Why you need flags to be successful at 50y

[Kurt110]

That’s a fantastic result. Well done, Tommy.

I’m still learning to read the flags in a more disciplined manner and not rush through the card. I tried two cards at 50m but couldn’t get above 230 this time round. The rifle is accurate enough. We again had a cold front come through on Saturday here in Pretoria causing the wind direction to snap from one direction to the next, often 180 degrees. Speed and direction changes were highly erratic. This was at the same range where the last 25m Benchrest world championship was shot.

Tried a few targets at a 100m. Managed to read the wind better. Also retuned the Impact and found the most accurate setting yet, shooting JSB KOs 25 grains at 990. 

This was my first 6 shots. It unfortunately didn’t go any better on the other 3 target but all were far better than what I achieved during the competition last Saturday. My friend Greg shot even better, so we are hopeful that our Impacts can get us into the 230s soon. He had four or so slugs go through one ragged hole in the 9 ring. 

Cannot wait for Saturday. This is becoming marvelously addictive.

Kurt

 

[tommyb]

Kurt

You are exactly right. 

I need to slow down, and use some discipline in reading the flags. It was hard today because there were so many guys talking and other distractions; that when I finally got back to my bench, I rushed to make up for lost time. This is part of the drill at any public/private outdoor range. But, as others have said ( Mike, Mike, Steve, Joe and many other BR AGN shooters), I need to “pay attention” on each shot given a certain condition. LEARN what it is telling me. 

Btw - I think the RF and CF guys were thinking I was OC with the flags. After I shot the two cards, me and a friendly RF guy ( with his new VuDu .22 RF ) each shot a 5 - shot group on his target. He shot .223” and I shot .41” CTC at 50. I knew he would win, but he could not believe an AG could even come close. 

 

[jorge63]

Hi Tom, what good news!
Your cards are not bad, just a couple of bad targets.
The wind thing takes time to learn and above all it requires a lot of patience, I am at the beginning just like you, but the good thing is that you are already on your way.
I don't see sighters, which means that using the flags helps a lot not to shoot by guessing.
I wish you a very good recovery from your surgery.
Greetings
Jorge

 

[jorge63]

Kurt:
what you said is the most accurate thing i've read lately:

.... This is becoming marvelously addictive ....

very good,

Greetings

Jorge

 

[tommyb]

Jorge - recovering nicely, thanks for your well wishes. Good post Kurt and thanks for the compliments also. 

 

[tommyb]

Back out to the range today, only this time I wanted to try the Anschutz .22 LR 1907 with N50. Wind was approximately 3-5 mph SE. I was the only one at my Sight-In 50/100 yard range today, and I got there early. Perfect range set up and conditions.

A quick call/text to Mike N. just to verify correct set up. As it turns out, I have a Tuner on the barrel which puts me in the Pro Class configuration. I got so used to using that generous .035" scoring plug, that I had to drop down to using the .224" plug -- big difference as you can imagine. If I used the .035" plug, I would have had two 250's. Next time, I am going to remove the tuner and I think that puts me in the Sportsman's class, so I can use the .035" plug. Plus, I want to see if I can shoot as well with the N50 cards. We'll see.

I shot a 248-12X and 249-12X card. I can honestly say that I know went wrong with my three 9's. I mis-read the head wind condition with my two flags, and shot low. As I have said before, I wish I could shoot these scores with either the RAW HM1000x .22 or the Red Wolf Safari HP .22. Maybe someday.

Almost feel like it's cheating when I am locked in with the Mechanical Rest, and I am sure if I had to use a Bi-pod, I would not do as well. Had a great day, no complaints!

Tom

 

[Beginner]

tommyb your rear bag is crooked and will throw the odd shot horizontally

 

[tommyb]

tommyb your rear bag is crooked and will throw the odd shot horizontally

Thanks. I sometimes do forget keeping my rear bag in straight alignment with the front rest and target. It has a tendency to drift on an angle and I should remember to check in my pre shot routine.

 

[thomasair]

Good shooting, Tommy. Vertical is the enemy of the precision shooter. If we could get rid of unexplained vertical misses....we would be riding high.


