The German camera company originally known as Ernst Leitz GmbH began life in 1913 and was started by a gentleman named Oskar Barnack at Ernst Leitz Optische Werke, Wetzlar. However, over, the intervening years, the company has grown and changed significantly and is now divided into three separate companies known as Leica Camera AG which manufactures cameras and laser range finders, Leica Geosystems AG which manufactures geosurvey equipment, and Leica Microsystems GmbH, which manufactures microscopes. In fact, Lecia Camera AG has been both a leading innovator and the standard by which other laser range finders are measured for eighteen years now.
Consequently, Leica recently introduced their newest innovation, the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600-B. This unit measures 4.4” x 2.9” x 1.3” and weighs just 7.8 oz. so it is very compact and light weight due to its tough, carbon fiber reinforced, body . In addition, it features a 24mm Objective lens with a 345 ft. Field of View at 100 yds. Also, this unit features a 7x magnification and a measuring range of 10 yds. to 1600 yds. Plus, in includes three ballistics programs and a readout that not only displays the distance to the target, the unit also automatically compensates for angle, temperature, and barometric Pressure and thus, provides point-of -aim correction and the distance can be displayed in either yards or meters. Last, the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600-B rangefinder is impervious to inclement weather due to the fact that it is waterproof to one meter.
The first thing we noticed about the Leica Rangemaster 1600-B is that it is held vertically instead of horizontally and thus, it perfect for people who are either right or left handed. In addition, it compact size and light weight allow it to fit into the breast pocket of most field shirts and thus, it is easily accessed when needed. In addition, all long-range, precision, rifle shooters are aware that both temperature and barometric pressure can adversely affect your shot just like wind can. Furthermore, shooting either uphill or downhill requires the solution of a trigonometric formula in order to arrive at the correct ballistic distance. Therefore, the Leica Rangemaster 1600-B features an integrated ballistics computer with a choice of ballistics curves that automatically adjusts for the angle of inclination, the temperature, the barometric pressure, when displaying the distance to the target which we thought was an extremely neat feature! Plus, we found that due to the compact size, we were easily able to reach the control button with our fingertips even when wearing gloves. Furthermore, depressing the button activates the unit and a second press starts the measuring process and the solution is displayed in less than 0.3 seconds. But, a feature we found really neat is that constant pressure on the button places the rangefinder in “scanning” mode so that the unit continuously measures the distance to the target and thus allows you to continuously track a moving target. Also, the superior optical system with 7x magnification combined with an extra wide Field of View allows the Rangemaster 1600 to double as a high quality, monocular, field glass for detailed viewing of prospective targets. In addition, a diopter adjustment combined with a rubber eyepiece makes the Leica Rangemaster 1600 friendly for those users who wear eyeglasses.
So, while we are all aware that precise measurement of the distance to your target is key to any successful long-range shot, especially when shooting over long ranges in poor light or in inclement weather conditions, you may not be aware that the slightest miscalculation can mean the difference between hitting and missing your target. Consequently, if you are serious about precision shooting over long ranges, then the Leica Rangmaster 1600-b laser range finder is a must have accessory.
The story of the ITT Exelis/L3 communications company began in 1920 with two brothers named Sosthenes and Hernand Behn who set out to build the world’s first international telephone system and thus, the name International Telephone & Telegraph. Then, on January 12, 2011, after many years of acquisitions and restructuring, ITT announced that its board of directors had unanimously approved a plan to separate the company’s businesses into three distinct, publicly traded companies and the Defense segment was to be spun off as a standalone, diversified, defense technology and information solutions company. Consequently, Exelis Night Vision is currently the world’s leading developer, producer, and supplier of Generation 3 night vision technology for U.S. military and allied forces.
