Today, we are going to be talking about target cameras. Before we get into the bulk of this review, I want to mention that many of the visuals demonstrating how the system works are best viewed through videos from LongShot themselves. Video does a better job of showing the functions and features than a written description ever could. That said, I believe this article is still worth reading because it includes information gathered from more than 15 years of experience using various target camera systems and brands, along with my thoughts on how this technology has evolved.
Target cameras have become increasingly common in the shooting world. I have seen them permanently installed at private shooting facilities, allowing shooters to maintain constant visibility of their targets. I also see plenty of shooters using portable systems at public and private ranges. It is an outstanding concept. Instead of relying solely on a spotting scope to monitor impacts, you can have a spotter watch flight trajectory while a camera remains focused directly on the target. This provides immediate, real-time feedback from the bench without requiring constant trips downrange.
When you are shooting at distances of 100 yards, 1,000 yards, or even farther, those trips consume valuable time. The farther the distance, the more valuable a quality target camera becomes.
My Experience With Target Cameras
To understand where we are today, it is worth going back to around 2015 when I purchased the original Bullseye Target Camera system. This was long before Bullseye was acquired by GSM Outdoors, the company behind brands such as Walker’s, SOG, Birchwood Casey, and Stealth Cam.
The original system was fairly simple. It consisted of an app, a security camera powered by a battery backup, and a small router mounted inside a toolbox. You would carry it to the range, place it on a tripod, and gain a live view of your target.
At the time, it completely changed the way I approached shooting. Whether I was sighting in a rifle or simply spending the day enjoying long-range shooting, the convenience was undeniable. Unfortunately, somewhere during the move to a new property, that camera disappeared. A few years later, Caldwell released a competing system that worked reasonably well, although it was clearly built as a budget-friendly option. Eventually, Caldwell discontinued it.
Despite the differences between systems, one thing became very clear over the years. Target cameras save so much time that they quickly become indispensable. Once you start using one regularly, it is difficult to imagine returning to the old method of walking downrange every few groups.
Introducing the LongShot Ranger+
After spending several months with the LongShot Ranger+, I can confidently say that it demonstrates just how much target camera technology has progressed during the past decade.
The Ranger+ sits in the middle of LongShot’s product lineup. It is positioned above the entry-level 300-yard camera and below the premium LR3 two-mile system. As a result, it is designed for shooters who need substantial range capability without stepping into the significantly higher price bracket of the LR3.
(Photos taken on a non-shooting day, as it is 96 degrees currently)
LongShot Ranger+ Specifications
The Ranger+ offers a maximum advertised range of 1,000 yards and includes a dedicated transmitter and receiver. The camera records and transmits in 1080p, providing a clear image suitable for identifying impacts and monitoring groups.
One of the biggest advantages is that cellular service is not required. The system creates its own wireless connection, allowing users to connect tablets and other compatible devices directly to the camera system. Both the transmitter and receiver feature internal rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for disposable batteries during normal operation.
Additional features include:
- 1,000-yard range capability
- 1080p camera system
- Dedicated receiver and transmitter
- No cellular service required
- Built-in wireless connectivity
- Internal rechargeable batteries
- Multi-user viewing capability
- Shot marker functionality
- Weather-resistant construction
Because the Ranger+ does not rely on cell towers or internet access, it can be used virtually anywhere. Whether you are shooting in the mountains, on private land, or at a remote range, the system remains fully functional.
Another feature I appreciate is the flexibility of mounting options. The camera can be attached to a tripod or used with its integrated support system. This versatility makes setup simple regardless of range conditions or terrain.
First Impressions
The LongShot Ranger+ feels like a mature product. It is immediately apparent that the company has spent years refining both the design and the user experience.
This is a technology-focused shooting accessory, but it does not feel overly complicated. The hardware feels durable without becoming excessively heavy. The controls are straightforward, and the setup process is intuitive.
Within minutes of opening the package, everything was connected and functioning. In fact, it is the kind of product you could purchase on your way to the range and have fully operational shortly after arriving.
That simplicity matters. Nobody wants to spend valuable range time digging through manuals or troubleshooting connectivity issues. Products designed for shooters should simply work, and the Ranger+ does exactly that.
Fast Pairing and Easy Operation
One of the things I value most in any electronic shooting accessory is reliability. More specifically, I want the camera, receiver, and application to pair quickly every time.
When I arrive at the range, I want to start shooting. I do not want to spend twenty minutes fighting with settings or attempting to establish a connection.
Fortunately, every time I have used the Ranger+, the pairing process has been quick and consistent. The system connects rapidly and provides a live image of the target immediately.
It is important to understand that a target camera is not intended to replace a spotting scope or other shooting equipment. Instead, it serves as an additional tool that helps improve efficiency and accuracy. It allows shooters to gather information more quickly, make corrections faster, and spend more time focused on pulling triggers.
Performance on My Home Range
My home range extends to 400 yards, which is more than sufficient for most shooting activities. However, it is still well short of the Ranger+ advertised 1,000-yard capability.
The majority of my testing took place between 100 and 400 yards. Throughout that range, the system performed flawlessly.
Image quality remained clear enough to identify bullet holes on paper, observe impacts on steel targets, and monitor group development during testing sessions.
This is where target cameras truly excel.
When I am reviewing a precision rifle, I no longer need to travel 400 yards downrange after every group. I do not waste time driving a golf cart back and forth. I also do not have to guess whether a small dark spot on the target is a new bullet hole or simply a shadow.
The shot marker functionality removes that uncertainty. Every impact is clearly visible, and feedback is immediate.
