Designed and licensed by TD Smith*. Lt. Col T.D. Smith was a former US Air Force Combat Fighter pilot who taught TOP GUN Fighter school for seven years, flew the combat evaluation of the then new F4E weapon system in North Vietnam, was a member of the 1963 U.S. Pan American Games Centerfire Pistol Team, where he broke a world record in Center Fire pistol competition (the record remains unbroken) and was a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Free Pistol Team. He presently serves on the NRA, National Coach Development Staff and coaches the USA Olympic Sport of Shooting.
 

Step 1
Shooter's Basic Information

Please determine the following basic data prior to using this system:

1.) Rifle caliber you intend to use: ______________________

2.) Bullet Shape _____, Bullet Weight _____, Muzzle Velocity _____

Note: The Muzzle Velocity of various cartridges by bullet shape and configuration are available from the manufacturer, or you may refer to specific Ammunition Reloading Tables. This data is necessary for you to properly determine your bullet's "Factor" number. This is an easily determined number that eliminates the confusion of ballistic coefficients, etc.This factor number is necessary to determine a particular rifle's zero requirements specific to the cartridge you have selected and the appropriate "TDS Factor Decal" you will refer to when using the TDS Tri-Factor Reticle system. A selection of (11) TDS Tri-Factor Reticle decals are provided with the Kahles scope you have purchased.

3.) What is the Game you intend to hunt? _________________________

How do we determine a TDS "Factor"?
An important component of this unique aiming system is the TDS "Factor" reference number such as 6 or 7.4... This is a simple reference number. To determine the TDS Factor , a shooter must first zero their rifle at 200 yards to hit exactly in the center of the target. Next, shoot a group at 300 yards and then measure the bullet drop. This drop in the bullet's point of impact at 300 yards, measured in inches, becomes the "FACTOR" for that particular rifle, caliber and the particular bullet you have selected.

This procedure may not be required however... Please refer to the table on the last page of this brochure... A selection of some of the more popular rifle calibers, various bullet types, muzzle velocities, and their corresponding "Factor Numbers", have been computed. You may also refer to any manufacturer's published Ammunition Ballistic Tables.

Further...
Since various bullets will scribe different arcs in flight, it is necessary to adjust the shooter's viewing alignment through the reticle of the rifle scope so that the bullet's flight path and the shooter's aiming point are properly aligned with the intended point of impact on a target at a given distance. The TDS Tri-Factor number, and the design of the four Range Marker Bars (RMB) of this unique TDS Tri-Factor Reticle system, will enable you to quickly adjust your alignment and assist you in making precision shots at extended distances, while compensating for a crosswind component. Please refer to Fig. A, TDS Tri-Factor Reticle components.

TDS Tri-Factor Reticle Components
Note: For maximum accuracy with the Kahles riflescope, it will be important to select 9X power setting when making a shot. This is due to the fact that the reticle in this particular scope is mounted in the second image focal plane. Accuracy may further be insured by sighting in your rifle at a yardage distance that is equal to the distance indicated on the third marker bar of the TDS reticle decal* for the particular caliber and bullet you choose to use. Example: if the TDS reticle decal for your selected ammunition has a factor of 5.8 to 6.4, you will note that the distance listed next to the third marker bar is 500 yards. In this case, one should attempt to sight at 500 yards. If this is not possible, try to sight in as far out as range limitations permit. *See the section regarding the TDS Tri-Factor Reticle decal.

Step 2
Selecting the appropriate TDS Tri-Factor Riflescope Reticle Decal

In order to determine the appropriate TDS Tri-Factor Reticle Factor Decal for a particular cartridge caliber, Bullet type and the corresponding muzzle velocity, please refer to the Factor Reference Table. If you do not find the particular Caliber or Bullet you intend to use, consider the following...

A.) You may proceed to Zero your rifle at 200 yards, then measure the bullet drop at 300 yards. This measurement, in inches, is now the TDS "Factor" for your particular rifle. Select the corresponding TDS Factor decal from the ones provided and mount it for future reference somewhere on your rifle stock or on the objective bell of your scope. This decal is the reference for the yardage values of the four range marker bars.

B.) You may also call Customer Service - (800)-426-3089. They will be happy to assist you in determining the appropriate TDS Tri-Factor Reticle "Factor Decal" meeting your particular requirements. For hand loads, it will be necessary for you to provide the muzzle velocity and bullet coefficient information corresponding to your particular selection.

NOTE: The TDS Tri-Factor Reticle is designed to ideally compensate for the following Ballistic criteria... Bullet Sectional Density .285, Bullet Ballistic Coefficient .350, and Muzzle Velocity - 3000 FPS. This does not preclude however, other bullet ballistic configurations working with this system. Alternatives are possible with the appropriate compensating adjustments.

Muzzle Loaders note: Riflescopes with the TDS Tri-Factor reticle may be used with a Muzzle Loader rifle providing the following specific load elements are used. Loading 100 grains of Pyrodex powder, combined with a 240 to 310 grain SABOT LEAD or JHP (Jacked Hollow-Point) bullet, the value for the four range marker bars are then 125, 150, 175 and 200 yards respectfully.

