Back in June, Applied Ballistics announced that their G7 curve ballistic software would be featured in a new package along with the Kestrel Sportsman and the Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX Laser Rangefinder. The system experienced its public debut over the weekend, during the Gap Grind precision shooting competition.
It detects ranges from 5 to 1,760 yards, with +/- one-yard accuracy, but distance output can be swapped to meters on the fly. The 7x magnification LRF’s lenses feature RainGuard® HD, a permanent anti-fog and water-repellent coating. Additionally, the Elite 1 Mile CONX is built to IPX7 waterproof standard which means immersion to 1m for 30 minutes.
The 1 Mile CONX connects to the Kestrel Sportsman via Bluetooth 4.0 (low energy). That may give the folks in the Information Assurance business some heartburn, so Bushnell has spent the past several months integrating 128 bit AES encryption. There is also PSK required for authentication. It’s dual layer encryption with each unit unique.
The LRF uses a CR123 Battery. Use of the CONX capability results in just an additional 5% of battery life. The system is FCC/CE Certified and incorporates a 904nm laser.
There’s also an app under development for both iOS and Android. Although only one device at a time can be connected via Bluetooth, it will allow shooters to make ballistic calculations on their mobile device with imported data from either the Kestrel or LRF. Additionally, the app allows user to create up to three custom drop tables. Finally, the shooter can mount it on his weapon and use it as a real time display.
I was able to try it out during the Gap Grind. The data swap is seamless. You laze a target and not only does the distance, as well as selected (up to three custom profiles) ballistic solution show up at the bottom of the LRF screen, but also on the Kestrel. The output is a fusion of distance to target and environmental data applied to the G7 curve. It’s certainly worth checking out. Some of you might even get a chance this week at Fort Benning, Georgia where the Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX Laser Rangefinder will be on display during the 2015 International Sniper Competition.
Incidentally, Bushnell Laser Rangefinders are no stranger to the US Army. They’ve fielded over 20,000 of the non-bluetooth version over the past 18 months for use in support of mortars and Mk19 40mm grenade launchers.
The Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX Laser Rangefinder will be available for commercial before Christmas, as a stand alone or packaged along with the Kestrel Sportsman.
bushnell.com/all-products/laser-rangefinders/elite-1-mile-conx