The Ranger+ streamlines the shooting process. Ironically, by eliminating unnecessary trips downrange, it allows shooters to slow down and focus more carefully on each shot. You know that you are not losing time by taking a thoughtful approach because the feedback is already available from your shooting position.
Whether you are squeezing in a few rounds before work or enjoying an evening with a .22 before sunset, the immediate feedback provided by the camera saves time and maximizes the amount of time spent behind the rifle.
Stretching the Distance
Since acquiring the Ranger+, I have had two opportunities to extend testing beyond the limitations of my home range.
On both occasions, I pushed the system to approximately 800 yards. While these tests do not represent its maximum capability, they did provide a meaningful look at performance at extended distances.
The connection remained stable and dependable. More importantly, the image quality remained excellent. The target appeared remarkably clear, even at those distances.
Ultimately, that is what matters most. The system continued doing exactly what it was designed to do, provide a clear and consistent view of the target.
If your shooting routinely extends beyond 300 yards and approaches the 1,000-yard mark, the Ranger+ occupies a very appealing position in the market. During my testing, it felt entirely comfortable operating at every distance I was able to evaluate.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is something many shooters overlook until the moment it becomes a problem.
You can have your rifle, ammunition, hearing protection, and every other piece of equipment packed and ready to go. Then the question appears: Did you remember to charge the target camera?
Fortunately, battery life has been excellent.
The Ranger+ easily handles all-day range sessions without creating anxiety about losing power halfway through the day. Charging times have also been reasonable.
I have not completely drained the batteries during testing. The lowest I have managed was approximately two bars remaining out of four. After returning home, I place both units on the charger and they are ready for the next trip.
Of course, all rechargeable batteries eventually experience wear over time. Years of charging and repeated use will inevitably reduce capacity. However, if you have spent years using a target camera enough to wear out the batteries, chances are you have already received substantial value from the investment.
So far, the Ranger+ has exceeded expectations regarding battery performance.
Durability in Texas Conditions
Living in Texas means dealing with heat, humidity, dust, and sudden rain showers. Electronics often struggle under those conditions.
The Ranger+ has handled them exceptionally well.
Throughout months of use, it has been exposed to temperatures in the 90-degree range, dusty conditions caused by nearby mowing operations, and unexpected rain showers that required a quick scramble to gather equipment.
None of these situations created any noticeable issues.
The units continue to function exactly as they did when new, and the overall fit and finish have held up very well.
Considering Extreme Long-Range Shooting
One of our manufacturer friends owns a range capable of reaching 2,000 yards. Once temperatures become more manageable, I plan to spend time there shooting my TAO 50 chambered in .50 BMG with a new suppressor.
However, it is important to recognize that the Ranger+ was not designed for that environment.
That is not a criticism. Every tool has an intended purpose.
If I were regularly shooting at one mile or beyond, I would be looking at the LongShot LR3 instead. The LR3 is designed for distances reaching two miles, making it the appropriate choice for truly extreme long-range applications.
When shooting at those distances, equipment selection becomes critical. You need optics, rifles, ammunition, and support equipment specifically built for the task. A target camera is no different.
For shooters operating inside 1,000 yards, the Ranger+s makes a great deal of sense. For those consistently pushing past a mile, the LR3 becomes the logical choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Fast and straightforward setup
- Reliable wireless connection
- No dependence on cellular service
- Saves significant time during sighting-in and load development
- Strong battery life
- Easy-to-use application
- Capable of operating out to 1,000 yards
Cons
- Price may be difficult to justify for casual shooters
- Some users may never utilize its full capability
- Dedicated extreme long-range shooters may prefer the LR3
- Requires charging, storage, and setup like any electronic device
Price and Value
LongShot currently offers several target camera options.
The Ranger 100 is the entry-level model and is priced around $230. Moving up the lineup, the Marksman 300-yard camera comes in at approximately $500.
The Ranger+ occupies the middle ground with a 1,000-yard capability and a price of roughly $450. For many shooters, it represents the best balance between performance and cost.
At the top of the lineup sits the LR3 two-mile system, priced around $1,000.
There is no denying that target cameras represent a significant investment. This is not an impulse purchase.
However, value should never be judged solely by price. Value is determined by the problem a product solves and the benefits it provides.
The Ranger+s solves a very real problem. It saves time, reduces unnecessary trips downrange, simplifies sight-in sessions, streamlines load development, and provides immediate feedback that helps shooters make better decisions.
After years of using target cameras, I can honestly say that once you become accustomed to real-time target visibility, it becomes very difficult to return to traditional methods.
Final Thoughts on the LongShot Ranger+
LongShot offers solutions for nearly every type of shooter. Whether your maximum distance is 100 yards from a hunting blind or multiple miles on a dedicated long-range range, there is a system designed to fit your needs.
For me, the Ranger+ delivers exactly what I want from a target camera. It is reliable, easy to use, and built around two compact devices, one positioned at the target and the other sitting beside the shooter.
Although my 400-yard home range prevents me from fully exploring the camera’s maximum advertised distance, everything I have experienced indicates that the Ranger+ is more than capable of fulfilling its intended purpose.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give this system is that it disappears into the shooting experience. Like a quality optic mounted on a rifle, it becomes part of the equipment you rely on without demanding attention.
It simply works.
That is exactly what a target camera should do. It should provide information, save time, and help shooters improve their performance. The LongShot Ranger+ accomplishes those goals exceptionally well, making it a valuable addition to any serious shooter’s range kit.