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Now Everyone Can be a Sniper (if this works)

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Published: Thursday, 22 November 2012 14:00
Written by Michael Yon

22 November 2012

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jim Tuttle · 7 years ago
    I really don't think that system should be readily available to the public at all. Just sayin'
    • This commment is unpublished.
      woodNfish · 7 years ago
      That is just what our criminal government wants you to think.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        Brad · 7 years ago
        Its good to see that we can still develope cutting edge stuff here. I want one!!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      ChrisG · 7 years ago
      At the advertised range, and being for non-moving targets in this iteration, I first though of how great it would be to get more venison with fewer wounded and suffering animals from missed or poorly placed shots. Eventually this will be improved to compensate for moving targets and have more data inputs for longer range and more weapon versatility, but will be priced squarely in the defense-budget range not the bad-guy range. The moose-limbs can do so much more harm with IEDs that your anti-gun, paranoid, big-government-save-me-please comments are beyond laughable.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        EOD · 7 years ago
        you are so correct. I was EOD in Vietnam and now with the advent of cell phones you can fire an IED from any distance or close up and personal!!
        • This commment is unpublished.
          rocco · 7 years ago
          You STILL have to acquire the target precisely to "tag" the target. Instead of pushing a buttom ("tagging" the target) at that point, why not jut PULL THE TRIGGER??????
          Does this system adjust for windage?
          Sorry, but I'm with Andy.
        • This commment is unpublished.
          BS · 6 years ago
          My old man was EOD in vietnam, you guys were some crazy sob's
    • This commment is unpublished.
      sillymonkeyvt · 7 years ago
      Ok Obama.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Brett Stokes · 7 years ago
      Really Jim, who do you think should be readily available to? I don't remember the Constitution say who can and can't get what weapons.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      EOD · 7 years ago
      Yes sir me obama
      • This commment is unpublished.
        EOD · 7 years ago
        the "yes sir me obama" was ment for Jim tuttles comment
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Ray · 6 years ago
      Any idea of cost?
      • This commment is unpublished.
        Austin · 6 years ago
        [quote name="Ray"]Any idea of cost?[/quote]

        The rumored price back when they first showed their 'beta' test results was about $17k-$20k.

        I noticed that they have a booth at SHOT Show next week. I'm gonna stop by and see what their retail pricing is gonna be at. Definitely too rich for my blood.

        Then again, I did a transfer for a customer on a $12,000 Barrett M107-A1, and the suppressor (another $2k), so there are definitely guys out there who COULD afford it... :lol:
    • This commment is unpublished.
      matefrio · 5 years ago
      Because criminals and terrorists go for solutions that cost over $20,000.000
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Andy · 7 years ago
    I'd still put my money on trained snipers.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Ruben · 7 years ago
      [quote name="Andy"]I'd still put my money on trained snipers.[/quote]

      Andy is absolutely correct. Putting rounds in the X-ring is NOT what professional snipers are about. Its largely collecting information for intelligence purposes, i.e. surveil the enemy and report back. Its about being in a concealed position and using commo to call in fire support. Its about being able to move into enemy territory undetected, operate undetected, and return undetected. With the current generation of precision rifles and incredible optics, any twit can hit the X-ring and they can probably do it consistently. That single skill does NOT make a sniper.
      Marine Sniper Instructor, 1980-88
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Tango down Tim · 6 years ago
      I would say that it would make a "B" sniper an "A" sniper
      and an "A" sniper a part of history.
      Sure beats old school shooting, still love the M14.
      Just remember "aim small, miss small" always worked for me
      thank's Mel for coining that.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Austin · 6 years ago
      [quote name="rocco"]You STILL have to acquire the target precisely to "tag" the target. Instead of pushing a buttom ("tagging" the target) at that point, why not jut PULL THE TRIGGER??????
      Does this system adjust for windage?
      Sorry, but I'm with Andy.[/quote]

      Yes, the system adjusts for windage, and will actually track a moving target, once tagged. Tagging with a laser is MUCH easier than hitting with a bullet at 800+ yards. Don't believe me? Go take a laser pointer and a rifle to the range, and see which one is easier to touch a target with at 1000 yards.[quote name="Andy"]I'd still put my money on trained snipers.[/quote]

      And where would you put your money between trained snipers with a Remington 700, vs trained snipers with this piece of hardware?

