2019 Optic of the Year: SIG Sauer BDX Optics System

by
posted on May 19, 2019
2019gba-sigsauerbdx_lead.jpg

Now in its 17th year, readers may count on American Hunter’s Golden Bullseye Awards to denote excellence. Indeed, these days many companies knowingly strive to hit the mark—to produce innovative products that catch our attention. After all, any product worthy of our gold standard must meet or exceed American Hunter’s expectations of innovation—and they absolutely must provide hunters with value for their money.

2019 Optic of the Year: SIG Sauer BDX Optics System
The acronym embedded in the nomenclature of the SIG Sauer BDX system says it all—Ballistic Data Xchange is exactly what occurs when using the optics system. It is three units—a riflescope, laser rangefinder and smartphone app—which work in sync to ensure hunters fire at distant targets with certainty.

Using the app, a hunter enters ballistic data and atmospheric conditions manually (weather may be downloaded from a separate app or digital anemometer). With data saved as a favorite, the app is paired with the rangefinder, and its onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralite calculator does the math, sending the correct holds to the scope instantly via Bluetooth. Dots on the reticle light up to show vertical and horizontal holds to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift.

Indeed this is what riflescopes with built-in rangefinders already do, but the Sierra3BDX scope has a standard profile, not a bulky one—because the rangefinder, the Kilo BDX, is held in your hand. The scope and rangefinder are available in several configurations and offered separately or in kits. The rangefinder is the pricey part of the equation; the scope is moderately priced; and the app is free. All told, the SIG Sauer BDX optics system starts at about $840.

Long-distance shooting implies a steep learning curve. The SIG Sauer BDX system helps lessen that. As Field Editor Ron Spomer wrote (“Hardware,” October 2018), “It’s so easy it’s scary.” For more information, visit sigsauer.com.

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications presented the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Ind., Apr. 25-28.

Latest

6.5 300 Weatherby 2
6.5 300 Weatherby 2

Behind the Bullet: 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum

Curious about the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum? Learn about the history and performance of this storied cartridge in Phil Massaro's latest Behind the Bullet.

First Look: Rossi LWC Folding Stock

Rossi's Lightweight Carbine (LWC) has been a favorite truck gun and scouting rifle for hunters since its introduction. Now, Rossi USA is taking it a step further with the launch of the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.

Safe Gun Storage After Hunting Season

With the close of deer seasons, many hunters have stored their firearms. While the basics of gun safety are covered in hunter education programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently issued a reminder that storage out of season should be reviewed by sportsmen.

Federal Ammunition Adds 10mm Auto to Power-Shok Line

Federal Ammunition has added a new 10mm Auto, 200-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) load to its Handgun Hunting Power-Shok ammunition product line.

#SundayGunday: Colt Kodiak

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the 4.25-inch barreled Colt Kodiak revolver. Chambered in hard-charging .44 Magnum, this surprisingly smooth shooter is the perfect companion for the backcountry hunter in bear country.

Remington Ammunition Announces Pull, Shoot, Save! Shotshell Rebate

Remington Ammunition recently announced its Pull, Shoot, Save! Rebatewhich offers consumers the chance to buy some of Remington’s best target loads and receive up to $50 back. This promotion runs through June 30, 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.