Shot marker or camera
- Thread starter mike a
- Start date
The main difference is having to build or at least have access to a suitable frame. The Shotmarker requires fairly precise placement of the sensors and a certain amount of rigidity which the proper frame provides. The camera does not require a frame and is easier to set up for a shooting session. Shots using the camera can be a little difficult to discern at times.
I have used (and own) both. I am pondering selling my target system since I have access to frames. The Shotmarker really is much better technology.
I have used (and own) both. I am pondering selling my target system since I have access to frames. The Shotmarker really is much better technology.
rwj
Gold $$ Contributor
Which system would you consider to be more damage prone?
The shotmarker would be more damage prone because the sensors have to be at 4 corners around your target so there's always of chance of shooting one. That said, the sensors are $40 each so it's not that big of a deal if you do. Just put the sensor hub well out of the way otherwise if you shoot that, it's $500.
A friend and I went in together on a ShotMarker. I had it out on the 1K just last week (by myself) and it was AMAZING! It worked so well. I couldn't believe I was on the line by myself, I'd take a shot, and look at my phone to see where it went. It is such a well designed and produced product.
Just a handful of off-the-top-of-my-head benefits you'll get with the Shot Marker over a camera system:
1. It's so easy to segregate your groups. Save off a group, name it something that is meaningful, and the target is wiped clean. (I discovered something around ammo temp while I was shooting. Didn't have a plan to test in this area, but I started noticing some things while I was shooting so decided to do some test. I was able to name my strings in a way that made it easy to analyze them and compare results when I got home.)
2. You get velocity (or close approximation) on target.
3. Group size measurement
I've actually used it twice. Once was "short range" (100 yds) on a solid wood frame. The other was the 1K. I mounted the sensor brackets to small pieces of wood and used strong hand clamps to mount them to the target frame. If there were sensor alignment issues I sure didn't seem them. It seemed to work great.
Hands down I'd go with the ShotMarker.
Just a handful of off-the-top-of-my-head benefits you'll get with the Shot Marker over a camera system:
1. It's so easy to segregate your groups. Save off a group, name it something that is meaningful, and the target is wiped clean. (I discovered something around ammo temp while I was shooting. Didn't have a plan to test in this area, but I started noticing some things while I was shooting so decided to do some test. I was able to name my strings in a way that made it easy to analyze them and compare results when I got home.)
2. You get velocity (or close approximation) on target.
3. Group size measurement
I've actually used it twice. Once was "short range" (100 yds) on a solid wood frame. The other was the 1K. I mounted the sensor brackets to small pieces of wood and used strong hand clamps to mount them to the target frame. If there were sensor alignment issues I sure didn't seem them. It seemed to work great.
Hands down I'd go with the ShotMarker.
Shotmarker 1,000,000%. Keep the Sensor Hub (the brain) below grade because it costs $500 to replace. That being said I have a personal one plus I run a club that's used them for two years now. and have nearly 100,000 shots on them and have only shot one cable and one sensor. $45 in parts ain't too bad.
I also practice at a 1000yd club where there's almost always someone with a camera system and usually by the end of shooting and seeing mine vs. theirs they want one. BUT I will say that guys I know who shoot beyond 1000yd on gongs prefer a camera.
I also practice at a 1000yd club where there's almost always someone with a camera system and usually by the end of shooting and seeing mine vs. theirs they want one. BUT I will say that guys I know who shoot beyond 1000yd on gongs prefer a camera.
Get extra cables for the ShotMarker. Mine have been oddly bullet prone, despite being so small. I've managed to safely stay away from the sensors and the hub though *knocks on wood*.
I would go ShotMarker over camera every time. It has changed everything for me, having the instant feedback on every shot and being able to measure group and distance to center, which no camera system can do for you.
I would go ShotMarker over camera every time. It has changed everything for me, having the instant feedback on every shot and being able to measure group and distance to center, which no camera system can do for you.
^^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^
I also have both (one of BobL’s old units in fact
). The camera has not been used since I purchased the SM. However, if metal is your target more often than not a camera is the choice.coldboreshot
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a TargetVision long range edition camera which works extraordinarily well, but after researching it, I would prefer the ShotMarker. Which even you choose, I would not use it at a public range. You too may have some "Richard" who decides he is going to use your 600 yard reverse contrast fclass target and sneak in a zeroing and hit your camera. Once I discovered who it was and after an intense "discussion", he offered to compensate with his Sinclair Varminter front rest as restitution. I don't know if it was his guilt that humbled him or perhaps the sheathed Reeves/Harsey Green Beret fixed blade on my hip that contributed to his generosity but all I requested was the cost of another 2 year warranty extension purchase. Camera was replaced fee of charge and never saw him again.
Another vote for shot marker.
I was looking at cameras and would talk with people using them at the range. They seamed to have connectivity issues, or need adjustments after they would return to the firing line.
I was looking at cameras and would talk with people using them at the range. They seamed to have connectivity issues, or need adjustments after they would return to the firing line.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Whats the accuracy of both? Theres a reason nobody uses electronic targets for benchrest shooting or load development. Shooting groups is different than hitting an x-ring
There’s another wrinkle to accuracy, one which I had not thought of until I used my Targetvision camera. The wind will move the target frame significantly, at least for frames which are designed to be raised and lowered into the pits. When I marked previous shots using the on-screen touch marking system, I saw the marks moving off the bullet holes by an amount greater than 1/4” due to changes in wind velocity. My gut feeling is the Shotmarker would be less affected since the sensors move with the frame, retaining close to their original relationship.
Liven The Dream
Gold $$ Contributor
ShotMarker don’t look back ...
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