Europa-cup.com

The optical collimator makes the reflex sight possible. The collimator aligns a stream of particles from a source into a parallel stream. The collimator can be refractive or reflective. An image of the reticle, generated by the collimator and illuminated by a fiber-optic or radioactive light source or LED, is projected to infinity. This image is directed onto a dichroic mirror or beam splitter which uses a special reflective coating so as to reflect only the exact colour of the reticle whilst allowing all other colours to pass through. This produces a perfect image of the target with the aiming mark projected to infinity.

Holographic reflex sights instead use a holographic image of the aiming mark or reticle created by a laser diode. Holographic reflex sights use a laser to generate a holographic reticle or aiming mark which the collimator then projects to infinity. This results in an aiming mark that is optically centered in its entirety. This prevents parallax problems that can make shooting from different positions problematic. This makes the sight invulnerable to all but total obscuration or removal of the aiming window as the reticle can be seen if any part of the window is visible. However, laser diodes drain batteries far faster than LEDs – more than 100X faster in some cases. Therefore, holographic sights are designed to turn off automatically – usually after four or eight hours (this is selectable in Eotech models).

The position of the collimator dictates the configuration of the sight. The bottom mounted collimator makes for a less bulky sight with a small protruding screen. This can put the sight line well above the bore – a perfect configuration with M4s or other rifles or support weapons with an inline configuration, but less advantageous with others. It can also result in a less robust sight as the protruding window can be vulnerable. Side mounted collimators lend themselves to tube construction, like a scope. Tubes are inherently very strong and make for immensely robust sights with adjusters that can be switched from right to left hand operation by simply turning the sight in its mount.

read more »

Red dot or ‘reflex’ sighting systems now dominate civilian action shooting and are standard issue in the West’s armed forces. Three manufactures have taken the lead and now dominate the marketplace; each taking a different approach to the problem of rapid target engagement and survivability on battlefields across the world.

Aimpoint offer virtually indestructible ‘tube’ reflex sights that are parallax free beyond 50 meters – i.e. your head movement relative to the sight will make some difference to where your shots impact at distances less than 50 meters. This can be ignored for all practical purposes. Aimpoints come in many sizes featuring dots of different sizes for different uses. The US Army having type classified the Aimpoint CompM2 as its M68 is now purchasing the improved CompM4s model. Note the lower case ’s’ in the model name. Aimpoints offer a somewhat narrower field of view than holographic sights when used with in-line night vision, but offer a vastly greater battery life – on some recent models at lower reticle brightnesses this is measured in years! Although Aimpoints are typically 1X units for the fastest possible target acquisition, a flip-to-side magnifier can increase this to 3X instantly. This makes for an extremely flexible combination. Aimpoints allow ‘co-witnessing’ of iron sights to provide a back up in the highly unlikely event that the unit should fail. Alternatives such as offset iron sights are also available as are see-through mounts, although these tend to mount the sight too high for correct cheek weld. Some aimpoints come with mounts, but a plethora of alternatives are available from Aimpoint and third parties to enable the Aimpoint to be used in almost any conceivable configuration.

Eotech follow a different philosophy, bringing fighter-jet style HUD technology to individual weapon sighting. This eliminates parallax error and makes for very rapid target engagement. Multi-dot reticles are available to match the trajectory of the .223 Remington (5.56×45mm NATO) and .308 Winchester (7.62X51mm NATO) rounds. The Eotechs will display the entire reticle even if all but a small part of the aiming window is obscured or even if it is entirely shattered. The Eotechs don’t lend themselves to having their optics protected from the elements. A aftermarket set of flip up lens covers is available but it adds three ounces to the weight of the unit and doesn’t seal as well as the flip ups on the Aimpoints. Holographic Weapon Sights use up batteries far faster than Aimpoints, with battery lives measured in the hundreds rather than tens of thousands of hours – an automatic cut off is provided set to eight hours and user configurable to four. Eotechs are considered somewhat less robust than Aimpoints, but enough for demanding military operations. Eotechs have been adopted by USSOCOM, the 1st Stryker Brigade and the 3rd Infantry and 10th Mountain Divisions. US Special Forces Command demanded and got a 66 foot water proof depth – HWS have survived at this depth for days. Endorsement of their suitability for marine environment came from the Royal Navy which adopted an HWS for the defensive Dillon Miniguns mounted on its warshops and the auxiliaries of the RFA. Again a flip-to-side magnifier can be purchased – Aimpoint and Eotech magnifiers being effectively interchangeable. In some models NV compatibility and iron sight co-witnessing is assisted by a 7mm riser. These models typically feature ‘cantilevered’ front ends to clear the delta rings of AR15/M16 type rifles. Most Eotechs are night vision compatible – the most modern featuring brightness and NV buttons on the side of the unit to allow the magnifier or NV to be mounted right up to the back of the sight. Eotechs come with their own mounts to suit Weaver and Picatinny rails – depending on budget and desired amount of rigidity/detachability these can be bolt, thumb screw or ARMS type quick detachable throw levers. Many Eotechs are available in models to suit either CR123 or AA batteries offering longer life vs easier availability. The 557 with G.23FTS magnifier is a good example of an Eotech Holographic Weapon Sight.

