Advanced Marksmanship Locating Targets with LRF Binos and then Getting Down Behind the Riflescope - Tips?

[Starbuck]

In many field rifle matches in natural terrain (e.g. SHC 2012, 2013, Steel Safari), the competitor needs to locate, range, and engage a number of small steel targets under time constraints.

I'm generally OK with locating and ranging 400-700+ yd targets with LRF binos (if they're not too hidden), but my problem is when I then get down behind the rifle and then try to re-aquire the targets - many times I am just lost.

I keep the magnification <10x in order to have decent FOV, and try to make a quick range sketch on an arm board.

Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[Lowlight]

Draw a range card with some identifying features to help guide you on target.

Before you walk up, you can plot your limits and then stick in anything that stands out, if you don't feel you have time to draw a range card then you have to scan from near to far, left to right or whichever direction the closer targets are lined up towards. If the closer targets start on the right start your scan from the right.

usually there is a patter of some kind, it might help to trace a line that resembles the pattern. Instead of a full blown range card.

 

[Starbuck]

Yeah, I guess a range card is the way to go. And more practice.....

 

[40xs]

If you can tell the where the target is after bringing the lrf down keep both eyes open as you bring the rifle scope in line and you will automatically line the scope up with what you are looking at. Once you take your eyes off the target it's hard to find it in the scope. but practice bringing the scope onto any target while keeping both eyes on it and you will pick up the target right away. If this is not what you are talking about, I apologize.

 

[Starbuck]

If you can tell the where the target is after bringing the lrf down keep both eyes open as you bring the rifle scope in line and you will automatically line the scope up with what you are looking at. Once you take your eyes off the target it's hard to find it in the scope. but practice bringing the scope onto any target while keeping both eyes on it and you will pick up the target right away. If this is not what you are talking about, I apologize.

It's what I'm talking about, yes - one of my problems also may be that I generally scan for targets kneeling (for stability with the LRF) and then get down behind the gun in the prone. I think scanning in the prone with the LRF on top of the gun, stabilized with a bag, would keep my eyes closer to the riflescope, and the whole kit somewhat aligned, which seems close to your suggestion. Thanks.

 

[Mod Adahy]

Sometimes a small red dot mounted to the scope will help to locate with a huge FOV and they are easy to cowitness. Just put it on your support side.

 

[Starbuck]

Sometimes a small red dot mounted to the scope will help to locate with a huge FOV and they are easy to cowitness. Just put it on your support side.

Thanks Brad. Didn't recognize your new SH handle! I think it's new, anyway.

Hope all is well. Thanks again. Will try this out.... -Sam

 

[Jon Lester]

Practice finding stuff in a scope...Constantly.... Keep both eyes open and bring scope to your line of sight. How do you find moving Game in a scope?

 

[djskit]

Once I identify all the targets and sketch out a range card with dope, I run through the target progression with my binos anywhere from 5 to 10 times. For target 1, I try and memorize the field of view as much as I can so I can pick it up quickly when on the clock. For target 2, I already know what direction I need to move and landmarks I need to find because I've done it 10 times already. And so on.

 

[Starbuck]

My current solution - in addition to more practice - has been this tool for range sketches, made by TimK on here:

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...-equipment/256828-dope-board-white-board.html