Ok, so I've been shooting most of my life. IPSC, IDPA,3 gun, bulls-eye, pins, bench rest, ect.... I grew up shooting a .45 acp into a bullet trap in my basement. I just started shooting in sniper shoots last year and I'm hooked. I've quickly learned squeezing the trigger, sending the bullet is actually the easy part. I have a hard time spotting the targets when on the scope. Is there one technique that works better than another for acquiring your target. For now I turn my power down to 8-10x and slowly scan the area through the scope but my question is, is there a specific technique to scanning. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Advanced Marksmanship Scanning for your target... HELP!
- Thread starter Shooterken
- Start date
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
Do you mean scanning as in looking for targets in a big area or are you talking about a target you have located and want to quickly find in your scope? I don't have any experience with the first. The second is pretty easy. Just look at the target and bring the scope in front of your eye.
Do you mean scanning as in looking for targets in a big area or are you talking about a target you have located and want to quickly find in your scope? I don't have any experience with the first. The second is pretty easy. Just look at the target and bring the scope in front of your eye.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
That's why I like Low Powered scopes. The lower magnification the easier it is to find targets
I use to run sniper schools where I had both NG and RA soldiers.
The NG was using the M1C/D's and the Army was using M21's. The M1s had a 2.2 M84 Scope, the M21s had a 3X9.
At extended range the Army guys would put the scopes on 9X to try to find the targets but couldn't compete with the NG guys in the target detection phase until I was able to convince them to keep the rifle on 3X until the target was located, then do the ranging.
That's why I like Low Powered scopes. The lower magnification the easier it is to find targets
I use to run sniper schools where I had both NG and RA soldiers.
The NG was using the M1C/D's and the Army was using M21's. The M1s had a 2.2 M84 Scope, the M21s had a 3X9.
At extended range the Army guys would put the scopes on 9X to try to find the targets but couldn't compete with the NG guys in the target detection phase until I was able to convince them to keep the rifle on 3X until the target was located, then do the ranging.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
Try to stop looking for targets... instead look for target indicators.
Dont think "I need to find that target". Look for target indicators such as shine, shadow, shape, color... The more you train yourself to identify those features the quicker you will find what you are looking for.
Also try moving your eye around your FOV instead of keeping it center of the reticle.
Try to stop looking for targets... instead look for target indicators.
Dont think "I need to find that target". Look for target indicators such as shine, shadow, shape, color... The more you train yourself to identify those features the quicker you will find what you are looking for.
Also try moving your eye around your FOV instead of keeping it center of the reticle.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you mean scanning as in looking for targets in a big area or are you talking about a target you have located and want to quickly find in your scope? I don't have any experience with the first. The second is pretty easy. Just look at the target and bring the scope in front of your eye. </div></div>
That works shooting off hand but not to good shooting prone or off some sort of support.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you mean scanning as in looking for targets in a big area or are you talking about a target you have located and want to quickly find in your scope? I don't have any experience with the first. The second is pretty easy. Just look at the target and bring the scope in front of your eye. </div></div>
That works shooting off hand but not to good shooting prone or off some sort of support.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try to stop looking for targets... instead look for target indicators.
Dont think "I need to find that target". Look for target indicators such as shine, shadow, shape, color... The more you train yourself to identify those features the quicker you will find what you are looking for.
Also try moving your eye around your FOV instead of keeping it center of the reticle. </div></div>
Great advice, typically I'd try to look for things out of the ordinary such as a straight line, a different shadow or a color out place. Thinking back I would keep my eye in one place on the reticule. I'm going to try that next time I'm out practicing.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try to stop looking for targets... instead look for target indicators.
Dont think "I need to find that target". Look for target indicators such as shine, shadow, shape, color... The more you train yourself to identify those features the quicker you will find what you are looking for.
Also try moving your eye around your FOV instead of keeping it center of the reticle. </div></div>
Great advice, typically I'd try to look for things out of the ordinary such as a straight line, a different shadow or a color out place. Thinking back I would keep my eye in one place on the reticule. I'm going to try that next time I'm out practicing.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's why I like Low Powered scopes. The lower magnification the easier it is to find targets
I use to run sniper schools where I had both NG and RA soldiers.
The NG was using the M1C/D's and the Army was using M21's. The M1s had a 2.2 M84 Scope, the M21s had a 3X9.
