Guide to Rifle Shooting and Hunting with ShotKam


Whether you are practicing at a target range or preparing for a hunt, your ShotKam helps you see every detail of your shot in slow motion. It captures exactly what happens at the trigger pull, including your aim, recoil, and point of impact, so you can review and improve your accuracy.

This guide explains how to mount the ShotKam on different rifle types, how to set up the ShotKam app for both target shooting and hunting, and which zoom and video settings are best in each situation.

Close-up of a rifle equipped with ShotKam for long-range shooting in the field

Choosing the Right Mount

Your ShotKam can attach either directly to a barrel or onto a Picatinny or Weaver rail, depending on your rifle setup. Using the right mount keeps your camera secure and reduces vibration for the clearest video.

Option 1: Mounting on the Barrel

If you are using a traditional bolt-action rifle without a rail, a barrel mount is the best option. Each mount (also called a subgauge mount) is designed to fit a specific barrel diameter without causing any damage. 

For details on sizing and compatibility, see our Rifle Mounting Guide, and for setup instructions, visit our Mounting and Calibrating Guide.

For rifles with a silencer or moderator, you can also use the Moderator Mount. This mount holds the ShotKam 35 mm below the barrel so the silencer does not appear in the video.

Detailed view of ShotKam installation on rifle with suppressor and Moderator Mount

Pro Tip: Avoid mounting directly beneath the barrel if you use a bipod, and avoid mounting on top if you have a scope or sight installed. For rifles with shorter barrels or muzzle brakes, position the ShotKam slightly closer to the trigger to reduce gas exposure.

Option 2: Using the Rail Mount

If your rifle has a Picatinny or Weaver rail, the Rail Mount offers the most stability. It is recommended for AR-style platforms, semi-automatic rifles, and precision chassis systems.

Attaching directly to the rail reduces vibration on rifles with floating barrels. Position the ShotKam slightly to the side of the barrel with the USB port facing upward to keep the video level and protect the port from dust or debris.

Rifle with ShotKam action camera fitted to the Picatinny rail system

Setting Up Your ShotKam

After mounting the camera, open the ShotKam App (available for iOS and Android) to adjust settings for your specific use. The app allows you to select the firearm type, target type, zoom level, and resolution.

For Rifle Shooting at the Range

If you are shooting at a range, begin by confirming the correct firearm type in the app:

  1. Turn on your ShotKam and connect to the ShotKam’s Wi-Fi.

  2. Open the ShotKam App and go to Settings.

  3. Select Shooting Device. 

    1. Rifle Bolt/Single for bolt-action or single-shot rifles, or

    2. Rifle Semi-Auto for semi-automatic rifles.

  4. Next, go back to Settings and choose Target Type > Paper Targets

The default zoom and video format for the Paper Targets setting is 1080p x 120 fps | 4x Zoom, which is designed for static targets and provides clear impact visibility during playback.

For Rifle Hunting (Ground Game Mode)

Before heading into the field, take a moment to set up your ShotKam in the app so it matches your hunting conditions. Correct settings will give you the clearest, most useful footage for reviewing your shots later.

Step 1: Connect and adjust settings

  1. Turn on your ShotKam and connect to the ShotKam’s Wi-Fi.

  2. Open the ShotKam App and go to Settings.

  3. Select Target Type > Ground Game. This mode is designed for hunting big game such as deer, boar, or turkey.

  4. Select Shooting Device.

    1. Rifle Bolt/Single for manual actions like bolt or lever rifles, or

    2. Rifle Semi-Auto for rifles that cycle automatically.

  5. If you want the camera to stay ready for instant recording, set Wake-Up Sensitivity to Sleep Disabled. Keep in mind this setting uses more battery power.

Step 2: Choose your zoom and video format

Different distances benefit from different zoom and resolution options. Selecting the right one helps you capture both clarity and motion detail in slow motion:

  • 10–40 meters (for smaller game such as turkeys): 2.7K × 120 fps | 3× Zoom

  • 40–70 meters (for larger game such as deer or boar): 1080p × 120 fps | 4× Zoom

  • 70+ meters (long-range shots): 720p × 120 fps | 6× Zoom

These settings are optimized to give the best video clarity for each shooting distance. You can find more Zoom and Video Format options in the Advanced Settings of the ShotKam App (learn more on our Help Center). 

To see the ShotKam in action during real hunts, check out our rifle hunting videos below.



Tips for the Field

  • Always tighten the back cap securely to protect the USB port before shooting outdoors.

  • With Sleep disabled the camera will use more battery power. Charge fully before your hunt and bring an external battery for long days.

  • The camera must be on for at least 15 seconds to record your full shot. 

  • After your first shot, review the video to confirm that the reticle aligns with your point of aim.

Reviewing Your Footage

After shooting, connect your ShotKam to your phone or tablet to review the clips in slow motion. Within the app, you can scroll through your clips by date and time, then use the timeline bar to move frame-by-frame and analyze every moment around the shot. Watching your shots in slow motion can be especially useful when sighting in your rifle or testing new ammunition. 

For hunters, playback can also show how your rifle performs under real conditions and how animals react at impact, which you can use to refine shot placement for future hunts.

Conclusion

Whether you are practicing precision at the range or heading into the field, the ShotKam helps you understand every shot with clarity. Select the correct mount for your rifle, configure the app for your shooting environment, and choose the appropriate zoom setting for your distance.

Once set up, you will capture clear, stable footage that allows you to learn from every shot and relive each moment in detail.

You are reading:

Guide to Rifle Shooting and Hunting with ShotKam


View All Blogs