How to beat the Heat! How do u do it?

[NC/Br Shooter]

In the brink of getting ready for a match in a few weeks. Iv finally got my tune where I want it. Shooting really well, I see where my window starts and ends in my charge. And Practice is going good. I finally got most my equipment where I want it. New rest, and brass and bullets.
In practice, Iv had a descent couple days earlier in the week, and really noticed how mirage is messing with my last few shots.

I need a heat shield. I'm not sure what these things are called. I also will get a fan.
Or do I need both. This is short range br.

I figure I could make a heat shield. Poster board?,
It's like foam board, really light stuff. Do you Velcro the shield to barrel?
Iv never used one, do they work well? Can you tell a difference?

 

[Fast14riot]

Mirage shield on the barrel, or I've seen long tubes on the scope too. Think like a sun shade, but 12" long and not metal.

Vertical blind slats make great mirage shields. If you want fancy, Delta Carbon Precision anti-mirage bands are nice.

If you make one, no narrower than your scope objective at a minimum.

 

[Bc'z]

Mirage shield is a component I'm lacking as well, I over come my lack of preparedness by adjusting magnification down as Mirage comes up.

You could call Pat at PMA , he has mirage shields or get a bench fan, or both.

Table top fans vs mirage shields for Benchrest

My intentions were to purchase a DEWALT rechargeable fan and do away with the mirage shield Velcro on the barrel but the battery’s are different than what I already own, with new units the charger is sold separately at a premium I’ve held off. Yesterday I tried out this one with good results...

forum.accurateshooter.com

I need to call Pat, I emailed FCP a few weeks back on thier shield and haven't heard back.

 

[NC/Br Shooter]

Mirage shield on the barrel, or I've seen long tubes on the scope too. Think like a sun shade, but 12" long and not metal.

Vertical blind slats make great mirage shields. If you want fancy, Delta Carbon Precision anti-mirage bands are nice.

If you make one, no narrower than your scope objective at a minimum.

That makes sense, about the width.

I'm leaning towards getting a fan , just met with a fellow shooter this morning and the fan question came up. The pros are for the fan. Seems to have no down side.

 

[AlNyhus]

I use a piece of Xray film Velcroed on the barrel. A piece of heavy paper also works....don't over think it. You don't want any sort of tube that threads on to the scope.

You want to see the mirage. Just not phony mirage from barrel heat.

Editted to add: I can't say I've ever seen a fan at any SR sanctioned NBRSA or IBS tournament. Maybe it's a regional thing? The cartridges used and number of rounds fired per target just don't put that much heat into a barrel.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Fan hands down.

 

[ValleyBoy1984]

I use a fan when shooting comps. Got a cheap one off Amazon and it is rechargeable. Works great and seriously it was like 12 bucks.

 

[Murray Brook]

. You don't want any sort of tube that threads on to the scope.

What would be the reason for this. Curious.

 

[urbanrifleman]

That makes sense, about the width.

I'm leaning towards getting a fan , just met with a fellow shooter this morning and the fan question came up. The pros are for the fan. Seems to have no down side.

Fan.

Although I do make a nice barrel shield. If you are bench shooting buy a battery fan off of Amazon.

 

[NC/Br Shooter]

Both of these I can power by battery pack.
I'm going to try and use one tomorrow morning.
Would the small one work, or does mirage take a wider air channel to get out of the way?
I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow'.

 

[Chaotik]

I use a piece of Xray film Velcroed on the barrel. A piece of heavy paper also works....don't over think it. You don't want any sort of tube that threads on to the scope.

You want to see the mirage. Just not phony mirage from barrel heat.

Editted to add: I can't say I've ever seen a fan at any SR sanctioned NBRSA or IBS tournament. Maybe it's a regional thing? The cartridges used and number of rounds fired per target just don't put that much heat into a barrel.

I use a fan when shooting Long Range Benchrest (Freedom and IBS). It's not uncommon to see them on benches, especially in Florida.

 

[Shooter13]

That makes sense, about the width.

I'm leaning towards getting a fan , just met with a fellow shooter this morning and the fan question came up. The pros are for the fan. Seems to have no down side.

I have a 16" battery (rechargeable) powered fan, works great and after my match I turn it on me!!

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Put the guns up in June and grab the golf clubs.

Then in late September, reverse the process.

 

[c2a4r3l]

I used a pice of carbon fiber from mc master for a heat shield. Very light works well I think.