shot log during competition?

[MNFinn]

I have a bunch of F-Class plotting sheets, and I've been thinking about using them to keep track of my shooting this coming season so I can have a better idea of my wind calling and shooting in general. I have 2 questions. Are people using these while they are shooting, and if so, how does the set up with them look? Thanks

 

[Kings X]

I am one of the very few to plot shots. A habit left over from XC.
But I don't plot "holds" because with scope they are all over the place as need be, With irons is was a plot as to "where it broke".
I plot the shot before. Meaning I shoot shot #1, reload and shoot #2 so I don't lose the wind, then I plot the shot location of shot #1, reload and shoot #3 - plot #2.
My plot sheets are 8 ring high by 6 ring wide. They are on a 8.5 x 5.5 sheet. You want to see what vertical you are holding and if there is a pattern to your grouping and lost points.

 

[MNFinn]

Thanks. That's exactly what I'm looking for, a way to track my patterns in where my shots hit as vertical and where I am losing points. I figure if nothing else, I'll have a better idea of how I'm holding my vertical, and see a trend of how badly I misjudge wind

 

[Scott Harris]

Plotting sheets are used much more often in pair-firing competitions where there are lengthy delays between your shots. For American-style string fire, plotting sheets hamper your performance by making your take your eyes off the ball.....errr wind.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

For learning, a video camera set up behind the ready line can give you some interesting data. For example, with a 20X optical zoom, you can see mirage and the score on each shot. Now all you have to do is write down some notes at the end of the string and compare what you thought was going on with what you can see in the video.

It is also helpful for seeing what else is going on. When I reviewed the tapes of my last match, I had noted that the puller seemed a little slow. In the video, it was apparent that I should have asked to have the service speeded up. I was getting 25 second service and my competitors were getting about 8 seconds. Didn't matter though - I shot a clean...

 

[Travelor]

I used to plot my shots, but was told by an experienced shooter it was costing me points. He was RIGHT.

Spend your time watching wind and concentrating on the shot, not plotting. Let your scorer plot if you must.

 

[MNFinn]

For learning, a video camera set up behind the ready line can give you some interesting data. For example, with a 20X optical zoom, you can see mirage and the score on each shot. Now all you have to do is write down some notes at the end of the string and compare what you thought was going on with what you can see in the video.

It is also helpful for seeing what else is going on. When I reviewed the tapes of my last match, I had noted that the puller seemed a little slow. In the video, it was apparent that I should have asked to have the service speeded up. I was getting 25 second service and my competitors were getting about 8 seconds. Didn't matter though - I shot a clean...

I'm actually thinking about doing that. Then I can watch the mirage, and also check my shots after. That sounds like a better option than trying to keep track while shooting.

 

[chkunz]

There is no one answer; there are advantages both ways. Most XTC shooters plot their shots but most High Masters do not. I have to take the M14 out of my shoulder between shots anyway so I plot my shots. I shoot the shot, look thru the scope to be sure the target goes down and check the wind, take the rifle out of my shoulder and plot the PREVIOUS shot, load, put the rifle back in my shoulder, check the wind and see where the last shot went and then shoot the next shot. This helps you to keep the group centered and you can save points and you have a record to study later. When I shoot the 223 I can leave the rifle in my shoulder and shoot fast so I ask my score keeper to plot my shots for me and that way I can have the record to analyze later. But with the 223 sometimes I miss seeing a build up and loose a point or two but I more than make up for it by shooting fast.

 

[Lapua40X]

I plot during practice but not during matches. I have had opportunities where my team mate was gracious enough to plot my shots while scoring F-Class but it's not something I ask for routinely.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

For learning, a video camera set up behind the ready line can give you some interesting data. For example, with a 20X optical zoom, you can see mirage and the score on each shot. Now all you have to do is write down some notes at the end of the string and compare what you thought was going on with what you can see in the video.

It is also helpful for seeing what else is going on. When I reviewed the tapes of my last match, I had noted that the puller seemed a little slow. In the video, it was apparent that I should have asked to have the service speeded up. I was getting 25 second service and my competitors were getting about 8 seconds. Didn't matter though - I shot a clean...

I'm actually thinking about doing that. Then I can watch the mirage, and also check my shots after. That sounds like a better option than trying to keep track while shooting.

