Caldwell Target Camera and Trapdoor

[Don McDowell]

Setting it back the 20 ft and off to the side. I haven't yet ( notice the yet ) found any dimes or chunks at the camera.

[Rowdy Rick]

Thanks Don. The problem here is trying to get it by 'those' that don't believe that it won't get hit... If that makes any sense ? We do have the occasional newcomer who can throw a very 'wild' shot and this is the argument I'm trying to head off. That's why I wondered if it were placed even 50 yds back and off to one side, would that allow enough zoom and clarity to allow spotting and scoring. Its obviously very clear within 20-30 ft and wondered if stepping that out to 100-150 ft would still allow for spotting. Clearly dealing with mirage picked up on a camera over 100 yds would have to be preferable to scoping or camera work over 800-1000 yds. I was all for the steel shielding plate and setting it back and to the side about 30 ft or so..but I'm in the minority. Just wondered if it would be sharp enough on a 14" -17" tablet to pick between hits in the white and the black... or the bull vs the body of the buffalo. Wasn't a problem when we could barely hit the mound...but its slow progress... but I do believe most are getting better. Some days at any rate
best regards

Gavin.

Gavin, I have had mine back to 30 feet just experimenting here in house and focus was still pretty sharp. As Don says, not sure how far back you could go. I too will do some experimenting when weather is decent. Had 6 inches of snow last night.

One thing to remember is that the camera is on an adjustable tripod for height, and if you are shooting 600-1000 yds. that bullet or fratracide is not apt to bounce straight back 20 feet to camera due to the angle that bullet is coming into the target at. The angle of fratricide should be equal to the angle the bullet is coming in from above, which means it isn't going to travel horizontally very far to camera. I just can't see that going back that far (20 ft or so) at those long range distances. So that leaves you with just a direct hit on the camera, which if placed off to the side, seems like a fairly remote chances of hitting it.

You might start a pool that everyone donates to when using the camera until the value of a replacement camera is met. You may never have to use it.

Rick

[J.B.]

I had to laugh at the waiver idea... see if that doesn't sharpen up the sight picture a little . Good option on pooling funds also but knowing some of the fraternity of which I refer... wouldn't be viable . As I said.. I don't think its in any danger of being hit myself and thats why I'm tempted to buy the unit myself rather than wait for the club to come to an agreement. One of our members has the Bullseye system but this really seems overly complicated for what we need. I just need to move the spotters eyes closer to the target so they can see fall of shot without the problems associated with mirage and distance. Its less of a problem of course for us in the cooler months as I imagine it would be in the U.S. also.
Don or Rick ..if you do get the chance to set it up say 50 yds back from the plate and zoom it in, I'd be interested in any feed back you have. I'm happy to buy the camera myself but would sooner the club purchased it and left me to save money to fly to the U.S. or buy another rifle.. or pistol...or loading gear... etc etc.

... thanks for your input

Gavin.

[Fogman01]

Thanks to all who contributed to this Caldwell target camera post. I read this thread, bought one, and took it to the range today for 500 yard shooting. Wow! It works like a champ! It connects to our iPad and with the expand feature I can see the bullet holes perfectly and no eye fatigue. At 500 yards I don't even need to set up the receiver. Great stuff! It was on sale and came with a Caldwell adjustable rifle rest for free!

[J.B.]

I've all but decided to go ahead and take a chance at buying one of these but so far it appears none of the Outfitters will ship o/s...certainly not by air. Possibly an issue with the battery ? ..or just company policy . Midway have your domestic version at $349 US at present... very tempting...and frustrating. I'd probably need to source the 220v version although I do have a transformer here to get me by. See if I can't get someone at Midway to talk to me

J.B.