For the first time, Columbia Sportswear Company and Kruger Optical, LLC, will present sport optics and tactical optics products for retail purchase at the 2008 National Rifle Association Show.
Products will be available at Booth 2161 at the NRA's Annual Meetings and Exhibits, which is taking place May 16-20 in the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville. Company representatives will be on hand to demonstrate products and discuss additional orders.
Columbia Sportswear Company entered into a licensing agreement last year with Oregon-based Kruger Optical, LLC, to design, manufacture and market a collection of Columbia Sportswear-branded sport optics aimed at avid outdoor consumers. This year, the two companies introduced a collection of riflescopes, binoculars and spotting scopes designed for hunters, anglers, birders and other outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition, Kruger Optical has developed a collection of spotting scopes and binoculars for military and tactical use. Tactical spotters by Kruger Optical will be available for purchase at the show.
"Kruger Optical is honored to be exhibiting at the NRA Show for the first time this year," said Dan Callen, director of sporting goods sales. "We will be proudly showing our new line of sport optics under the Columbia brand name in conjunction with our licensing agreement with Columbia Sportswear Company. Our full suite of quality optics includes riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes ranging in prices from $99 up to $400 that will be on display in booth 2161."
"We will never pass up the opportunity to support our 2nd amendment rights, so we intend on this being the first of many years of participation at the NRA Show," Callen said.
Products in Columbia Sportswear's optics collection are U.S.-engineered for superior performance and features at moderate prices. All Columbia Sportswear optics products are stylish, rugged and designed to enhance the outdoor experience.
Columbia Sportswear optics products available at the NRA Show include:
Timberline PHG riflescopes: U.S.-engineered for outstanding performance, this riflescope line contains outstanding features at a reasonable price. With 1-piece body construction, Timberline scopes are light yet tough. Scopes feature an advanced 4x erector system, constant 3.75-inch eye relief and fully-coated optics. Resettable, accurate ¼ -minute windage and elevation clicks allow for precise sighting. The line includes a 1x30 Red Dot Scope offering multiple reticles and an advanced, electronic illumination system. All scopes are waterproof and nitrogen filled. Sleek, lightweight scope mounting systems are also available.
Backcountry Series binoculars and spotting scopes: these outdoor optics products combine premium optics, elegant design and rugged styling. Silver enhanced, phase-coated prisms, along with fully broadband coated lenses, ensure the clearest possible image. Protective H2C™ coatings on external lenses make them durable and water repellent. Products are waterproof and argon-filled for maximum protection from moisture and fogging. Binoculars also include breathable COOLNECK™ straps and protective molded cases.
Timberline Series binoculars: available in porro and roof styles, these rugged binoculars deliver superb features at a value price. High-performance optics provide excellent image resolution throughout the field of view, and fully multicoated lenses ensure optimum light transmission. With durable metal body construction, these waterproof, fogproof binoculars are built to last. Other features include excellent close focus, long eye relief, textured rubber armor exterior and twist-up eyecups. Binoculars include a breathable COOLNECK™ strap and protective molded case.
The Columbia Sportswear sport optics collection also includes Bonehead binoculars designed for anglers, the Malheur Series of premium binoculars and spotters for birders, and the Companion Series of compact binoculars for general outdoor use.
In addition to viewing Columbia Sportswear products, booth visitors can examine and purchase tactical and products by Kruger Optical.
A featured Kruger product will be the Lynx tactical spotting scope with illuminated adjustable projected reticle, which will be available for purchase at the show. Available 7-25x50 and 25-50x60 models, the Lynx features an illuminated mil-dot ranging reticle system, as well as other advanced features.
Booth visitors can also examine Kruger Optical's electronic compass porro binoculars. These binoculars were developed for tactical and military use, but they are also well-suited for recreational use. Available in 7x50 and 10x50 models, these high-performance binoculars feature a built-in 3-D digital compass, range-finding reticle and premium broadband-coated optics.
Kruger Optical representatives will be available to discuss any of these products, as well as OEM product opportunities.
About Kruger Optical, LLC
Kruger Optical, LLC, is a full-service provider of quality sports optics. Headquartered in Sisters, Oregon, and Walnut, California, the Kruger team has been providing binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes and other optics products, as well as optical engineering services, for nearly a decade. With nearly 150 years of combined experience in optical product development and marketing, Kruger Optical's talented and dedicated staff is committed to developing innovative, high performance products for the discerning customer. To learn more, please visit our website at www.krugeroptical.com.
About Columbia Sportswear Company
Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear brands in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. The Company manages a portfolio of outdoor brands including Columbia Sportswear, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail and Sorel. To learn more about the Company, please visit the website at www.columbia.com.
