Longrange blog 247: Target aquisition

[@craigtaylor7812]

Yet another fine addition to the THLR video collection; "instructive and enjoyable as ever". I've just recently started adding comments to KZbin videos, and know historically there would have been 'many dozens' for all of yours, but I'll start with this one. I have saved MANY THLR videos to my PC, just in case they some how get dropped from KZbin. The style, tone, content and quality of your videos truly draws people in, makes them seem almost personal and all that holds viewer attention (not easily done). Thus to me, and I'm sure countless other out here in cyber-land, you've become like our favorite professor at the University.... thank you Thomas! AND - Thank you again for the gift of the DVD last year, that was very kind. Craig ~

[@THLR]

Thanks for that Craig, appreciate that you are taking the time. Must be the Christmas season catching up to people, there's been a boost of positive comments the last few days. All are very much appreciated!

[@Novak75b]

Another great video...as always. Thank you, Thomas.

[@THLR]

Novak75b Thanks for that, glad you took the time. Currently editing my hunting films and hoping to have those out before Christmas.

[@philippefrater2000]

Now i start to think about pairing a red dot too!

[@THLR]

Well, stop it. I did not get any effect of the red-dot during my hunting as I had not put in nearly enough training to actually use it when things starts to happen fast. I am currently unsure if I at all will be able to put in enough training and it is a very real possibility that this red-dot will be taken off.

[@THLR]

I mean, I walked into a deer at less than 30 meters, but I was too preoccupied with some hinds that we made eye contact at the same time. Instead of just shooting the deer via the red dot, I fumbled for my scope lenscaps and the deer simply walked into the forest and was gone (I did get a few if the hinds later).

[@AussieBrutus1981]

Great vid as usual.

[@THLR]

AussieBrutus1981 Thanks for that, glad you took the time.

[@ultimatemonkey]

Just a quick question regarding the LR proficiency test, I may have missed it in an earlier video, while I understand the scoring system should it also not be repeatable over 5-10 shots or more ?? Statistically sending enough rounds down range one will eventually hit the most inner circle regardless of how many hit the target or missed. but it seems that the “one shot one score” format this seems to be leaves that out ... I think it’s a great challenge and practice but needs to be a bit more strict on scoring ... but like I said I may have missed this in an earlier video

[@THLR]

Thanks, the repeatability is doing the test again and again. THe purpose of the test is to monitor and develop your work routines and understand what you can on cue every time, regardless of conditions.

[@beres70]

You can see red dot usage in movie - Lone Survivor too. Very good movie. I always wanted to ask about the gun. Is it a Tikka Sporter or Sako 6.5/55? Sorry to asking. This would have been obvious, but I missed that part.

[@beres70]

Thank you!

[@THLR]

It is a Blaser R8. This barrel is 300 NM, I have my main barrel in 6,5x55.

[@beres70]

Thank you for your answer!

[@scudrunner100]

Question for you Thomas: How does the use of the red dot differ (in use as target acquisition) from just using a lower magnification level to spot? Putting a cattail device on the magnification ring would speed things up if time was an issue. Just trying to expand my knowledge!

[@THLR]

scudrunner100 That is what I am currently doing. The issue I have with that is the time needed to re-fit my position as most of the time the deer only stands for a few seconds. I was hoping to shave off some time by using the red-dot but that did not happen. It looks like I will get no effect out of my red dot.

[@SLFYSH]

What model of bipod do you use. I like the well-forward mounting, as well as positioning the rifle low between the legs for a wider base.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

I believe that's an RPS bipod.

[@THLR]

Yes, this is an RPS (Rifle Precision Systems). Small Norwegian company.

[@jtjones717]

What height bipod would you recommend for both real world hunting applications and benchrest shooting

[@THLR]

I don't know about benchrest shooting, but I find that with an elevation up to appr 30 cm or a little more, I can do everything I need to do. I would not buy a very short bipod and prefer them to be a little long when not extended (stable). I find that notch 2 on my RPS is a go-to setting. But then again, I am tall and my shoulders are a bit above ground when prone. No experience with benchrest.

[@MrTekut]

usually the cover of the turret is not aligned with the reticle of the optic

[@THLR]

Sorry, I did not understand that one.

[@cratxn1]

New 300 hard on target steel out front...how is it behind ?

[@THLR]

Without a silencer it's like having a flash go off in your face. With a silencer it is a perfectly managable, looong push of recoil. It allows for no mistakes in the position, recoil is absolutely unforgiving on shooter error.

[@icep34ch]

Which suppressor would you recommend for a .308 boltaction rifle? Quick Lock, ~-30db, durable for some shots on the range / Training. Greetings from Germany!

[@THLR]

Sorry, I have no idea. In Scandinavia, we have been very lucky that magazine Vapentidningen has done thourough suppressor tests every second year or so. From those tests, I have simply looked for highest -dB rating and lowest weight and bought what is most available in my area - this means Hausken or Atec. For estethics alone, I do not like suppressors with large diameters and I prefer weight to be well under 400 grams. Since a suppressor brings the noise below pain threshold, but still above damage threshold, I use active ear protection in addition to the suppressor. This means that anything with a better rating than approximately -26dB seems to work fine in terms of shooter comfort/ reduced area noise / less disturbance to animals (gives you a few seconds extra). The only quicklock suppressor I've used is the Atec Optima which I got because of weight/ diameter. It works fine, but I don't really see any special advantage in quicklock (but it is cool and makes it easy to cut the films by showing this detail). All supprossors I've used seems to last 5-10 shots before mirage becomes an issue for aiming. You can use a suppressor cover to delay the mirage, but I'm not so sure it iss too healthy for the barrel/ suppressor to be exposed to the extra heat. Rapid heating/ cooling seems to do other steel products no good, so why should a rifle barrel/ suppressor be any different. But this I do not know, it is just speculation.

[@kebrevi]

Vurderer ett .300 Norma løp til R8'n selv, har du gjort deg noen erfaringer angående forventet løpslevetid enda? Og hvor tunge kuler klarer du å stabilisere?

[@THLR]

Jeg har stort sett skutt kun 210-230gr kuler. Løpslevetid er ukjent, har skutt ca 900-1000 skudd nå.

[@svendsvendli4468]

Hvordan kikkert er det du bruker?

[@sheldon_n]

Instead of a red dot, try training the skill of transitioning from eye to scope. Look at target, get on scope and try to have your first view with the target already in the scope field of view. Start with low magnification and work up. Train multiple positions, prone, positional, or supported/barricade. Goal is to have the rifle become an extension of you, like pointing a finger. Extremely helpful for competition or hunting.

[@THLR]

Sheldon Nalos That is what I am doing/ trying to do, but it is timeconsuming when the deer are running and I need to check several in order to shoot not only the deer that present a chance, but also the right induvidual. I was hoping the red-dot would speed up the process, but so far no gain for me during hunting.

[@cratxn1]

IF you have the rifle fitted to you like a shotgun must be...then this technique makes sense. Problem is too many people are afraid to cut and rasp and sandpaper on their rifle. Many are afraid to mess with the esthetics of the recoil pad fitting flush with the butt stock etc.

[@blaserlongrange7616]

Brutal energi med 225gr eld-match på 550-620m

[@THLR]

Direkte overførbart til effekt på hjort (dessverre). Ble litt i overkant voldsomt.

[@yootoober49]

Yeauow

[@THLR]

Mieow?