      The tools don't make the man, but they can certainly make the man better at what he does!
  • This commment is unpublished.
    RogerDane · 7 years ago
    Mechanics will still play a big part. And, considering the .338 comment (distance 1200 yds), my off the shelf Savage 110 hits nicely at 1650 with basic dope. However 'if' a novice has the mechanics and can paint the target then perhaps Jim is right, might not want to get too many in 'anyone's' hands. Nice video...
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dub-L D · 7 years ago
    What has become to the state of affairs when someone would create a weapon that anyone could use to become effective assassins. I realize the appeal of inventing the next "new great thing" in weaponry but if this gun falls in the wrong hands it could be disastrous.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Mike Bishop · 7 years ago
      That tired refrain has been repeated since the first time someone sharpened a stick.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        zip · 6 years ago
        [quote name="Mike Bishop"]That tired refrain has been repeated since the first time someone sharpened a stick.[/quote]

        Okay so if you don't agree with it, then why do we restrict who can use Nukes? Where do you draw your line as to who can have what?

        If you do have a 'line', then you have to realize that people are different and they have differing views. While some people are okay with teenagers using this technology for fun others may not.

        If you don't have a line then you are okay with Iran and every other country building and holding onto nukes.
        • This commment is unpublished.
          Guest · 6 years ago
          What does this technology have to do with Iran or nukes? What a JACKASS!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      BobW · 7 years ago
      Well, I suppose there's a downside to the government not having a monopoly on such weaponry, but the Founding Fathers failed to see.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        Andrew · 7 years ago
        [quote name="BobW"]Well, I suppose there's a downside to the government not having a monopoly on such weaponry, but the Founding Fathers failed to see.[/quote]

        That's the upside the Founding Fathers INTENDED.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      luke · 7 years ago
      [quote name="Dub-L D"]What has become to the state of affairs when someone would create a weapon that anyone could use to become effective assassins. I realize the appeal of inventing the next "new great thing" in weaponry but if this gun falls in the wrong hands it could be disastrous.[/quote]
      I think the the invention of the fire arm hundreds of years ago allowed everyone to be an effective assassin.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      EOD · 7 years ago
      so can a vehicle...if it used incorrectly
      • This commment is unpublished.
        zip · 6 years ago
        And we do take vehicles away from the psychos. We impound their cars, we take away their right from using one. Why not do the same for guns? Yes, I know it's an unpopular topic in this forum but why do you need an assisted sniper rifle to hunt deer?
        • This commment is unpublished.
          Austin · 6 years ago
          [quote name="zip"][quote name="Mike Bishop"]That tired refrain has been repeated since the first time someone sharpened a stick.[/quote]

          Okay so if you don't agree with it, then why do we restrict who can use Nukes? Where do you draw your line as to who can have what?

          If you do have a 'line', then you have to realize that people are different and they have differing views. While some people are okay with teenagers using this technology for fun others may not.

          If you don't have a line then you are okay with Iran and every other country building and holding onto nukes.[/quote]

          I'll make you a deal. You get an international treaty that says that Governments aren't allowed to have these (just like with nukes), and I'll agree that peasantry shouldn't have them either.

          What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

          If it's just to horrible a weapon for a peasant to have, it's CERTAINLY too horrible a weapon for the oligarchy to have.[quote name="zip"]And we do take vehicles away from the psychos. We impound their cars, we take away their right from using one. Why not do the same for guns? Yes, I know it's an unpopular topic in this forum but why do you need an assisted sniper rifle to hunt deer?[/quote]


          Oh, so you're saying that it's reasonable to take away items from demonstrated criminals, but it's unreasonable to take things away from EVERYBODY on the off chance that they MIGHT become a criminal?

