Accuracy Comparison of an Open vs Closed Electronic Target Systems

Test compare the accuracy of open (SMT-SOLO) vs closed (HEXTA-002v2) ET systems by Steve Podleski, Jim Hahn, Clyde Kunz, Dick West, Rick Ratzlaff at the Tri Cities Shooting Association highpower range (aka Rattlesnake range) on April 16 2019.

“The purpose of the test was to compare the shot location accuracy of a closed electronic target system versus open electronic systems. Open targets are becoming more widely used in the US for competition and it is important to know their accuracy limitations.”

NOTE: Neither staff from goBallistic nor Hex Systems were involved in the writing of any details of this report. The test was performed by highly respected professional engineers in the US shooting community. The authors contact details are in the reports. Contributors can be verified by communicating with the authors directly.

Direct link to the local copy of the report.

Comments from HEX Systems: local copy.

 

Accuracy affect on real Competition results.

What target is GOODENOUGH for top level competitions? Comparative analysis of manual targets, HEXTA, Kongsberg and SMT.

Unique independent scientific research by Peter Smith and David Stewart shows how target errors affect results in real competition.
It illustrates how often the first 5 competitors may be incorrectly placed depending on the targets used.

“A discussion, based on a serious Monte Carlo analysis of the required accuracy needed for repeatable results in a typical Long Range Queens or World Championship shoot of approximately 100 shots.
This paper is unique in being the only publicly available study which lists the probability that various targets have of introducing sufficient errors to upset the top place getters in a major shoot.
Because the implications are serious for organizers of major shoots, much checking has gone into this study and delayed it considerably. This is the culmination of years or painstaking gathering and processing of data.”

Peter Smith

Originally published at: https://sites.google.com/site/etargetcomparison/home/8-goodenough

Direct link to the original paper and local copy

 

QRA Test and Evaluation of HEXTA targets

The system was tested for accuracy and reliability at the Duncan Range in Belmont by QRA members following Syndicate Protocol.

Originally published in the Australian Target Rifle magazine 2014, Issue 112.

 

Comprehensive test of 6x6ft Kongsberg targets in 2016 by Peter Smith and David Stewart

Detailed procedure of the test method with comprehensive results for all seven targets is described in the below documents.

Originally published at: https://sites.google.com/site/etargetcomparison/home/5-kongsberg

Documents (local copies)

 

Accuracy test of HEXTA and SMT targets by Daniel Consultants Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia (2017).

Two systems, open sensor target SMT and closed chamber target HEXTA, were tested for accuracy at the Read Range (PA, USA) against the actual shot positions plotted on paper.

Target Accuracy Test Report was setup and report was published by the owners of the SMT target – Read Range (PA, USA). The test was observed, results analyzed and described by Daniel Consultants Pty Ltd firm, Sydney, Australia.

Note: These results correlate precisely with theoretical calculations (link) published by Hex Systems in the article “Acoustic chamber targets: what you need to know (2015)“.

 

Comprehensive testing of Silver Mountain Targets by David Stewart and Peter Smith (15-Sept-2017).

“These tests comprise about 350 High Precision measurements of Shot holes matched to the G2 SMT Target reported shot positions plus about 200 lower precision but measured test groups.
Target Accuracy, Precision (variability), and Target Setup are addressed in some detail in the 50 page report.
More testing at 1000y needs to be done but that is beyond our resources.
Anyone who has, or is contemplating Silver Mountain Targets should study this report in full.

Peter Smith

Originally published at: https://sites.google.com/site/etargetcomparison/home/6-silver-mountain

Report: https://sites.google.com/site/targettests2016/home/smt-2017. (Local copy)

Note: These results correlate precisely with theoretical calculations (link) published by Hex Systems in the article “Acoustic chamber targets: what you need to know (2015)” and confirm Daniel Consultants Pty finding (described above in section “Accuracy test of HEXTA and SMT targets by Daniel Consultants Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia (2017)“)

 

Long Range SMT and HEXTA Target tests by David Stewart and Peter Smith (October, 2017).

HEXTA testing was done at 800m (880 yards) at the Cairns Rifle Range on three targets. One was new and two used but refurbished ones.”

At the same time, a SILVER MOUNTAIN target was tested using a perfect setup in almost perfectly windless conditions using three calibre rifles.

These tests allow comparisons between Hexta and SMT at long distances although others with the facilities should do more testing at 1000y or more.”
David Stewart and Peter Smith
 
Original link to report for HEXTA target: HERE (local copy)
Original link to report for SMT: HERE (local copy)
 
 

Where did this shot really hit? (YouTube video)

Open sensor system has been tested by one of the shooters  in USA. The results are closely match Daniel Consultants report (see above).