What's your wind technique?

[servicegun]

Hello everyone, I would like input from all you serious competitors out there. I am a NRA HP Highmaster in across the course and long range and recently had my tail kicked by the wind at 600. I used to shoot for the Army Marksmanship Unit but that was a few years ago and it seems I have forgotten quite a few things. During the 600 yard portion of this match there was anywhere from 1/4 to full value 10-20 mph winds. I shot slowly and attempted to dope for each shot and was consistantly guessing wrong I know some of you folks wait for the same condition then crank off your rounds quickly during that same condition. If I'm not mistaken that is how your top bench rest people shoot too if time permits. Please let me know your technique.

Mike Hoover

 

[1000yardstare]

Before going to the firing line roughly set your wind according to the flags. During the prep period watch the mirage at the bottom of the target board looking for the predominant flow and adjust windage accordingly. Once the shooting starts fire sighters during the predominant flow at the bottom of the target board and adjust if necessary. For subsequent shots on score focus on the mirage at the bottom of the target board and shoot only on the condition of the sighters.

For F Class minor wind adjustments can be made on the fly by "holding off", a skill that should be developed during practise sessions.

I know some top Palma shooters who have perfected the art of "holding off" in their front aperture sight. This saves them time in dialing in minor windage corrections on the rear sight.

Bill