Getting the right tools for the job....

[mjwoodland]

I decided that I am going to get the training needed to pursue the long distant shot. There are a couple questions I have about specific equipment.

1. Is it really necessary to use a Kestrel 4500 or will anyone still do the same job.

2. Not pricing any Advanced Ballistic Computers or PDA's, is there a solid program that works with the iPhone or iPod Touch

3. How hard is it to get into the competition forum with long range shooting to keep the skill up and going.

 

[dimar1492]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

Ballistic FTE has worked well for me on the iPhone,I think it uses the same formulas as JBM ballistics. Competitions are not hard to get into,find one that interests you on the forum. Send in the entry fee before it's full and your good to go.

 

[jwp6114]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

I use one step down from the kestrel 4500, gives everything I need,
I lust log THAB, temp, humidity, altitude, and barometric pressure.

+ 1 on the iPhone app ballistic FTE, spend the $20 on it... Worth every penny

 

[arborpro]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

1st thing i'd do is join a local club that shoots NRA highpower. you'll learn more about fundamentals and shooting. than any eletronic tool will tell you. the biggest factor in becoming a better shooter is the fundamentals of proper tecnique and lots of powder and bullets. if you aren't shooting master scores 94-97% in the 2 prone positions at the end of your fist season find a differnt hobby.

arborpro

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: arborpro</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1st thing i'd do is join a local club that shoots NRA highpower. you'll learn more about fundamentals and shooting. than any eletronic tool will tell you. the biggest factor in becoming a better shooter is the fundamentals of proper tecnique and lots of powder and bullets. if you aren't shooting master scores 94-97% in the 2 prone positions at the end of your fist season find a differnt hobby.

arborpro</div></div>

That's some really good advice. Novice shooters have a destination; but, they typically don't know how to get there. These folks read and believe the nonsense found in advertising and gun rag articles addressed to novice shooters. Thing is, these articles are written by marketers who are not interested in teaching any how to shoot; but, rather, in selling them aids to good shooting, which mostly serve as substitutes for underdeveloped marksmanship. It's a really sad state today. Folks getting into any sort of shooting have notions about it all that are so astray of reality. I'm glad the CMP and other marksmanship groups have responded with low cost clinics to help folks get off to a good start no matter the destination.

 

[mjwoodland]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

Thanks fellas I will look them up. JWP are you saying the name of the app is 'one step down'. If so I will look up both those when I get the chance.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

Makes me wonder how old timey shooters ever got by with nothing but fundamentals and pencil/paper.

 

[neal0124]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: remington1shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks fellas I will look them up. JWP are you saying the name of the app is 'one step down'. If so I will look up both those when I get the chance.

</div></div>

He means the kestrel he's using is one step down from the 4500 model. The Iphone app is called Ballistic FTE. Shooter on the Iphone is also nice, it's easier/faster for me at least.

 

[mjwoodland]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

Thank you for that follow up.....

 

[Killer Spade 13]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

Please forgive my ignorance, but does the Kestrel have the ability to determine station barometric pressure?

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Getting the right tools for the job....

A) If a dead battery could put a crimp in your style, knowing the 'old ways' should be a useable fallback.

B) I still don't own a wind meter or an LRF. I may give up some potential for a first round hit, but for what I do, that's not such a great loss. If your interests are about KD competition on paper, they coincide a fair amount with mine. As long as sighter shots are allowed, I can pretty much handle it.

C) I finally broke down and spent some real dollars for a spotting scope (Vortex Nomad, 20-60x60, angled eyepiece). Day and night, my previous happiness was largely delusional.

D) I think computers are indispensible, but not so much in the field/at the range. My plan puts them to use use at home, calc/printing drop/drift charts, alt/temp customed for my intended environment. A Stock Table on the Buttstock does about all the math I can handle out there in the field.

This may change. I am thinking about incorporating a Spotting Scope, CCD camera, and a Netbook. Easier on the elder eyes. A little extemporaneous computing power might be useful too; but right now, the how and the why are still kinda foggy.

Bear with me, I'm old...

Greg