SUMMER SIGHTS: NEW RIFLES AND OPTICS HIT THE SHELVES

With longer days and improving weather drawing more shooters into the field, interest in vermin control and target disciplines tends to peak at this time of year. It’s the ideal moment to take stock of the latest rifles and optics hitting the market – and two leading brands have timed their latest product launches perfectly for the summer season.

ELEMENT OPTICS HELIX GEN 2

First to announce new product lines is Element Optics with the launch of its Helix Gen 2 range. A relative newcomer to the optics market, Element has quickly built a reputation for offering quality scopes at accessible price points, while also delivering strong margins for dealers.

Now over five years old, the Helix range has earned a solid reputation for build quality, precision, and user-friendly reticles. With all 30mm tube models retailing under £520, the value proposition is clear. So, how has Element improved on an already popular platform?

The answer lies in a near-total redesign. One of the headline upgrades is the introduction of German glass, offering sharper resolution, improved clarity and a wider field of view. The turrets have also received attention – Element has introduced a lower-profile design, a capped windage turret as standard, and upgraded internal mechanisms to provide a more tactile and precise feel. Users will benefit from more clicks per turn, improved tracking performance, and Element’s widely praised Zero Stop mechanism.

Shooters who prefer exposed windage controls are still catered for – the turret cap can be swapped for a supplied thread protector, allowing access while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

In terms of reticles, Element has taken a dual approach. The 6–24x models continue to offer the proven APR-1C and APR-2D options. However, the 4–16x model features a newly developed MPR-1C reticle – a simplified floating centre-point cross with reduced holdovers for faster target acquisition and an uncluttered sight picture.

Initially, Element is offering the Helix Gen 2 in two magnifications, with the 6–24x model available in both first and second focal plane configurations. All models are backed by Element’s Platinum Lifetime Warranty.

First focal plane scopes

• Helix Gen 2 | 6–24x50 FFP APR-1C MRAD | RRP: £443.99

• Helix Gen 2 | 6–24x50 FFP APR-1C MOA | RRP: £443.99

• Helix Gen 2 | 6–24x50 FFP APR-2D MRAD | RRP: £443.99

• Helix Gen 2 | 6–24x50 FFP APR-2D MOA | RRP: £443.99

• Helix Gen 2 | 4–16x44 FFP MPR-1C MRAD | RRP: £430.99

• Helix Gen 2 | 4–16x44 FFP MPR-1C MOA | RRP: £430.99

Second focal plane scopes

• Helix Gen 2 | 6–24x50 SFP APR-1C MRAD | RRP: £384.99

• Helix Gen 2 | 6–24x50 SFP APR-1C MOA | RRP: £384.99

CZ 457S

CZ has long been recognised as one of the most consistent manufacturers of rimfire rifles, and the latest 457 models continue to build on that reputation. This summer sees the introduction of two new additions to the 457 line-up – each tailored to a different market segment.

CZ 457 Ergo Inspired by the design principles of the CZ 600 Ergo, the 457 variant features a reinforced thumbhole stock, cold hammer-forged barrel and adjustable trigger to create a lightweight, versatile hunting rifle. The rifle comes with a detachable cheekpiece, a five-round magazine and a threaded muzzle as standard. It is now available in .22 LR and .17 HMR with the option of either a 16 or 20-inch barrel.

RRP: £753.99

CZ 457 MDT ACC

Designed with competitive shooters in mind, the MDT ACC is arguably the most advanced target rimfire CZ has ever produced. It combines a match-chambered 457 action with a professional-grade PRS chassis developed in partnership with top-level shooters. The chassis offers extensive adjustability, multiple M-Lok slots for accessories and weights, an Arca Swiss rail for tripod or bipod mounting, and a vertical pistol grip for improved ergonomics.

To maximise the rifle’s performance, CZ has equipped it with a heavy-profile threaded barrel, match chamber and adjustable trigger. The model is currently offered in .22 LR with a 24-inch barrel.

RRP: £2,611.99