Multi-Distance Rifle Match with Electronic Targets at Area 52 in Texas
Sophisticated electronic scoring systems with acoustic targets are used in Olympic and ISSF competition. Many such advanced systems have been installed at shooting ranges in Europe. The U.S. Army has also installed a full set of acoustic targets at Ft. Benning, Georgia, but that range is restricted to military use except for a few special matches.
VIDEO Explaining How Electronic Targets Work:
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Where can a civilian try out this new electronic target technology in the United States? Right now there’s just one facility with a full electronic target system that offers regular access to civilians, 12 months a year: AREA 52. In West Central Texas, southwest of Abilene, Spindler Arms LLC operates the modern AREA 52 Long Range Shooting facility. AREA 52 offers high-tech acoustic targets at four distances: 300m, 600m, 800m, and 1000 meters. Every shooter has his/her own target monitor for scoring. All target bays are on separate lines of sight, and shooters are spaced on a single line, so there is no conflict between 300m shooters and those shooting the longer distances.
Along with training and recreational shooting, AREA 52 hosts regular competitions. On September 29, 2007, AREA 52 will host a multi-distance Long Range Competition using electronic targets. The Course of Fire consists of 3 sighters and 15 record shots at each of the four metric distances (300m, 600m, 800m, 1000m). The 9/29 Match is limited to 50 participants on first-come, first-serve basis. Max caliber is .338 Lapua Magnum.
AREA 52 has also pioneered a new kind of high-tech international postal match — the Trans Oceanic Shooting Sports Competition (TOSS). In cooperation with European clubs that possess similar acoustic targets and remote monitors, AREA 52’s American squad (The Thunderbird Competition Team), competes against teams in Europe. The matches take place on the same day, with results exchanged via digital data transfer over the internet. The most recent “trans-oceanic” match was held on September 1st, 2007, with the Thunderbird (AREA 52) Team competing against three teams from Sweden (Shedhill Team, Veterans Team, and Long Range Team). The Swedes have even created a website, http://toss.svensktskytte.se/, where you can view results and even see actual data feeds from the Sept. 1st match (target photos below).
To learn more about Area 52 and the upcoming (Sept. 29) Long-Range Match, visit SpindlerArms.com, or contact Wilhelm Spindler, AREA 52, Robert Lee, TX 76945, phone: (325) 453-9166, email: info [at] spindlerarms.com. Below is a map to the facility.
