Target Cam Sparks Debate

Noted shooter Lou Murdica announced plans to get a wireless target cam system for long-range shooting out to 1000 yards. Lou expressed a desire to use a camera system, similar to that employed by long-range black powder shooters, in an upcoming 1000-yard Benchrest match. This system would be different than the Kirk Roberts’ Target Cam (5/18 Bulletin), but it would operate on similar principles. Lou’s intention to use a long-range video camera in BR competition has spurred a heated debate on Benchrest Central. Click HERE to read the discussion, with comments from many top shooters including Dave Tooley, Regan Green, and Rich DeSimone.

We note that, while the use of cameras with remote monitors may seem radical to Americans, target telemetry is commonplace in Europe where many ranges have “target monitors” placed at every shooting station. These are used by 100m and 300m shooters to see their bullet placements (and scores) in real time. Bullet hits are plotted via acoustic targets linked to monitors. At some ranges, these acoustic or electronic targets are networked to a control center, allowing multiple targets to be automatically scored by a central computer.

Long-Range Target Cam System

Even with a very costly spotting scope, it is quite difficult, if not impossible, to see bullet hits on paper at 800 yards and beyond. Wireless camera technology promises to change all that. With a camera positioned close to the target, a wireless system could allow the shooter to see hits (on paper or steel) out to distances of one mile.

In our story about Reactive Targets, we featured a prototype wireless target cam system crafted by Kirk Roberts. Over the past year and a half, Kirk has been testing and upgrading the system. It now features an upgraded receiver, enhanced range, and improved antennas for better long-range reception. Kirk isn’t in regular production yet, but he expects to offer an 1100-yard version for $999, and a long-range version (good to 1 mile) for $1499. These prices would be for a complete “turn-key” system with case, camera, camera mount, LCD display, receiver, and transmitter.

According to Kirk, “Current range has been tested to (but not limited to) 1680 yards with crystal clarity. The current kit consists of one camera, one transmitter, and one receiver/screen pack (with antenna). The receiver can accommodate up to 4 transmitter/camera units. Together, the screen and receiver draw under one amp. The memory-free battery that comes with the unit will run the target-cam for up to 10 hours. The camera is in a steel case to resist bullet strikes and bullet splatter, while the tripod-mounted transmitter is in a waterproof case with an external antenna and battery.” Since the receiver is equipped with standard RCA A/V jacks, Target Cam video output can also be captured by normal digital cameras or cam-corders.

For serious long-range competitors, particularly iron-sights shooters, the remote target cam would be a fantastic training aid. With the video camera positioned within a few feet of the target, the image is always clear and sharp. The shooter gets instant feedback and he can plot his hits. Heat, glare, or mirage won’t distort the image as it might with a conventional spotting scope. Kirk is now in the final testing process on his long-range target cam, and isn’t taking orders just yet. But if you email Mailbox@6mmBR.com, we will forward reader questions and comments to Kirk.

Indiana Opens new $4.7 Million Shooting Center

On May 30, 2007, Indiana will open the new Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) Shooting Range, a $4.7 million facility that features a 66-position rifle and pistol range, and four combination trap and skeet fields. The state-of-the-art range, located between Indianapolis and Columbus, replaces an aging shooting facility that was being used by more than 15,000 shooters each year. Similar modern baffled ranges were built near LaPorte in 2002 at Kingsbury FWA, and near Huntington in 2004 at J. Edward Roush Lake. The Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) will be reimbursed for about 75 percent of construction costs through federal aid. The aid is derived from federal excise tax revenue from the sales of firearms and ammunition, and archery equipment. “More than one million Hoosiers are shooting-sports enthusiasts, and they need facilities like this to support hunter education programs and to have appropriate locations to practice and improve their skills,” said DNR Director Robert Carter.

Atterbury FWA covers 6,000 acres that was once part of Camp Atterbury military base. The land was purchased in March 1969, from the Government Services Administration, through the Federal Lands to Parks Program.

Range Hours and Gen’l Info: Call (812) 526-6552.

How to Get There: Exit I-65 at Exit 80 (Edinburgh/Flatrock). Take S.R. 252 west to Edinburgh. Follow S.R. 252 west until it intersects US.31 (about 2.6 miles). Continue west across U.S. 31 for about 1.8 miles. Just before the “Camp Atterbury-1942″ boulder, take Edinburgh St. (northwest) for about 2,000 feet. Range is on right. The official address for the range is 4250 E. Edinburgh St., Edinburgh, IN 46214.

Editor’s Comment: Now this is what we like to see–a state government working actively to enhance shooting facilities, and making proper use of federal funding to do so. By contrast, in my home state of California, state and local politicians aggressively work to close shooting ranges or limit their use to police and law enforcement. In my county alone, two indoor ranges and two outdoor ranges have been shut down in the last year and a half. Kudos to Indiana DNR officials for launching the new Atterbury FWA facility.

Aussie Wind Flags Guide SpyPlanes

Butch Lambert of ShadeTree Engineering reports that Aussie Wind Flags were recently shipped to the U.S. Air Force in the Middle East. These will be used to help guide the high-tech Desert Hawk unmanned spyplanes used by the U.S. Military. Butch reports, “Shooters get the same quality product, with high-grade components, that we shipped to the Air Force. These wind flags pack flat and don’t take up much space when transported. Even the propellers unroll and can be packed flat. Aussie Flags can be installed on your existing posts or tripods. The unique propeller design responds rapidly to changing conditions, as the propellers spin on ball bearings.”

Desert Hawk in Iraq (courtesy U.S. Air Force)

Three Contributors Join Century Club

Over the past month we’ve received three $100.00 donations to the site (as well as other, lesser donations). We would like to acknowledge these very generous contributions by Troy K., Kenneth M., and Mark M. We also received $50.00 donations this month from Joe McG., and Salvatore M., and Mike Lucas. These contributions are accepted with gratitude. User donations are vital to the website. They help cover the cost of our Forum and site hosting, and help defray the cost of obtaining products for testing. If readers would like to make a contribution to the site, you can click on the PayPal button at the bottom of the Home Page, or send a check to Jason Baney, P.O. Box 704, Lemont, PA 16851. Registered Forum members–please include your Forum “nickname”.