Rifle adds computer and laser for “self-aiming” system

New Scientist : A new $22 000 rifle that is available to civilians comes equipped with a high-resolution color display integrated into the scope and paired with a laser rangefinder and onboard computer. The system, built by TrackingPoint in Austin, Texas, allows the user to select a target on the display and then calculates the location to aim at in order to hit that target. The computer takes into account range, humidity, wind, bullet drop due to gravity, and many other factors that affect accuracy. Using the system, even novices were able to hit targets up to 900 m away. The rifle also is equipped with Wi-Fi to stream images to smartphones or tablets, and the associated app allows the targeting to be activated from the mobile device. The rifle is specifically designed for target shooting but faces some criticism from hunters for making the sport too easy. More vocal criticism is coming from those who believe that it puts easy sniper capability in the hands of potential criminals. But despite their current availability, rifles, including the one favored by military snipers, are rarely used by criminals.