I’m not really sure what to say about this one. I guess – really cool if it gets into the “right” hand and REALLY bad if it gets into the “wrong” hands…
A new application has been launched for the iPod touch to help gun users line up a clean shot at their target.
The BulletFlight app, which costs £6.99 to download from the iTunes store, has been developed by Runaway App to turn the iPod touch into a ballistics computer which the company says can provide “quick solutions in the field”.
Users can mount their iPod touch to their rifle, and then use the iPod’s touch-screen to tap in details about the wind conditions, ammunition type, distance to the intended target and even the wind speed.
Most of my experience with shooting involves trying to shoot critters (without much success). I know they say "quick solutions in the field’ but by the time I tapped in all that information, the critter may well have moved.
Rifles do not come with hardware/software, as stated before, the Snipers who are trained(correctly) do this on the fly. It is called a mil-dot reticle or any other type of reticle that fits the application you need it for. A range finder and your “observer” will take care of it. Computers are just another piece of equipment thatwill break when you need it… “doing God’s work 168gr at a time”
No, not standard issue. I am sure someone probably has this, but no one that I know of. There are other units like this around, I know of scope companies that actually have this application built right into the scope. There are watches that do this as well. There are new range finders that claim to give you the “true” distance when shooting angles as well. When I am dealing with a hostage situation the last thing I want to rely on is a computer that could malfunction. I will go with training, training, and more training. I do not see a real need for alot of this “stuff” in LE being that the majority of our engagements happen under 100yds. Yes, there are areas where the distance can be much greater then 100yds, but the “good” ones get close enough without being detected and eliminate many of these variables, heat, humidity, wind, etc…
I was talking about shots at distances of 300 yds. or more. At those distances, ballistics computers are essential, although you could do the calulations by hand or in your head (maybe) if you had all the charts and data for your rifle, projectile, load, etc. You also need wind meters and accurate range finders.
This app is obviously targeted at long distance competition shooters.
Saw a show on History that had sniper “teams” - one guy with a gun, the other a sight of some sort…figured they all did it that way. They were shooting at 1000+ meters however.
“Computers are just another piece of equipment thatwill break when you need it”
This product is not intended for guys in your line of work. This is just a gadget for the trophy “hunter”. Add it to their custom camo clothes in size 4X, their 10k rifle and top end scope. So when their highly paid guide leads them to the perfect spot to take the shot at their trophy game they will just let their iPod do the thinking.
In the pic they have it mounted to the side rail of a AR-15 / M-16 with a max range of 500M.
I have taken many shots at over 300yds, without gadgetry. It is not that hard to do with time and training. It only takes seconds to correct your MOA and make the shot, without electronics.
Sorry it is not false! A Sniper has many different responsibilities, the last being able to deliver precision rifle fire when needed. Observe, report, protect three things we do on every call out. In many instances field craft is more important than taking a shot, getting to the target to gather/pass on intel can be a life saver just as much as taking “the” shot. Getting in/out undetected takes more practice/training than you would realize. Read some books on Carlos Hathcock and then come talk to me. A Sniper LEGEND.
While we’re on the topic of your occupation, I’m curious about something in your profile: “Conflict resolution 4 lbs at a time.” Mind explaining this reference to the uninitiated?
I was talking about shots at distances of 300 yds. or more. At those distances, ballistics computers are essential, although you could do the calulations by hand or in your head (maybe) if you had all the charts and data for your rifle, projectile, load, etc. You also need wind meters and accurate range finders.
This app is obviously targeted at long distance competition shooters.
300 m targets are a standard part of Army rifle qual, and most certainly do not need anything other than the sights on the rifle. I never had the need to take a rifle shot over that distance outside of training, but have seen hits out to 500 m from trained guys with the same equipment.
As SniperTeamOne said, I can’t see this as being much of an advantage, more of a novelty or a training aid. You’ve got an interesting point about this being generally available, but that goes along with the argument that you can buy a PSG-1 sniper rifle at the local gun shop (here in Michigan) with no waiting period or permit- just with a signature but you can’t buy an AR-15 rifle (military M4) with a short barrel. It’s an odd line of logic. It somehow suggests that if you add an inch or so to the barrel of a semi automatic rifle it somehow becomes less lethal.
Anyway, I hope I haven’t diverted this whole thread now…
As SniperTeamOne said, I can’t see this as being much of an advantage, more of a novelty or a training aid.
Yep, I agree. But, I am really curious as to whom they are marketing this thing. Seriously, who is going to buy this app? Well, it is 6.99 British pounds, so that is, what, around $15? So, I suppose some people will get it for fun.
As SniperTeamOne said, I can’t see this as being much of an advantage, more of a novelty or a training aid.
Yep, I agree. But, I am really curious as to whom they are marketing this thing. Seriously, who is going to buy this app? Well, it is 6.99 British pounds, so that is, what, around $15? So, I suppose some people will get it for fun.
Mall ninjas. It’s a gimmick. Real equipment like this does exist and has it’s place. But you gotta know how to shoot first, before the high tech stuff makes a damn bit of difference.
I’m no sniper, But I’m confident to two hundred yards with my M4 with Eotech or iron sites. I’ve made much longer shots, but I wouldn’t say I’m confident and the situation would have to be dire for me to take that shot for reals.
In the real world, most ‘sniper’ shots are 50 yards or less, usually much less. We train to make very accurate shots at 25 yards and in, as that’s most likely going to be the distances in an urban environment.
An aside, the rifle in the picture looks to be a .223, which is about as far from a sniper rifle as you can get. Most snipers, at least police snipers , are using a .308, which is a much more powerful and accurate round.
“you can buy a PSG-1 sniper rifle at the local gun shop (here in Michigan) with no waiting period or permit- just with a signature but you can’t buy an AR-15 rifle (military M4) with a short barrel.”
The H&K has a 25" barrel. You can buy an AR-15 with a 16.5" barrel (here in California - if it is built on an off list lower receiver). How short did you want to go? The shorter gas tube ARs have some reliability problems anyway.
