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October Staff Picks — tactical, flashy & very buyable

Updated: 6 days ago

Vector Air "Staff Picks" badge on a black and orange gradient background. White text with laurel wreath border, evokes professionalism.

It’s that time of the month again — we hope you’ve been making the most of our Orange October deals, but let’s be honest: what you really wait for are the Staff Picks. Each month the team grabs something new, something old, something a bit cult, something a bit cutting edge — and tells you why they’d spend their own money on it.


This month leans tactical and stylish. Apologies to the wood purists and old-school target shooters — October’s got a bit more show than sombre walnut. Still, there’s a useful mix here: night vision, classic swirl moderators, mag-fed fun, and a practical optic combo that just works. Read on.


Craig’s Pick — DNT Zulus V2 5–20x (LRF digital night optic)

Black telescopic scope labeled "ZULUS V2 HD 5-20X" with details "IR850mm," set against a plain white background.
DNT ZULUS HD V2 5–20X Digital Night Vision Scope with LRF (ZHD520R-V2) | Vector Air
www.vector-air.co.uk
DNT ZULUS HD V2 5–20X Digital Night Vision Scope with LRF (ZHD520R-V2) | Vector Air
Ready Whenever You AreFrom bright midday sun to the blackest midnight, this next-generation scope keeps every target razor-sharp. Equipped with Sony’s STARVIS 2 sensor, ED glass lenses, and a 60 Hz 1920×1080 Micro-OLED display, it delivers clear daytime glass-like performance, excellent dawn/dusk clarity, and a night-vision engine that reveals details traditional optics can’t. Adaptable for All Your AdventuresThe 5–20x ZULUS V2 with LRF is the long-range specialist in the range. With a focused field of view and an integrated 5–1000 m laser rangefinder plus a ballistic calculator, it’s aimed at precision work and distance engagements where you need measured ranges and instant drop compensation. Adjust ballistic settings on the scope or in the app to suit rifles, calibres and environmental variables. Charge Less, Hunt More21700 battery compatibility for extended runtime; USB-C external power keeps you topped up in the field (battery not included). Intuitive Handling, Effortless OperationHigh magnification, comfortable 65 mm eye relief and the magnification lever make precision shooting less fiddly, while the detachable IR illuminator supports low-light performance when needed. Includes Night Vision Scope (with integrated LRF) PM20L Picatinny Mount Eye Cup Front Flip Cover User Manual (Batteries not included — available separately.) Specifications Sensor resolution: 1920 × 1080 pixels Sensor frame rate: 60 Hz Video record resolution: 1800 × 1080 pixels Digital magnification: 5–20× Eye relief: 65 mm Diopter adjustment: ±3 D Display: Micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 @ 60 Hz Operational LRF distance: 5–1000 m Battery: 21700 (flat-top) — not included - Available to buy here Operating time: up to 10 h (battery dependent) External power: 5 V USB-C Net weight: 542 g Memory: Built-in 32 GB Dimensions: 16.26 × 7.62 × 5.33 cm Waterproof: IP67 Wi-Fi / App: Yes (DNT) Operating temperature: −20 to 50 °C Recoil proof: up to .50 BMG

Craig surprised us by not picking the HYDRA this month (yes, he already has one), but the Zulus V2 kept stealing his attention. The V2 LRF model is a brilliant budget night/low-light optic with an easy-to-use ballistic calculator built in. Once you’ve wrestled through the menu (we’ll be honest, tech can be off-putting), the ballistic features become the tool you don’t want to shoot without.


Why Craig likes it:

  • Great image and usability for the price

  • Built-in laser rangefinder + basic ballistics for field shots

  • Practical for mixed-use shooters: pest control, low-light spotting and late-evening range runs


(If you like the HYDRA for specialist work, the Zulus is the generalist that actually sees more daylight use for many shooters.)


Tee’s Pick — Huggett Atom Silver Swirl Moderator

Black Silencer with silver slits,  It has a sleek design and mesh detailing, against a plain background.

This one was a happy accident. We ordered the black swirl, but the supplier shipped the silver swirl — and customers loved them. The finish is eye-catching: a speckled, shimmering pattern that looks brilliant on modern tactical rifles or classier traditional pieces. Pair with a Daystate, BSA, AirArms (adapter may be required), or even a KalibrGun Cricket for extra panache.


Why Tee likes it:

  • British design with proper finish and quality

  • Adds personality without being tacky

  • Works surprisingly well on tactical or classic rifles (adapter dependent, check fitment)


Karl’s Pick — T4E TC68 CO₂ Mag-Fed Marker (UMAREX)

