Wind Flag Scope Base with Laser

[bjkiefer]

Hello everyone. I have been reading posts in this website for many years, but this is the first time I have posted anything. I started my passion for Benchrest shooting about a year ago. I had the pleasure to experiene the closest thing I have ever had to a professional match by attending a club match with a great group of people in new Braunfels, Texas . I learned so much about Benchrest competitions, reading the wind, and the tools needed to be successful. One of the things that we had to do upon arrival is set up wind flags which I have never done in my life. I have never used wind flags and practically everyone was setting up theirs along the 200 yard range. With over 20 people setting up all of their wind flags you can imagine what the field look like and how foolish I looked, trying to navigate through this wilderness of wind flags, and stands, and find which is my path and keep it straight all the way from my rifle to the target. I remember seeing on a couple of videos where people would mount on a piece of 2 x 4 a rifle scope and use it to line up their wind flags. This is a good idea if you have someone to help you on a walkie-talkie or cell phone. I was there in my own and was embarrassed to ask for help while I was setting up however, eventually I did. However, I did not want to feel helpless if I was ever in a position to have to set them up by myself. So I took the concept of the rifle scope on a piece of 2 x 4 and turned it into a pro level tool.

I just finished this prototype of this specialized base with Picatinny rail for a rifle scope and a built-in laser with the power to shoot a beam up to 1000 feet. The concept for me with this is when you set it up on your bench not only can you lineup the scope to your target but also turn on the laser and as you walk down field, you can look for the laser either on your body or carrying a white card.

With this, not only can you perfectly align the wind flags with your rifle, but at the same time use the point of impact of the dot the laser is projecting to adjust the height.

I’m not sure how many people do Benchrest competitions and have to set up one flags but the reason I am posting this is I wanted peoples opinion on what they think of the product and if they feel this is a useful tool that I should bring to market.

Any constructive criticism or comments about this base would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bean2]

I would worry about people walking into your laser path and looking at the source, yourself included.

 

[Bronsin]

I tried this about a year ago, and I couldn't see the laser on the target board during the day to align it.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Lasers are prohibited at NBRSA National events. At Region Level or local NBRSA Matches, the use of Lasers is up to the Match Director.

 

[charlie b]

I would worry about people walking into your laser path and looking at the source, yourself included.

I would too.

If the laser has enough power to be seen in daylight like that it is probably one of the 'higher' power green ones. They are very damaging to the eyes. Keep in mind that green and yellow are at the peak sensitivity for the eye. The red ones are less damaging since they are usually lower power.

 

[bjkiefer]

I really appreciate everyone and there comments. I do want to explain, I choose for myself to use that laser. So it can be seen at 200 yards, however the idea , if it is something people would want , is to have the option with or without the laser. The side panel that is in cooper comes off to loosen the laser to charge or to replace the laser. You can put any laser 20mm or smaller. It would come with rings to adapt smaller lasers . I was not aware about this being against the rules for official competitions, but at the ranges I have been to it is not a problem. I think most of use shoot more on our own time more than in competitions. I shoot on my own alot, and having this to set flags when no one is arrive is a game changer. I did not have the laser when testing the idea because it had not arrive yet when I took this picture, but it really makes it nice to line up the flags.

 

[buckeye68]

I would worry about people walking into your laser path and looking at the source, yourself included.

If people are looking at the beam from the laser, I surely don’t want to be on the same range with them with them handling guns. Just saying……

 

[buckeye68]

I’ve been using a laser the last 3 years and never one complaint from any shooter.

I like your set up.

 

[EEP]

I’ve been mulling this idea over myself for some time now but haven’t done anything yet. It would save me allot of time and walking! I think anyone that had a product I could buy to do this I’d already had one!

 

[Raydee]

I have been using something similar for a while now, my only complaint is that the green laser I am using it’s quite strong enough on sunny days.

 

[EEP]

I have been using something similar for a while now, my only complaint is that the green laser I am using it’s quite strong enough on sunny days.

Is that a item you purchased or made?

 

[Raydee]

Is that an item you purchased or made?

I 3D printed the base

 

[EEP]

I 3D printed the base

That’s really cool & professional looking!! How far will it hit a target on a sunny day?

 

[Raydee]

That’s really cool & professional looking!! How far will it hit a target on a sunny day?

Unfortunately this particular laser is a cheap Amazon special and will only go about 100 yards on bright sunny days. Most of our shoots set up early in the morning so it’s not a big deal but when I go out to practice on a bright afternoon it’s a different story.

 

[EEP]

Yeah, ideally I’d want one that would be visible in bright sunlight out to 300yds to set flags.

 

[bjkiefer]

That’s really cool & professional looking!! How far will it hit a target on a sunny day?

I can see the 200 yard for sure. It is the furthest I can shoot at my range. But I know it can more. it is rated for 1000 feet.

 

[bjkiefer]

Unfortunately this particular laser is a cheap Amazon special and will only go about 100 yards on bright sunny days. Most of our shoots set up early in the morning so it’s not a big deal but when I go out to practice on a bright afternoon it’s a different story.

I was discouraged with the price also, but I have had not problems with it. However that is why I made the base and provide rings so you can put the laser you want. Is a custom wants to use a laser that does not fit, it is an easy change to my design and I can make it custom. I just need the diameter of the laser.

 

[bjkiefer]

Good afternoon !, I finally got around to making a video showing how my device works. DONT JUDGE me in the video hahah. I have never done anything like this before. It is just a quick video to prove it works. My daughter is a videographer and when she comes next week I will ask her to bring her pro rig and I will make a good video . Let me know what you think about how it works. Also, the one in the video is teh NEW model. The one I will have available. Alot more stream lined but the same footprint. Here is the LINK -

 

[EEP]

Great video! I want one. PM’d you