FT/R, Getting setup on the firing line?

[mao0720]

I shot my first 600yd F- class match a few weeks ago and ran into an issue. When I was getting setup during my 3 min prep period on my first string, I could not get my bipod ( Sinclair Gen 2) elevation set to the correct height very quickly or conveniently. I wound up squeezing the rear bag my who first string, which I dont usually do. My first round was terrible, shot a 183-4x. By time my third string came around I had my bipod dialed and shot a 193-8x, in worse wind condition than the first string.

My question is, for those of you shooting a bipod that adjusts similarly to the Sinclair how do you get the elevation setup quickly and precisely when you are setting up on the line?

 

[Scott Harris]

I fixed this problem by selling the Sinclair and buying a Duplin that has a central thumbwheel drive: works much easier. the individually adjustable legs are a bit slower to set up.

 

[Taildrag15X]

I keep the bipod set the same and use different thickness plates (plywood) under it if necessary and under my rear bag.

 

[Nodak7mm]

I shot my first 600yd F- class match a few weeks ago and ran into an issue. When I was getting setup during my 3 min prep period on my first string, I could not get my bipod ( Sinclair Gen 2) elevation set to the correct height very quickly or conveniently. I wound up squeezing the rear bag my who first string, which I dont usually do. My first round was terrible, shot a 183-4x. By time my third string came around I had my bipod dialed and shot a 193-8x, in worse wind condition than the first string.

Don't let the time get to you.. You had 22 minutes after those 3 minutes. ;D Don't shoot till your ready and so what if it took you another 5 minutes to settle down.. Just something to consider next time.

 

[effendude]

A couple points:
1) Just because prep period is over doesn't mean you have to start shooting. 22 minutes is a long time. Safely finish your prep properly before you start your shooting.

2) The standard command is "Shooters, your 3 min. prep period has ended, does anyone need more time?" You should have raised your hand and asked for more. Most shooters and line officials will be accommodate your request. Just don't make a habit of not being ready!

Scott

 

[Immike]

The clock can scare the heck out of you if you are not well trained to it. Use it in practice and that will pass.

 

[Medic505]

I might add get a timer, and don't forget to start it like I do at times. They are cheap at wally world or you can get a nice one from Pistol Dynamics. Nodak7mm hit the nail on the head, you have 22 minutes, don't be afraid to use all of them. Good shooting BTW and welcome to TR.

 

[mao0720]

Thanks for all the advice. yeah I did notice I was done shooting usually after about 15min, and will be focusing on slowing down next time, amongst other things.

 

[nosualc]

After you do it a few times, 3 minutes will be more than enough.

Until then, you've got more time than you think. Most guys shoot their 22 in 5-7 minutes.

-nosualc

 

[XTR]

I shot my first 600yd F- class match a few weeks ago and ran into an issue. When I was getting setup during my 3 min prep period on my first string, I could not get my bipod ( Sinclair Gen 2) elevation set to the correct height very quickly or conveniently. I wound up squeezing the rear bag my who first string, which I dont usually do. My first round was terrible, shot a 183-4x. By time my third string came around I had my bipod dialed and shot a 193-8x, in worse wind condition than the first string.

Don't let the time get to you.. You had 22 minutes after those 3 minutes. ;D Don't shoot till your ready and so what if it took you another 5 minutes to settle down.. Just something to consider next time.

THIS^^

Take your time and get it set up, you have about 15 minutes longer than you'll probably take in the next couple of yrs.

One other piece of advice, your rear bag will usually settle a little during your string and you'll find your POA is creeping up. Make sure you have the bipod adjusted in the middle/top of it's range with the knob so you can adjust for it.

 

[mysticplayer]

When I set up, the first thing that gets settled is the rear bag. I give it a few chops to settle it and firm it up. Then front pad for the bipod. Rifle between the two.

With most level ranges, the height you need doesn't change that much and the above gets me on target.

Start with the REAR and firm it up when in position. Now look at the target to see where you are aiming. Adjust the legs. Final center by moving stock in rear bag.

Once you get into a routine, it takes me about 2 minute to get the rifle set, leaving plenty of time for spotter, ammo, notes, chat with pair shooter.

But if for some reason you are behind and the command to shoot goes, don't worry about it.

This was something I observed at the USFN and Worlds last Aug. and unsure if this is common to all US matches.

