2019 Optic of the Year: SIG Sauer BDX Optics System

by
posted on May 19, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

2025 NRA World Shooting Championship
2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

KelTec Named Official Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is proud to announce KelTec as an official sponsor of the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship, returning to Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4, 2025.

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.