Mirage heat deflectors for the barrel

[Mikem]

For lack of a better, or the correct name, I'm talking about the long, low flat heat deflectors some bench shooters have temporarily attached to the top of there barrels. Has anyone tried one, and do they work well?
I have noticed the stronger the magnification of the scope, the worse the mirage is. I went up from 24 to 36 power on a 22BR, and notice it more now, and thought I might make one.
Mike.

 

[Steve Blair]

The Sinclair models are cheap ($5) and work well. Our summer shooting temps are often around 100° and mirage is a big problem. Barrel mirage shields do help.

 

[Flybuster]

I use the Sinclair heat shields too, boy do I notice the waves without it too.

I haven't tried these but if something more artsy fartsy tickles your fancy, these have custom designs on them and still cheap http://shotmaster10x.com/accessories.html

 

[johara1]

I make mine out of white flashing,and add the velcro to the bottom and also the barrel and my shooting box so it doesn't get bent......jim

 

[jerrschmitt]

I made mine from old Venetian blinds. They were free.

 

[LarryDScott]

I'll second the venetian blind use. Works great!! The first one i bought from Sinclair, and discovered that is was alum venetian blind materal. It wasnt much trouble to find slats from a friend who is the blind sales and installation business. Larry @"GREAT SCOTT" shooters products in western Ky.

 

[Steve Blair]

When I received the Sinclair shields, venetian blinds was the first thing I thought. Unfortunately, I don't have any. If you have some old blinds, velcro tape is cheap and they will work fine.

 

[Mikem]

Thanks guys, the Venetian blind slat is just what I was thinking of using, along with velcro, and now that I know they work, how about Matt black on top and gloss white on the bottom.
Now all I need to do is find some old blinds. But it might be easier to just order one from Sinclair.
Mike.

 

[Steve Blair]

They are usually white or silver to reflect away all heat.

 

[habu]

2" ven. blind slats are getting extremely hard to find. if your find a 'batch', your friends will appreicate your find.

ron ;D

 

[TAB]

Exposed X-ray film works too.

TAB

 

[Ross308]

I heard of a man useing an old windshield fan hooked up to a small batteery to blow the mirage of the top of the barrel. Don't know if it works or not but will give it a try this summer. I generally use a heat deflecter which will get the job done.

 

[Mikem]

I think the next time I make a trip to the County dump, since I know the guy that works there, ill offer him $10. to save the next old 2" aluminum blinds that come through the gate, and have him give me a call. But I might have a long wait.
He calls this Fringe Benefits.
Mike.

 

[fayettefatts]

I cut one out of a piece of scrap vinyl siding and attatched it with velcro. Works for me.

 

[FBecigneul]

A piece of old target works as well as or better than some mirage shields. Give it a half wrap on the scope and a half wrap on the barrel and attach with masking tape. It works better if you have a target with a nice tiny group complete with the scorer's mark on it.