At extended range the Army guys would put the scopes on 9X to try to find the targets but couldn't compete with the NG guys in the target detection phase until I was able to convince them to keep the rifle on 3X until the target was located, then do the ranging. </div></div>
Typically I would turn my scope down in the 9X range to increase the FOV. I'll take it to the bottom next time and see how that works. I tried to use 9x because I can take the long distance shot at 9x and I wouldn't have to move the ring to increase the power. Most the time when I did locate the target and I would try to increase the power, I would loose the target when dialing up the power then I would have to start over. I guess that would make a great case for a rear bag.
Someone once suggested I try using figure 8's with each 8 getting bigger until I finished the area I was scanning.
Thanks for the help..... I'll give that a shot next time as well.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's why I like Low Powered scopes. The lower magnification the easier it is to find targets
I use to run sniper schools where I had both NG and RA soldiers.
The NG was using the M1C/D's and the Army was using M21's. The M1s had a 2.2 M84 Scope, the M21s had a 3X9.
At extended range the Army guys would put the scopes on 9X to try to find the targets but couldn't compete with the NG guys in the target detection phase until I was able to convince them to keep the rifle on 3X until the target was located, then do the ranging. </div></div>
Typically I would turn my scope down in the 9X range to increase the FOV. I'll take it to the bottom next time and see how that works. I tried to use 9x because I can take the long distance shot at 9x and I wouldn't have to move the ring to increase the power. Most the time when I did locate the target and I would try to increase the power, I would loose the target when dialing up the power then I would have to start over. I guess that would make a great case for a rear bag.
Someone once suggested I try using figure 8's with each 8 getting bigger until I finished the area I was scanning.
Thanks for the help..... I'll give that a shot next time as well.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
yell "hey you" or "marco" and when they yell "what" or "polo" you'll know where to direct your search
i like to view the most obvious areas 1st - areas that provide the most cover - for target indicators like shadows, out of place coloring, shapes including equipment (packs), blobs, etc. on lower power.
most regulars will go to the most obvious of places and any fortifications (pile of rocks, behind walls, etc.)
if time permits as targets of oppurtunity doesn't know your position, identify as many targets as possible before engaging.
i like to "slice the pie" starting from closest to furthest too
KNIGHT11B4 nailed it on the move the eye around the FOV instead of centering it.
yell "hey you" or "marco" and when they yell "what" or "polo" you'll know where to direct your search
i like to view the most obvious areas 1st - areas that provide the most cover - for target indicators like shadows, out of place coloring, shapes including equipment (packs), blobs, etc. on lower power.
most regulars will go to the most obvious of places and any fortifications (pile of rocks, behind walls, etc.)
if time permits as targets of oppurtunity doesn't know your position, identify as many targets as possible before engaging.
i like to "slice the pie" starting from closest to furthest too
KNIGHT11B4 nailed it on the move the eye around the FOV instead of centering it.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
Many scan side to side, in horizontal paths, which can lead to not seeing things. Better to scan near to far in vertical rays. This is especially effective for picking up movement.
Many scan side to side, in horizontal paths, which can lead to not seeing things. Better to scan near to far in vertical rays. This is especially effective for picking up movement.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
Near to far, right to left. Minimum zoom unless using the magnification to ID a likely target, or searching an area where your eyes have picked up an indicator... shape, shine, shadow, contrast, color, silhouette, texture, spacing, movement... you get the idea.
Near to far, right to left. Minimum zoom unless using the magnification to ID a likely target, or searching an area where your eyes have picked up an indicator... shape, shine, shadow, contrast, color, silhouette, texture, spacing, movement... you get the idea.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
Scanning is done with a pair of binoculars.
Verify target indicator with a spotting scope.
Acquire target with rifle scope.
Some shooters FAIL at Observation Skills. That is a fact of life. Some much better at it than others, but it can be a taught, acquired skill.
Scanning is done with a pair of binoculars.
Verify target indicator with a spotting scope.
Acquire target with rifle scope.
Some shooters FAIL at Observation Skills. That is a fact of life. Some much better at it than others, but it can be a taught, acquired skill.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
When I am shooting a match I locate all the targets using binos and range if distances are not provided. Then i use the binos and go in the order i plan to shoot them 2 or 3 times. Get acquainted with where they are in relationship to eachother. I pay attention to targets that are similar and somewhat inline with eachother. Those are where I see most mistakes made. Guys shoot the wrong target because the field of view is too narrow on their scope when the power is cranked up.
I look for some indicator near the first target so i know I am shooting the correct one first and in the order i want.
When I am shooting a match I locate all the targets using binos and range if distances are not provided. Then i use the binos and go in the order i plan to shoot them 2 or 3 times. Get acquainted with where they are in relationship to eachother. I pay attention to targets that are similar and somewhat inline with eachother. Those are where I see most mistakes made. Guys shoot the wrong target because the field of view is too narrow on their scope when the power is cranked up.
