Pair firing?

[Texas Solo]

What is "pair firing"?

I'm guessing two shooters on the line taking turns firing. But that makes no sense to me.

 

[Cochran]

That’s exactly what it is. Unless of course you have an odd number of shooters on the line , then at least one target will be “three to a mound”

 

[Texas Solo]

That’s exactly what it is. Unless of course you have an odd number of shooters on the line , then at least one target will be “three to a mound”

So the 2 shooters are using the same target? Like a team?
Or are scored separately?

 

[Will Page]

So the 2 shooters are using the same target? Like a team?
Or are scored separately?

Here is a practice target with two 14 year olds. You can see out it’s scored on shot marker.

 

[Texas Solo]

Ok, I understand how it works, but not why.
Is this done as a time saver?

 

[Rank Amateur]

Often referred to as “Bisley style”, pair fire will probably change your approach to F-class competition. In string fire, competitors get a set amount of time to complete their sighters and record shots. Many shooters use substantial time “waiting for conditions’, and try to only shoot during the periods when favorable conditions return. In Bisley style, two shooters are assigned to the same target, and will alternate sending rounds to that target during the match. The senior/higher seeded shooter is positioned on the right of the pair and fires first. The shooter on the left acts as their scorekeeper. When Right shoots, Left records the score and announces it. Right acknowledges the score. Left then has 45 seconds to get off their own shot. Right acts as scorekeeper for Left, records Left’s score and announces it. Left acknowledges the score (usually by saying “Thank you”). Then Right has 45 seconds to fire, and so on.

Bisley style course of fire normally has 15 rounds for record plus 2 convertible sighters, but this is sometimes changed to 10 or 20 rounds for record with the 2 convertible sighters.

With “pair fire” or Bisley style, you don’t get the unlimited sighters common to F-Class string fire, and you essentially have to “shoot the conditions” that exist as you HAVE to shoot within 45 seconds of your pair partner’s last shot being recorded. This typically speeds up competition as two shooters have to both shoot 2 sighters and 15(?) record shots in something under 26 minutes (maximum of 45 seconds X 17 rounds/shooter X 2 shooters).

 

[Texas Solo]

Often referred to as “Bisley style”, pair fire will probably change your approach to F-class competition. In string fire, competitors get a set amount of time to complete their sighters and record shots. Many shooters use substantial time “waiting for conditions’, and try to only shoot during the periods when favorable conditions return. In Bisley style, two shooters are assigned to the same target, and will alternate sending rounds to that target during the match. The senior/higher seeded shooter is positioned on the right of the pair and fires first. The shooter on the left acts as their scorekeeper. When Right shoots, Left records the score and announces it. Right acknowledges the score. Left then has 45 seconds to get off their own shot. Right acts as scorekeeper for Left, records Left’s score and announces it. Left acknowledges the score (usually by saying “Thank you”). Then Right has 45 seconds to fire, and so on.

Bisley style course of fire normally has 15 rounds for record plus 2 convertible sighters, but this is sometimes changed to 10 or 20 rounds for record with the 2 convertible sighters.

With “pair fire” or Bisley style, you don’t get the unlimited sighters common to F-Class string fire, and you essentially have to “shoot the conditions” that exist as you HAVE to shoot within 45 seconds of your pair partner’s last shot being recorded. This typically speeds up competition as two shooters have to both shoot 2 sighters and 15(?) record shots in something under 26 minutes (maximum of 45 seconds X 17 rounds/shooter X 2 shooters).

Thank you for the detailed explanation.
I don't think I'd like it.

 

[rardoin]

Thank you for the detailed explanation.
I don't think I'd like it.

Actually, you’ll probably love it. It will force you to make bold calls at times instead of waiting out for your ‘condition’.

 

[Mike Samer]

Pair firing is a lot of fun for a match and my favorite way to practice. It has really upped my wind reading game since I started it.

 

[mgunderson]

We are seeing a little more 2 or 3 to a mound shooting in the US. This is more common in the international fullbore shooting. We are trying to build a better foundation for the future shooters on the international fullbore stage. The US shoots the way we want and with the equipment we want and the rest of the world has different rules.

 

[Mittry]

We fought 2 wars with the British so we wouldn’t have to pair fire or shoot 3 to the mound. It’s even in the Bill of Rights somewhere in the small print.
String shooting is in every Americans DNA and should not be trifled with, its one of our unalienable rights. What do you think the Boston Tea Party was about.
When we forget our History we are doomed to repeat our mistakes.
Marc MIttry

 

[Will Henry]

I like shooting in pairs.. If you are paired with a good shooter, you get double info on conditions. I like the challenge of it, and it's just fun shooting with someone. WH

 

[F Class John]

Here's a ton of videos from the F Class Points Series (V2 Finale) where it's all fired Pair Firing. Should give you a really good idea of the challenges it imposes on shooter compared to string firing.

F-Class Points Series

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

As others have said, the U.S. is pretty much the only country that string fires the majority of its matches including National Level Matches. Pretty much every other major F Class country shoots 2 or 3 to a mound. It's pretty exciting now that the NRA now approves pair firing as an official long range match designation starting this year. Since the V2/F Class Point series started a few years back, we've seen more and more pair fire matches but with official records and such now available I think you'll see pair fire matches really accelerate.

 

[Doug Beach]

Pair fire / 3 to a mound is the best. In no circumstance is it easier than string fire, that alone proves it superiority. This sh#* is supposed to be difficult.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Here's a ton of videos from the F Class Points Series (V2 Finale) where it's all fired Pair Firing. Should give you a really good idea of the challenges it imposes on shooter compared to string firing.

F-Class Points Series

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

As others have said, the U.S. is pretty much the only country that string fires the majority of its matches including National Level Matches. Pretty much every other major F Class country shoots 2 or 3 to a mound. It's pretty exciting now that the NRA now approves pair firing as an official long range match designation starting this year. Since the V2/F Class Point series started a few years back, we've seen more and more pair fire matches but with official records and such now available I think you'll see pair fire matches really accelerate.

The V2 videos are very enjoyable to watch, especially with a camera set up out front so you can the the reactions of the shooter face and also see the target. Thanks for posting them

 

[Tangent]

I can see why this wouldn't be as popular by choice as it forces you to shoot in less than optimal conditions. Who wants to shoot lower scores or larger groups? It does force you to get better at reading the conditions, and with it being alternate, with a quick turnaround, everyone gets a chance to shoot when less than optimal!

 

[seb]

Thank you for the detailed explanation.
I don't think I'd like it.

You will love it instead.