AR platform with a 2-MOA red dot (sightmark.com; 817-225-0310)
Steiner eOptics DBAL-A4
The new DBAL-A4 is a four-function aiming and illuminating device that allows users to target and observe in both the visible and invisible spectrums. It combines four illuminators into one rugged, battle-ready unit: visible green laser, IR laser, IR illuminator and white light.
The DBAL-A4 includes a single operational mode switch for exceptional control during mission operations, and low-profile windage and elevation adjusters that maintain zero in the roughest conditions.
The DBAL-A4 uses three CR123 batteries, and a pressure pad turns the aiming lasers and illuminators on or off while a second pad can be used to transition from infrared to visible operations. (steiner-optics.com; 888-228-7747)
Troy M7
Troy has added the 5.56 Quick Attach (QA) M7 Suppressor to its existing suppressor line. The M7 can be purchased in short or long configurations and both are constructed of 17-4 stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
The M7 QA Suppressor kits come with a three-prong flash suppressor with a mount that easily installs onto the threaded barrel of the host weapon. The 5.56 mm M7 has a 1.5-inch diameter, while the long and short configurations are 7.75 inches/19.3 ounces and 6.13 inches/16.2 ounces, respectively.
The stated sound reduction ratings for the long and short versions of the M7 are 34 to 36 decibels and 32 to 34 decibels, respectively. (worldoftroy.com; 866-788-6412)
Viridian V300
The long-range, rail-mounted V300 LED illuminator provides up to 370 yards of target illumination using powerful CREE LED technology.
The V300 comes in green, red, white or IR and has a remote switch for both intensity adjustments and motorized power-zoom light focusing that can be located anywhere on the carbine or shotgun as needed. It also has an integral digital CR123 battery indicator, and multiple weapons mounts are available. (viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)