I look for some indicator near the first target so i know I am shooting the correct one first and in the order i want.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
As ARS I'm a near to far right to left. As it was described to me and seems legit;
Since we as English speakers/readers read from left to right our brain and eyes now have a tendency to skip from item of interest to item of interest while scanning left to right. So scanning from right to left helps your eyes and brain to actually observe the items as you are scanning. This method has worked for me while searching for targets or possible targets.
As I think about it now I don't believe I use this method for engaging tgts. I haven't been to a match in a while (oconus) but I think I usually or always engage left to right. Perhaps engaging right to left may help here swell.
Any specific thoughts on scanning right to left while engaging pros and cons?
As ARS I'm a near to far right to left. As it was described to me and seems legit;
Since we as English speakers/readers read from left to right our brain and eyes now have a tendency to skip from item of interest to item of interest while scanning left to right. So scanning from right to left helps your eyes and brain to actually observe the items as you are scanning. This method has worked for me while searching for targets or possible targets.
As I think about it now I don't believe I use this method for engaging tgts. I haven't been to a match in a while (oconus) but I think I usually or always engage left to right. Perhaps engaging right to left may help here swell.
Any specific thoughts on scanning right to left while engaging pros and cons?
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
It was mentioned above, look for the target indicators. Your probably not the first guy that has shot at the target. Where would you place it? Come off the scope, look over it and down the barrel. Scan with your naked eye. You will see something that just doesn't look natural, then look through your scope.
Before getting back behind the gun, find a big, easily identifiable object near your suspected target so you can find the spot you were looking at while over the gun. As mentioned above, dial back the magnification, find the place you want to see and zoom it back in with your non-firing hand. Nothing there? Repeat.
If your looking for man made stuff, some things to keep in mind. You don't find straight in nature or concentric circles. Diamond shapes as well. If something is perfectly straight or round, you should look closer. If your looking at a grassed area and start picking up turned over dirt, you should look closer. Paying attention to the natural lay of the land will pay off. You will start to pick up the irregularities and your target will be there, waiting for you to shoot it.
All of this will come with time spent looking through glass, trying to do exactly what your talking about.
If your ever trying to camouflage yourself, the reverse holds true.
It was mentioned above, look for the target indicators. Your probably not the first guy that has shot at the target. Where would you place it? Come off the scope, look over it and down the barrel. Scan with your naked eye. You will see something that just doesn't look natural, then look through your scope.
Before getting back behind the gun, find a big, easily identifiable object near your suspected target so you can find the spot you were looking at while over the gun. As mentioned above, dial back the magnification, find the place you want to see and zoom it back in with your non-firing hand. Nothing there? Repeat.
If your looking for man made stuff, some things to keep in mind. You don't find straight in nature or concentric circles. Diamond shapes as well. If something is perfectly straight or round, you should look closer. If your looking at a grassed area and start picking up turned over dirt, you should look closer. Paying attention to the natural lay of the land will pay off. You will start to pick up the irregularities and your target will be there, waiting for you to shoot it.
All of this will come with time spent looking through glass, trying to do exactly what your talking about.
If your ever trying to camouflage yourself, the reverse holds true.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
Lots of good advice here. I always scan with my eyes quick and then slow, near to far. I move to binocs if I haven't found anything and if I see something of interest move to the scope. The big thing is to always ask yourself what am I looking at, or what is that and then don't stop looking at it till you know what it is? I can't tell you how many mule deer I have found laying down in the shadows with nothing but their heads showing by simply asking that question. What is that white spot? Oh a bit of the hair on the underside of the neck, suddenly the whole deer materializes. Also shadows can help if your target is tall.
Lots of good advice here. I always scan with my eyes quick and then slow, near to far. I move to binocs if I haven't found anything and if I see something of interest move to the scope. The big thing is to always ask yourself what am I looking at, or what is that and then don't stop looking at it till you know what it is? I can't tell you how many mule deer I have found laying down in the shadows with nothing but their heads showing by simply asking that question. What is that white spot? Oh a bit of the hair on the underside of the neck, suddenly the whole deer materializes. Also shadows can help if your target is tall.
Re: Scanning for your target... HELP!
I would suggest developing a technique based from something comfortable to you. I use a Z pattern going from near to far (most dangerous to less).
Techniques are like A-holes, everybody has one!
I would suggest developing a technique based from something comfortable to you. I use a Z pattern going from near to far (most dangerous to less).
Techniques are like A-holes, everybody has one!
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