The technology for actually firing a bullet has evolved relatively slowly over the years, but the accessories that can be mounted on guns themselves are a different story.
Advanced optics and ballistic computers are changing the way that soldiers take aim, and silencers have become a hot commodity for civilian marksmen. Even iPhone and beverage holders are available.
Read on for some of the most high-tech and surprising gun accessories we could find. Have your own favorite? Let us know in the comments.
Above: On top of this .50 cal. Barrett sniper rifle sits a BORS tactical computer, which can calculate the trajectory of every bullet that it lobs downrange. An internal temperature sensor even compensates for the density of the air. On the side is a USB port, which allows serious shooters to upload ballistics tables for their favorite rounds. BORS: $1,600
Photo courtesy of Bryan William Jones
The iPhone mounted inside of a protective case on this M110 semiautomatic sniper rifle can make detailed ballistic calculations with the BulletFlight app. It can determine the effects of windage, distance, air pressure, humidity and temperature, which makes dialing in the position of the scope's crosshairs far easier. Think different, and then take the perfect shot.
BulletFlight was developed by Robert Silvers, an MIT media lab veteran who also designs suppressors for Advanced Armament Corporation. The app caused a controversy this January due to its unfortunate release date.
"I submitted it to Apple in December," said Silvers, "They published it around the day of Obama's inauguration, and then the media tried to connect the two, saying it was in poor taste for me to release the app on that day as if it might be used for some illegal purpose. I released it weeks earlier. Apple moves the apps to the store when they get around to it and I have no control over that."
Price: $4 for the basic edition, or $30 for the military version.
Images courtesy of Knight's Armament Company
What do you buy for the sniper who has everything? A cup holder! Not all shooting accessories need to be tactical. This one is refreshing.
Photo courtesy of Bryan William Jones
Like the cameras on patrol cars, the Pistol Cam is intended for use by police officers to provide objective video in court proceedings, if necessary. As a bonus, it has a laser pointer and a high intensity LED light. Pistolcam: $895
Photo Courtesy of PistolCam Inc.
This waterproof Mars scope pairs third-generation image intensifier tubes with 6x magnification lenses. ATN, the scope's manufacturer, uses "White Phosphor Technology" to present the shooter with a crisp black-and-white image, rather than the usual greenscale of older scopes.
Named after the god of war, it's intended for use on the battlefield – giving soldiers visibility while remaining invisible themselves. Scope: $4,895
Photo courtesy of American Technologies Network
Despite decades of strict regulation due to the fear of their use in poaching and homicides, silencers are still in vogue because they protect a shooter's ears.
Unlike in the movies, silencers do not make guns whisper quiet, but they do bring the noise level down to a level that will not cause hearing damage. Just like the muffler on your car.
This Browning Buck Mark .22 caliber pistol is equipped with an Advanced Armament silencer, Tactical Solutions barrel. For shooters who want to enjoy some plinking – shooting at tin cans and other junk – without wearing earplugs. Sight: $230
Photo by Ken Lunde, used with permission
This Glock pistol is mounted in a Cornershot system. The complicated gadget holds a camera just below the gun, and has an LCD display on its side. That feature allows its users to peek around corners without exposing themselves to enemy gunfire. It is also equipped with a laser sight, which makes aiming it much easier. Cornershot makes similar systems for grenade launchers, AK-47s and even paintball guns. Cornershot: $5,500 - 11,000.
An Israeli soldier takes cover behind a brick wall and peeks around the corner with a Beretta pistol mounted in a Cornershot system.
Photos courtesy of Cornershot Ltd.
Aimpoint makes this Concealed Engagement Unit, a periscope that allows soldiers to shoot while taking cover. They can point their gun around a corner while holding it at arms length, and look at it from the side. Their targets will be visible through the red viewing port. It can be used in combination with the company's 3x magnification scopes and electronic sights. Periscope: $312
Photo courtesy of Bryan William Jones
Gunmakers at Knight's Armament Company made this concept gun as somewhat of a "joke," building it in their spare time after work.
It was designed to have the ergonomics of a chain saw, and the firepower of a SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). It's based on the idea that heads up displays no longer require a gun to be held up to the face for aiming. Theoretically, this type of grip could be applied to many different weapons in the future.
Photo by Ken Lunde, used with permission
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