Troy - I know this is off topic for your magazine vs. SST original post, but I wanted to comment on Mike's observations on wind reading and the importance of doing it effectively. I can move this discussion to a new thread.
Mike - Your post reminded me of a question I wanted to pose as it relates to wind flag "reading and interpretation." I wonder if there are any good well written posts or articles, that clearly describe "HOW" to read your flags? I have searched and must be looking in the wrong places, because I have not seen any. It seems this is an area that constantly frustrates so many of us who shoot from the bench.
Here is the logic and reasoning behind my question: Most of us learn (or try to learn and acquire) this skill by ourselves through trial and error. However, without the presence of a very knowledgeable person at your side guiding you, we are left up to ourselves to interpret the wind. Therein lies the rub. If you don't exactly know what to do to fix the errant shot, you may try to fix using incorrect approaches / holds to overcome the wind. I know there are rimfire wind rose wheels that "generally" provide some helpful information. However, that only takes you so far.
Let me give a couple of examples of things that I believe many of us would like to know. These are just a few samples, there are many more I am sure:
- Tail winds - What generally happens to the slug/pellet at 50 or 100 yards with a tail wind of 3-5 mph, as an example. Wind coming from directly behind the shooter, and what holds should be used to counter?
- Head winds - Same question as above
- Left to right winds and right to left winds - which are more favorable and forgiving?
- When to defer to your near flag vs. distant flag with conflicting wind directions. i.e., near flag blowing left to right at 9am on the dial, distant flag ( near target) blowing right to left. Which flag should you use? Or, do you not shoot and wait for a different condition?
- Provide guidelines as to when NOT to shoot, with good clear examples
- Most favorable wind conditions, with examples of when to shoot
Essentially, there is a need for a user's guide approach with details and examples and explanations of 'how to read' the wind for bench rest shooting at 50/100 yards with an air gun.
I may create a post in the bench rest section just to get some input on this topic. Clearly, many struggle with this and I don't see much clarity around how to manage the wind reading discipline more effectively.
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