Talk me into/out of Sig KILO3000 BDX

Tim

Tim

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I shot a match yesterday where we had to range targets out to 875 yards in limited time. Fumbling with the binoculars, range finder and Kestrel to find targets and work up a range card proved meddlesome.

So, obviously the answer is to throw money at the problem, right?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...aser-rangefinding-binocular-10x-42mm-od-green

I’ve convinced myself I need a set of Sig KILO3000 BDX binoculars. When paired to the kestrel (which could be stuck in a pocket or bag, not held in the hand) the binos will range and display MIL/MOA adjustments based on my load data, current environment, angle, etc.

Perfect, right?

But...is it a $1,200 problem? I’m sure I could recoup about 1/3 of that by selling my perfectly good vortex binos, bushnell LRF and spotting scope.
 
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You think regular shooting is expensive until you start getting into long range stuff. I would ping Ryan Coe at Apex, he has some good info on stuff and knows a bunch of people who do stuff like this.
 
jmccracken1214 said:
I only have use with my Nikon black 4K. And it is awesome! I’m not sure price difference but I’ve had it out to 1650 yards
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That looks like a great range finder, but the Sig I'm eyeing does triple duty as binoculars, range finder and integrated ballistics calculator. Basically see the target, zap it with the laser and get your MIL/MOA adjustment on screen (pulled from the Kestrel running AB Advanced) in 1/4 second.
 
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Tim said:
That looks like a great range finder, but the Sig I'm eyeing does triple duty as binoculars, range finder and integrated ballistics calculator. Basically see the target, zap it with the laser and get your MIL/MOA adjustment on screen (pulled from the Kestrel running AB Advanced) in 1/4 second.
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Do you have to use a Sigg scope?
 
jmccracken1214 said:
Do you have to use a Sigg scope?
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Nope. The MIL/MOA adjustment is displayed "on screen" in the binos and also updates the Kestrel in real time. So it would go like this...

- Locate target with binos
- Press the LRF button
- See the dope in the binos
- Move the rifle and dial/hold

At the match last weekend it was...
- Locate target with binos (better magnification, better FOV, etc.)
- Switch to LRF and reacquire target
- Get the distance
- Switch to the Kestel and enter the distance
- Calc MIL/MOA adjustment in Kestrel
- Move the to rifle to dial/hold

With the Sig BDX scope, the binos/LRF do update the scope itself with an aimpoint, but I'm not looking to go that far.
 
What are the dudes that are winning using? If they use something these I'd start saving money.

Nothing worse than being out-geared.
 
NKD said:
What are the dudes that are winning using? If they use something these I'd start saving money.

Nothing worse than being out-geared.
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The dudes that won this match get paid to shoot these matches. They were AMU members. Their gear is all top-notch and paid for by Uncle Sugar, but more importantly they shoot most every day in this type of environment and have their schtuff tightly wired.

I don't necessarily want to be "that guy" that tries to buy my way past practice and experience. This purchase is all about maximizing the time allotted for prep. That's a narrow line I'm straddling to be sure.
 
Tim said:
Nope. The MIL/MOA adjustment is displayed "on screen" in the binos and also updates the Kestrel in real time. So it would go like this...

- Locate target with binos
- Press the LRF button
- See the dope in the binos
- Move the rifle and dial/hold

At the match last weekend it was...
- Locate target with binos (better magnification, better FOV, etc.)
- Switch to LRF and reacquire target
- Get the distance
- Switch to the Kestel and enter the distance
- Calc MIL/MOA adjustment in Kestrel
- Move the to rifle to dial/hold

With the Sig BDX scope, the binos/LRF do update the scope itself with an aimpoint, but I'm not looking to go that far.
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What does the kestrel do that Strelok Doesn’t? I just use my rangefinder and then input the info into the app and get my dope
 
jmccracken1214 said:
What does the kestrel do that Strelok Doesn’t? I just use my rangefinder and then input the info into the app and get my dope
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Kestrel is the all-in-on unit for atmospheric data, wind, and ballistics. No need for a phone/tablet running Strelok plus a weather meter.

If you're good using weather data pulled from the internet, and you have a connection, then the Kestrel is probably not necessary.

If you want specific Density Altitude, etc. at that precise location at that precise moment, then the Kestrel (or something like a WeatherFlow (https://weatherflow.com/weather-meter-for-shooting/) is critical. My dope changes fairly drastically when I zero here in Asheville and then shoot down in SC, so having the proper DA is important to me.
 
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Tim said:
The dudes that won this match get paid to shoot these matches. They were AMU members. Their gear is all top-notch and paid for by Uncle Sugar, but more importantly they shoot most every day in this type of environment and have their schtuff tightly wired.

I don't necessarily want to be "that guy" that tries to buy my way past practice and experience. This purchase is all about maximizing the time allotted for prep. That's a narrow line I'm straddling to be sure.
Click to expand...

I hear that. But I don't think getting top equipment that somewhat matches what the top guys use is trying to buy your way past anybody. Rather it is a well known good piece of gear that can be resold with some value retained if you decide you don't like PRS.

And I've seen plenty of privateers not being paid to shoot do very very well. But they do have top equipment.

But, to talk you out of it: Did one match, had fun. You feel you'll do more. Work on the stuff you mentioned, all the low hanging fruit, do a couple more matches, and then take another look at it. In the meantime keep an eye on them and others, and maybe at the point you feel like you can swing it, and nice deal will fall into your lap. This seams to happen more often to me if I am patient.
 
Tim said:
Kestrel is the all-in-on unit for atmospheric data, wind, and ballistics. No need for a phone/tablet running Strelok plus a weather meter.

If you're good using weather data pulled from the internet, and you have a connection, then the Kestrel is probably not necessary.

If you want specific Density Altitude, etc. at that precise location at that precise moment, then the Kestrel (or something like a WeatherFlow (https://weatherflow.com/weather-meter-for-shooting/) is critical. My dope changes fairly drastically when I zero here in Asheville and then shoot down in SC, so having the proper DA is important to me.
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What kestrel do you use
 
@jmccracken1214 , try one of these paired with your phone. They work great if you don't mind managing multiple devices. I plan on keeping mine as it's inexpensive enough to justify holding onto for backup.

https://weatherflow.com/weather-meter-for-shooting/

Edit: the webpage makes it look like you need to use BallisticsARC. You don't, I've paired it with Strelok for over a year now.
 
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