Vapor Trail.. what am I missing

[kritos666]

I know that watching the vapor trail is very helpful in marksmanship. I shoot out to 1k successfully, however I know that viewing the vapor trail would be more helpful. I have only observed it 1 time. When spotting, i am directly behind the shooter. My spotting scope isn't great, but its OK. Its a Leupold SX1 Ventana. The scope is razor sharp to 800, but does haze out when going to 900 or 1000. My shooting partner hasn't complained, we both have a bit of training, but certainly aren't professionals.

What am i missing? Any suggestions would be most helpful.

Thanks.

 

[Bloody_Tailgate]

Re: Vapor Trail.. what am I missing

From what I understand if you focus back to a distance short of the target it's easier to pick up the trail.

 

[kass]

Re: Vapor Trail.. what am I missing

Try watching from a few feet off and up wind of shooters line off fire and try not to fix your vision directly on the target.

 

[Enough Said]

Re: Vapor Trail.. what am I missing

Look above the target and you'll catch the projectile at max ordinate and follow it in.

 

[kritos666]

Re: Vapor Trail.. what am I missing

I was looking directly at the target and expecting it to cross my field of vision. What you guys are saying makes more sense.

Thanks guys

 

[turbo54]

Re: Vapor Trail.. what am I missing

It takes a while to get used to seeing it, keep trying. Kinda like those 3D images that were popular 10 years ago, that you had to stare blankly into , then it would just pop out. Once you "saw" it once or twice, you could see it immediately over and over.

Sometimes conditions show it beautifully, other times hardly at all.

Best advice is to not focus your eye on anything in particular in the spotter, just kinda see everything half-assed at the same time. You'll get it. It'll make you smile.