Practicing with Night Vision

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-08
2130-2300
40F
05 MPH West

Goal: Check .22LR at 30-50yds, check .308WIN at 100yds.

Environment: Clear, no moon. Actually there is a moon, but it is rising much later in the evening now. Orion and Cass very visible. Conditions relatively warm, lot of critters can be heard. I wore like jacket and fleece cap under helment, so second cover and no balaklava and I was not cold.

Equipment: .22LR, Eley Edge, sling, 13-27 Harris, thermal,, ir-laser eotech, 3x Mag. LRF, 3x 14 mag, dual 14s on helmet. .308WIN bolt, 9-12 Harris, 125gr SST, L&S 3.5-10x TMR (3.5) with PS-22 (g3a).

Activity:

I moved the 6.5-20x scope off the .308WIN bolt gun over to the .338LM, so need to rezero with the 3.5-10x scope. These shots were prone bipod, no rear bag.

G01 - 2rds - 100yds - 0+6 = avg 3
precision 1 3/8

High and left, cranked 4 right and 2 down (knobs are moa).

G02 - 2rds - 100yds - 8+6 = avg 7
precision 1 1/4

Still a bit left but now a bit low. Cranked 3 right and 1 up. These knobs are easy to accurately turn in the dark without looking.

==
.22LR shots were sitting bipod

ir-laser
G03 - 2rds - 50yds - 8+8 = avg 8
precision 2 3/8

I did not use the 3x mag on the 14 this time. But for G04 I turned on the ir-illum on the helmet which is on lowest power and max focus. THe ir-illum helps reduce the bloom of the ir-laser at short range.

G04 - 2rds - 50yds - 8+9 = avg 8.5
precision 7/8
==

==
thermal

G05 - 2rds - 40yds - 9+10 = avg 9.5
precision 5/8

For G06 I tried to aim on the left edge of the white blob to avoid the rebar encroaching on the left side of the target.

G06 - 2rds - 40yds - 8+8 = avg 8
precision: 1/8

Results: These targets are in shadows and relatively difficult to see with the ambient light available. I could mount a T20 ir on the 3.5-10x scope, but I only have oe 30mm scope accessory mount and that is on the 6.5-20x scope for LR shooting later this month, so no Illum for the .308WIN at this time. If I was shooting standing up, I could use the Ill on the helmet.
I could use the 3x mag on one 14 to magnifier the site picture for the ir-laser, but in some circumstances there would not be time for that. So I practice both with it and without it. The pattern seems to be that the ir-laser is zeroed a little high, so I will take the adjusting tool to the field next time and try to fix.
The thermal seems zeroed ok, it just has a fuzzy site picture when trying to use the 3x mag behind the eotech.
Need to continue to work on precision, I should be 1 inch at these distances with the .22LR. If I take my time, precision is better, if I shoot quickly precision is not as good. So need to get to the point were quicker shooting is still precise, more practice!
Also need to practice "count down" before shooting to simulate team shooting.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-11
1430-1530
60F
2 MPH S

Goal: 7.62 at 500yds.

Environment: Sunny and warm. At first, measured 1.6 MPH from the S, from 200 degrees off the bullet path. Before second group, measure 0.8 MPH from the N, 20 degrees off the bullet path. The mirage was vertical during the first group, but moving from right to left during the second.

Equipment: 7.62, Harris 6-9, L&S 3-18x (12x), 168gr AMAX. LRF, kestrel.

Activity: Fired two three round groups with the 7.62. I held the first round down .5 mils and .1 mil right with the first round as this seems to be the pattern for the cold bore round. Splash visible at the top of the target seemed centered. Since I didn’t check the target until after all six rounds were fired, I will score it as one group. All rounds were aimed the same except the first one.

Precision: 4 3/8 inches
Accuracy: 17/6 = 2.83 inches

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-11
2100-2230
40F
5 MPH S

Goal: Check 5.56 at 30-50yds.

Environment: No moon. Stars visible.

Equipment: 5.56, sling, T20-ir Ill, EOTEC, pvs-14 with 3x behind EOTECH. Ir-laser. 14 on helmet , primos tripod.

Activity: All shots were standing supported, with the primos.

Eotect/14
G01 – 2 rds – 30yds - 7+7 avg 7
High and Left. Cranked 8 left and 8 down on the EOTECH.

G02 – 2rds – 30yds – 9+5 avg 7
Moved to 50yds

G03 – 2rds – 50yds – 10+8 avg 9
After this shot, I co-witnessed the ir-laser to the eotech.

Ir-laser
G04 – 2rds – 50yds – 8+8 avg 8

G05 – 2rds – 50yds – 8+8 avg 8

EOTECH/14
G06 – 2rds – 50yds – 8+8 avg 8

Results: Last three groups seem to be consistently a little high, so I will crank down on the EOTECH 2 clicks and repeat the ir-laser co-witness and try again.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-14
1100-1200
50F
10 MPH N

Goal: Check .338LM at 500yds.