read more »

There are two main points that an archer has to do well to ensure the best likelihood of regularly hitting the target. The first is to hold the string stable at full draw until the archer is ready to shoot and secondly, releasing the string in the correct way every time. Most suggestions for novices should help the novice to accomplish these two states.

‘Creep’ is the first issue that a beginner should safeguard against. Creep is the phenomenon of the arrow, string and hand creeping forward as the archer takes aim. It is vital to keep the arrow at full draw for consistency. If the archer permits the hand to creep forward, the shot will not be consistent. Creep is caused by lack of concentration and strain.

The strain comes from trying to shoot a bow that the archer is not yet physically powerful enough to control. People, especially men often try to shoot a bow that is too powerful for them. If an archer is experiencing creep, the bow is probably too strong for him or her at the moment. The archer should use a weaker bow and work out more until they are stronger.

read more »

Once a decision is made to buy that new folding knife the individual must examine all the different options. Consider it like purchasing any other important piece of equipment except this time its dealing with knives. Blade material, handle, and shape must all be judged by the buyer and taken under advisement before one should lay down any of their hard earned cash.

So congratulations on deciding to buy that folding knife. Whether it be for hunting, fishing, or self protection it is a bigger step than you think. Why, well it is because you will depend on this knife to complete some very difficult and high technical procedures. If you choose the wrong knife, then it will only hamper your efforts and make your final goal that much more difficult if not impossible. So there are three things to look for when choosing that knife.

1. As to what the actual blade is made of is very important. Blades are now made of various materials that all have different qualities. The most ideal ones are the time tested steel made ones. Premium grade steel is by far the best but are found on the custom version. If you can get one of these you won’t be sorry. This material tends to be much more resistant to wear and does not need the attention that other materials do. The only issue might be that once this blade needs attention, it is much tougher to sharpen due to its toughness.

read more »

If you’ve just purchased a Bowie knife, you’re probably wondering whether you can carry it on your person. After all, these are striking knives – their rugged, timeless appearance would add a considerable amount to any outfit. However, the answer to whether or not you can carry a Bowie knife on you is “it depends.” Every state in the US has different laws governing the carrying of weapons, both concealed and unconcealed on your person. For instance, in the state of California, it is completely legal to carry a Bowie knife (fixed blade only) in a sheath on your person. However, Texas specifically states that Bowie knives are illegal, unless within your personal vehicle, or used during hunting or some other qualifying activity.

Your first step will be to investigate your state’s particular laws. For instance, in Alaska, you can carry any type of knife concealed or unconcealed, except for automatic knives (there are a few provisions, of course). So, if you live in Alaska, carrying that Bowie knife around on your hip is perfectly fine. However, should you decide to visit Washington DC, you should not carry your knife with you. The nation’s capital does not allow any knives to be carried unless they are folding knives with a blade of 3 inches or less. This includes fixed blade knives, folding knives, dirks, daggers, etc, as well as concealed and unconcealed knives.

The state of Delaware on the other hand, allows the carrying of fixed blade knives such as Bowie knives, dirks and daggers, so long as they are in plain sight. If they are concealed, you must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. However, Delaware does prohibit the use of balisongs or automatic knives whether concealed or unconcealed.

read more »

When most people hear the term fishing tackle they immediately think of the professional fishermen on television. What we don’t see it as, is commercial fishing, like the big boats the scrap the ocean floor. But what it really is is a name given to all types of fishing tackle used by professional fishermen and regular fishermen like you.

Majority of you are familiar with hooks, fishing line, and sinkers. All these are concrete examples of fishing tackle. For those who have no idea, let me break it down for you. The hook is the sharp metal object that is attached to the end of the fishing line. It penetrates the mouth of the fish when bitten, making it possible to reel it. To make the hook attractive to the fish to eat you may use specific baits.

The part that connects the hook to the fishing rod is the fishing line. It is imperative that the line is strong because fishes are heavy and they put a lot of tension on your fishing gear once they are hooked.

read more »