While not valid for big matches, at local matches, you can review the tape if your scorer fell asleep. Nothing like having to fire 25 rounds in a 20 shot record string...

 

[MNFinn]

For learning, a video camera set up behind the ready line can give you some interesting data. For example, with a 20X optical zoom, you can see mirage and the score on each shot. Now all you have to do is write down some notes at the end of the string and compare what you thought was going on with what you can see in the video.

It is also helpful for seeing what else is going on. When I reviewed the tapes of my last match, I had noted that the puller seemed a little slow. In the video, it was apparent that I should have asked to have the service speeded up. I was getting 25 second service and my competitors were getting about 8 seconds. Didn't matter though - I shot a clean...

I'm actually thinking about doing that. Then I can watch the mirage, and also check my shots after. That sounds like a better option than trying to keep track while shooting.

While not valid for big matches, at local matches, you can review the tape if your scorer fell asleep. Nothing like having to fire 25 rounds in a 20 shot record string...

very good point

 

[dannyjbiggs]

After getting away from the "front post sight" culture, I never bothered with log books again. Like Scott, I consider shot plotting in F-Class unfavorably. I ask my scorekeeper to call out my record shots. He can save his voice, and my embarasement on sighters. Most times the scorekeeper's shot-call is my command to fire, I won't fire without hearing it. In this case I'm risking that the scorekeeper ACTUALLY records what he called? In a major match; say, the World F-Class Championships with different dialects of English, I'm willing to quickly jot down the shot value of each record shot fired in case there might be a scoring issue upon checking my scorecard at completion of firing.

Dan

 

[Laurie]

For US and Australian string shooting, no. For GB and Canadian F-Class and sling shooting with the two on a mound set-up shooting alternately plus the 45 second rule (you have a maximum time of 45 seconds after the target reappears from your partner's shot to read the score, agree it with him or her, record it on his/her scorecard, then read the wind and take your own shot) - definitely, yes.

 

[Mr. Ten-X]

Cannot recall using a data book once the shield was in hand and after the NMC game was in my rear view mirror unless a load was being tested in practice. There are far bigger fish to fry during a match than recording shots and wind values (unless 2 or 3 to a mound as stated).

 

[dannyjbiggs]

For US and Australian string shooting, no. For GB and Canadian F-Class and sling shooting with the two on a mound set-up shooting alternately plus the 45 second rule (you have a maximum time of 45 seconds after the target reappears from your partner's shot to read the score, agree it with him or her, record it on his/her scorecard, then read the wind and take your own shot) - definitely, yes.

Thanks Laurie...you just reminded me to bring up in August my set of GB use-and-wipe-free grease pencil score cards to easily jot down my shot values for pair-firing!! That is, if I can find them :-\??

Dan

P.S. But I thought that it was 45 seconds from the time the shooter indicated he was through checking his target (courtesy delay). I've seen them take another 15 seconds on that!! Otherwise, I'd probably be knocking the target down as soon as it appeared, calling out the shot value simulanionlsy.

 

[Laurie]

Time Allowance
351 In individual deliberate rifle competitions and tie shoots, the time allowed to a competitor within which to fire a shot is 45 seconds.
The time allowed counts from the order to commence in the case of the first shot, and from the time the target is cleared and available in the case of all subsequent shots. Neither adjustment or blackening of sights, nor faulty loading, will be allowed as a cause of delay.
352 A competitor timed by an RO or his appointee and found to have taken too long will be given one warning and thereafter will forfeit the value of any shot which an RO in person has timed and found to have exceeded the time allowed. The RO will, in these circumstances, amend the scores on the ticket, endorsing it with the reason.

extract from the NRA of UK NRA Handbook (usually referred to as the 'Bisley Bible'). It's a bit ambiguous in this 'cleared and available' bit, but I've always read that as having been marked and pushed fully back up. Fortunately, ROs and match organisers are normally sensible on these things. Occasionally though, one finds a shooter who tries to wait out the wind condition for what is obviously nowhere near either interpretation. We had one such in the F-Class European Championships shooting FTR some years back - when the relay came towards its end, all other pairs had finished, had cleared rifles and removed their kit off the line, and were dressing back 100 yards leaving this individual and unfortunate partner in situ in splendid isolation on Stickledown's long firing line still at around score shot 11 or 12 (in 15-shot matches).