Environment: Sunny and clear, breeze at 20 degrees off the bullet path.

Equipment: .338LM, L&S 6.5-20x TMR ffp on ADM mount, 300gr SMK in lapua brass with 92gr H1000 (2707 fps). LRF, Kestrel. Rear bag.

Activity: After the previous session with this rifle, the scope base was loose again, so popped off the scope and removed the screws. I had been torqueing them to the middle of the manufacturers recommended range for each screw. This time I decided to break my rules and use blue Loctite and also crank to the maximum recommended torquage. So did that yesterday, waited 24 hours and then put the scope back on.

Fired three, 3 rd groups. Measured wind prior to each group. Find direction of wind by looking at grass moving and primarily by standing facing the wind until I can tell it is hitting me straight in the face. I turn by head in both directions to be sure. The olde “face into the wind” wind direction finder. Works great for me!

Measured 6.8 avg for 2m. With TMR reticle we have 0.5 mil hash marks. So I placed the horizontal cross hair on the bull (white X) and put the verticle cross hair right up against the right side of the bull, so the bull was completely visible but touching the verticle cross hair.

G01 – 3 rds – 500yds
Precision: 5 1/8 inches
Accuracy: 2.66 inches


Measured 8.1 avg for 2m. Held 0.25 mil right this time by using the middle of the white space between the 0.0 of the crosshair and the 0.5 mil hashmark to the left.

G02 – 3 rds – 500yds
Precision: 5 ¾ inches
Accuracy: 3.16 inches

Measured 10.2 avg for 2m, but wind was variable and dropped as I was starting to aim, so I used the same 0.25 hold as before this time.

G03 – 3 rds – 500yds
Precision: 2 inches
Accuracy: 5.16 inches

Results: I aimed differently for the third group. I focused on the reticle instead of the target. I guess that matters!
I tried to crank down one click ( 0.1 mil ) before firing the third group, but the knob slipped. I tightened it again after RTBing. I will have to add “retighten scope knobs” to my pre-shooting checklist for this rifle.
I now have to head to CA for a week long trip for the day job. When I return I will have barely a week to finish preparing to go shoot long range. I will be taking the 7.62 and the .338LM. Goal is to see how far I can get with both, out to a max of 1,400yds.
Both of these rifles are sub-moa if I do my part. The 7.62 with only a 16 inch barrel, shooting 168gr AMAX goes hypersonic at 700yds and sub-sonic at 900yds, so anything beyond 1000yds will be a struggle.
The HSM 300gr SMKs go transonic at 1375yds, so no issue getting to 1,400yds on that attribute.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-22
2030-2200
45F
5 MPH S

Goals: Check 7.62 with COLR at 300yds.

Environment: Warm, light breeze from 210 off bullet path. New moon high enough in sky to put out from light. Because my targets are on back side of a treeline relative to this moon, no benefit for shooting. But I did have to turn down 14 gain and look towards ground when returning as moon was in my eyes.
If there are no clouds, we should have some usable moon this weekend when we go out West.

Equipment: 7.62, 6-9 Harris, L&S 3-18x, COLR. LRF, 14 on helmet, AMAX 168gr.

Activity: Parked buggy at 500yd FP and walked into open pasture and lased a few spots until I got 300yds. Could not see targets with 14, but lased area where berm is located until I got 298-301yds. This spot was on side of hill as I am trying to get up high enough to see over some intervening ground, to be able to see the target. I forgot rear bag, but decided to do without. Cranked down to 5.3 mils on dial per DOPE card.

G01 – 300yds – 1 rd
Precision: N/A
Accuracy: 8 inches (high centered)

First round from this rifle often high.

I had no rear bag, so I was moving reticle on to target from below and pausing at top of sweep to fire. After walking to/from target, I decided to make sure the top of the sweep was on the bull, not above. When firing standing unsupported at around 100yds, I usually sweep above and let drop. But there is more motion in that sweep and I am closer to the target. Need less motion here and need to make sure I don’t rise above the target.

G02 – 300yds – 1 rd
Precision: N/A
Accuracy: 1 inch (high centered)

This was decent. Decided to repeat with 2 rds.

G03 – 300yds – 2 rds
Precision: 7 3/8 inches
Accuracy: 4 inches (max 5 ½ inches)

I called one shot “dead on” and the second “high right” … but it doesn’t look very “high”.

Results: I think I can go to 500yds now with the COLR on this rifle.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-28/29
1200-0100
60F-40F
10-20 MPH E

Goals: .338LM and 7.62 at 600yds to 1400yds in day.
See how far we can get at night. .308WIN out as far as we can.
NV familiarization
for participants.

Environment:
Clear, Breeze from East, veering to NE and SE.
Wind strength avg 10 MPH early afternoon,
avg 20 MPH late afternoon, back to 15 MPH night.