          I TOTALL AGREE! So you don't take my guns away, when I haven't done anything wrong, and I won't take your car away when you haven't done anything wrong. Seems like a fair trade.
        • This commment is unpublished.
          Guest · 6 years ago
          No really are you a moron or what? Who said anything about deer hunting. You are an IDIOT!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Gale · 7 years ago
      "The wrong hands" are the hands of the federal government, not the hands of the people.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      The Gunny · 6 years ago
      If ANY GUN falls into the wrong hands it could be disastrous. 8)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      nvrpc · 6 years ago
      It will only be disastous if you're the AH who needs to be terminated with extreme prejudice and in 2013 there are many on that list. I can think about five top dogs who could go by sunrise and I'd miss them like a hole in the head.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    mark t · 7 years ago
    the whole point of shooting is to get good, learn the range, the wind, elevations etc... I think this system takes the shooter away and leaves us with wannabes who cant shoot thinking theyre all hot stuff. I dont like it
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Spacegunner · 7 years ago
      I just earned & received my Master Classification for High Power Rifle shooting. Master requires scores of 94-96.9% from standing, sitting & prone positions with open (peep & post/globe) sights without magnification. It took me over 4 years to go from Expert to Master. Hopefully, High Master (>98%) will come sooner, before my eyes give out.
      While this system is "cool" (& expensive), I want to know that I can shoot - with or without technology.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        Thinker · 7 years ago
        [quote name="Spacegunner"]I just earned & received my Master Classification for High Power Rifle shooting. Master requires scores of 94-96.9% from standing, sitting & prone positions with open (peep & post/globe) sights without magnification. It took me over 4 years to go from Expert to Master. Hopefully, High Master (>98%) will come sooner, before my eyes give out.
        While this system is "cool" (& expensive), I want to know that I can shoot - with or without technology.[/quote]

        Why not shoot the damn target the FIRST time you get the sight on it, NOT wait, and hit it the second time. That is a waste of time there.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    F1rstangel · 7 years ago
    Haters who deride this system are the same who said optics are cheating. Now even the almighty USMC never goes anyplace without lasers or reflex sights. Take that badguys!
  • This commment is unpublished.
    F1rstangel · 7 years ago
    Those who scoff at this system are the same who derided optics, lasers and reflex sighting systems. Now even the vaunted USMC won't go near a battlefield without any of the forementioned that aid in making bad guys dead.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Lee · 7 years ago
      [quote name="F1rstangel"]Those who scoff at this system are the same who derided optics, lasers and reflex sighting systems. Now even the vaunted USMC won't go near a battlefield without any of the forementioned that aid in making bad guys dead.[/quote]

      Exactly. Reminds me of the Pope saying the crossbow should be outlawed (except against non-Christians) 800 years ago. Technology marches on.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        zip · 6 years ago
        [quote name="Lee"] Exactly. Reminds me of the Pope saying the crossbow should be outlawed (except against non-Christians) 800 years ago. Technology marches on.[/quote]

        I know.. so silly. Just like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Who are we to say who can have what type of weapon?
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Lee · 7 years ago
    If you don't like this system you won't like what the next 30 years will bring: combat robots with human-level AI, directed energy weapons, metamaterials that bend light to render objects virtually invisible...
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Mike Bishop · 7 years ago
      If 30 years brings us human level AI, another 30 will bring transhuman level AI and extinction.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        ironargonaut · 7 years ago
        I for one welcome our robot overlords. ;-)
      • This commment is unpublished.
        Austin · 6 years ago
        Actually, Moore's law pretty much assures that human-level AI in 30 years means 'transhuman' level AI in 31.

        See you in 2044! :-*
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Glenn · 7 years ago
    All well and good if you're shooting a metal plate on a range. How well does it work when the target is running across the field and climbing over walls?
  • This commment is unpublished.
    SgtStriker · 7 years ago
    Moderator ate my comment? Hmm.... When I attempt to sign in the site does not tell me if my info is wrong or that I am signed in.....
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Hercdriver · 7 years ago
    Cabela's already lists night vision scopes in their catalogue for around five grand. Wonder what the price tag will be on this thing?

