Electronic Targets: The Pros

[B Nettesheim]

Lets hear the benefits/pros of the electronic targeting systems, i can name a few to start:
Equal pit service between all competitors
We have our score instantly
We have velocity and sd on our screen
We can evaluate our target later
We can watch conditions when not shooting or scoring

 

[XTR]

Lets hear the benefits/pros of the electronic targeting systems, i can name a few to start:
1.Equal pit service between all competitors
2.We have our score instantly
3.We have velocity and sd on our screen
4.We can evaluate our target later
5.We can watch conditions when not shooting or scoring[/QUOTE]

(edited for numbering)

1. I'd agree here, if it's working.
2. I don't see this as an pro. In fact in some conditions I see it as a con.
3. I'd say this violates the rules both as written and in spirit with regard to electronic devices on the lines
4. I agree with later, though if you plot you can do the same thing. I think that showing the plots during the match is a violation of the electronic devices rule and should not be done.
5. I agree, but what you are actually saying is: no pit duty. I'm not so old that I find pulling to be that onerous. I certainly wouldn't go to the range just to pull, but I don't mind it as a part of the match expereince


For the record, I have no issue with the concept of the use of E targets. We are at the beginning of this, in time the systems will get better. I had a discussion with someone this weekend about the SM systems with inncreased sensor count and their ability to detect and sort X fires during the delay. These are good advances.

For sling shooting I have almost no issues with them at all. When it comes to F class shooting I see potential for harm to the sport. I don't want them to change the way that compeditors play the game. I recognize that they are going to happen at some point. We as a sport need to decide what we want the sport to look like when they are in common use.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Having shot on one for the first time recently, I found it easier to "walk" shots into the X ring in shifting conditions.

Even shooting slow, seeing each hit for its exact location (as opposed to trying to figure it out through the mirage) proved to be a significant advantage.

Having all shots plotted for me proved to be a significant advantage.

I was even able to detect and correct for the wind drift of the target . It was easy to differentiate between bullet wind drift and target drift (I also validated against the paper target what I was seeing).

 

[jkl]

I have had my SMT for 18 months. There have been some things that will cause aggravation but for practice the positives out weigh the negatives. Most of the issues were self inflicted by not learning the target system. (user caused) But Wayne and Dan always found a way to help and respond to my questions. I see little reason to go to the pits when it in in excess of 105 degrees. I always will put shooters on to my target and everyone comes away with the same smile on their face. There are 12 SMT targets here at Ben Avery now and much of the pit experience moves to heckling on the line when a shot seems to be sent where you didn't want it to go.

I was at dinner last evening with 2 F Open National Team members and were discussing how many rounds they placed on target that morning and if there had been a puller in the pits the puller would have dropped from the work out in the heat.

Pulling for big matches is still great fun and the pit experience with people you enjoy is priceless but so is the electronic world that is coming.

John