Wind Flags?

[RabbitSlayer]

Dang all these flags look awesome. The MTM is more my budget . Might have to save up a little. I would also have to get a case to transport something so nice. I only shoot public land and the roads require high clearance 4x4 for some of them. Everything has to be in a hard case.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Dang all these flags look awesome. The MTM is more my budget . Might have to save up a little. I would also have to get a case to transport something so nice. I only shoot public land and the roads require high clearance 4x4 for some of them. Everything has to be in a hard case.

Frankly, anything is better than nothing but once you see the value in good flags, like so many things, you're probably better to buy once and be done.

 

[K22]

Learning to use flags will yield a higher percentage of gain than all other things. There is lots of opinions about different flags and what type is best. My advise to someone on buying flags, is get flags that you see are popular and stick with them. Changing flags mid stream is near starting over.
Todd

This is extremely sound advice in my opinion. The most important aspect is the OP recognizes the value of monitoring wind and learning from it. Wind is the bane of our sport, just examine wind drift charts and one will quickly see the truth of that statement.

While I use a simple method at the range (ribbons) because I am cheap and the AR guys would splatter anything more sophisticated that I will put up at mid-range, the professional flags are no doubt better and more can be learned from using them.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

This is extremely sound advice in my opinion. The most important aspect is the OP recognizes the value of monitoring wind and learning from it. Wind is the bane of our sport, just examine wind drift charts and one will quickly see the truth of that statement.

While I use a simple method at the range (ribbons) because I am cheap and the AR guys would splatter anything more sophisticated that I will put up at mid-range, the professional flags are no doubt better and more can be learned from using them.

Agreed. All anyone has to do to see their value is put out some ribbon and intentionally shoot in a complete wind reversal.

 

[jimmymac]

A lot can be learned with the flags in conjunction with watching the mirage. The only time I don’t use flags is when I am purposely trying to rely on mirage only.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

A lot can be learned with the flags in conjunction with watching the mirage. The only time I don’t use flags is when I am purposely trying to rely on mirage only.

I firmly believe that, other than your example of mirage, every shot fired without flags is wasted.

 

[JFrank]

every shot fired without flags is wasted.

In short range BR that maybe true but many long range BR shooters develop excellent ammunition at 1000 yards with only a simple ribbon near the target.

 

[jimmymac]

I firmly believe that, other than your example of mirage, every shot fired without flags is wasted.

Practicing with no flags while concentrating on mirage only is a worthwhile endeavor. Shots are certainly not wasted when you approach it as a learning experience.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Practicing with no flags while concentrating on mirage only is a worthwhile endeavor. Shots are certainly not wasted when you approach it as a learning experience.

Right. Mirage and learning how to read it is of value. Especially when used in conjunction with flags. The two agree...sometimes. Lol!

 

[JEFFPPC]

A lot can be learned with the flags in conjunction with watching the mirage. The only time I don’t use flags is when I am purposely trying to rely on mirage only.

You said a mouthful. That flag vs mirage can drive a guy crazy at times. The question is, Where is the truth?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

You said a mouthful. That flag vs mirage can drive a guy crazy at times. The question is, Where is the truth?

...on the target.

 

[ricco1949]

Looking to buy a wind flag or two. Whats something affordable that will be good for load development? I already have diy water bottle with a piece of surveyor tape..

Interesting the unlimited info on gear, but almost zero on wind flags.

The ground is nothing but rocks here in the desert. Any stand that must be pounded into the ground is a no go....

Use a hand drill with a concrete bit.

I use Rick Graham's flags. I used survey tape on wires for years. Adding real flags was like an epihony moment.

 

[jimmymac]

You said a mouthful. That flag vs mirage can drive a guy crazy at times. The question is, Where is the truth?

One truth for me is to never, ever shoot when the mirage it is not in agreement with the flags. Recipe for disaster.

 

[JEFFPPC]

...on the target.

Lol, sometimes the truth is ugly. My conscious mind says boil, my unconscious mind wants it to not be boil. I have painfully learned to ignore my unconscious mind, usually. Lol.

 

[JFrank]

...on the target.

I find that studying mirage to be very effective as flag’s tell me what just happened.

 

[JEFFPPC]

One truth for me is to never, ever shoot when the mirage it is not in agreement with the flags. Recipe for disaster.

Your right. But there is this thing called a clock. Shooting, the act of delivering a bullet on target. Wind and mirage is a whole other sport. The latter can make the former seem very easy.

 

[jimmymac]

Your right. But there is this thing called a clock. Shooting, the act of delivering a bullet on target. Wind and mirage is a whole other sport. The latter can make the former seem very easy.

I have never had a situation where mirage was running opposite of the flags for a 7 minute match. All I have ever seen it is in spurts with agreement coming back around. He who only pays attention to the flags will eventually get burnt.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I find that studying mirage to be very effective as flag’s tell me what just happened.

Come to the Southfork Groundhog Match in Pa and trust the mirage you see and you might just change your mind certain days. Same thing for the St Thomas shoot. You will go home shaking your head. Don't get too caught up on absolutes.

 

[jimmymac]

Come to the Southfork Groundhog Match in Pa and trust the mirage you see and you might just change your mind certain days. Same thing for the St Thomas shoot. You will go home shaking your head. Don't get too caught up on absolutes.

Are you using flags in those matches?

 

[JEFFPPC]

I have never had a situation where mirage was running opposite of the flags for a 7 minute match. All I have ever seen it is in spurts with agreement coming back around. He who only pays attention to the flags will eventually get burnt.

Your correct but I also belive it cuts both ways. But the over ruling thrust of this thread is most important. Shooting without flags is shooting blindfolded most of the time. Then of course there are times the is little or no mirage.