Gear Reviews: Set Up Your Own Low-Caliber Shooting Range

By the author of Dear Diary: It’s Me, Jessica

Today, I am going to review two pieces of gear working together:  The SME Bullseye Target Camera and the Champion .22 Caliber Target Trap.

Disclaimer: Always follow your local laws and ordinances when it comes to using firearms. Only set up a shooting area where it is allowed. This information varies by location and is entirely your responsibility to find out. Always follow firearms safety rules.

SME Bullseye Target Camera

Why a target camera?  The simple answer is the target camera is connected to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-fi, right next to you on the firing line.  No need to walk or ride an ATV all the way down to the target to see where your shots are impacting.  Just glance over to your smart device for instant feedback of every shot.

The longer answer along with the simple one is that this system can be considerably cheaper than a good spotting scope.  I have used spotting scopes in NRA High Power rifle, and in order to really see your shots, especially at the 600-yard line, you need a good (and not so cheap) spotting scope.  Even then, at max power, without someone down in the target pits to spot your shot, even high-end spotting scopes are not going to see where your shot impacted.  At max power, even the slightest vibration, say from a crosswind, can make it hard to even see the target.  

An additional advantage of a target camera is that it can keep a record of your shots for analysis either on the firing line or later at home.  The software will also give you an immediate analysis of your grouping.  

The target camera I am reviewing today is the SME 300 yard “Sight In” one.  There is also the SME Bullseye Sniper Edition, a one-mile target camera.  I have had the Sight In camera for about two years.  It comes with a charger and a carrying case.  It has two front “legs” to elevate and align the camera to your target off the ground, or there is a standard ¼ inch camera tripod mount on the bottom if mounting to a tripod is better for you.  The camera lens adjusts fifteen degrees in any direction to align with your target.  In an ideal world, you would have the target camera eight to ten feet directly in front of the target, with the target being elevated above the camera.  

However, if you do not know your bullet drop or change from a lighter bullet weight to a heavier one, you just might end up shooting your target camera.  I know.  I have shot and ruined three plastic target holders when changing bullet weights.  Oops!  So, set it to one side of the target and adjust the camera and lens accordingly.    

In order to use the system, you need to download the free “app” from either the Apple Store or Google Play.  

Place the camera to the one side of your target.  Flip up the Wi-fi transmitter and adjust it to send the signal back to where you will be shooting from.  Turn the power on.  On your smart device, access Settings, Wi-fi connections section and when the the Bullseye network appears, connect to it.  Note, it may take a minute or two as the system powers up, goes through self-check and the Wi-fi begins to transmit.  I have read that some older smart devices have difficulty connecting or even drop the connection.  I have not had that issue.  

Once connected, open the Bullseye app on your smart device.  The app will need access to your smart device Location.  Select Sight In from the menu and follow the prompts to crop your target for the software to better focus on shots taken and hits.  Use Markers to track your shots for analysis.  

Champion .22 Caliber Target Trap

First and foremost, this trap is rated for only up to .22LR standard velocity lead ammunition!  Do not use high velocity ammunition, any calibers larger than .22LR or other than lead ammunition!  As always, follow all the live fire firearms rules!

The trap measures 11″ (w) x 12″(h) x 8″(l) and weights a hefty 22lbs.  The back is slanted downward to direct shots toward the bottom and the bottom edge is curled in towards the trap to catch the lead bullets.  It has removable target holder and comes with a metal clip to hold your targets, although, I think if the clip to a direct hit, it likely would break.  But this are the kind of clips sold at office supply stores or you could even use wooden clothespins.

I use the trap primarily with my .22 caliber air rifles using lead pellets.  I save cardboard and use it as a backing for the targets.  The impact of the lead pellets on the trap steel gives off a “ping!” sound.  

Summary

Please remember to check your local laws and ordinances. Only set up a place to shoot where it is allowed locally.

The SME Target Camera has been very useful for sighting in when using regular paper targets.  Beats having to take a shot, walk down to the target a 100 yards away to see my hit, walk back to the firing line, make an adjustment.  Shoot again.  Then walk down to the target, 100 yards away, to see my second hit, walk back, make the second adjustment, and so on until I am sighted in.  Or, just to see my grouping.  A target camera is very handy if you are not using a high-powered scope or don’t have a good spotting scope.  I will occasionally shoot the .22 air rifle out to 100 yards.  Even with Shoot-N-C targets, it can be hard to see that tiny .22 caliber pellet impact.  

The Champion .22LR Target Trap is great for backyard range sessions.  It’s portable and easy to use.

Do you have any similar gear that you use? Do you have other pieces of gear that you use together for good effect? Let’s talk gear in the comments section.

About 1stMarineJarHead

1^stMarineJarHead is not only a former Marine, but also a former EMT-B, Wilderness EMT (courtesy of NOLS), and volunteer firefighter.

He currently resides in the great white (i.e. snowy) Northeast with his wife and dogs. He raises chickens, rabbits, goats, occasionally hogs, cows and sometimes ducks. He grows various veggies and has a weird fondness for rutabagas. He enjoys reading, writing, cooking from scratch, making charcuterie, target shooting, and is currently expanding his woodworking skills.

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