With the LWRCI CSASS 7.62, and the Modern Outfiters MR1 6.5 Creedmoor precision bolt gun on order I am about to enter the world of long range shooting for the first time since the early 90’s. That world like everything else has taken a huge leap with the help of technology. To help break the rust off my skill set I’ll be trying the Bushnell Elite Tactical 1 mile CONX Kestrel combo.
What is the ConX, exactly? The 7×26 laser rangefinder detects ranges from 5 to 1,760 yards, with +/- one-yard accuracy. The 7x magnification lens features RainGuard HD anti-fog and water-repellent coating and is water resistant.
The 1-mile ConX connects to the Kestrel via 4.0 low-draw Bluetooth featuring, dual layer encryption. With the combo the Bushnell mobile app or Kestrel Link Ballistics apps for both iOS or Android allows shooters to make ballistic calculations with Bluetooth input from the secondary devices.
ConX long distance ranging system essentially picks up factors of weather/wind, distance, and ballistics data via the ConX / Kestrel sportsman before outputting the exact hold over amount in inches, MOA, or MILs on your smart phone, giving you exactly the amount of adjustment needed on your scope to make hits at most any range.
There are three modes:
- BullsEye – Geared for close-range use, this mode acquires the distances of small targets and game without inadvertently measuring background target distances. When more than one object is acquired, the closer of the two objects is shown on the LCD display.
- Brush – Ignores the foreground, such as brush, boulders and tree branches, and provides distances on the LCD display to background objects only.
- Scan – SCAN across the landscape while viewing a continuously updated LCD display of the distance between you and your target.
So far my favorite mode for the field has been brush mode because most of the Texas properties I hunt have lots of mequite and scrub brush. This mode has worked equally well in the open crop fields so I have not seen a need to switch back and forth while hunting.
This is just an intro to the unit, more coverage is to follow after the several hunts planned out west this year. So far the farthest items ranged for live targets was a buck at 604 yards, non reflective trees 987 yards, reflective buildings 1533 yards.
More reports to come soon.
Specifications: Bushnell Elite 1 Mile ConX
- 7x magnification
- Blue Tooth Wireless connectivity via CONX Technology
- VDT (Vivid Display Technology)
- 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) – Provides up to 1/2 yard accuracy and 1/10-yard display precision
- VSI (Variable Sight-in)
- Rifle Mode – provides bullet-drop/holdover in CM, IN, MOA & MIL.
- BullsEye,™ Brush™ and Scan mode
- Range: 5–1760 yards
- Diopter adjustment
- Compatible with magnetic attachment system
- Fully waterproof
- Built-in tripod mount
- Posi-Thread™ battery door
- Objective Lens: 26mm
- Sizes: 1.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 inches 43 x 129 x 94 millimeters
- Weight: 12.1 oz 343 grams
- Battery Type: 3-volt CR123 (included)
- CONX Technology
- E.S.P. 2
- Rain-Guard HD
- Water/Fog Proof
- Reflective Ranging Performance: 1760 yards
- Tree Ranging Performance: 1200 yards
- Deer Ranging Performance: 600 yards
- Rangefinder Accuracy: +/- 1/2 yard