Equipment:

James: new .308REM700, Harris 6-9,
(Lent from Joe)L&S 8.5-25x TMR
168gr SMK

Joe: .338LM, atlas 6-9, 6.5-20x TMR, 300SMK,
7.62, harris 6-9, 3-18x H58, 168AMAX
5.56, ir-laser, EOTech
.22LR, ir-laser
COLR,
2xPVS-14
2xhelmet
lrf, 3xmag for 14
K&S 45x spotter

Activity: James and Joe arrived at noon, unpacked and proceeded
to setup additional targets.

James had a new rifle, that had never been fired, so we zeroed
at 100yds.

We then fired at the 400yds target until James ws hitting
consistently

We then switched to Joe's 7.62 rifle and fired at 600yds,
700yds, 900yds, 1000yds and 1100yds. We left the rifle
cranked to 700yds and held for the higher distances.
We returned to validate the rifle at 1000yds. This was
6 mils up hold and 3.5 mil left.
With the H58 reticle, this was not a difficult hold.
James and Joe both fired the rifle with similar results.
The rounds were very scattered at 1100yds and I think 1000yds
is the limit for our combination of rifle, ammo, conditions
and shooters.

Then we switched to the .338LM firing at 600yds, 800yds
1000yds and 1400yds.

At 1400, we were able to crank all but 1.5 mils of elevation
which we held. At 1400yds, the wind hold for the .338LM
was 3.5 left. Indicated wind of 20 MPH
which was from 240 degrees off the bullet parth.
The target at 1400yds was about
the size of a door (on its side). It seemed like it
took forever for the round to reach the target.

We went back to 1000yds and revalidated for the night shoot.
At this point we were holding 2.25 mils left for the wind
and had cranked back down to the elevation knob. The 1000yd
target we were using was about half the size of a door
about 2.5 x 5 foot.

Then we took James' rifle to 1000yds. Elevation adjustment
was dead on, but we had to increase hold for wind to 4.5 mils.

==
Then it was 7pm and we broke for dinner.
At 9pm the sky was dark and we resumed. Steve and Dalton
the owners had joined us.

For a start up we did some
.22LR standing unsupported
with ir-laser using the PVS-14s at 75yds.

We could not see the 1000yds target, so we rode out and
I placed ir-strobes on both left and right edges
and ir-beacons illuminating the center of the target.
The target was now very visible with night vision.
I was first at bat with the .338LM and COLR and got two
hits, confirmed elevation DOPE and wind hold.
We had two guys ride back and forth to the target after
each 2 round group to validate hit/miss. This also
server to allow more familiarity with wearing the 14s.
while riding/driving in the buggy.
Steve, Dalton and James followed with 2 rds each and everyone
got two hits on this target which was about 2.5 foot high
and 5 foot wide. About half the hits were within 10
inches of the bull the others within 20.

Then I put a 14 with 3x magnifier on the 5.56 rifle and
each person took turns scanning a popping some rounds
standing unsupported at 75yds.

We finished up at 1am.

==
It had been a dusty day, we need some rain out this way.

James happens to be a photographer in real life, so he was
in charge of pics, which hopefully, he will be uploading
soon.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-31/04-01
2300-0100
50F
5 MPH SE

Goal: Zero 5.56 out to 100yds

Environment: Moon almost full, high in the sky, clear,
light breeze from 150 off bullet path.

Equipment: 5.56 with 55gr FLC. Just mounted new Vortex 1-6x
scope. In front is PS-22. Changed batts in ir-laser.
ir-illum on 6 position. Primos trigger stick. 14 on helmet.

Activity: Fired a number of zeroing rounds between 25-100yds.
The last three groups are marked. Using 50yd NRA small bore
targets.

G01 - 2 rds - 50yds - 8+8 avg 8

G02 - 2 rds - 100yds - 8+6 avg 7

G03 - 2 rds - 100yds - 8+6 avg 7

Group shapes and sizes similar for last 2 groups. I called
high left and high center for each of the rounds in the two
groups. Based on that data, I am probably hitting
right and low. So I cranked .2 mils left. This scope
has .2 mil clicks. If I clicked up one I might be high,
and I'd rather be low, so leaving the elevation knob alone.
I can't get full FOV with the scope on 1x due to the smaller
FOV of the clipon. So running at about 2.5x gives max fov,
so probably leave there for scanning. Then crank up higher
for shooting.
Getting one of those "levers" would increase crank speed.
This is a front heavy setup and would be difficult to handle
standing unsupported, hence using the primos trigger stick.
With this moon, the gen3 tube in the PS-22 can't
be distinguished from the COLR with L-3 tube. I mounted the
COLR first, but decided it was too bulky and heavier, so
went with the PS-22. I cranked up to 6x for the 100yd
shots and was able to focus and get very clear image.
Images would focus clearly at all distances. This was using
the clipon focus. This Vortex actually has no parallax
adjustment.
I did focus the diopter before I went out. I had to put on
gloves to turn it, which I guess is good. It will be
very unlikely to move have unintended movement.
The clicks on the knobs are very precise feeling. No "mush".