    This thing should send Diane Feinstein into apoplexy.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      eli8 · 7 years ago
      We can only hope that this is true.along with Boxer
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Misha · 7 years ago
    So its like a transmission brake and delay box from bracket drag racing. I still shoot bullseye with iron sights, because i'm in competition with only myself. And i use an iPod for dope because i haven't put the time in to memorize the charts and i don't plink with a spotter. But i can fake my body into a flinch response like the best of them. ""His computer's off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?" Noble is for cowboy movies. Then again, i don't see a place for this in the sportsman/hunting side of things. Elk and moose don't shoot back.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Derek · 7 years ago
    I have two thoughts about this story: First, I have serious doubts that this system can be made to function reliably under field conditions. Second (and more to the point) something like this can never replace a trained, experienced shooter. Period.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Austin · 6 years ago
      Yeah, and archers can never replace a trained swordsman on the field of battle, and an abacus could never be replaced by a factoring machine.

      And it's super-important that you learn long-division, because you'll NEVER have a calculator with you everywhere you go... :lol:

      Have you been living under a rock? Have you missed the past 50 years of technology? 30 years ago, if I'd told you I would have, in my pocket, a device which could do things that million-dollar computer systems that even UNIVERSITIES didn't have, that I could use it to wirelessly telephone anybody, from virtually anywhere in the country (even out hiking)--and that I didn't actually have to KNOW the phone number of any of my friends, in order to effortlessly call them with the press of 1-2 buttons--and that I'd purchase it for about a day's wage, you'd have fallen out of your chair.

      Welcome to 2013.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Hercdriver · 7 years ago
    [quote name="Derek"]I have two thoughts about this story: First, I have serious doubts that this system can be made to function reliably under field conditions. Second (and more to the point) something like this can never replace a trained, experienced shooter. Period.[/quote]

    Just think what an experienced shooter can do with this. There are millions out here.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Hercdriver · 7 years ago
    The WW I Spad has evolved into the F-22. This system will be continuously tested and improved. That is only logical. So if it can't currently survive field conditions, which is speculative, it eventually will be able to.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    fidalgoman · 7 years ago
    Interesting but I wonder how it will work against moving targets, especially those ducking behind cover. Like digital cameras I suppose the technology will surpass the man, in most cases.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    DutchUncle · 7 years ago
    What is not said here is that Muslim groups across the country, some of which are already training their follwers to kill Americans, (check in out for yourself
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8FexoNO1M) have limitless funding and can afford to buy these in large lots. As an average citizen we can not. Scary.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      duh · 7 years ago
      Even with this system one would not be a sniper, not by a long shot.
      It would make somebody an unskilled sharpshooter, true. But not a sniper. A Sniper is somebody who is a sharpshooter and also trained to stalk his target in enemy territory, without being detected.

