SmartScope-The Next Generation

Technological Advances Produce Amazing Results

Technology finds its way into everything and along with the huge advances come some really amazing things. Adirondack Optics, a fully American owned company, has been the source of technologically advanced weapons-mounted imaging systems for military, law enforcement and sporting markets for many years.

Back in 2003, Adirondack introduced the world's first integrated digital camera riflescope at the Shot Show, the largest outdoor industry trade show in the world. Initially targeting the high-end, non-price sensitive market, the scope took the sport-shooting world by storm. Since then, two other generations of SmartScopes have been introduced into the marketplace at more affordable prices for those who want the technology without the hefty price tag.

Standard Features With A Twist

Terry Gordon, the entrepreneur who designed the SmartScope, integrated some standard features into all three versions of it. The 1.5-6x40, the well-known 3-10x44 and the 6-16x44 all have 30mm tubes, and both the 3-10x and 6-16x have a parallax adjustment. All three have the standard mil dot reticle in the front focal plane, so apparent reticle dimensions change with the magnification but not in relation to the target.

While the SmartScope can in some ways be considered a conventional sight, the internal digital camera separates it from the norm. The power comes from a couple of 1.5-volt AA batteries which are housed at mid-section in a turret compartment. You can see and photograph your target through a small screen on top of the ocular bell where there is an on/off switch and a button to take the shot. Back in 2003 they were Smart Media and they were anticipating the use of a CD card.

Leave The Camera At Home...All You Need Is Your Scope!

In order to photograph and kill the game simultaneously, all you have to do is trigger the rifle. Set the camera to "ready" when you begin the hunt and the SmartScope takes the picture automatically as your rifle recoils. Blur is avoided through software which subtracts lock time to show the image as it appeared seven seconds before recoil. The images are about the same as what you'd find using a mid-range digital camera and just like any digital camera, it does require reasonable light levels to produce a clear shot.

The lenses are fully multicoated and resolution and brightness match what is available on other high-end scopes. The weight of 22 to 26 ounces, depending upon which scope you buy, is comfortable on rifles of average weight. The SmartScope comes in a great looking wooden case with brass fittings and it's padded with a thick layer of foam on each side to protect the scope. Fitting this scope on your rifle will require a Picatinny or Weaver type rail, or a long-action rifle. The scope can be mounted to any rifle, but it is heavier than most scopes so it will look out of place on a light-weight rifle.

While it may be considered expensive, the SmartScope is the only way to hunt with a camera and rifle at one time.