I used the illuminatred dot just to try it. I cranked it down
as far as I could and still be able to see it.
At 100yds on 6x I could still see the black circle surrounding
the red dot as I aimed. That is perfect. The black circles
are 3.75 inches across, so about 1 mil at 100yds and so
I would estimate the dot to be half that or .5 mil across at
100yds.

 

[wigwamitus]

2014-04-04
1200-1400
60F
15 MPH WSW

Goals: .22LR 100yds, 200yds, 300yds.

Environment: Warm, breeze from 270 off the bullet path.

Equipment: .22LR, Eley Edge, L&S Mk6 3-18x H58 (12x), Harris 6-9, LRF, kestrel.

Activity: I had zeroed last night with the COLR in front out to 100yds. So I started at 100yds again. I did not hold for wind as I was behind a tree line relative to the wind. The 100yd group was a little left and I had cranked one left at the end of last night thinking I was left and maybe I still am another click's worth.

G01 - 5rds - 100yds - 9+9+9+9+10 = 46 avg 9.25

Heading out to 200yds, I was heading higher up the hill and more exposed to the wind. The 2m avg was 7.5. So I held 1 mil left. DOPE card said to hold up 5.2 but this was a down angle shot, so I held up 5 mils on the H58.

G02 - 5rds - 200yds - 10+9+9+6+6 = 40 avg 8

Heading out to 300yds, wind was increasing, avg was 12.7 max hit 14.4 during the 2m read. So I held the full 3 mils for 10 MPH. Part of the bullet path is shielded by a tree line but 2/3 of the bullet path is unshielded. The avg at the FP was 12.7 with variation from 10ish up to 14.4.
As usual I could not see the target. You can see a steel target to the left of the target I'm aiming at. You can see the top of the target. I aimed down knowing the bullet wold fly over the intervening ground. This is normal at 300yds in this pasture.

G03 - 5 rds - 300yds - 9+9+9+0+0 = 27 avg 5.75

Elevation spread was decent but one round off target to the left (I presume) and another off paper to the right. Given the variation in the wind, this is about par.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-07
0800-1200
50F
10 MPH

Goal: Do some back burning in preparation for burning pastures on our and adjacent section.

Environment: To windy to burn pastures, but we performed some small barrier burns along fence lines this morning and will continue to perform these burns over the next week until we get a gap in the wind.

Equipment: To perform the back burns myself and neighbor to the South use three vehicles:

Jerry: Polaris with propane tank and wand and 55 gallon sprayer in back. This is a combo "fire" and "water" truck.

Joe: Tractor with 300 gallon sprayer, this is our "medium water truck".

Kubota with propane tank my "fire truck".

Activity: We burned 150yds chunks along the Fence on the Southern edge of my property to present a 12 foot wide barrier when we burn the larger pastures to the South of that fence line. We wanted to make sure one chunk was out before we burned the next chunk. The event there was no excitement. And that is good. My grass was hayed this year and is pretty low anyway, but for about 3/4 mile to the South and half a mile E/W the grass is much higher, so more fuel there.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-07
1400-1530
50F
15 MPH

Goal: .22LR 200yds, 300yds

Environment: WInd on the high ground is over 20 MPH, but in the central valley where I was shooting, I was seeing lower numbers. Sky overcast.

Equipment: .22LR, L&S 3-18x H58 (12x). Eley, LRF, Kestrel, Harris 6-9.

Activity: I have thee steel targets now, 12 inch, 16 inch and 18 inch. I put the 12 and 16 inch on the old berm that allows me to shoot up to 200yds and the 18 inch on the berm that allows up to 600yds.

I set up 201 yards from the 12 inch steel and 202 yards from the 16 inch steel. Wind average was 13.9 for 2 minute read. Spike was over 18. DOPE card says 2.1 mils for 200yds for 10 MPH wind at 90 degrees. Wind was 225 degrees off the bullet path so I calculated hold as 1.5 mils.
DOPE card said to hold 5.1 mils up I used 5 mils due to the down angle.

G01 - 5 rds 202yds 16 inch steel.
The first round was centered elevation was but off to the left. I could see a puff of dust. I realized I held the full 2.8 mils instead of my adjusted 1.5, arrrg. Next 4 shoots I could barely here them hitting. There were some trees near by and they were rustling. So 1 miss and 4 hits.

G02 - 5 rds 201yds 12 inch steel.
The wind seemed a little noisier so I held 1.6. I couldn't hear the strike, but this was a "virgin" steel (I had never shot at it before) and it was painted white and I could see the smudge appear on the right center. I needed more hold to compensate. So I held 1.8 and got 2 hits in the center I couldn't hear them but I could see the smudges appear. BTW the steel was swinging whether I was shooting at it or not. Then I heard the wind die quite a bit so I adjusted hold to 1.4 and got two more hit in the center, I could barely hear the plinks and see the smudges.