A black semi-automatic paintball rifle with a matte finish, featuring a magazine and an accessory rail, on a white background.
T4E TC68 CO2 Mag-Fed Paintball Marker By UMAREX | Vector Air
www.vector-air.co.uk
T4E TC68 CO2 Mag-Fed Paintball Marker By UMAREX | Vector Air
The T4E TC68 Tactical Carbine is a high-powered .68 calibre paintball marker that excels in MagFed and hopper-fed configurations. Built for tactical training, competition, and scenario play, this AR-platform marker features an ambidextrous design, multiple power options, and extensive tuning capabilities. Key Features: MagFed & Hopper-Compatible – Comes with a 20-round magazine, plus a hopper adapter & dummy mag for continuous play. Versatile Power Sources – Standard 88g CO2 power, with optional adapters (not included) for 12g CO2 cartridges (Quick-Piercing) or HPA bottles. Ambidextrous Controls – Fire selector, mag release, and safety are mirrored for left- and right-handed shooters. Modular AR Design – M-LOK handguard, Picatinny top rail, and QD sling mounts allow full customization. Upgradable Barrel System – Cocker-threaded barrel for tuning options and a threaded muzzle (M22x1.5) for tracers/muzzle flash simulators. Relief Valve & Pressure Indicator – Safely disconnects CO2 without pressure loss; visible & tactile pressure pin for quick status checks. Semi-Auto Fire Mode – Fires one round per trigger pull, offering rapid, controlled shots. Lightweight Polymer Build – Durable yet manoeuvrable for high-intensity matches. Technical Specifications: Calibre: .68 (17.2mm) Power Source: 88g CO2 (Optional: 12g CO2 Quick-Piercing or HPA Adapter) Energy Level: < 7.5J Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds Shot Capacity: Up to 250 rounds (Temperature Dependent) Fire Mode: Semi-Auto Trigger: Single Action Safety: Fire Selector Length: 840mm Weight: 2.9kg What’s Included:✔ T4E TC68 Paintball Marker✔ 1x 20-Round Magazine✔ Hopper Adapter & Dummy Mag (hopper not included)✔ User Manual UK Legal Compliance – READ BEFORE PURCHASING ⚠ This is a paintball marker, but it falls under UK airgun laws (NOT airsoft). That means strict regulations on sales & delivery - See CPS Legal Guidance ✅ Collection in-store or face-to-face handover by our own delivery driver ONLY – No standard courier shipping.✅ RFD Transfer Available – If you want this sent to a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD), you MUST confirm with them before purchasing.❌ No illegal direct shipping – Unlike some sellers, we follow the law and won’t risk our licence or the industry just to make a quick sale. The T4E TC68 is a serious paintball marker for those who demand performance, reliability, and tactical realism. Whether you're using it for training, MilSim, or competitive play, this highly adaptable platform delivers precision and power in every shot.

Karl’s been having fun with this one — it’s mag-fed, semi-auto, and fires .68 rubber balls. Some folks online threw a strop wanting full auto (nope), but the TC68 isn’t about full auto thrills — it’s about a fun training/marker platform that’s easy to run at events or for plate/steel-style games. Convert it to HPA? You can, but that’s an add-on cost (adapters and bottle sold separately).


Why Karl likes it:

  • Great for organised training, speed shooting or plate shooting

  • Mag-fed realism

  • Fun, tactile, and noticeably different from the “another replica” crowd


Luke’s Pick — Vector Optics Scrapper + Magnifier Combo (one-piece mount)

Black red dot and flip to side magnifier with gold details, labeled "5x30 Paragon," mounted on a bracket. The lens has an orange tint. White background.
Vector Optics Scrapper and Magnifier Combo with One-Piece Mount (XASR-RM02) | Vector Air
www.vector-air.co.uk
Vector Optics Scrapper and Magnifier Combo with One-Piece Mount (XASR-RM02) | Vector Air
A mount designed to remove the faff from pairing a magnifier with a red dot. This one-piece solution is purpose-built to line the Vector Optics Scrapper red dots up with the Paragon magnifiers so you don’t spend half your range session re-zeroing or fiddling with cant. The double-cam flip system lets the magnifier swing clear to either the left or right without rotating the whole mount, so you get fast transitions and repeatable alignment every time. The mount gives a 2.26" (57.5 mm) centre height that places a Scrapper 1×25 at the correct eye-line on AR-15 style rails, and its see-through base keeps the red dot or iron sights usable when the magnifier is in place. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminium and finished in matte black, it’s a solid, repeatable Picatinny mounting platform built for real-world use. It also fits Scrapper 1×22 / 1×29 red dots and the Paragon Mini 1× prism, so it’s flexible if your setup isn’t exactly the Scrapper/Paragon combo. This listing is the combo option (Scrapper + Paragon + mount) or the option to be sold as the mount/rail only if you already have compatible optics. Includes Mount (one-piece Picatinny) T15 Torx wrench Riser section Combo option only: Scrapper red dot & Paragon magnifier (sold together when combo chosen) Specifications (Rail Only) Centre height: 57.5 mm / 2.26 in (suitable for Scrapper 1×25 on AR-15) Overall height: 45 mm / 1.77 in Width: 46.48 mm / 1.83 in Length: 120 mm / 4.72 in Material: 6061-T6 aluminium alloy Weight: 151 g / 5.33 oz Mount: Picatinny Finish: Matte black Package: T15 Torx wrench, riser section

This one’s a neat little package: the Scrapper red dot (solar-assisted backup), the Paragon 5× magnifier, and a single flip-to-side mount that works left or right. We built it as a bundle so people wouldn’t get stuck buying components that don’t fit. Because everything’s Vector Optics, alignment is good, flip-mount clearance is tidy, and you can still co-witness iron sights if you run AR layouts.


Why Luke likes it:

  • One purchase — ready to fit and go

  • Flip-to-side mount works both directions (very handy)

  • Perfect combo for airsoft, practical rigs, or a do-it-all range setup


Final thoughts — funky, useful, and photo-worthy

October’s picks lean toward the tactical and the visually pleasing — that’s deliberate. Sometimes you want kit that does a job, and sometimes you want your kit to look right while doing it. This month you can have both.


Want to see any of these in person? Pop into the shop or hit the product pages. If you’ve got your own orange October purchases or a tale about a Huggett swirl fitting oddly well to your ancient rifle, drop us a comment below or tag us on your socials— we love the photos.


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