FOG HORN
July 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX By: Sal Palma When the opportunity presented itself to review the Kestrel ELITE BALLISTIC meter with the HUD display, I set out to look for a laser range finder that supported Bluetooth connectivity to the Kestrel. Fortunately, SIG came through for me and the wonderful folks were gracious enough to send a KILO 2400BDX, which supports the Kestrel.
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Applied Ballistics engine. The Kestrel meter then computes the proper ballistic solution for the target range, shooting angle and environmental conditions such as wind, relative humidity and barometric pressure; it then sends the results to the HUD display, which is weapon mounted, and the KILO2400. The combined effort is a sophisticated and technologically advance fire control system for the precision shooter. Before going much further, I’ll say that there are a number of laser range finders that support Kestrel Bluetooth but in this review I’ll tell you why I think SIG SAUER’s KILO2400BDX could be your most flexible option. If memory serves me, SIG introduced the BDX concept (Ballistic Data Exchange) at NRA 2018. The 30,000 foot view of the BDX system is interconnected ranging and optical system under software control to provide a firing solution to a designated target. SIG’s BDX range finders are at the heart of the BDX success and in this review I’ll be taking you through some of the key features of the KILO2400BDX. I’d like to begin by commenting on its outstanding optical clarity.
Prior to this event, I had no experience with any of the Kilo BDX laser range finders. When integrated with the two Kestrel components, the laser range finder, via Bluetooth, supplies range and inclination angle to the Kestrel who also incorporates the Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX At over 350 yards, I was able to clearly see every thread and count every strap on the patio chairs. I like testing LRF technology over water because it’s probably the most difficult environment for an LRF. In this setting, poorer quality units will provide lackluster clarity and resolution, and will also fail to range. A laser range finder works by timing the laser pulse when it’s first fired then its subsequent return and water vapor wreaks havoc on pulse propagation. It also impacts optical clarity making it more difficult to resolve target detail. The KILO2400BDX does much more than provide its owner exceptional optical clarity. Beam divergence is a mere 1.4 MRADS so in spite of the atmospheric water vapor you are getting a very tight beam on targets at extended ranges and that translates to accuracy and speed in ranging.
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I lazed the gazebo on its angled roof, the KILO2400BDX provided an immediate and accurate range. So far, we have an instrument that is reliable, fast, and accurate with optical excellence; in most cases that would be enough, but that’s not where the story ends. The benefit to the BDX system is its flexibility. The genius behind it is the ability to use each component independently of the other while providing a very flexible and palatable upgrade path for customers. Where competing laser range finders require manual configuration, KILO2400BDX can be configured manually or through an Android or iOS app.
Physics tells us that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection so the target geometry will impact the LRF’s ability to range as it affects the amount of reflected energy traveling back to the LRF.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX If you plan on using the rangefinder with a BDX optic, the rangefinder must be set to ABU (Applied Ballistics Ultralight) or AB External and bonded to the BDX optic. In AB External mode the ballistic solution is provided by a Kestrel meter. In both modes, the LRF sends a firing solution to the optic via Bluetooth. Upon its receipt, the optic processes the data along with the magnification setting and illuminates an aiming dot. The shooter places the dot over the desired point of impact and engages the target. In ABU mode, with the BDX optic and LRF paired, the user needs to manually enter wind speed and direction via the BDX app.
However, if your preference is to use a non BDX optic, and connect to A Kestrel Elite, for example, simply change the range finder mode in the BDX app to AB External.
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In AB External, the range finder passes range and inclination angle to a Kestrel ballistic meter. The Kestrel calculates a ballistic solution which is displayed in the KILO’s OLED display.
You’ll see target range and inclination angle followed by u or d for elevation and r or l for wind adjustment expressed in MOA or MILS as selected in the rangefinder configuration screen. Other available modes include AMR (Angle Modified Range) which returns the equivalent horizontal distance when engaging a target that is above or below the horizontal firing plane. The LOS (Line of Sight) mode displays the line of sight range not corrected for firing angle. The laser range finder will display range and inclination expressed in +/- degrees in the lower right hand. Any feature relevant to the operation of the KILO2400BDX is configurable via the app which makes life very easy and error free. The KILO2400BDX is also configurable with ballistic data using predefined classes of calibers and loads, or you can create a custom profile. Creating a custom profile couldn’t be easier. Name it, enter your bullet data, muzzle velocity, zero range, sight height and you’re done. This is an important step to complete when the rangefinder is paired with a BDX optic.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX
2020
KILO2400BDX to their tripod; however, SIG has informed me that they make a tripod adapter part number SOK20001 that is standard equipment on the KILO2400ABS but will also fit the KILO2400BDX. It’ll set you back about $79.
The KILO2400BDX has an excellent OLED display. SIG also provides a diopter adjustment of 3 +/- sharpens your display image. I can’t say enough about the clarity of its display. Even better, the shooter can configure the display for automatic self-regulating illumination, controlled by a photo sensing diode, or they can select fixed illumination levels as desired. Either manually or through the app, the shooter can also select a display style preference. I recommend you use the app, it’s extremely well done. So what’s not to like about the KILO2400BDX, the absence of a ¼ 20 tripod attachment point? A shooter should not have to use a HOG SADDLE and Magpul wallet to secure a
As a basic laser range finder, the KILO 2400 BDX will handle any task you can throw at it. Its exceptional optical clarity, ease of use and performance make it an outstanding choice. However, what makes it indispensable is its flexibility. Pair it with a BDX optic, pair it with a Kestrel ballistic meter or use it standalone. Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
SIG SAUER KILO2400BDX The KILO2400BDX laser range finder from SIG is the most innovative and flexible ranging solution available in today’s market for the hunter, precision shooter and/or law enforcement. An outstanding offering from SIG. Check it out! -SP
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Manufacturer Specifications
Finish: Ruggedized rubber Measurement System: Yards Maximum Range: 3400 Reflective yds. 1300 Deer yds. 1600 Trees yds. Additional Features: LCD Display Included Accessories: Lanyard, Case, Battery Magnification: 7 x Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm Eye Relief: 15 mm Weight: 7.5 oz. Field of View, Angle: 6.78 degrees Length: 4.4 in Minimum Focus Distance: 4 ft. Color: OD Green Exit Pupil: 3.6 mm Minimum Range: 1.5 yds. Water Resistance Level: IPX-7 Width: 1.3 in Battery Type: CR2 Optical Coating: HDX Operating Temperature: -40 140 Fahrenheit Battery Life: 50000 hours Weather Resistance: Yes Range Response Time: 0.25 seconds Battery Quantity: 1 Magnification Type: Fixed
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved