Physically, the SmartScope is solid and robust and has the feeling of a high-quality, well-made instrument with a black matte coated exterior finish.  While it's a fragile telescope and requires careful handling, it doesn't feel "delicate".  The controls operate smoothly, are laid out logically and are easy to use, though it would be nice if there were a manual pressure switch cable attachment for the camera shutter button.  Then you could mount a remote pressure pad on the stock or grip of your rifle and take photos by pressing it, instead of having to shift your hand and make a movement, possibly spooking game.

I like the fact that it uses LI AA batteries, rather than a proprietary rechargable power-pack, so recharging in the field can be instantaneous.

I hope that in future versions, Adirondack Optics can improve the image quality of the digital camera above 1 Megapixel while shrinking the hardware down to a less-hefty package.  I'd also like to see the camera housing moved to the side or top half of the scope tube to allow the scope to be mounted lower and give better clearance for the ejection/loading port of the rifle.

The makers of the SmartScope claim that it replaces your digital camera, so you have one less piece of gear to bring with you into the field.  This is not exactly true, and is one serious disadvantage of the SmartScope... it is inappropriate to use the SmartScope to take photos of anything you wouldn't otherwise point a rifle at.  Remember Rule 2: "Never point a gun at anything you're not willing to kill or destroy." That goes for whether you have a fancy camera-scope on your gun or not, and no amount of good intentions will call back a bullet fired in error.

I have to say that I don't think this scope is for everybody.  Despite the maker's claim that it weighs "only" 22 ounces, that's a lot of weight to hang on top of your rifle, especially if you're going to be hunting on foot and ranging far afield or in the mountains.  You might not notice it so much on a nine-pound rifle, but I sure noticed the difference on my six-pound Scout.

This scope would be perfect for Guides, wildlife biologists and other professionals, to allow them to record the animals in their territories and their culls.  I'd love to see Guides submitting photos of trophy animals literally in the crosshairs, to show potential customers what they can offer.

This scope would also be great for a hunting trip to a place like Alaska or Africa, where you might see a lot more game animals than you would be permitted to actually shoot.  The trophy photos of the ones you let walk away would be no less precious memories, and one heck of a lot cheaper to bring home from the drugstore than the taxidermist.

One could even mount the SmartScope on a bare stock and use it for photo-safari, in places where actual hunting is not permitted for whatever reason.

Pros:

• Digital photograpic trophies of your hunts with the same piece of equipment you're hunting with.
• Major points for the "awesome gadget" factor.
• Very well made and solid, doesn't seem "delicate"

Cons:

• Heavy 22 ounces.
• Large center bulge is difficult to mount; requires very tall rings.
• Could be higher resolution camera (currently 1 Megapixel, 1152x864 resolution)

All in, I have to rate this scope a 4 out of 5 stars, and I have high hopes for the next version.

To order your own SmartScope, contact Charles at Sportsman's Finest in Austin.
Tel. 512 263 1888
12434 Bee Cave Road (FM 2244),
Austin Texas 1/2 block from Highway 71.