Because of the unique TrueZero Flex Erector System, windage and elevation adjustment ranges are as much as 17 percent greater than other scopes.

TrueZero dials are completely waterproof, too, even with the windage and elevation caps off. They are offered in both 1/4- and 1/8-MOA versions, depending on the scope model. As an added feature on the Redfield line, the dials can be reset to zero without tools; to adjust, simply push down on the dial, turn the indicator to zero, and allow the dial to pop back up and lock into place.

Other features include the new Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) fast-focus eyepiece that provides eye relief of 3.75 to 4 inches. Eye relief is kept constant throughout the entire power range, and the eyepiece also permits a full field of view from more head angles.

Both the new Simmons and Redfield lines also offer newly designed side-focus parallax adjustments on high-magnification variable models in one-inch and 30mm tube diameters. Redfield scopes will feature AccuClick parallax yardage stops, as well as click stops on the power adjustment ring and fast focus eyepiece.

A special HydroShield coating is being applied to the external lenses of all Redfield scopes and to all Simmons Master Series external scope lenses. This coating eliminates fogging or spotting by rain.

And if that's not enough, the Simmons 2005 Master Series scopes also feature SureGrip rubber surfaces on selected windage and elevation caps, power change rings, eyepiece diopter adjustments and side-focus knobs. Mechanical adjustments can be made to the scope under any type of weather conditions--even with heavy gloves.

Of all the impressive innovations being trotted out by Meade, the 5X zoom magnification system on all new Redfield scopes will probably grab shooters' attention first. This has never been accomplished before in riflescope history. Variable-powered riflescopes typically feature a 3X or 4X zooming system: like 3-9X or 6-24X.

Before now, the limitations of traditional scope design have made any wider range impossible. But Redfield's new scopes deliver an incredible 5X power range from low to high magnification: 1.5-7X, 3-15X, 4-20X, 5-25X and 6-30X. No line of riflescopes ever produced has featured such a broad range of magnification.

In terms of optical performance, the Simmons Master Series riflescopes will continue to feature the same high-quality glass, lens configurations and optical multicoatings as before. The Redfield line, however, will have an entirely new lens technology, which is the primary difference in performance between the two brands.

By using different types of glass, including both extra low dispersion (ED) and Lanthanum, and high transmission optical coatings from the world of astronomy, Meade has solved several long-term riflescope problems. One is chromatic aberration, an effect that appears as a bluish or yellowish "fringe" around the image--especially in higher power riflescopes.

The Meade/Redfield team is using a premium ED glass in the construction of the objective lens, an approach never before applied to riflescope design. These special apochromatic lenses correct specifically for color and dramatically reduce chromatic aberration. Contrast and resolution are enhanced, and light transmission. is increased 2.8 percent over traditional fully multicoated lens systems by the use of special broadband coatings.

Lighter, brighter, stronger, more precise and more durable than any riflescope design ever offered--at prices from economy through premium--Meade's new Simmons and Redfield lines may well be the optics of the future.