What if you got 9?

[Ned Ludd]

Thank you all for your important insights. I do trust my equipment, my technique on the other hand can always be improved. I sometimes pull a shot and i know I flinched just to find out that the shot went into the X ring... Weird?

In addition to all the advice that has been given, it's also important to remember that you may not always be able to see every wind condition up and down the entire length of the range. At a range where I regularly shoot, there is a small gap in the treeline on the left at about 450-475 yd out. When the wind is from a SW to W direction, it's not uncommon to see people dropping 9s and 8s slightly high out to the right as it blows through this gap. The wind flags on the range are not close to this gap, so nothing ever changes on the flags when it picks up. However, I learned by trial and error that a spotting scope centered on a large gong on the 500 yd berm would reveal the change in mirage associated with wind coming through the gap. Turns out, a few others were also aware of this and kept quiet about it. LOL. It might be worth some time during practice (or during the sight-in period at a match) at the range you were discussing to focus your spotting scope up and down the length of the range, looking for such a region where the wind might not easily be visible and could account for your "9". If you found such a region, it might prove to your advantage in future matches.

 

[rardoin]

^^^^this^^^^^
As Greg suggests you would be surprised at the utility of focusing the spotter at different distances after an unexpected shot fall; I have often found the cause of errant shots then used that focus point to my advantage. I always do some scanning at different distances during the prep period and in the match.

 

[Drolds72]

I was on the verge of my first 2 day clean. Last match. Sighters, both x, shots one thru 5 also x. Then the clouds cleared for an instant. I ignored the tiny boil I saw in the scope. My 9 was high just above the 10 ring. Finished 199-16, and 1199-77x. The brightness of the sun and the size of the boil was negligible in my mind. Lesson learned. But after that 9, I got my head back into it, and didn‘t drop another one. It’s not the 9’s you shoot, it’s how you recover from them.

 

[ARK]

^^^^this^^^^^
As Greg suggests you would be surprised at the utility of focusing the spotter at different distances after an unexpected shot fall; I have often found the cause of errant shots then used that focus point to my advantage. I always do some scanning at different distances during the prep period and in the match.

I keep my spotter scope focused 2/3 out looking for mirage. Thank you, sounds like a good advice.

 

[rardoin]

I keep my spotter scope focused 2/3 out looking for mirage. Thank you, sounds like a good advice.

Try focusing in the first third.

 

[Sandstorm]

I will never take less than 5 or 6 sighters at 1000 yds again, even if the first 3 are Xs,
Dont ask...lol

 

[Monte F]

Time to order a new plate for my VW Eurovan Camper!

 

[ARK]

Try focusing in the first third.

Well, our local range has specific configuration, proximal 2/3 are shielded by the trees, distal third is exposed. I have read however that bullet is more affected by the wind closer to the barrel than further away.

 

[ARK]

I will never take less than 5 or 6 sighters at 1000 yds again, even if the first 3 are Xs,
Dont ask...lol

Do tell please.

 

[Sandstorm]

Do tell please.

Because its unlimited sighters at 1000 and conditions change alot at that distance.
So get your money's worth I say..........9 one on sound familiar..lol

 

[Paula Marie Hamilton]

My screen name should be 9 one on. Lol

That's OK, my nickname for my son is 9.9. One match out of 60 shots he had 21 of those 9.9s.