Mike 

 

[steve123]

Nice equipment and cards!

 

[tommyb]

Thanks guys! 

 

[jorge63]

nice pics, nice place, nice cards...

regards

Jorge

 

[nomojo65]

For interested shooters, I just received today from Danny Keeney great guy, great to do business with, Awesome products, Now can I take advantage of this info?

 

[Kurt110]

I had time again to practice on benchrest targets at 100m. Wind unfortunately off the charts, as can be seen on one of my wind flags. But managed a few acceptable targets. Started by shooting 3 4-shot groups at a 100m on steel plates and then went over to the BR target, also at 100 meters, or 109 yards. Without the flags, accuracy would have been much worse, as can be seen by the few shots outside the red ring. These are a result of the wind snapping to a different direction as I was squeezing the trigger or me not focusing with discipline. 

 

[Kurt110]

Need lots more work and practice to read those flags better. But enjoying it immensely.

 

[tommyb]

Kurt

I don’t know the size of that “9” ring diameter, but it looks to me like you have it surrounded by a bunch of pellet holes inside or touching the ring. Considering it’s 109 yards and with wind, looks pretty good to me.

 

[Kurt110]

Thanks, Tommy. I use the same dimensions as the extreme benchrest targets. So the nine ring is 1.250 inches. Here in South Africa, we recently launched our own version of RMAC which we refer to as Airrifle Unlimited. We use the extreme benchrest targets and shoot them at 100m. We also shoot at 50m. 

What I also noticed is that my x24 scope is not sufficient. It’s especially difficult to see the holes in the red ring. Will see if I can find a proper benchrest scope as this bug has bitten me properly.

 

[tommyb]

Thanks, Tommy. I use the same dimensions as the extreme benchrest targets. So the nine ring is 1.250 inches. Here in South Africa, we recently launched our own version of RMAC which we refer to as Airrifle Unlimited. We use the extreme benchrest targets and shoot them at 100m. We also shoot at 50m. 

What I also noticed is that my x24 scope is not sufficient. It’s especially difficult to see the holes in the red ring. Will see if I can find a proper benchrest scope as this bug has bitten me properly.

Ok Kurt. 

I can help you with a scope recommendation. Will comeback to this. 

So, 1.25” for 9 ring. I thought that target looked familiar. I shot the 100 yard Extreme BR Virtual Challenge ( sponsred by AoA) last year and I sucked. Totally humiliated, but it was my first attempt with the official targets and I didn’t use flags. Bad move! 181 score at 100y and 214 score at 75 yard. Have total respect ( awe) for those that ‘step into the arena’ and compete live at these events. My best ever score at 100 yard EBR was 224, but my average is in the 215-218 range. All of that was without flags, so from now on flags deployed and I will reset. 

Re. Scope - I was struggling with 6 X 24 X 50 MM Athlon scope at 100 yards. Great scope and glass, but I needed higher magnification. Bought a new Sightron 10x 50 X 60MM Slll andI use this all the time for 100 yard BR. Glass is great, turrets fantastic and reticle superb. I zero at 100 yards and use 30-35 magnification. No problem seeing holes! Check it out!

There is a reason a lot of the Competition BR shooters like Sightron. 

 

[Kurt110]

Hi Tommy
I also have Athlon 6-24x50, the Midas TAC. Great scope for general purpose use.

I will have a look at the Sightron again. Thanks for the recommendation. My two friends shoot with the Sightron 10x 50 X 60MM Slll so will probably go that route too. 


I do have an option on a Leupold 7-42x56 Vari-6 Competition scope at a great price. Incredible glass and also a great reticle. I can buy the scope, which was hardly used by the existing owner and who I know very well, for about $1200 equivalent, including Leupold picatinny rings. 

 

[tommyb]

I have the Leupold 6.5 X 20 X 40 MM EFR AO scope on my squirrel gun ( FX Royale 400 .22 cal ). Very clear and bright, and pretty good in twilight conditions. Plus, it’s light.

As good as the Sightron is, if you can buy that Leupold for $1200, get it! $2100 new, so great deal for you.