For further information regarding the technical design and specifications of the TDS Tri-Factor Reticle system, you may call...
Toll Free 877-TDSMITH

Once you have found the particular bullet caliber, type, weight and muzzle velocity on the TDS Tri Factor Ammunition Reference table, note the 100 yard sight in point. This will be listed as + a specific number [measurement in inches]. Zero your rifle at 100 yards with the bullet's point of impact as close as possible to this number in inches above the bullseye. Note, that in some cases this may be "0" or dead-on the center of the bullseye. To adjust the scope to align the center of the reticle, with your intended point of impact on the target, you may need to make vertical or horizontal adjustments. To accomplish this, remove the protective covers over the adjustment turrets of the scope and following the arrows depicted on the adjustment knobs, turn them as follows:

1 click for every 1/4 inch @ 100 yds. you wish to move the bullet's point of impact on the Kahles 3-9x42 scope.

Next, shoot a verifying shot at 200 yards and note the bullet's point of impact, this should be dead-on. Your scope is now zeroed.

For Ammunition NOT listed
If you are shooting a caliber, bullet type and muzzle velocity other than listed, Zero your rifle scope at 200 yards. Next shoot at a target at 300 yds and note the bullet drop in inches. This measurement will become the "Factor" reference number for your particular rifle caliber and the bullet you have selected. Once you have sighted-in your rifle and determined the appropriate adjustment for your scope, locate the appropriate corresponding "Factor Reference Decal" supplied with your scope. There is a packet of 11 Factor decals. Peel off the adhesive back of the appropriate decal and place it in a convenient location on the stock of your rifle or on the objective bell of your scope for future reference.The reference decal now gives you four additional range aiming points, where each of the range marker bars (RMB's) intersect with the vertical reticle line for extended ranges, eliminating any guesswork in "Hold-Over".

Note: It is imperative that you to select the proper "Factor" decal.

Look at the four Range Marker Bars (RMB's) located just below the center horizontal reticle line. Note that the right and left end of each RMB is the aiming point you are to use when adjusting for a 10 mph. cross wind. If the wind is from the left, you will use the right tip of the wind bar as your aiming point, at the desired range and then "hold into the wind". If however the wind is from the right, the opposite - left tip of the bar would be the aiming point you will use and again you would "hold in to the wind". A five (5) mph. crosswind, you would estimate half of the width of the RMB right or left of the center vertical reticle line. A twenty (20) mph. crosswind would require you to estimate double the width of the RMB, right or left of the center vertical reticle line

Always hold into the Wind.
A wind coming from the left - move the reticle into the wind, HOLD TO THE LEFT
A wind coming from the right - HOLD TO THE RIGHT
This completes your introduction to the four (4) Basic Steps of the TDS Tri-Factor Reticle system.

Proceed to Ranging and learn how you can also use this system to determine range to an animal in the field, adjust for a crosswind and any up or down angle. The Animal Silhouette Depth Chart table gives you the average chest measurement of selected game animals.

The TDS Tri-Factor Reticle may also be used to determine the range to an animal at various

distances. To do this you will need to first know the depth of the Chest area of the game you are expecting to look at. Please refer to the Animal Silhouette Depth Chart.

Procedure:

The following example uses a 30-06 rifle, firing a 165 grain bullet at 2800 fps, to take a Bull Elk with a 24" Chest, standing at 300 yards in a 10 m.p.h. right to left cross wind at a 45° angle uphill incline. Please refer to the graphic diagrams, Figures # 1,2 and 3 and follow the following four steps.

Step A. Mount your rifle and locate your animal in the scope.

Step B. Measure the yardage to the target by sliding the crosshair to the top of its back. Holding that position, drop your eyes down to the bottom of his chest and interpret the grid line (Fig. 2 ) aligned with the bottom of his chest. Divide his chest depth in inches by the number of grid lines required to cover it. (Assume his chest to be 24" deep and it requires 8 grid lines to cover. (Fig. 2) 24 divided by 8 = 3. Multiply this number by 100... The animal is 300 yards from your position.

Step C. Slide the reticle up the animal's body, centering the 300 yard range marker bar precisely on the animal's intended bullet point of impact. (BIP) Maintaining elevation, slide the range marker bar into the wind (to the right), until the tip (wind correction point) of the 300 yard marker bar is on the BIP. (Fig. 2)

Step D. To correct for the 45 degree angle uphill shot, (because loss of gravity in angled shots causes the bullet to hit high) lower the reticle to the 200 yard range marker bar position and FIRE. With a minimum amount of practice, this whole procedure can be accomplished in about 3 to 5 seconds...
 

Please Consider:
The TDS TRI-FACTOR Reticle System is a good field expedient method of approximating range to your game. Range estimation is just that however and should be used along with good judgement. Know the game you are hunting, know your own shooting ability, know the limitations of your equipment and use good judgement whenever evaluating any shot at extended distances.

Examples of Decals

	Fig.4