Mirage Barrel Shade

[BenPerfected]

Does it really help? When?
Ben

 

[Papa Charlie]

Absolutely, trying to shoot without one is an almighty pain. All the competitors in the matches I have shot use them. I went my first season without one and have just purchased one from Mark here on the forum. I don't want to mount it until my new barrel is done, It is sized for the new barrel.
Went to the range this past weekend and after about ten rounds, the mirage had a huge affect on my grouping.

 

[6MMsteve]

^^^^^^what he said

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

The shields help but a 12v fan on the bench works wonders.

 

[243winxb]

The higher the power of the scope, the more you need a shade.

Use a straw to blow air through the barrel , if smoke is drifting out of the muzzle.

 

[JimPag]

The shields help but a 12v fan on the bench works wonders.

You got that right Michael. I got rid of all my mirage shields on all my bench rifles 3 seasons ago. Use a Ryobi fan instead, plus depending on where I set it up on the bench it cools me off at the same time.

 

[Ned Ludd]

In line with the 12V fan idea, anytime the wind is sufficient in terms of speed and direction to blow the barrel heat (mirage) away before it is front of the scope, a mirage band won't do much. For me, that usually means at least 8-10 mph or so. As already noted by others, when the conditions are milder, not having a mirage band can really jack your scores. I've forgotten to put one on occasionally while practicing and when the barrel heats up, the target will be dancing all over the place in the scope...not good for holding POA or grouping.

Sinclair sells mirage bands that are basically pieces of white window blind slat cut to different lengths, together with the sticky velcro attachments. At $4.99 each, it would be a minimal cost to try one out. Alternatively, I'm sure you could make your own for less, but by the time you figure in gas and your time, Sinclair's mirage bands may be the least expensive way to try them out and see if you think they are of benefit.

 

[Rsadams]

Find a piece of an old plastic window blind and some velcro... Don't like it , throw it away and keep the rest of the velcro for something else.. That's basically what the cheap one are as stated above of course.. I like the fan idea here in Texas because it works on me to..

 

[dkhunt14]

The fan works better, because if you have a brake, the amount coming out the holes is great. The shield doesn't stop it coming from brake. Matt

 

[CharlieNC]

I've been to Fclass matches where fans were not allowed. Match directors prerogative may get you.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I've been to Fclass matches where fans were not allowed. Match directors prerogative may get you.

Never heard of that one. One would think, as long as something doesn't cause a safety issue, sportsmanship issue, AND/OR there is no explicit rule against it, it would be fair game. Especially something this mundane and frivolous. Does he allow you to fan yourself with your hands?

 

[LHSmith]

Most mirage shields offered are too narrow to be most effective. I can see where a fan is needed where brakes are used, In short range BR I found it best to follow the (1) KISS and (2) keep changes at a minimum from match to match principles. That is why you will not find me with my bench cluttered with chronographs, fans, and other gizmo's during a match OR practice and the barrel shield is always in place regardless of conditions. Some venues have very limited bench space (Kelblys) and very little room for gizmos.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I'd be shocked if a match director (unless maybe a local, non-approved/registered match) allowed a fan on the firing line for a high power/f-class match.

 

[BenPerfected]

I'd be shocked if a match director (unless maybe a local, non-approved/registered match) allowed a fan on the firing line for a high power/f-class match.

Jay, I’m not an F Class shooter so do the F Class rules say fans aren’t permitted on the firing line? Seems to me there are much bigger mirage concerns than mirage at the firing line in either F Class or Benchrest.
Ben

 

[FatBoy]

the little "Barrel Cool" ECI fans are starting to get popular. that's about the only fan I could see allowed and it's not going to do anything for mirage.

I use an elastic band on all my rifles, scoped or iron sights. I think it helps and if nothing else I have consistency.

 

[Taildrag15X]

Never heard of that one. One would think, as long as something doesn't cause a safety issue, sportsmanship issue, AND/OR there is no explicit rule against it, it would be fair game. Especially something this mundane and frivolous. Does he allow you to fan yourself with your hands?

They (fans)are not allowed for High Power/F-Class under the Rules, all competitors must compete under the same conditions.