Then went to a point 301 yards from the 18 inch steel out in the open pasture up on higher ground. I measured 12.7 with a 2m read. Wind was 240 off the bullet path. I held 2.8 mils left.
DOPE card says 11.6 up. I was holding 11.5 due to down angle.

G03 - 5rds 301yds 18 inch steel. First 4 rds made plinking sound. With the trees farther away, the rustling sound was reduced and I could hear the plinks. The 5th round was off to the left, I saw the puff. Also it was a little high. I could detect reduced wind sound.

For the fourth group I decided to hold 11.25 up, increasing the down angle adjustments. I adjusted wind hold to 2.5.

G04 - 5rds 301yds 18 inch steel. After first two rounds and hearing plinks, wind died again, I adjusted wind hold to 2.25 and got 3 more plinks.

Results: This seems easier than it should. With 10=15 MPH wind 90% hits with .22LR at 200-300yds sounds tough. I guess the definition of "hit" might be too liberal, i.e. the steel targets are too large for what I'm trying to do. Having them larger helps with the wind certainly.
It is interesting being able to hold like this. The H58 reticle's strength is these types of holds. And on 12x the 12 mil line is at the bottom of the reticle so holding between 11 and 12 mils is the max I can do ... on 12x ... The H58 has these tiny dots midway between the horizonal mil lies of the three and also midway between the verticle mil lines. I was using one of those dots to enable me to hold 11.25 up and 2.25 left. I think this is the first time I used one of those dots. It came in handy!
For those who thought .22LR can't reliably hit out to 300yds in 10-15 MPH wind (self included) get some Eley ammo, that stuff is great, at least compared to the Federal AM22 I was trying this with last year.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-03-28/29
50F
15 MPH

To supplement the previous report on our shooting at the Ranch farther West, here are some pics and captions.

To the left you see the red zeroing target. It is 76 yards from our firing point (FP). Out in front you see the long range targets, first the 400yds targets, then each 100yds out to 1,400yds. The 1,400yd targets are about 2/3rds of the way up the hill to the right of the "white spot" which is a blind tower (not a target!).

The three rifles we did not use during the day shoot, from left to right:

.308WIN with 3.5-10x scope.
.22LR with ir-laser.
5.56 with eotech, ir-laser and SPW 5.56

James zeroing results with his REM700 .308WIN ... the first rounds he fired from this rifle. Moi is in the buggy checking the map (or something!).

James results at 500yds ... by this point he was hitting the steel pretty consistently ...

James holding a magazine of .338LM, I guess he is up to bat! The .338LM is to the left, the 7.62 is to the right.

==

Site only allows 5 images per post ... so post will be split ...

 

[FrankT]

if you use photo bucket you can post as many as you need to and it saves the site bandwidth.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-04-06
2200-2400
50F
03 MPH S

Goals: .22LR at 200-300yds. 5.56 at 100yds.

Environment: Warm, some misting, little wind. Orion visible and pointing to the ENE when I was out. Cass visible to the NNW, Andromeda visible through the 14 with 3x magnifier, just about the washout zone of the horizon.

Equipment: .22LR, L&S 3-18x H58 (12x), Eley Edge, LRD, Kestrel, 14 on lanyard, COLR. 5.56 with Vortex 1-6x (6x), FLC 55gr, PS-22, trigger stick.