Therefore, the NEPVS-14 is a monocular night vision device (MNVD) for homeland security, law enforcement, and first responders and, because it is specifically designed for use by an individual operator in a variety of ground-based night operations, the unit can be handheld for simple observation or it can be mounted on the user’s head or helmet for hands free operations. In addition, for law enforcement personnel or professional private contractors, the system can be mounted directly to any MIL-STD-1913 type rail system for use with optical or laser sighting systems. Plus, it also has the ability to be attached to various cameras for night time surveillance operations or evidentiary data gathering for military and law enforcement personnel. Thus, in order to increase situational awareness, the NEPVS-14 features the superior performance of the Gen 3 F9815 Pinnacle image intensifier with Manual Gain Control to optimize resolution in variable lighting conditions but still features the same optics, housings, assembly, and testing used in Exelis military systems. Furthermore, the NEPVS-14 is both light weight and compact for ease of use and transportability and it features a built-in inferred illuminator, an eye cup for covert use, and the unit is weather resistant for use in inclement weather.
In addition, the Exelis Night Enforcer PVS-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Night Enforcer scope features an overall length of 4 ½”, an overall height of 2 ¼”, and an over width of 2” and weighs just 12.4 oz. Also, the unit features 1x magnification, an objective lens of f/1.2 with a field of view of 40°, an EFL 26mm eyepiece, a resolution of 64 lp/mm, and a diopter adjustment of +2 to -6, a focus range from 25cm to infinity, and brightness gain that is adjustable from 20 to more than 3,000 fL/fL. Last, the unit is powered by one AA sized battery with an approximate lifespan of 50 hours at room temperature.
So, do these things really work you might ask? Well, anyone who has ever attempted to acquire a target in low light conditions, even with a well designed rifle scope with a very large objective lens, is well aware of just how difficult it can be and after sundown, it is virtually impossible. Therefore, manufactures have been experimenting with nigh vision devices for some time now resulting in generation one, two, three series night vision scopes. Consequently, the generation three models are the present top-of-the-line models and the Exelis Night Enforcer PVS-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Night Enforcer scope is no exception. Therefore, the Exelis Night Enforcer® NEPVS-14 is equipped with Exelis’ Gen 3 Pinnacle, thin-filmed, tube technology which enhances image intensifying tubes, improves clarity and resolution, and allows for a seamless transition while operating in any environment. Thus, using a Exelis Night Enforcer® NEPVS-14 generation three night vision scope is huge advantage for anyone who needs to move or operate in uneven or rugged terrain at night either for surveillance, tactical operations, or search and rescue operations because a high quality generation 3 night vision device can enable the user to see in total darkness with great detail; especially when the built-in infrared emitter is activated. Of course, with a suggested retail price of $3,495, we would expect it to work very well and it does. The sight picture through this night vision device is very clear compared to generation 1and 2 units and it is both smaller and it is lighter than older units. Plus the included kit that allows the user to mount the light on their head or helmet along with the optional rifle mount make this a pretty versatile night vision device.
However, please note that we have read some complaints on various forums from buyers of this device who have stated that, because the imaging tubes are extremely difficult to make, it appears as if ITT Exelis is selling units that do not meet the military specifications to certain optics dealers with very prominent web sites and thus, some of these “seconds” perform anywhere from fairly well to poorly; thus, buyer beware.
So, as long as you don’t mind the $3,495 price tag, the Exelis Night Enforcer PVS-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Night Enforcer scope is an excellent accessory for any nighttime operation; be it military, police, or search and rescue operations.
Located in Cambridge, Md. and operating from three facilities encompassing over 250,000 square feet, LWRC International utilizes over fifty state-of-the-art CNC milling centers, laser cutting machines, screw machines, and welding robots, as well as military specification painting to produce their new, proprietary, assault/sniper rifle, the “R.E.P.R.” In addition, LWRC’s senior management team consists of individuals who have more than 100 years of combined experience in managing defense companies and their engineers have been nationally recognized for their development of LWRC’s patented, self-regulating, short-stroke, gas-piston, semi-automatic, rifle action. In fact, LWRC’s stated mission is to provide their customers with the most durable, reliable, and consistently accurate weapons possible through innovative design and meticulous manufacturing techniques using state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing processes to create tools that are built to exceed the expectations of their users.
