And if you're or any target are in the sights, chances of avoiding the shot just got slimmer and slimmer with this new technology that promises a lot. Hunters and snipers would want to get their hands on this as calculations and assistance in placing the shot just got easier. For those at the receiving end of this technology, it will be terrible news.

TrackingPoint "Precision Guided Firearms" or to be called 'PGFs" from here on are an integrated rifle and sighting system or XACT System, fully customized for the shooter or hunter to get in just one complete package. The TrackingPoint System is not sold separately and is already mounted on the rifle when purchased. This means that the PGF is fully calibrated and ready to shoot out of the box. All you need to do is put in the ammo and charge the batteries for the electronics to work, especially the use of an iPhone or an iPad as you can also download an app to use with it. Even social networks are included in the design of the PGF which will be explained furrther on.

So how does this work? It is really simple, but the technology behind it is not.  When aiming, you will first determine or identify the target using a sighting system which will remind you of a jet fighter's Heads Up Display (HUD). From there the following steps will take place as you engage the full system which can happen in an instant or a few seconds before you hit the target:

TAG - Upon determining the priority target, you will then "Tag" the target with a button which is near the trigger, which will then be illuminated by the laser in the system, and a pip (just like in a fighter jet) will then appear on the target.  Once a target is tag, the PGF starts the full ballistic calculations need to make that accurate shot.

TRACK - One you squeeze the trigger, the rifle doesn't shoot yet but tracks the target with the crosshair appearing and you will have to align the crosshair with the Pip.

XACT  - this guides you the target by helping you align  the crosshair and pip and when alignment happens, the rifle then fires, with the probability of hitting the target very high as compared to the traditional way of aiming at a target from a distance.

While you have squeezed the trigger to engage tracking and XACT aiming, you can release the trigger anytime from that point and just right before the rifle can engage the target, allowing you to shift targets quickly if a more priority target appear are a change in situation happens.

The gizmos that come with the TrackingPoint PGF make it a very compelling system as it has a wifi and iOS app which you can use with an iPad or iPhone. With these two features you can connect the rifle to the mobile device via wifi and you can have someone help you as a spotter with it or you can record the shot and upload it somewhere to impress your friends without the need to go home, download the video to your computer, then upload it. Thus, you can use social networks to show your shooting skill or your new shooting gadget.

Convinced? Well, if you are then you might want to open your wallet and want to buy one. However, that's the big issue as the PGFs available for now are expensive. The cheapest TrackingPoint PGF is the XS3 .300 Win Mag at US$17,000, and if you have more cash to burn then the X1 .338 Lapua Magnum can be yours for US$22,500.

For now, you can purchase these a fully PGFs, though what we have heard is that the company may produce the sighting kits that you can install on your preferred rifle. But that will take a while. With the issues of gun control nowadays, this product might be a very sensitive one as it makes it easier for someone without much skills to make an accurate shot.

As for use in airsoft, well, as much as want it, it will be impractical due to costs. But if you are a banker, or a son of technology tycoon, or an oil baron, then you might want something customized for your purpose.