Activity: I decided to try something different tonight, so I tied a lanyard onto the 14. Used 4 wraps and 4 double knots, this got it situated so that when around my neck the eye piece was pointing up. I had the 720nm filter on the front as (mostly) always for forward protection and I screwed a wilcox amber filter on the back. This has a decent sized rubber thingy slipped on around it, so when holding up to eye and driving buggy I can balance the 14 on my eye brow and nose and bumps don't cause a problem. Using the 14 as a lanyarded monocular is something I've never done, but it was actually quite convenient. The moon was rising while I was returning, but it was still an amber ball on the Eastern horizon back the time I got back. So it was pretty dark when I was shooting.
First when to spot to shoot 200yd targets. I lazed 193 where I set up, but did not hold for wind for first shot as I could not detect any wind. I did hold 5 mils up per DOPE card. The 16 inch target was a fuzzy blob. I was not using illuminator. First round no plink, so I held half a mil left and got 4 plinks. I guess there was a little wind. Walked to spot to hit 18 inch steel. COuld not see target with 14, even with 3x magnifier so had to lase the area where I believed the berm to be. Got 297-302yds and called it good. I could barely, barely see a fuzzy white thing that was the target through the 3-18x on 12x with the COLR in front. First round no hold for wind, elevation hold 11.25 mils up. At first I was trying to count down on the reticle the 11 cross hairs and I was getting lost and having to start over. But then I saw a faint black line extending all the way across the reticle at the 10 mil line. Once I found that, it was easy to find 11 and do the hold. I had never noticed that full line at 10 mils before, but when I needed it, it was there! First shot was no plink. Held 1 mil left (10.8 inches) and got plink and next 8 shots were plinks. When I am holding 11+ mils up the bipod rises off the ground and I am using the 35 round magazine as a monopod. Not using rear bag. Finally figured out how to grab my trigger arm with my support arm and make a V with the thumb of support hand and use that instead of rear bag. This seems much better than rear bag as more likely to be there when you need it and harder to loose in the field. I found a new helpful "device" on my body! It would be nice to have a shorter magazine. I usually put 5 rounds in these magazines and rarely 6. I don't need a "tacticool" 35 round magazine, but it was what the rifle came with. If other mags with work I will get a couple of shorter ones for prone shooting.
Then went to 100yds and fired 9 rounds of 5.56 off the primos trigger stick. They were all hits on the 18 inch steel. I could see this target fine. Then I tried 9 rounds standing unsupported all hits. But this is a large target. Some of the dings on the target were quite "sparky" and some were not. I thought I heard pieces flying back at me and landing in the grass to my right, but maybe I was dreaming. I've heard of people being hit firing green tip at 100yd steel targets, but I was using 55gr. The rifle is front heavy (actually balanced, hence not rear heavy) in this configuration, but I guess I can hold it up there for a little while if I have to.
On the way back the inside glass of the buggy fogged up so I had to open the front allowing me to see about 5 feet in front of the buggy with the 14 in my right hand. It was slow going, didn't want to drive into the creek. But I could see the buggy trail fine, just not much of it. I would've been a good night for burning but my pasture neighbor had a family event and couldn't burn tonight. His head is too large to fit either of my helmets, so I was actually making the lanyard 14 for him, but decided to try it myself and it was not a problem.
One thing about shooting steel is I don't have the targets to show. It is easier, but I think I will probably keep using paper for most of my shooting. The .22LR at 200-300yds I think is fine to use the steel, especially at night. But for other purposes I still want to know where I am hitting so I can figure out what I'm doing that needs to change. Steel might be good for "advanced" shooters and I'm not there yet.
I still need to check the ir-laser on the 5.56, forgot to do that last night.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-04-12
2130-2330
50F
10 MPH S

Goal: Check .22LR at 200 and 300yds. Check .308WIN at 500yds.

Environment: Variable breeze from the South, reading between 4 MPH and 12 MPH. Heavy clouds and lightening all along the Western Sky, could hear a few drops on the equipment while shooting, frequency increased on the ride back. No moon or stars. It was a dark night.

Equipment: .22LR, 3-18x H58, Harris 6-9, COLR, t20 ir ill, Eley Edge, .308WIN, 3.5-10x TMR, Harris 9-12, PS-22, XM80, LRF, Kestrel, PVS-14 on a lanyard, 3x magnifier

Activity: At FP 1, lased 195yds from 16 inch steel and fired 5 rounds with .22lR, 3 and 5 were hits. I needed to hold 4 inches down and 4 inches left about .5 mil down and .5 mil left. The wind 2m avg was 8.8 at 310 off the bullet path. I fired 5 more rounds all were hits. So 7 / 10 at 200yds. Not great, but not totally terrible, I started off holding too much for wind. Then walked to FP 2. I could not see the but I could see the berm with the 14, eventually I lased 298yds and 301yds and called it good. Held 11.25 up and 1.0 left, wind was 3.3 from 210 off bullet path. Hit first round, wind sounded louder tried 1.5 left, missed, tried again missed, went back to 1.0 left and got 2 hits.
I only took one mag, so loading the .22LR from the Eley box in the field in the dark, was fun. Just had to go slowly. Forced self to leave glove on left hand (no glove on right hand). Getting Eley box in and out of left pocket was tough the first time, easy the second time. Tried to use 3x magnifier to view the berm better, but it would not go on the front of the 14. Eventually gave up. Later back in the house could see it had been bent, a little, so I'll have to straighten it. I recall dropping it, but didn't think that would matter given the pouch, but soft metal bends I guess! Oh and I tried the t20 at FP2 also, could see blades of grass, but nothing else. Typcial. I haven't had much luck getting benefit out of ir illuminators.
Next up to bat was the .308WIN back at FP 1. The target image was the worst I'd ever seen at night. Cranked out to 3.5x and could see the tree line, but not the target. Based on shape of tree line, got rifle pointed in general direction of berm and cranked up to 10x and hunted for target along the tree line and eventually found it. A ghostly grey smudge. Held 2.0 up and 1.0 left at target and got hit. Second round was miss, I think I was holding too high. Third and fourth rounds were hits.
I think I rushed the second shot. For the third and fourth shots I spent a long time aiming. I could not clearly see the reticle to hold. I actually turned on the reticle illuminator on the lowest of 11 settings. It didn't even look red ... it was barely dark brown. But I think it barely improved my ability to see the reticle, without worsening the ability to see the ghoatly grey smudge. This is first and ONLY case I can recall where the ill ret. helped with an i^2 device. The background was so dark, the reticle blended in. So I think this helped a little with the third and fourth round hits.