      No gizmo on a rifle will give somebody that ability...
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Tim · 7 years ago
      Does this work on a MOVING target?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Donald J. Houser · 7 years ago
      First of all you've to get the bad guys into your
      line of sight. Not always easy to do. Take your
      shot without hesitation when it's in our view.
      Humans are constantly moving.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      F1rstangel · 7 years ago
      Until you know what you're shooting at" don't you understand? The target moves either wait until target stops or use Kentucky windage.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      FRANKO K. · 7 years ago
      In the future our best militia may need many of these - most others will just need our 30-06's etc. making sure we stock up on ammo asap.
      "The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed and that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press." -- Thomas Jefferson
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Spacegunner · 7 years ago
      [quote name="Spacegunner"]I just earned & received my Master Classification for High Power Rifle shooting. Master requires scores of 94-96.9% from standing, sitting & prone positions with open (peep & post/globe) sights without magnification. It took me over 4 years to go from Expert to Master. Hopefully, High Master (>97%) will come sooner, before my eyes give out.
      While this system is "cool" (& expensive), I want to know that I can shoot - with or without technology.[/quote]
      Typo: High Master is >97%
    • This commment is unpublished.
      F1rstangel · 7 years ago
      Like the Red Coats when the Colonials switched tactics and invented Guerrilla warfare and the Samurai with the adaptation of Gunpowder; face it gents! Some waddy dopes your hides-hole; you are dead! Your parents, friends and country WILL grieve & no one will cry: "not fair"! Get over yourself. Time marches on, and with it technology. Adapt or die! Get over it.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Buckles · 7 years ago
      If you are not in the military or police and you want a sniper scope, you must be a bad guy/gal. Why are we fostering crime by publishing this information and making these devices available to the public? They are good but have limited application. This is the type of thing that Obama and his gang will glom on and use to foster their position on banning firearms. I can't see any good that could come from having such a device available to the public or by donating cash to pursue that effort. Sorry to the manufacturers and the guy in the short film, but this is reality. I am confident that the technology can be used in some other type of device which does not suggest that everyone with a gun is a bad guy. Thanks.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Corey · 7 years ago
      As an active duty marine scout sniper I laugh at claims such as these. Your claim that "Now everyone can be a sniper" suggests that shooting is the only thing that snipers are about. You are obviously ignorant to the facts of what we really do. Shooting is about 10% of what snipers do. In a given amount of time, a monkey can be trained to shoot. Get over yourself and your system. I'm by now saying it isn't an interesting system, but your claim is insulting as much as it is false. Guided trigger, so basically trigger control and other fundamentals don't matter? As long as the trigger gets pulled and then the weapon is manipulated back on target, the weapon will fire the shot for you? hahahahahahahahahahahhahaha. Yup, thats what being a sniper is all about. Good luck getting a reputable sniper to back your claims.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Peter M. Cromwell · 7 years ago
      Um, how is pressing a button to "tag the target" all that different than pressing a decent trigger to - ahem - "tag" the target??
    • This commment is unpublished.
      TheRightView · 7 years ago
      The right to bear arms is based on our right to defend ourselves. If we are invaded, or if our so-called government officials come after us as is happening in Syria, they will not come with hand guns. We have the right to arm ourselves with whatever weaponry is available to a potential foe. Otherwise, we are limited to our defense. As far as our Snipers, they're some of our BEST! And there is NO substitute for them and the training and expertese they have mastered
      • This commment is unpublished.
        nvrpc · 6 years ago
        I was wondering when someone in this country actually understood the reason the second amendment is here. It has nothing to do with hunting what so ever, nothing.Gun control has absolutely nothing to do with crime control, but has everything to do with people control. It’s an absolute path to Socialism, slavery, taxation without representation and assured distribution of your wealth to ensure all those who do nothing obtain everything they need at your expense.


        http://guncontroltheultimateagenda.blogspot.com/
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Tom Mysiewicz · 6 years ago
      Windage & temperature (and shooting position) can also affect accuracy. Also the number of grains of powder and the weight and configuration of the bullet.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      steven wood · 6 years ago
      I strongly appose the idea of commercial availability. U.S. military only. Great concept and if you hadn't developed it, someone else would have. Consider the consequences of commercial sale.
      • This commment is unpublished.
        nvrpc · 6 years ago
        What consequences? Not if the person that is using it shots indiscriminately. Anyone with a brain should only take a shot if they have identified their mark correctly. There most definately is a need for these typs of weapons in the average citizen hands, not just the police and military.
        • This commment is unpublished.
          zip · 6 years ago
          [quote name="nvrpc"]There most definately is a need for these typs of weapons in the average citizen hands, not just the police and military.[/quote]

          Can you give me a couple of reasons why? Not because I'm against it but because I'm genuinely curious. The only reason why I can think of is that the government goes crazy and starts killing all its citizens and you need to fight fire with fire so the technology will level the playing field? Or we the movie Red Dawn comes to fruition and we need these guns?

          While having a local militia is a good idea, arming them to the teeth is not due to lack of discipline, order and perhaps a misplaced sense of justice.

          That aside, I think the tech is well done. Good job.

          But, my question to you still stands:

          Can you give me a couple of reasons why this gun should allowed to the average citizen?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      nvrpc · 6 years ago
      How do I get on the list to buy one. What wil it cost me. I have a need for this type of weapon. Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      bill redmon · 6 years ago
      send me cost .would like one.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Lee Vincent · 6 years ago
      As far as moving targets, targets being behind cover, what about the XM25?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Guest · 6 years ago
      Instead of paying 20k for this I will get you a quality rifle/optics for 5k and you can pay me 5k to shoot it! Half-price deal!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Heath · 1 years ago
      Place them in the comments and I will support you out.


      Also visit my homepage; harry potter hogwarts mystery hack: https://funthoughts.yolasite.com/
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