“dialing in”

Meet Leica’s new ER 5 line of German-engineered, American-made riflescopes, which have been designed with American hunters in mind at a price point many will find much more agreeable. By manufacturing the scopes in the United States, Leica is able to save on import duties and high German labor costs, which translates to lower prices for consumers.

July is prime time to hone your bow-shooting skills and experiment with new equipment. This means 3-D shooting, betting your buddies on shots and seeing if you can hit the bullseye clear across the yard. It’s all good fun and great practice—provided you keep it applicable to bowhunting.

Even with a super-accurate Beanfield Rifle from the legendary Kenny Jarrett, you have to do your homework to hunt at long range.

Nikon Sport Optics has announced the release of its all-new Prostaff 7 Riflescope series. Featuring a 30mm main body dude, the Prostaff 7 is designed to provide a wider maximum internal adjustment range, which should make dialing in the elevation and windage adjustments for long-range shots easier.

While Trijicon designed its new Miniature Rifle Optic (MRO) with both eyes open on the tactical crowd, many of its features make it ideal for hunters who realize the benefits of topping their rifle—or shotgun—with a red-dot.

For 2015, Zeiss offers its Terra XB75 2X-7X-32mm. The 13-ounce marvel sports a patented ballistic reticle with aiming points from 20-75 yards in 21/2-yard increments—based on the chronographed speed of our crossbows.

All in all, a pragmatic hunter should find the Elite 3500 more than good enough to “ride the river with.” At typical street prices, and with Bushnell’s limited lifetime warranty and one-year money-back guarantee, the Elite 3500 could be considered a best buy, too.

John Antanies rounds up four of 2015's top new predator optics.

The success of the author’s first elk hunt depended on skill, his guide, a second chance and one lucky break—literally.