Results: Shooting at steel at night does have the advantage of not requiring me to go down to the target and back after each round or group. But I need thicker steel so I'm not tearing it up. At 500yds, the .308 rounds do not make holes, they do at 300yds. The 5.56 (XM193) makes holes at 100yds. Wearing the 14 on a lanyard is interesting and I find it very convenient. For driving the helmet mount is certainly better, but for shooting prone, not having to mess with the helmet is good.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-04-19
0930-1130
60F
5 MPH WNW

Goal: .22LR at 200yds and 300yds. Close gates on far side of pasture.

Environment: Burning season is now over, and we burned about 400 acres on our section and the ajoining (no road between) section to the south. So about 2/3rds of the goal of 600 acres. We had too much wind and not enough rain during the 2 weeks we tried to burn. On our land we got our larger 85 acre pasture burned. I had opened some gates on the far side of the pasture to enable rapid crossing on fences with vehicles if needed. In the event, it wasn't needed, but today I needed to go close those gates. I ran over a small but hard stump with the buggy and broke the cooling system, so the buggy is down and I decided to go on foot today. I would take the .22LR and try some 200yd and 300yd shots at the steel. The pasture was wet and muddy, so stayed on the edges where the burned remnants are thicker. Got within 10yds of some turkey's. Slipped on the bank of the pond while navigating around it, but didn't hit the ground. The breeze was between about 3 MPH and 7 MPH.

Equipment: .22LR with sling, eley edge, 3-18x H58 (at 12x), harris 6-9, LRF, kestrel, canteen.

Activity: After reaching the far side of the pond, lased a 199yd FP and fired 5 rounds. Interesting observation. I could hear the sound of my taking the shot, then I could see the smudge appear on the steel target, then I heard the plink of the round hitting the target. It makes logical sense, but it still feels a little eerie. Wind was avg 4.4 at 300 off the bullet path. DOPE card (committed to memory for this rifle/ammo) says 2.1 mils at 200yds at 90 degrees at 10 MPH. So wound up holding .75 left. And I held 5 mils up, per the DOPE card. The smudges were a couple of inches low and left.
Then went and closed the gates. Then proceeded to a point near 300yds from the steel on the second berm. Lased 315 and continued to move laterally to remain on the high ground, so I would be able to see the target. Finally got 303yds and setup. As usual the magazine was too tall and 11.5 mils of elevation (scope was on 12x) lifted the bipod off the ground, so I was shooting with magazine monopod. Not using rear bag these days. Instead placing support hand on shooting bicep and making "V" with support hand thumb and placing rear bottom of stock in that "V". This seems to be working fine and means no rear bag to forget to take or to forget to pickup.
Wind was 5.4 avg 330 off bullet path with spike to 6.2. DOPE card says 3.0 mils of hold for 10 MPH at 90 degrees. So halving that to 1.5 mils, then thirding it to 0.5 mils for angle. So I held up 11.5 and left 0.5 mils. The H58 reticle has a tiny dot exactly where I needed to hold so I put that dot on the bull and fired 5 rounds and got 5 plinks. I could not see the smudges appearing at 300yds. I then reloaded another 5 rounds in the magazine and repeated and got another 5 plinks. I went and inspected the target and the smudges were centered elevation wise over a 9 inch spread and about 2-6 inches left. I think this is because about 1/3rd of the bullet path is rather shielded by a tree line.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-04-05/17
0800-2200
50-60F
0-20 MPH E

Goal: Burn 600 acres in our and adjacent section.

Environment: A bit windy and dry during most of the period. IN the event we only got about 2/3ds burned that we wanted to burn. On my land we got the larger 85 acre pasture burned. One mile South we got about 320 acres burned. The guy in the middle decided not to burn as it was to dry. Here are a couple of shots of me observing a line of fire advancing across the 85 acre pasture last week.

 

[wigwamitus]

2015-05-01
2030-2200
50F
5 MPH SE

Goal: Check .22LR and 5.56.

Environment: Moon high in sky at 2030, about 60% cloud cover. We keep getting "almost" rain, but we need real rain, we've had very little since we burned and now is when we need it the most, so the hay can get ahead of the "weeds".

Equipment: I am preparing for day/night shoot with new shooting partner (went with me to SPR) James. I set up .22LR and 5.56 for short range (30-130yds) standing up shooting and 7.62 and .308WIN for laying down intermediate range (100-500yds) shooting.

