July 5, 2007
Davis Power-Boosting Scope Lens Insert
Filed under:
Optics — Editor @ 10 am
Gene Davis has a new product that boosts the magnification of Leupold, Sightron, and Weaver BR scopes. The principle is the same as external magnifiers used on some point-and-shoot cameras. A threaded ring with a
Zeiss lens simply screws on to your scope in front of the eyepiece, using the threads provided for lens caps. Both 2X and 3X models are available. The 2X version increases image size about 15% while the 3X boosts the viewed image roughly 30%. Hence, on a 36X scope, Davis' 3X booster creates the equivalent of a 46X power scope. Starting with a 45X Leupold you can get 58X power. Many long-range BR shooters are using this product and reporting to Gene that they can see bullet holes at 600 yards and beyond for the first time. However, there
is a price for the extra magnification–the reticle will appear slightly larger, and the image will appear somewhat darker. But, according to Gene: "the image darkening is almost imperceptible during prime daylight hours." We think Gene's invention is a winner–a great way to get more magnification at a low cost–$100.00. We also like the fact that, unlike an internal boosting job, you can simply remove the Booster if you want to return to the original magnification level.
Gene reports: "If the scope has screw-in lens caps, these Optical Boosters perform well. We started with a product for the Leupold Competition scopes. We now have Optical Boosters for Weaver T36 and Sightron 36BR as well. We are working on other brands of scopes and the earlier Leupold scopes that do not have threads for the cap. The Optical Boosters do a fantastic job for old or poor eyes. They fit any Leupold scope that has screw-in lens caps, as well as the Weaver and Sightron 36-power target scopes. The Boosters require no internal modification and will not effect the factory warranty. The Optical Boosters (either 2X or 3X) cost $100 delivered." To purchase, contact Gene Davis at (740) 503-4486 or gdavis10 [at] columbus.rr.com.
Here are reports from two users:
Dick Wright: "Mine is on a 45X Leup…. It's now a 60X Leup. I got it at the Super Shoot. Excellent optics. You have to re-focus the crosshair. I used it at the Oscoda match where we had lots of mirage. It was a 200 yd. score match and I could see my .22 bullet holes easily. This is totally subjective but, if anything, it made it easier to see. It's an optical booster that really works for a mere [$100] bucks. All you have to do to reverse the process is un-screw it."
Joe Pellegrene: "I just got back from the range using my new 3x magnifier on a 45x Leupold. Now it's a 60x scope and I can't imagine how I ever lived without it. If anyone's having trouble seeing their bullet holes on the target this product is well worth the money. It's easily the most significant piece of equipment that I bought yet.
I plan on using it on several different rifles since you just unscrew it and screw it on the next one. It that takes about 10 seconds to do that. The fine cross hairs on my Leupold were magnified, but so was the target so everything seemed proportional. It's so much nicer seeing what you're trying to hit. Now if only Gene would make one for the Nightforce scopes. You can put me down for one Nightforce magnifier. Gene, I wouldn't mind shooting a 56x Nightforce!"
