GTN Issue 85

BEST BUYS

HikMicro Falcon FQ50 Pro

Paul Austin runs the rule over HikMicro’s Owl replacement

HikMicro are back with yet another thermal release in the form of the Falcon, a direct replacement for their Owl series of spotters. In essence it’s a very simple device but that’s not a bad thing. Navigation is straightforward, with four nicely raised buttons driving all the key functions.

The first is for power on/off, with a short press for standby; it boots in roughly eight seconds. The next button toggles between pic and video capture via an extended press, while the third switches between the four colour modes – white hot, black hot, red hot and fusion. The final button resets the sensor with a long press and cycles between the four mag settings. The base mag of 2.6 is fine but I always prefer 2.0, or close to it, so in that regard the Falcon is better suited to anyone shooting over open country.

The big USP, at least from a marketing perspective, is the unit’s <20mK NETD thermal sensitivity, which technically outperforms the <25mK NETD of the Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro. The Pulsar still sets the standard for thermal spotters in my opinion, but costs roughly £950 more.

Although the Falcon technically has the edge, it’s more a matter of taste than of technology. The bias of the image leans towards the primary heat source, which at close range delivers exceptionally detailed images of the quarry. The problem is that this does tend to detract form the overall picture, so foreground and background elements do tend to lose some detail.

It’s great in open country and there’s absolutely no chance of missing any opportunity, but in complex shooting scenarios such woodland I prefer the more balanced image of the Helion. The Falcon is by no means alone in this heat-source-centric approach, as the iRay range also follows this system. As I say, it’s more a matter of taste than technology. The Falcon is a great spotter for the money and definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a thermal that delivers exceptional detection at a distance.

Ceská Zbrojovka 457 Synthetic

CZ’s rimfire combines accuracy with reliability at a competitive price, says Bruce Potts

I chose four different subsonic loads for this test. First up were my old faithfuls — the Eley 38-gr subs. In cold conditions, their average velocity was a sluggish 942fps and 75ft/lb, but for all that they achieved 0.45in 30-yard groups and 0.65in 50-yard groups.

The Norma subs actually shot a bit faster than the Eleys due to their 40-gr bullet weight, reaching 944fps for 79ft/lb. They achieved 0.65in 30-yard groups. Moving on to heavier loads, the newer CCI Suppressors were quiet and used a 45gr bullet at 939fps and 88ft/lb to hit 0.55in 30yard and 0.65in 50-yard groups. Certainly a hard hitter. Going the opposite way, the RWS Z Lang 29-gr bullets achieved 746fps and 36ft/lb for a quiet, shorter-range load, and produced 0.95in 30-yard groups.

This 457 Synthetic will be used primarily for rabbiting, and initial handling and shooting were favourable. Even with scope and sound moderator fitted, the rifle is still lightweight and allows a stress-free shooting stance. It feels well planted in the hand—even in the odd positions often necessary out in the field—and I prefer the better-positioned safety on this model for hunting use. Similarly, the soft-touch finish to the stock and sling studs aid grip and deaden sound, perfect on a hunting rifle. I shot some longer-range bunnies out to 80 yards using Eley Subs and was impressed with the 475's consistent performance.

You will notice the fast lock time too, which speeds up the firing pin travel and thus enhances accuracy and consistency in your group sizes.

Crawling through bushes to ambush the feeding rabbits was no issue with the tough exterior finish of this CZ, and that digital campo pattern was very effective in concealment and reducing stock flare that could otherwise spook the bunnies.