Brite-Strike Duty Light Camera: The problem with most body cameras is that you have to remember to turn them on, or the buttons are so small it’s a pain to get them going. However, Brite-Strike has its Duty Light Camera that allows you to push a simple button on the flashlight switch to activate the camera. With cameras being built into all types of gear these days, I see more civilians buying this camera too. The flashlight itself puts out up to 310 lumens and has rechargeable batteries so even if you don’t use the camera much it’s still a solid tactical flashlight. (brite-strike.com; 508-746-8701)
Bullseye Camera Systems: If you’re a rifleman who practices from long distances, then you’ll probably fall in love with the Bullseye Camera System. First, you obviously set up your target downrange. Then you set up the camera system near the target so that the camera is focusing on the target. The Bullseye system instantly transmits your shooting data back to an iPad, iPhone, laptop, and several other devices. This way, you get to shoot and look at the screen to see exactly where your shot hit without having to head all the way downrange to check out your target. (bullseyecamera.com; 541-357-7035)
Carson HookUpz Universal Smartphone Optics Adapter: Because almost everyone has a smartphone and loves to take pictures and video with it, Carson Optical has come out with a simple and creative product. Put simply, the Universal Adaptor allows you to attach a smartphone to almost any optic with a 20mm to 58mm eyepiece diameter. You can use it on spotting scopes, telescopes, binoculars, night vision and more. So, the next time you’re outdoors and you want to record what you see through your spotting scope, you’ll have an easy way to do it. The entire unit weight only 0.2 pounds. (carson.com; 631-963-5000)
Garmin VIRB Action Camera: The action camera market has exploded over the last several years and Garmin has entered the race. The company’s new VIRB camera is HD 1080 and not only records videos but can also take still photos. It has built-in GPS and WiFi, too. But what really interested me and makes this camera exciting is that you can purchase mounts so you can mount the camera to a handgun or rifle just as you would mount your flashlight or laser. You could obviously use this for training purposes, but you could also use it for home-defense purposes so there would be proof of what happened if you ever have to use your firearm to defend yourself. (garmin.com; 800-800-1020)
NcSTAR Green And Red Laser Box: Whether you use a shotgun, rifle or handgun for home defense, I believe it should have a laser on it. NcStar has introduced several new laser devices this year, including the Green and Red Laser Box. In short, this is a laser device that attaches to the Picatinny rail on your firearm. It houses both a red and a green laser and runs on one CR123A battery. This unit offers shooter more options and both color choices on a solid platform. (ncstar.com; 866-627-8278)
NiteSite Night Vision Systems: NiteSite makes all types of night-vision devices for hunting and law enforcement. What really makes its products unique is that you can attach each night-vision device on top of your existing scope. In other words, if you’ve got a regular day scope, then you just pop on the NiteSite system and it turns it into a night-vision scope. What’s more, there’s a large LCD screen with a camera so you can record whatever you’re looking at as well. (nitesite.com)
Sargent And Greenleaf EMP-Resistant Locks: Believe it or not, Sargent and Greenleaf have been making locks for safes and vaults since 1857. I guess you could say they’ve come a long way because the newest lock featured for 2015 is the company’s EMP-resistant Spartan D Drive locks. I know that many people are worried about the world coming to an end because of a financial collapse, the outbreak of disease or an EMP attack. Powered by internal batteries to ease installation and eliminate the need to manually generate power, this low-profile lock will still allow you to access your safe in the event of an EMP attack. (sargentandgreenleaf.com; 859-885-9411)
Smart Firearms Gen2 Pistol: When I teach my pistol courses, the number-one safety rule that people violate is putting their finger on the trigger. It’s probably because of all of the movies they watch, but so many new shooters can’t resist the urge to put that finger where it shouldn’t go. The Smart Firearms Training Device is a good tool that “keeps people honest” and immediately reminds them when they’re doing something unsafe. The way the gun works is that when you touch the trigger a loud alarm sounds so there’s no denying what you’re doing. This is a new-and-improved version of the common blue gun, and if you’re involved in any type of firearms training you should check this out. (smartfirearms.us; 480-788-7383)
TEA Headsets Invisio X50: TEA headsets are most frequently used by the military and law enforcement. These headsets allow soldiers and police to have an ear bud that easily allows them to communicate with their colleagues. What’s really unique about the Invisio X50 headset is that it comes with technology that automatically detects the type of device you plugged it into. In other words, you can use this headset with all different communications devices and it will quickly pick up the device and allow you to begin communicating. (teaheadsets.com; 845-278-0960)
Tech Valley Technologies Tarbot Target: The Tarbot Target is a neat concept that any recreational shooter can afford. Once you’ve shot up the target and you need to replace it, you don’t have to walk downrange and take the time to staple up a new target. Instead, the Tarbot comes with a key fob that allows you to scroll down a new target at the push of a button. If you shoot on outdoor ranges and you hate to wait until it’s safe to walk downrange, then this system is for you. (techvalleytech.com; 518-584-8899)
Zeiss Victory SF Binoculars: I own a 320-acre ranch in Utah where I teach pistol, rifle and driving courses. When I’m on the property and I see something in the distance (usually an antelope) I can’t tell what it is without a good set of binoculars. Well, I’m sure you know that one of the best sets of binoculars you can get is made by Carl Zeiss. The company’s new Victory SF model has an improved ergonomic design that makes it much easier to hold the binoculars for extended lengths of time without getting fatigued. Also, their “Ultra-FL” lens is designed for more resolution and clarity than ever before. These are the perfect binoculars for the ranch owner or the serious hunter. They offer a field of view of 444 feet at 1,000 yards. (zeiss.com/sports; 800-441-3005
Tactical operators need every advantage they can get in the field. These high-tech tactical accessories range from new camera systems to laser devices to cutting-edge training gear, all of them built to maximize your training and performance.
