Abstract: A reticle for stadiametric rangefinding has a horizontal crosshair and a vertical crosshair that are attached to an optical element. The optical element defines an optical axis and a field of view. The crosshairs intersect perpendicularly at a location that is offset from the optical axis. There may be a plurality of rangefinding indicia shaped to indicate the size of an object at a specific range. The rangefinding indicia may be arranged in a position other than vertical.

Abstract: Rifle scopes with low-light visible elements include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, a turret operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis, and a low-light visible element attached to the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by viewing the low-light visible element. A tactile indicator may be attached to the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by touch. A plurality of indicia may be attached to the perimeter of the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by viewing the indicia. At least one of the indicia may be visible in low-light conditions.

Abstract: A monocular with attachment points has a tubular frame with a hard point attached to its exterior an optical axis defined by its center axis. A clip may have one end connected to the hard point. There may be two hard points attached to the frame's exterior, and the clip may be operable to detach from and reattach to either of the hard points. The hard points may be arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the frame's exterior. There may be a hand strap operable to detach from and reattach to any of the pairs of hard points. There may be a mounting surface rigidly connected to the frame's exterior. The mounting surface may be parallel to the optical axis and operable to receive a tripod mount and a picatinny rail mounting plate.

Abstract: Rifle scopes with friction reducing elements include a scope body, a movable optical adjustment element connected to the scope body, and a turret rotatably connected to the scope body. The turret includes a contact element contacting the adjustment element at a location of contact. The contact element is rotatable with respect to the turret. The adjustment element at the location of contact differs in hardness from the hardness of a second portion of the adjustment element. The contact element at the location of contact and the adjustment element at the location of contact are of essentially equal hardness.

Abstract: An optical viewing instrument is disclosed generally comprising an eyecup with a cylindrical surface and a housing with an ocular lens portion that has a corresponding cylindrical surface for slidably receiving the eyecup. The ocular lens portion has bearings protruding therefrom, and the eyecup includes longitudinal channels for receiving the bearings as the housing receives the eyecup and curvilinear channels for accommodating the bearings as the eyecup is rotated. In certain embodiments, the ocular lens portion also includes a detent, and the eyecup has a plurality of grooves into which the detent clicks as the eyecup is rotated. In some embodiments, the curvilinear channels are spiral shaped to cause axial motion of the eyecup when rotated.