Thus, the Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle (R.E.P.R.) is designed and manufactured by LWRC International and, while it appears similar to the common AR10 platform, the R.E.P.R. was specifically designed to be a significant improvement over the original Eugene Stoner design. In addition, although the R.E.P.R. maintains the original 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester chambering, unlike the original AR10, the R.E.P.R. has been specifically designed to correct the deficiencies inherent in the original, “direct impingement”, gas operating system by incorporating a short-stroke, semi-automatic, self-regulating, gas-piston system that is cleaner, quieter, and, most importantly, more accurate than the original system. Also, the R.E.P.R. rifle is available in three configurations consisting of the Standard model with a 16.1” barrel and a 1:10 RH twist, the DMR model with a 20” barrel with a 1:11.25 RH twist, and the Sniper model with a 20” barrel with a 1:11.25 RH twist and, both the DMR and Sniper versions feature high quality, Geisselle (pronounced Guys-lee), two-stage, semi-automatic, triggers with varying trigger pulls depending on the model chosen. In addition, the R.E.P.R. features a side-mounted charging handle so that the operator is not required to remove his eyes from the target to recharge the chamber after inserting a new magazine. Plus, the R.E.P. R. rifle also features a B5 Systems SOPMOD pistol grip on the 16” version and a Magpul PRS/Magpul MIAD pistol grip on the 20” version and, both versions include LWRCI, Skirmish BUIS, folding, front and rear sights. Furthermore, the rifle is available in several different color finishes consisting of Black, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab Green, Patriot Brown, and LWRCI’s proprietary Cerakote ceramic finish.
Upon handling the new, LWRC International, R.E.P.R. assault/sniper rifle, our first impression was that it is obviously a very well designed and meticulously crafted rifle that could definitely be relied upon when your life is on the line. Our second impression was that the rifle has considerable heft at 9.5 lbs. with the 16” upper/barrel assembly installed and 11.25 lbs. with the 20” upper/barrel assembly installed. However, this weight is by no means excessive for a rifle chambered for the 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester cartridge which produces 18 lbs. of recoil energy from a 7.5 lb. rifle firing a 165 gr. bullet at 2,700 fps. Also, we especially appreciate the fact that the engineers at LWRC have gone to considerable effort and expense to improve the reliability of this rifle platform by eliminating the antiquated “direct impingement” gas operating system and replacing it with a new, proprietary, short-stroke, gas piston, that serves to unlock the bolt, fully open it while ejecting the spent shell, and then allow the bolt to return to battery while doing so with less noise and yet, improving the accuracy of the rifle at the same time! In addition, by repositioning the recharging handle to the side of the firearm instead of on top, LWRC has eliminated a major problem with the standard AR15/AR10 format because the user is no longer forced to lower the rifle from their shoulder to recharge the chamber after inserting a new magazine. Plus, with the availability of interchangeable upper receiver/barrel assemblies, you can easily configure the rifle for use as a Sniper’s weapon or for use in close quarters battle situations by simply stowing the alternate assembly in your backpack and then changing them at will. Also, carrying an extra assembly requires far less space and imposes far less weight than carrying a separate rifle. Furthermore, we were highly impressed with the LWRCI, Skirmish BUIS, folding, front and rear sights because they appeared to be of extremely high quality and they presented us with a very clear sight picture. In addition, all of the sharp edges on both the front and rear sights have been rounded for a very graceful look and their folded profile is only one half of an inch high. Furthermore, they are constructed from extremely hard 7075 aluminum parts and 4140 steel parts and all of the aluminum parts have been hard anodized while all of the steel parts have been coated with a black, NiCorr, finish to prevent corrosion and, they are mountable on any 1913 Picatinny Rail. However, high quality sights are useless without a high quality trigger and thus, the R.E.P.R. is also fitted with a Geisselle two-stage trigger that is very ergonomic and that breaks with a very clean, crisp, snap that displays no creep or over travel whatsoever; which is of paramount importance to me when using the rifle in the sniper configuration for precision, long range, shots. Last, we noted that the R.E.P.R. rifle included removable ARM-R Picatinny-style rails for mounting optics, lighting devices, lasers, ect. and that each rail is easily removed and (supposedly) automatically returns to 100% zero when reattached to the rifle which is a very useful feature.
So, as you can see, the LWRCI Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle (R.E.P.R.) is a high quality, multi-role, weapon system designed to place devastating fire on target in a variety of battle situations. Furthermore, it is designed to be completely and utterly reliable in the harshest of theaters because in battle, an operator’s life literally depends on the reliability of his weapon.
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