A little-known start up claims to have invented a potentially revolutionary rifle technology that would conceivably allow a complete novice to accurately hit intended targets the first time, and every time.
Up until now, developing excellent aim involved a certain degree of steady, unflinching focus as well as lots of practice. Of course, the type of firearm matters also. But even experienced marksman know that having the most state-of-the-art rifle won’t help much unless it’s paired with the proper scope, a telescopic attachment that magnifies objects and aligns them with the trajectory of an oncoming bullet. That’s because scope designs vary depending on whether the user plans to go hunting or fire at stationary objects. And since no two rifles are the same, the settings will also need to be adjusted to maximize that particular weapon’s effectiveness.
TrackingPoint’s patent-pending “Intelligent Digital Tracking Scopes” system was created to do away with all these complex factors by introducing a mechanism that prevents the rifle from going off until it ensures a precise hit. This is done using a correction technology that works to continually calibrate the point of impact based on important variables such as atmospheric drag, parallax, cross-winds and elevation.
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Looking through the scope, the shooter starts by tagging the location of where the bullet should end up by means of a red, superimposed square. Once tagged, the shooter can now pull the trigger, though the bullet won’t fire until the crosshairs are matched up correctly with the predicted landing spot.
Details are scarce, but TrackingPoint plans to offer three IDTS-equipped models, which include a .338 Lapua Magnum tactical model called the XS1, a .300 Winchester Magnum version as well as a hunting rifle. The company says that they hope to make the technology available early next year, with the targeted launch date being sometime in January.
There are still questions, however, concerning whether the system is capable of locking on to moving targets, similar to the way jet fighters hone in on their enemies. In the meantime, a promotional video has been uploaded that demonstrates the tracking system’s impressive precision.
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