The CMP procured an electronic target system when they built Talladega Marksmanship Park. The system they use is called Kongsberg Electronic Targets. They have a permanent set, that is used at Talladega and also at the 100 yard Petrarca range at Camp Perry. The permanent/non mobile system works very well from what I hear. The mobile set is pretty good as well, but I think they are still working bugs out of that system. If someone had some land....a home range, you can purchase a Kongsberg system from the CMP, think they are just under $2K per.
I have only shot the more permanent system at Camp Perry, have yet to visit Talladega, but it is on my list. I had no issues when shooting the targets at Perry.
The MOBILE Kongsberg system has had some issues. CMP is diligently working to ensure they work out all the issues. I used the mobile system at the CMP Eastern Games this year, and there were no issues with them. However, I did travel to Perry for an EIC match, and due to some training issues with the volunteers in the pits, when we went to move from 200/300 yards, the targets were damaged. Must change the face of the target when moving from 200-300 yards, as the aiming black gets larger. Well...when the volunteers manipulated the target carriages....they did so as they would for a normal target, and this caused several of the cannon plugs to be ripped from the motherboards.. When 2-3 targets go down on the line, it is similar to Christmas lights...., 3-4 targets on either side of the damaged target go out as well. Needless to say, that match was a mess. It eventually was cancelled.
Last weekend, I had an opportunity to shoot an NRA HP match at Bridgeville, DE. They were hosting the DE state match. It was also their range debut of the HEXta target system. Another version of electronic target.
I was very impressed with the HEXta system. The personal PDA's they handed us, were easy to use. On the CMP Kongsberg system, there is only one PDA per firing point. It has to be shared with both the scorekeeper/verifier and the shooter. The HEXta system has 2 PDA's per target. So the scorekeeper and shooter both have their own PDA. I liked that logistically, it seemed to be a little smoother than the CMP mobile system.
HEXta target system is also LIVE scoring. Results can be posted live to the internet. The match results were finalized within minutes after the match and were posted. That was nice as well.
HEXta also retains the target, and there is some info one can use. For example, in rapid fire, the shots are timed. You can see what your time management is like after the event as well.
Personally, I LOVE the E targets. Matches like an NRA 800 agg, typically take from 0800-1630 (easily) as we need to perform pit duty. This 800 agg we shot on Saturday, was over by 1340! That also includes the time that the range personnel needed to train us on the use of the PDA's.
Not having to perform pit duty is the biggest plus of these electronic target systems. You will also not get as worn out by the end of the day. Hopefully the more and more that ranges switch to the E targets, more and more people will get into or "back into" the HP sport.
These would be great for the HOME Range at Ramseur.
Hexta target system is significantly more expensive than the Kongsberg system. So that is a consideration as well.
Here are the ranges I know of on the North East Coast that have Electronic Targets:
Reade Range (PA): Hexta
Bridgeville (DE): Hexta
New Holland (PA): They are in the process of procuring....not sure which system
I see these targets as the wave of the future. In Europe they have been using them for years....it is about time we get into the 21st century.
So, in closing....if you have an opportunity to shoot a match or practice with an E target system, take it. You will not be disappointed.
R/
Chris
As a shooter, my experience with E targets:
Spotting Scope: Truly not needed at 200/300 yards. Your shot value is instantly displayed on the monitor. Regarding a wind call, for 300 yards....I really do not need to see mirage. Apply your DOPE, take the 2 sighters and adjust for wind and elevation. In rapids, instead of peeking thru spotting scope to see "if it is the same or has the wind changed", peek over at the monitor....your shots are visible instantly. Adjust from there.
At 600 yards...I almost did not use my spotting scope. Wind was not that bad. And, for the first time ever (another topic) I was able to see heavy mirage out of my riflescope (at 4x).
So....no need for a spotting scope (although many would say I am nuts for saying that)....but the need is definitely diminished.
GUCCI cart? No need. Your not gonna be travelling to the pits and back several times. A welders cart, baby stroller....basically any cart that people typically use for a CMP games 200 yard match is all that one would need.
R/
Chris
The final KD in the Tennessee Valley for this year is in October at Talladega. You're welcome to come down and shoot with us.
I expect this one to sell out early.
Thanks Rusty,
I have no leave (vacation) built up, or I would come down for that.
You guys have it made being able to host events on those E targets!
Next year for sure.....likely this time of year, I will be down.
R/
Chris