Light point rifle
A light point rifle (LPG) / a light point pistol (LPP) is a target device with the outer shape of a (sport) rifle or a pistol , which aims at and hits a target with a beam of light instead of real ammunition .
Light point rifles (and then also light point pistols) were invented to give sport shooters a modern control of shooting performance through a connection to a computer on the one hand and to give young people interested in sport shooting an introduction, as the lower legal age limit for shooting with weapons (except Archery ) is 12 years of age. Since a light point device is neither a firearm nor a weapon, it can be used by all ages.
Technical equipment
Light point devices are available in different designs.
In the simple variant, a light-emitting adapter, which usually emits a light beam of laser class 1, is attached to any sporting weapon (rifle / pistol). A sensor is located on the target area at a distance of 10 to 25 meters, which determines the position of the incoming light beam with an accuracy of 1/10 millimeter and forwards it to a computer for display. The shooter's target or position errors can be recognized immediately on the screen and corrected accordingly. Sports rifles / pistols that have a so-called training trigger are preferably used here . When the cocked trigger is released, there is only a click, the weapon itself is not released and is not loaded with ammunition. This type of training facility can also be used by participants under the age of 12.
In the second variant, the light-emitting unit, usually also with a harmless light beam of laser class 1, is completely built into the outer shape of a rifle / pistol. The target is already indicated with a red dot when aiming. The target devices emit a light and sound signal when they hit. The usual target distance for these devices is between five and ten meters. Equipped with the sights used for common competition weapons, you can practice shooting in a completely safe manner.
Possible uses
The light point devices are mainly used for athletic training in shooting sports and have also been specially designed for young people. The weight of the devices is usually two kilograms (air rifles in sports can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms). The German Rifle Federation presented the first light point devices in November 2003 and has been promoting their use in the field of youth recruitment ever since. The use in youth training is partly supported by the shooting sports associations for the affiliated shooting clubs. There are also competitions at district, district and state championships with light point devices.
In Bavaria, the first laser biathlon competitions with specially adapted light point devices have been held in some municipalities as an additional tourist attraction for lay people. Here, too, targets were set up that would emit a light signal when hit.
There are commercial light point devices that are used at shooting gallery-like stalls at a fair . When the trigger on these devices is actuated, a sensor on a moving figure triggers an action. After a specified number of shots has elapsed, you have to pay again for further use of the rifle.