Where to focus spotting scope ??

[rmist]

I have finally picked up a spotting scope stand to shoot with. In all the years of different forms of rifle competitions I've never had one set up at the firing line. Now with a strong interest in F TR I broke down and now have one. The questions are...where do you focus the spotting scope? From everything read I know it's NOT the target. If shooting 600 yd mid range do you focus about 500 yds out? Same question for 1000 yds ? My range for practice is only 200 yds...where would you focus for that yardage ? What are you looking for... other shooters targets, mirage changes etc. ?? What's the best information are you receiving ? Just from watching other shooters set-up it's close to your position for easy transition back and forth from your rifle. Enlighten the curious and yearning for information !!!!
Thanks again,
Rmist

P.S. This would be a implied task !!!

 

[OldManTA]

Try focusing on the target at any range and then backing off about 1/2 turn. Some might say more or less. This is not an exact science. Look to see if you can see mirage running on the target, number boards, the roof of a building out in front of the firing point or some other constant part of the landscape. During a match watch any flags as well. Some or all of the indicators will give you good information. During a string if you see a change watch what happens on the other targets for an impact change. It takes awhile, shooting the same cartridge,
to develop an insight into how levels of mirage and changes affect the impact point of the bullet you are shooting. Tables and charts can help but while you are looking at all the guides/filling out plot sheets, etc. things can change--even while you are executing a shot. Bottom line: equipment will get you so far and then you have to shoot and learn.
Tom Alves, over forty years in the game and still learning

 

[rmist]

Thank you Tom !! I currently watch the flags, tree's, dust off the backstop..etc. I haven't plotted a single thing during a match...always watching the field and flags for changes. I wouldn't even know what to put on a plot sheet. I haven't been shooting F TR that long...just this past summer. I've shot a lot of long range, mid range, and short range Bench Rest and nobody has the time during a match for any kind of plotting when you're pretty much done in about 30 seconds or less for your record target !! 30 seconds is a lifetime in BR !! So I'm trying to educate myself in the intricacies of F TR. I'm hooked as they say !! I'll have to get to the range and see how much I need to un-focus the spotting scope.
Thanks again,
Rmist

 

[r bose]

I've always shot XTC and was taught that when you leave the 300 yard line, don't readjust your scope when shooting at 600 yds. You'll want your spotting scope to be focused at 300 yds to see the mirage well when shooting at 600. That setting is where you'll see the "most" mirage and will be able to make the best wind call.

 

[johara1]

If you focus on the target, it's too late, you need to see where you are getting the push from and focus there and back off the focus at that point. Choose the up wind side and try to get a flag or two in the scope if possible. mirage is speed and a flag for value or direction. I am one of the few that use it in BR. but it is a carry over from XTC……. and it works. i use a low power scope turned down to 16 power…….. jim