Caldwell Target Camera and Trapdoor

[Rowdy Rick]

Thought I would add this pic showing how far back and to the side you can get the camera and still show shots on a full size buffalo gong. The camera is set up on its tripod with transmitter on top.



This is an actual target camera picture from 400 yards using my 45-70 trapdoor utilizing the setup in previous picture. First time I have shot it at 400 and used the 400 setting on the Buffington sight.
You can keep the camera back and to the side much farther than I thought would be possible and still see hits on gong. I am really liking this camera system. I used my I-phone for the monitor.

Rick

[Don McDowell]

Wow how far back is that camera,20 +ft?
Nice shooting with the trapdoor.

[Rowdy Rick]

Wow how far back is that camera,20 +ft?
Nice shooting with the trapdoor.

Don, I didn't measure it but would guess at least 13 ft. maybe a little more. The camera makes it look just a little farther. The thing I was most worried about using the camera on gongs before buying was shooting the camera or fratricide hitting camera. I think you would have to be trying hard to hit the camera as you can get it back and off to side a fairly safe distance. Of course my friend Wild Bill just sent me an e-mail after trying his out for the first time and said don't use a white bullseye on gong. If you do paint the camera a different color than white.. He must have had camera really close in front of target. It took him 4 shots before he realized he was shooting at the camera. Said he had a really nice group and can't figure out why he didn't hit the camera (bull) as he is a pretty good shot Said his shooting angel must have been watching over him To be fair he just had eye surgery and still has some vision problems.

The trapdoor has one of the best bores I have looked down and anxious to try it out to 800 yds when weather clears up some. I am sure you are getting the cold windchill stuff like us.

Rick

[Kurt]

Rick.

That sure is a sharp image on the iron. Have you shot paper with the same angle setup and distance from the target?
And has Bill been out with his setup?
If I rejoin Milan to shoot the 600 yard I could set it up in the pit and not need someone pulling the target. Instead looking at it from the side I would be looking up.

[Kurt]

I should have waited a couple seconds

[Don McDowell]

4 degrees and snowing pretty heavy this morning. Supposed to go thru tonite.
I always set mine on the upwind side of the target so there's less chance of an errant shot picking it off.
Doc's old trapdoor never ceases to amaze me, when you get the load to what the sights are regulated for, all you need do is set the correct yardage and shoot.

[Rowdy Rick]

Kurt,

I have not shot paper yet. Will wait for warmer weather to try that and see how far back I can get and still see holes. One thing though is that you can zoom in on the target and see shots easier even if you have the camera back farther. The disadvantage is that you can't take a still picture in the zoom position, it reverts back to the initial overall setting, which isn't really a big problem. I only used the zoom once when I had 3 shots stacked together and could clearly differentiate the individual hits. Also the sun was behind the target so camera was shooting into sun (backlight) situation and it handled the exposure great. Wild Bill really likes his. He purchased one of those larger tablets on sale at Best Buy that you posted recently. I really like the larger size. I "borrowed" Doris's mini ipad the last time I went out with it and it worked great as well. But having said that I had no problem seeing hits on I phone. and the above camera shot showing hit was from my I phone.

Rick

[Kurt]

Rick when the weather breaks where it is more fit with the winds you get I will throw a bunch of gear in the gypsy wagon and head your way. I would like to shake hands with wild Bill and maybe the three of us can make some smoke..
Temp is dropping here again.

[Rowdy Rick]

4 degrees and snowing pretty heavy this morning. Supposed to go thru tonite.
I always set mine on the upwind side of the target so there's less chance of an errant shot picking it off.
Doc's old trapdoor never ceases to amaze me, when you get the load to what the sights are regulated for, all you need do is set the correct yardage and shoot.

Don,

Good idea on placing on upwind side. I did that remembering your earlier advice. Those buffington sights are nice. At 200 and 400 yds it is right on the money elevation wise according to marked settings. Will test at 600 and 800 next to see how close the elevation markings are. Those Buffington sights are canted left to compensate for right hand rotational drift. Old dead guys were a lot smarter than we give them credit for Wild Bill says his trapdoor is the most fun gun he has ever owned, I don't disagree.

Rick

[Rowdy Rick]

Rick when the weather breaks where it is more fit with the winds you get I will throw a bunch of gear in the gypsy wagon and head your way. I would like to shake hands with wild Bill and maybe the three of us can make some smoke..
Temp is dropping here again.

Kurt,

Spare bedroom is always ready as is the camper pad! Plan on that and will definitely get us together with Wild Bill. He is just like you and me, so we will get along well Don't forget your flintknapping tools!

Rick