We blogged about the new Talon Gyro-Stabilized Weapon Mount system from Paradigm SRP last week. It attracted skepticism from readers in the comments who questioned how effective such a system would be in the real world. Yes, it is true that it does not track targets (although the hardware is fully capable of being integrated into such a system) but nor does it need too. It is fully capable of keeping a gun pointed in the desired direction during choppy seas, through turbulent air or over bumpy ground. After seeing it in action today at Industry Day at The Range I have no doubt it works in real world applications.

The company has developed simulation platform, on which the Talon was mounted when we saw it in action today. This platform constantly tilts in different directions simulating a rough sea. Despite the base moving, the rifle stayed on target. The gyro system corrects the rifle’s orientation at about 1000 times per second.

The remote control includes a screen that is hooked up to a camera attached to the rifle’s scope. It is simple to operate and looks like a large Nintendo DS or Nintendo Wii U controller. It is designed to be used in semi-automatic, not full auto fire modes, although the company does plan on creating a variant in the future to handle the belt-fed M249 Light Machine Gun.

I was thoroughly impressed by how compact the setup is. It even has a quick release mounting system allowing it to be easily added or removed from a vehicle with the appropriate mounting base installed. The company is also planning on developing a version for military bases, nuclear power plants and other sensitive sites.

The owner of Paradigm SRP is an incredibly nice guy, as are his employees. They are passionate about their product and I could see they genuinely enjoyed talking about it and answering questions without the BS or “sorry that is top secret” nonsense we hear all too often. I sincerely hope they succeed in the marketplace. *

* Yes, this is high praise, and no I was not paid to say it! I mean every word.