Target acquisition at 1k?

[Swift]

Let's say you're in an open space and you know there's a piece of steel at 1,000 yards. What's the best method to go about getting eyes on? Do you start panning at a lower magnification then zoom once you acquire it? Leave it at the same mag and shoot?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

both approaches will work, I've generally shot w/ a fixed 10, so I've learned to basically use both eyes to scan for targets and have the rifle pointing where I'm looking

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

If it's steel, and you put it there, just look through the scope at it

. If not the get some binos the wide field of view is good for target detection.

 

[Guest]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

Target detection, is a learned skill. Contrasts are first with me, shapes second. When looking for a unknown, I'll be on 5-6 power first an pan from 0200 to 1000 noting contrast an time first. Then re-scan those spots second on 10-15 power depending mirage. If a third look is needed, it's at max usable power, as shapes are now the game.

 

[sharac]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

I have advantage here being left eye dominant and right handed and my eyes can see two pictures with left one being more natural to focus on. I just look at the left picture and see the target and align with right eye picture (cross) and focus on right picture and voila target in crosshairs. Though after that i have problems keeping right eye picture but thats another story all together

.

 

[Swift]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Target detection, is a learned skill. Contrasts are first with me, shapes second. When looking for a unknown, I'll be on 5-6 power first an pan from 0200 to 1000 noting contrast an time first. Then re-scan those spots second on 10-15 power depending mirage. If a third look is needed, it's at max usable power, as shapes are now the game. </div></div>

That's great insight. Definitely what I was looking for. If there's anything I've learned about shooting in the past few years it's that routine and repetition will generally yield the best results and the most comfort behind the trigger.

I don't always shoot on a known distance range with pre arranged, clearly marked targets i.e. "500 yard line, T4." If I'm on an unknown distance range with a spotter and random target placement, this skill would translate into better dialogue which would speed up the whole process of getting on target and making calls, and also allow for quicker and more accurate adjustments. Otherwise you'll be out there for days wasting time asking each other questions and trying to walk one to where the other is looking.

It's pretty entertaining to watch some of these guys try to call shots for each other.

"Hey Scooter! U c that witchadidja, its kinda like on top of that purple wazzlewump lookin thingy by the Bud cans but not really? Well its like 4 or 5 to the left and down a little. And then over a couple and its somewhere in there I think. ok ima shewt it! Ready?!" (and the gun hastily goes boom before he even finishes the word followed)
(at least that's what it's like around here)

 

[Guest]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

Having a spotter changes things completely. One of you will be better at contrast over the other, same with shapes. If you have worked together or are going to work together this should have been worked out before hand. Any time your a member of a team, all within that team needs to know everyone's strong an weak points.
A well trained two man team will cover ground much quicker than you would believe, more ground they cover together, the faster they become.

You can be the best shot, but w/o good Field-Craft,...

 

[Swift]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

Agreed. I always try to bring the same spotter every time I go out. If I work with someone new, we adapt the methods to something standard and simple for sake of ease and it just kinda grows from there otherwise it's a convoluted mess.

I haven't done any extensive training with a spotter but I can already start to understand the importance of the shooter/spotter relationship. For example:

I went to the range with my buddy that I normally shoot with to dial him in and he brought a friend along that also needed to zero. While it only took us a few minutes to get his on target, his buddy's took a while. He kept asking me to clarify adjustments and calls, I had to repeat myself a few times and while we got there, it wasn't pretty.

 

[Guest]

Re: Target acquisition at 1k?

Once you get on the same page, just numbers are spoken. The first set is time spot, second is distance, third is height above ground level.