Barrel mirage and fans

[amlevin]

Was talking with a couple other shooters during a cease fire the other day about using a fan instead of a mirage band.

Something like this

Usually there is a slight side wind at our range that seems to blow the rising heat off the barrel and it only becomes a problem when the air goes totally still. Temps range in the 50's to high 70's for the most part.

Just wondering if this type of fan is used by others and if it would be of any help. It seems to me that just moving the air across the top of the barrel would be a benefit.


What say you all?

FWIW, the fan is battery powered and costs $10. Supposed to be quiet and moves a lot of air for it's size. According to the reviews it's enough to cool off "menopausal women" even in Florida heat 8) 8)

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I know one shooter that uses one of those. He seems to like it.

I'm not sure if it would stand up to the rules about electronic devices ahead of the ready line. I think it is electric, not electronic, so I think it is legal. Only an NRA referee can make the final call on it and only if it gets challenged.

I've thought of the same thing myself, Even with a mirage band, sometimes it gets so still that the mirage sneaks out at the muzzle and plays havoc with my sight picture.

 

[JRS]

Though it's battery powered, it is considered an electronic device.

 

[expiper]

That makes me think a scope with a battery in it would be an electronic device ??...Roger

 

[JRS]

The scopes don't contain a circuit board of any type Roger, therefore, would not be considered electronic.

 

[jonbearman]

Honestly, its a fan with a power pack. The scopes with lights and switches are considered electronic to me so whats the difference. Maybe they should incorporate laws for the laws. It almost sounds like a serious question to pose to the association. The nra or whomever needs to relook at the laws and change them.

 

[wolley]

I'm a sling shooter and I use the very same fan shooting prone keep just enough air moving to keep the glasses unfogged. It works for that in this swamp I live in. Would I drag it to the line at a national level match? Heck no! I can see that going over about as well as an umbrella with an official.

 

[JRS]

Honestly, its a fan with a power pack. The scopes with lights and switches are considered electronic to me so whats the difference. Maybe they should incorporate laws for the laws. It almost sounds like a serious question to pose to the association. The nra or whomever needs to relook at the laws and change them.

The scopes don't contain devices that would render them electronics Jon. Circuit board, transistors, etc.

 

[Joe Salt]

I'm with Donovan,I Know a lot of guys that use them at our range, think you may be opening a can of worms on this. Its not attached to the rifle so whats the problem.

Joe Salt

 

[JBO]

If that would be an issue wouldn't electronic head set's be considered a problem too?

They become attached to the rifle temporarily

 

[JRS]

I'm with Donovan,I Know a lot of guys that use them at our range, think you may be opening a can of worms on this. Its not attached to the rifle so whats the problem.

Joe Salt

Yea Joe, but YOU have a problem with the use of the SEB rests with the 3 piece bag design, and it too is NOT attached to the rifle. So whats the problem? The rules governing electronic devices wasn't written by me. Look up the definition of electronic device, on that electronic device you are typing on ;D

 

[big bad bill]

Amlevin,
In response to your question, I thought the same about using a fan instead of a mirage shield and tried it last weekend on a 30BR. After 32 rounds without the shield and with a 16 inch fan on low speed, no mirage was apparent as it would have been with the shield.
Good shooting,
Bill

 

[Max Power]

Look up the definition of electronic device, on that electronic device you are typing on ;D

Here's what that rule says:


3.22 Electronic Devices—Electronic devices such as radios, tape recorders, or any other type of sound production, or communication systems are prohibited forward of the ready line, including the pits, except those necessary for range control.


How could one read that to prohibit a fan? Because it makes noise?

 

[Joe Salt]

JRS You nailed it THREE PIECE BAG! We don't have a problem with a fan sitting on the bench that isn't touching the Rifle. But we do with three bages that do touch the rifle. (When the rule says BAG). GET IT? :-* Only other thing that is in the rules may be an electronic Trigger! I Know for the first two times a person shoots at our range you could possibly stand to one side and blow the heat off the barrel, Would you like that? Be a good job for you.

Joe Salt

 

[Joe Salt]

Max are they NRA rules I think that so you can't communicate with someone in the pit, Don't think any clubs would allow that!

Joe Salt

 

[amlevin]

Honestly, its a fan with a power pack.

The scopes don't contain devices that would render them electronics Jon. Circuit board, transistors, etc.

Fans don't contain any devices that would be considered electronic by any standard I've ever heard of. Electric yes, electronic no. Nothing but an old fashioned motor, battery, and switch, not even a solid state switch.

Based on the feedback I think I'll give it a shot. For some reason I've never been a fan of mirage bands. Maybe because I've never found a way to both remember to bring one to the range and a good way to attach one.

 

[Joe Salt]

amlevin Velcro works to hold mirage shields to the barrel. And there are all different kinds of materials that can be used. No rules on that yet!

Joe Salt

Joe Salt

 

[Jason Boersma]

The battery powered fans work great at keeping the barrel mirage out of the scopes view. I have used one in competition and will again until I am told I can't then I will have no problem not using it. I don't think there is a problem with them, they don't tell you anything about when to shoot or what the conditions are they just blow air.

 

[LHSmith]

Most mirage shields are way too skinny to work effectively.... use more material in the width and you can forget about the silly fans. You can get fancy, but a strip of target attached with tabs of masking tape is hard to improve upon. K.I.S.S.

 

[JRS]

JRS You nailed it THREE PIECE BAG! We don't have a problem with a fan sitting on the bench that isn't touching the Rifle. But we do with three bages that do touch the rifle. (When the rule says BAG). GET IT? :-* Only other thing that is in the rules may be an electronic Trigger! I Know for the first two times a person shoots at our range you could possibly stand to one side and blow the heat off the barrel, Would you like that? Be a good job for you.

Joe Salt

I could do that Joe ;D But it will never happen at the Williamsport club of dinosaurs : You cavemen are giving up a large group of new members. The ONLY club that doesn't allow the SEB set-up, and also the only one without a dictionary ;D