Hawk Spotting Scope Camera from Longshot (TargetVision)
Spotting scopes are important tools for hunters and target shooters, but until now you had to position your head close to the eye-piece and look directly through the lens. LongShot Target Camera (aka TargetVision) has changed how we can use our spotting scopes with the company’s innovative Hawk Smart Scope Spotting Scope Camera. The Hawk employs a digital camera that “sees” through the lens of your spotting scope and then wirelessly transmits the real-time view to your mobile devices. This allows you to position the spotting scope anywhere you like, and then use a tablet or phone to observe exactly what the scope “sees” down-range. Priced at just $249.00, the advanced Hawk Spotting Scope Camera is a great value.
Hawk Review by F-Class John
As a frequent user of spotting scopes, I often find myself struggling to position my scope close enough without it interfering with my shooting setup. During a match this isn’t a big deal, but when I’m out doing load development or practicing there are plenty of times I’d like to set up my spotting scope out of the way but still see what it’s looking at. I’ve tried other digiscope systems but they’ve all required me to use a cell phone directly over the eyepiece. That can work but it still forces me to position the scope within my shooting space. All of these frustrations ended when I got the Hawk. Now I can put the Hawk anywhere I want, plus a shooting buddy (or coach) can watch the view through the spotter remotely.
Setting Up the Hawk is Easy — WiFi Connection
The Hawk comes in a nice hard-sided case that is big enough to fit the unit and charging cable and easily fits in a range bag for transport. Once its battery is charged, simply slide the Hawk over your eye-piece, tighten the screw clamp down and then turn the Hawk on. To pair, go to WiFi settings, select the HAWK IP address, and then open the TargetVision App. You’ll be asked to enter the provided passcode (only required the first time) and then you’ll automatically begin to see what your spotting scope sees. I like that it connects using WiFi because that frees up my Bluetooth for other items such as a LabRadar. This allows me to use the HAWK alongside other devices without competing for functionality.
Hawk Offers Shot-Marking System — GREAT Feature!
For use while target shooting, the Hawk has one outstanding built-in feature. The digital view from the scope can mark your shots! The Hawk’s shot marking software allows the Hawk to track and identify shots on target. The Hawk has a couple settings that allow you to change the color and size of the marked shots as well as showing your groups and group size. This is really a huge value-added feature of the Hawk. The shot-marking functionality turns your spotting scope into a highly capable shot-marker system. That’s especially great when doing load development.
Rotating Camera Head Adds Versatility
Another ingenious feature of the HAWK is that you can rotate the head unit without affecting your actual scope set-up. This allows you to easily “level up” the output image on your device while leaving your scope tight in its mount after zooming in or out. I found this to be a really useful at my local range which has uneven ground. As I moved the scope around, I simply turned the head and kept watching. With variable-power spotting scopes, the Hawk’s rotating head really helps you adjust the picture output quickly after adjusting the zoom power on the eyepiece.
SUMMARY — Excellent Product with Multiple Functions
Overall the HAWK exceeded my expectations. The image quality was clear and in general matched what my eye would see through the scope itself. In testing I found it worked equally well on my iPad and iPhone with gallery photos and videos easily transferred from the App to my device files. The HAWK is easy to install and configure for your devices. The ability to see downrange remotely — without having to stare through the lens — makes this device a great accessory for any spotting scope.
Great for Training — This unit is especially useful for training purposes. The coach can be watching the shooter’s position/technique, while keeping an eye on target and windflags downrange using the streamed image from the Hawk camera. Overall, we think Longshot Target Camera (TargetVision) has built a winner, and the Hawk is unquestionably a superb value at $249.00.
Hawk Owners Also Praise This Spotting Scope Camera:
“Image quality is outstanding and the camera is very easy to attach, set up, and use. No more straining at the eyepiece of my spotting scope. I love it!” Ned T., Verified Buyer
“The unit is extremely easy to setup. The App has great features and the unit has endless applications. A great addition to a nice spotting scope.” Evan D., Verified Buyer
“Hawk is built very well and works perfect. The App is easy to operate. Marks shots on steel out to 935 yards at the range … would definitely recommend this item.” Brett D., Verified Buyer
This Video Shows the Features of the Hawk Spotting Scope Camera:
Good Powder Choices for the .45 ACP
This Editor owns a full-size, all-stainless S&W 1911. After trying numerous powders, I found VV N320 delivered the best combination of accuracy, easy metering, consistency, clean burning qualities, and low muzzle flash. My gun has proven exceptionally accurate using N320 with bullets from 180 grains to 230 grains — it will shoot as accurately as some expensive customs I’ve tried. At right is 5-round group I shot offhand at 10 yards with my 5″ S&W 1911.
To quantify what Preacher says, for starters, we suggest setting your body die, or full-length sizing die, to have .0015″ of “bump”. NOTE: This assumes that your die is a good match to your chamber. If your sizing or body die is too big at the base you could push the shoulder back .003″ and still have “sticky case” syndrome. Also, the .0015″ spec is for bolt guns. For AR15s you need to bump the shoulder of your cases .003″ – .005″, for enhanced reliability. For those who have never worked with a body die, bump die, or Full-length sizing die, to increase bump, you loosen lock-ring and screw the die in further (move die down relative to shell-holder). A small amount (just a few degrees) of die rotation can make a difference. To reduce bump you screw the die out (move die up). Re-set lock-ring to match changes in die up/down position.
