Five years ago, all Russian military equipment became available to the American consumer, according to Konrad Pregowski.

Pregowski, a former Polish political refugee, has capitalized on this open market, expanding his Night Vision, Etc. mail order business to a wholesale outlet.

Night Vision, Etc., at 201 W. Walnut, specializes in military grade optic equipment and opened its doors to the public Sept. 2.

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Pregowski, who taught in the SIUC radio/television department for four years, said many times people will want to see the equipment before making a purchase.

That’s one of the reasons behind the store, he said. We provide the tools to the public, and now they can see, test and try the equipment first.

Night vision optics work with an infrared light source not visible to the unaided eye. The area viewed with the light turns into a green, visible picture, he said.

The store offers U.S. and imported scopes and binoculars, security and surveillance devices, personal safety products, spy equipment, combat and hunting supplies and Russian Army surplus.

Pregowski said there should not be any competition from local military surplus stores, because those stores do not carry the same equipment that Night Vision, Etc. offers.

There are only three major companies in California that we compete with, he said.

Law enforcement officers, search and rescue teams, special forces agents, astronomers, hunters and nature lovers have purchased optic equipment from the company, he said.

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If a law enforcement officer is chasing a suspect into an dark building and the officer doesn’t have light, he can use the night vision optics, Pregowski said. Then the suspect will not know he is being observed.

Also, people who are into astronomy can view 100 times more stars than the strongest telescope.

Now it’s time to start distributing locally, Pregowski said. We want to reach people in near-by states as well, which will allow us to employ more agents.

Pregowski said he has heard vibes that the government wants restrictions on some of the products he offers in the store.

Why would you restrict harmless equipment? he said. These (night vision equipment) are much more harmless than guns.