CES 2013: TrackingPoint Combines Computers And Hunting Rifles For A Gun Right Out Of Sci-Fi

For the longest time, the gun hasn’t really evolved. The technology has become more powerful, but the core essence of the gun hasn’t changed. One tech startup is looking to change that.

At CES 2013, Tracking point is showing off what could be called a “smart gun,” but the company calls it a “Precision Guided Firearm.” The guns are outfitted with a computerized scope that provides a hunter with a number of metrics including wind speed, incline, temperature, distance to target and more. TrackingPoint is also manufacturing its own ammunition that works well with the scope’s guidance systems..

 By far, the most interesting addition is the ability for the scope to stream video to an iOS device. Speaking to Ars Technica, the company said that more experienced hunters can now more easily help younger hunters with spotting by being able to see exactly what they’re seeing through the scope. It’s an interesting concept and one that many hunters stand to benefit from.

The gun could potentially be much safer as well. Some injuries during hunting are caused by somebody having an itchy trigger finger and they fire at the first sight of movement. TrackingPoint’s rifle increases the pull strength of the trigger until the the reticle and the target are aligned. In this way, the hunter is more likely to hit their target and accidental firings can be largely avoided.

As Ars points out, a more accurate gun being released so soon after the recent string of gun violence across the nation may be looked down upon, especially a gun that makes the process of firing more like a video game. It’s indicated that the system is only being produced for bolt-action rifles which are largely intended for hunting, and tend to be ineffectual for anything else.

For those interested in TrackingPoint’s technology, the company will start selling the rifles for $17,000 in the near future.

Written By: Zach Walton