Anyone shot the electronic targets at Talladega?

[Mozella]

I'm planning a trip to Talladega to shoot an F-Class match using their electronic targets. As far as I can tell, the physical target at which you aim is nothing but a large black dot; I'm guessing 36" in diameter @ 600 yards, but I can't swear to that. In any case, there is nothing on the target, no rings, no numbers, no nothing. And, of course, being electronic, there is no scoring disk to use as a reference.

So, can anyone who has shot these kinds of targets give me some tips on how to aim in shifting wind conditions, especially because one of my scopes has only a fine cross-hair reticle?

 

[Berger.Fan222]

I've shot there a few times with friends. Those with the more complex reticles with lots of markings use those. Those with simple cross hairs have done pretty well adjusting the scope for windage (so many clicks) so they can hold dead center. One might think it would hurt scores, but we have all managed our personal bests there. It does take some getting used to, so arriving a day early for some practice will likely help your score in your first match.

 

[Mozella]

I've shot there a few times with friends. Those with the more complex reticles with lots of markings use those. Those with simple cross hairs have done pretty well adjusting the scope for windage (so many clicks) so they can hold dead center. One might think it would hurt scores, but we have all managed our personal bests there. It does take some getting used to, so arriving a day early for some practice will likely help your score in your first match.

That begs the question, exactly where is dead center? The black dot is HUGE in a typical target scope at 600 yards. A 1" white aiming dot in the center would be nice, but we're talking about a 36" diameter aiming circle (if my guess after looking at photos is correct) which pretty much throws the maxim of "aim small, shoot small" out the window.

Perhaps I'll so some scope swapping before I go. Thanks for the answer.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

That begs the question, exactly where is dead center? The black dot is HUGE in a typical target scope at 600 yards. A 1" white aiming dot in the center would be nice, but we're talking about a 36" diameter aiming circle (if my guess after looking at photos is correct) which pretty much throws the maxim of "aim small, shoot small" out the window.

Perhaps I'll so some scope swapping before I go. Thanks for the answer.

A more precise aiming point would be great, but from the results so far, even older eyes are doing ok without one. I think you'd be surprised at how well you can score without swapping scopes. If it looks and feels like you're in the dead center of the circle, then you probably are.

I tend to resist swapping scopes due to the extra efforts sighting things in again and the occasional problem not getting the needed elevation on the new rifle.

 

[JFM33]

I will say it is a great range and a well run match.
Yes you are correct the aiming black is a 36" circle.It is not an NRA approved F-class match so the rules are different.You can shoot from a bench if you want,there was no weighing of the rifles or paper targets.
To elevate the issue of no scoring rings to hold over with ,I will bring a match rifle with irons to shoot next time.That is what the targets are designed for. Maybe some day they will invite sling shooters and have a separate class for them.
There is a lot to like about the range.
JFM

 

[Ringostar]

Being nonregistered matches it's not critical, however if you already have a scope with hash marks for holding off I would put it on.

 

[Damfino]

Shot the F-class match in July and a 197 in F-TR at the 300 yard target relay. Incredible facility, well run match. Not sure about the hows or whys, but finding the center didn't seem that difficult, or technically challenging. Seems that your eye centers automatically, but YMMV. I just dialed in some minor wind changes, a little slow to pick them up a few times, but that's on me and not the target. I was shooting a 2013 Nightforce 15X55 with the DDR reticle and I'm almost 62 years old. I'm an old service rifle shooter (M1A). Man, I really like the speed and efficiency that comes with no pit duty. That facility makes me proud to be a native Alabamian.

 

[brshtr]

I shot the F-Class match there in June. I, too, was apprehensive about the absence of scoring rings but it turned out to be pretty much a non-issue. They gave us a 5-minute sight-in before each match, rather than a 25-minute block time, so I felt free to shoot plenty of sighters as I wasn't using up record time. And because you see your shot immediately on the monitor you can shoot pretty fast.

I was using a simple crosshair with center dot reticle and had no trouble getting centered. Just put the reticle where the four quadrants look equivalent and trust your judgment. I ended up shooting a personal best 592-27X so I can't say the absence of rings held me back.

That place is like a country club for shooters. I'm looking forward to going back.

Dave Rabin

 

[Mozella]

...... snip........

I was using a simple crosshair with center dot reticle and had no trouble getting centered. Just put the reticle where the four quadrants look equivalent and trust your judgment. ....... snip........
Dave Rabin

It's not so much getting a simple fine cross-hair reticle on center, it's figuring the amount of hold-off that I can't seem to imagine.

I normally shoot F-class where there are usually swirling and contrary winds. Holding on center is the least likely sight picture. And, of course, it often changes for each and every shot. I'm not very good at making correct wind calls. Nevertheless, I try to adjust my aiming point in fine increments by holding off even though my wind judgement isn't world-class. With a standard target it's easy enough to aim at what I think is 8" left and 1" high.

I have to drive up the day ahead anyway because of the distance from my home. So I suppose a good strategy would be to go to the range the afternoon before the match and do some testing. Dialing in a scope adjustment for each wind call might be something I will experiment with.

Thanks everyone for the information.

 

[lal357]

you want to have fun i also shoot the vintage sniper match there in december 1903a1 with a 4 power scope at 300 and a 1941 springfield with a 8 power scope at 600 i got to where i hold at 12 o'clock since the fine wire recticles are hard to pick up in the black