If you’ve ever been to the range on your own, you know it can be challenging to spot every shot and its impact on the target downrange. When you don’t have a spotter, using a camera system can be a huge time saver, and will give you details to make adjustments without ever leaving your shooting position.
The Bullseye Wireless Camera has a built-in wifi network, allowing you to set up anywhere and get readings back to an iPhone, iPad, Android, or Kindle. The unit also works with Microsoft Windows on a laptop computer, with a free software download.
How it works
The camera comes in a self-contained box, with a stand to aim it at your target downrange. You turn on the power switch and will see lights illuminate to indicate battery and the wifi signal status.
Set up the BaseStation in the area you are shooting from, but not directly on the ground. Turn on the power button and aim the arrows on the receiver at the camera unit downrange. The unit is now ready to work.
The camera system transmits information from the target camera to the receiver, and the shooter can view the details through a free app. The Bullseye Target Manager app will connect to the Bullseye Camera wifi, just like any network at home. When you launch the app, select the “New Session,” and tap the “Yes” button to open a live view of your target on your smartphone. This initiates the camera operation and you are ready to start sending lead downrange.
Depending on the distance, once you’ve fired a round downrange you may be able to see the impact on your target with the naked eye. However, this is the brilliance of the camera, you hit the “Show Shot” button and it will indicate exactly where your bullet made an impact on the target.
The Long Range Edition works out beyond 1,600 yards, allowing long-range shooters to track every shot, with instant results. It is essentially like having a military trained spotter giving you precise shot placements – except you must make the corrections with your own knowledge. The camera must have a clear line of sight to the receiver to work.
Details
The camera and receiver run off lithium-ion batteries that can be charged anywhere you have a 120-volt outlet. The batteries have a minimum 12-hour run time, allowing you to use the camera for several days, or for constant use during competition shooting.
The camera has incredible HD 1280 x 720 resolution, and images of targets can be saved directly to the phone or computer you’re using in the field. Several shooters can use the same target and track results on separate devices on the bench. You can run the camera on “Live Video” and record an entire session. When set to “Target View” each bullet hole will show up as a red dot, numbered in the sequence they hit the target. A new shot and bullet hole will blink to ensure it can be identified from other bullet holes. The app allows you to save individual photos of specific bullets, an entire session of shots, and help you identify shot group sizes.
The camera unit is self-contained and waterproof, like an ammo box. It fits into a stand that can be angled for different sized targets and ensures stability in the wind. The receiver comes in a Cordura bag that zips everything up for storage.
There are many uses for the camera system, including sighting in a firearm, load testing, competition and long-range shooting, and even shotguns. It is lightweight, compact, easy to use and provides information for immediate analysis. Most of all, it adds a new element to range time, which is interactive and fun.
*Video credit to Bullseye Camera Systems, SME and GSM Outdoors
