Tactical competitions questiion?

[XTR]

Don't know where else to post this one.

I'm kicking the idea of attending some tactical matches and shooting something other than round targets on rectangular fields at known distances.

I understand that getting distances estimates correct, or at least close, is a big part of UKD shooting. If you're not using a LRF and have to determine range with your reticle, are the target sizes typically of some usual standards? Say 10" round plates, full size/half size IPSC steel etc.. (assuming the shooter has to make the call on ½ vs full size)

Apologies is this is in the wrong forum.

 

[shotdown]

I'm a bit confused by what you're asking but what I can say is that we've given the height of the target during our course of fire. The shooter then has about one minute to get the distance and prep for the stage.

 

[delfuego]

Most matches will be known distances. If its your first match people will gladly help you, and loan you a ranger finder if needed. You should go! After participating you will have a much better idea of what gear you will or wont need.

But be careful, they are fun and addictive

 

[bkw1911]

Typically ranges are all known with occasional "swag" stages. Target sizes aren't always given either.

 

[XTR]

Thanks. I've got a Leica that I've used out to 800 for a range finder. Probably work for most applications.

I was just curious if you typically knew something about target sizes going in on the UKD stages where one would have to use the reticle to determine distance. Sounds like the answer is sometimes.

 

[bkw1911]

Thanks. I've got a Leica that I've used out to 800 for a range finder. Probably work for most applications.

I was just curious if you typically knew something about target sizes going in on the UKD stages where one would have to use the reticle to determine distance. Sounds like the answer is sometimes.

Yup. Depends on who designed the stage and how evil they are. I've had both about 50/50.

 

[Spot-on]

I think the OP just wants to prepare for UKD target ranging in matches.

Many matches these days are fully known distance stages. Occasionally you will run into an UKD stage or two and at these you will usually be given the target size, or at least some dimension of the target (i.e head is 6" wide, etc.). Your inclination to know the sizes of IPSC, 1/4 IPSC, and 1/4 IPSC is a good one. Also, look at what the match steel target providers are selling and that will cover 99% of what you'll see in a UKD stage at a match.

Even at many of the stages with UKD targets, RO's will let you use a rangefinder on the clock to find the range. I'd like to see a match where all the targets are UKD all day long - with no electronics allowed. But what would no doubt happen here is the first person who got a hit (i.e got the range right) would then tell his team, and word would trickle out, and pretty soon it would be a known distance stage.

That leads me to a personal pet peeve, which is sharing ranges, wind calls, etc. with other shooters before they shoot the COF. I think that limits improvement. But that is probably fodder for another thread.

 

[The Busby]

I love UKD stages. There are several matches that include UKD stages and various combos of KD and UKD in the same stage. I would recommend practicing "milling" as much as you can. Then....make a cheat sheet, like the rest of us, which charts the distance to target via the size of target and the mil reading once you're on glass. The hardest thing to get right is.....how many mils does the target REALLY consume on the reticle. At 500 yards with the mirage kicking.....the difference between an 18" target measuring 1 mil vs 1.1 mils is really tough to determine. And the differance in distance between the two readings is 54 yards !!

 

[DirtMerchant]

The BHTC matches are are split about 60/40 to 70/30 UKD / known. The target sizes are provided during the shooter briefing then we have a set time for the shooters to range and create their range cards. No lasers allowed, everything is milled using the reticle in your rifle or spotting scope.
After that it's game on.

If folks want to share info that's up to them.

 

[seanhagerty]

Go up and check out Bangsteel. They have a great course of fire and and are very helpful. Mostly known distance, with an occasional unknown distance target. Its only about 3 hours from oak Ridge, its near Wytheville, VA.