Who is using a spotting scope in FTR/F-open

[6BRinNZ]

What is the consensus, is there a trend to using a spotting scope in Ftr/F-open for mirage? A lot of wind reading books recommend it, however they typically come from a sling shooting perspective.

TIA

 

[effendude]

I use my spotting scope for wind/mirage just like sling shooting books describe. Focued or out of focus so to speak about 100 yards before the target area. The rifle scope just gives too narrow a view of things.
Scott

 

[SDDasher]

I use my spotting scope for wind/mirage just like sling shooting books describe. Focued or out of focus so to speak about 100 yards before the target area. The rifle scope just gives too narrow a view of things.
Scott

+1 on the above use of the spotting scope. You can see a wider FOV to judge changes more accurately IMHO.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I shot a 1000 yard F-Class at Blakely Ga. last weekend. This range is wide open, the wind is tuff , mirage was bad. I did not have a spotting scope, sure could have used one. It is on my list. Those that use them for reading the mirage, I believe shoot better.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I just added one to my "kit." I've gone out and shot with it once, and I am working out the details of how best to position it. Right now, I'm using my right eye for the rifle scope and my left for the spotter. If I get it right, I can look through the spotter, and look up into the scope without moving my head.

All in all, I like being able to see the mirage and adjacent targets. I just need to get used to the "crowded" nature of my shooting position.

 

[6BRinNZ]

I would like to add to the OP's post by asking more specifically how you use them during a comp. Do you look between/before every shot? Only if other indicators suggest a wind shift or change in velocity? Also, if you're looking at every shot, how is the spotter positioned? Can you see it without moving your head (and breaking your weld) at all? Or do you have to move your head just a slight bit?

I've tried to get my spotter set up to where I could look through the spotter without moving my head or changing my sight picture through the rifle scope at all, but it's so awkward that it just isn't working for me. I'm using a Freeland scope stand with an extra 2" side extender to hold the spotter, that's not the issue. The issue is that even with the angled eyepiece, the spotter is simply too close to the rifle and is extremely awkward and uncomfortable. Maybe it's just my narrow head and beady eyes (LOL), but I'm really finding it difficult making this work. Any suhhestions would be greatly appreciated!

I don't plan on using it all the time (i will always set it up), there are plenty of times with a fast marker and the right wind conditions that I will put my shots down fast and not even use it, other times when the wind is switching fast I will simply hold off and fire, any time delay is going to cost.

However there are plenty of times when I have a slow marker (and therefore need more info to make a new assessment) or for whatever reason the flags just aren't showing the wind (listen to the guys grumbling coming off the line). Its these days that I want an added tool in my wind tool box.

I am expecting with this approach that a perfect setup won't be so necessary.

Its a lot of coin for a tool so I want to make sure that the tool will be useful and not a hindrance in F-open/FTR style shooting.

 

[DennisH]

Those that use them for reading the mirage, I believe shoot better.

+1

Also, I want to see exactly where I am hitting the target, especially on a well used target.

 

[SDDasher]

Each has their own method(s), but I look through the spotting scope after each shot to see if the condition has changed since breaking the shot. I position the ss so I move my head as little as possible from the rifle. Unlike position shooting the cheek weld for F Open for me is less important to maintain constant pressure on the rifle. I shoot better if I have light pressure on the rifle cheek piece and concentrate on breaking a clean shot under similar conditions.
Another important question I think is what method do you use for changes....turn the turret or hold off? I like to hold off instead of turning the windage as I was taught while shooting ATC. JMHO

 

[XTR]

I use one, especially in light winds you see the mirage shift before the fags respond.

 

[6BRinNZ]

Thanks guys.

BTTT - to see if I can get a little more input.

 

[6BRinNZ]

Before investing in yet another exspensive piece of equipment, try a few matches first and see if this is something that will "Improve" your shooting and your scores. It for sure can be a aid, but then again maybe not.

Roland

Thanks Roland - your post is pretty much the gist of this thread. I have spent a lot of money on tools that prep ammo etc etc, but you know what - I would say none of them have saved me from getting an 8 and probably not even a 9, my wind tool box is slowly growing (my three most useful wind tools so far have been a chair, binoculars and a wind chart)...yes nothing beats trigger time.

My question is very much centered around the nuances of F-open and FTr style shooting and I certainly agree with your friends advice. I have learnt that there are plenty of times that it is hard to keep the target in the pits for reasons outside of my direct control and I am keen to explore tools and strategies to help.