There was the command to bring gear to the line. THEN, there was the command for 3 min prep. By the prep time command, most everyone had already set up their stuff so you had TONS of time to sit around and wait.

You can always practise setting up at your range with a timer to get a better feel for the flow of stuff.

Jerry

PS Taildrag15X, you might want to review the NRA rules regarding boards and how much you are allowed under a bipod.

 

[diego-ted]

I took a fine hack saw and lightly removed the anodized coating on my black Sinclair pod on each of the notched markings. I then noted on the bipod where I need to be for each distance I shoot. IE 300, 600 and 1K, ( I figured this out by shooting at those distances and noting it on my score sheet) I then marked the corresponding notch with a number for that distance. I did this with the adjustable knob in the middle of the travel range. This way when I am setting up the pod, I adjust the feet to the number that corresponds with the distance I am shooting. This puts me pretty close to my elevation, then with the adjustment knob I can get exactly where I need to be rather quickly. This works as look as your rear bag is always set the same. Also like others have said, don't worry about the 3 minute prep time as twenty minutes is a lot, just make sure you have a timer so you know where you are in the time limit.

Diego

 

[mao0720]

Diego, after my first match I did the same thing but with masking tape and a marker. The only problem is, at my club the range is about 5 degrees up hill. At another Local range, the one I shot the match at, the targets are about level with the firing line. And, at yet another local rang, where state and regional championships are held, well I havent even shot at that range yet. Nonetheless, there is quite a bit of variance in elevation to the targets an any given local range for me.

 

[manitou210]

here are the best bi-pods to get twice a fast as Sinclairs to set up

 

[Erik Cortina]

One of the first things I told a new shooter was, "Just because prep time is over it does not mean you have to shoot. Shoot when you are ready, not when others are".

Like others have pointed out, start timer, get ready, then shoot.

 

[jim_k]

When the command is given for shooters to move equipment to the firing line, you can set up everything, but you must leave the magazine (if equipped) out of the rifle, and the Empty Chamber Indicator must remain in place. Other than that, all the bipod setup can be done during that time. Then, when 3 minute prep begins, you can remove the ECI, put in magazine (if equipped), and dry fire during prep period.
Jim

 

[DennisH]

Most guys shoot their 22 in 5-7 minutes.

You will get use to the Sinclair bi-pod the more you use it. I dont worry about the clock, I take my time, set up, and when I am ready to shoot, I shot and usually finish up before several others.

I personally like my Sinclair gen 2 bipod.

Dennis

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I like the Gen 2 also, but I just keep it in reserve since I acquired the Gen 3 a couple years back. And while I don't use the elevation adjustment much, it's a nice feature to have if I need to do a final adjustment as I get into position.

Also, unlike others here; I build my position by first laying down my bipod mat, then setting my big mat in relation to that bipod mat and finally dropping the rear rest at pretty much the same position on the mat every time.

But to each his own.

 

[memilanuk]

On the one hand... I would agree with the consensus that you can certainly continue prepping well into your record time. Generally speaking, you don't get any bonus for starting first.

Locally we have a (sling) shooter who makes a game out of being set up and in position when his target goes to half-mast, and then holding position until it comes up and immediately sending it so he gets the first shot off. IIRC he thinks it gives him a 'psychological advantage'. Most of the rest of us agree that it *might*... if it were a 10 or an X. More often it isn't... :

On the other hand... if you ever plan on shooting in a Fullbore match... you better get a grip on getting set up inside your prep time. If you don't... be prepared for getting the ole stink-eye from your partner(s) sharing the firing point as you'll be holding them up and cutting into their shooting time, not just your own.

Typically, when the RO calls out the two-minute warning for your three-minute prep time, start getting your stuff up there pronto. Better yet, when the previous shooter moves their gear out of the way, start moving at least some of yours up. If your 'process' is some big evolution that involves recontouring the firing line or flipping your mat up in the air so it settles 'just so', you *might* want to avoid that part while others are shooting on either side of your point. Some places / ROs frown on infiltration as they have a hard time telling which firing points are 'done'; others see it as being valuable for moving things along. If they let you, do it.

 

[aj300mag]

Better yet, when the previous shooter moves their gear out of the way, start moving at least some of yours up.

^THIS^

Be courteous to the shooters on either side of your firing point.


Your three minute prep will become a two minute nap... ;D