From bottom to top, left to right:

OpsCore ballistic helmet with 14, ir-ill, 3L RGBW light, counter-weight items.
Team Wendy bump helmet with AB 6/14, ir-ill, 3L RGBW light, counter-weight items.
LRF, 3x for 14 (pouch), .45ACP+serpa.
.22LR, ir-laser, sling, eotech, PVS-14 with 3x mag, (eotech 3x mag for day not shown).
5.56, ir-laser, thermal, VO 1-6x, sling.
7.62, L&S 3-18x (12x), sling, harris 6-9, PS-22 (for night)
.308WIN, L&S 6.5-20x (12x), harris 9-12, CO-LR (for night)

Activity:

Left target is .22LR at 50yds with PVS-14 + EOTECH.

Center target is .22LR at 50yds with ir-laser.

Right target is 5.56 at 50yds, one group with thermal and other group with ir-laser.

Left Target
G01 - 3rds - 50yds - 8+8+9 = avg 8.3
G02 - 3rds - 50yds - 9+9+10 = avg 9.3
clicked left 2 clicks on EOTEC
G03 - 3rds - 50yds - 9+10+10 = avg 9.6

Center Target
G11 - 3rds - 50yds - 0+0+6 = avg 2
cranked ir-laser right and down
G12 - 3rds - 50yds - 0+0+0 = avg 0
oops too much right and down was wrong direction.
Cranked left and up.
G13 - 3rds - 50yds = 8+8+8 avg 8
ok on elevation, but too much to the left.

Right Target
Thermal
G31 - 3rds - 50yds = 7+7+5 = avg 6.6
ir-laser
G32 - 3rds = 50yds = 0+0+7 = avg 2.3
need to crank ir-laser up and left a tag.

Results:

These laser-max laser's weak spot is getting them adjusted. Not done yet.

 

[FrankT]

Good job Wiggy, this is an entertaining thread

 

[wigwamitus]

practicing is great, I love it, but getting close to time for another hunting trip ... (we can't hunt with nv/thermal in KS)

==
2014-05-03/04
1800-0100
70F/60F
18 MPH S / 8 MPH S

Goals: .22LR, 5.56, 7.62, .308WIN day and night.

Environment: Day phase, windy and warm, some clouds. Night phase, wind decreased, lighting to the north, moon full and clear until 2300 then obscured by clouds.

Equipment:

.22LR, sling, eotech, pvs-14, 3x magnifier on 14, eley edge, ir-laser.

5.56, sling, VO 1-6x, Apollo 336, ir-laser, FLC xm193, SPW556.

7.62, harris 6-9, L&S 3-18x (9x) H58, AMAX 168gr, PS-22.

.308WIN, harris 9-12, L&S 6.5-20x (12x) TMR, SMK 168gr, CO-LR.

OpsCore Helmet, PVS-14, ir-ill, 3L RDBW
Team Wendy Helmet, AB 6/14, ir-il, 3L RDBW
LRF, Kestrel, L&S 15-45x spotter, primos trigger stick.

Activity: I finally found someone to shoot with day and night. James was running new AB NV monocular on my TW helmet as his PT helmet is still not setup. This AB has an ANVIS 6 style objective and focus ring and a regular 14 backend/eye piece, with a custom AB poly housing with 2xAA capacity, yet lighter than a regular 14. Downsides are no slipon for the 3x magnifier as the objective is larger than a 14 and no manual gain and can't use ring style weapons mount, ring won't fit past ANVIS 6 style focus ring. But you can screw a USGI 3x magnifier on the front of the objective, this one is threaded up there. And you can use the screw on weapons mount.

During the day we shot the .30 cal rifles, James started at 100yds (I had zeroed both rifles at 100yds but James was going to use his ammo). Then we went to 300yds and up hill into the wind. The wind read 17.7 but average 15 at 260 off the bullet path. So AB said to hold 1.1 mils left, but 1/3 of the bullet path was shielded by a tree line so I said to hold .75 left and we did. James cranked 1.2 up and I cranked 1.5 up. We were shooting at 100yd small bore NRA targets. We were both on target but about 5 inches right. So we needed to hold a mil. We repeated the shots but were still a bit to the right (the wind was increasing). We went to 500yds. Here, AB said James needed to crank up 1.9 and I needed 2.2. Wind was averaging right around 10 MPH, so James held 1.0 and I held 1.25. James was hitting high and we needed to adjust his MV up, but we ran out of time. I was able to hit steel with my group. The sun was down we broke for dinner.

After dinner, we gave James some practice lasing targets with the 14 and the LRF at night and also calling wind at night. With the PS-22 on the 7.62 I was able to hit the steel at 500yds on the 2nd and 3rd shots (had to increase wind hold). James was then able to get three hits with same setup. James also got some practice scanning with the Apollo and looking at the various pallets as I drove and walked around the 85 acre pasture.

We then switched to short range standing up shooting. With 50yd small bore NRA targets, we did side by side shooting. James selected the 5.56 rifle so I went with the .22LR. With the Vortex, thermal and SPW556, the 5.56 was heavier, so James used the Primos trigger stick. At 30yds I fired standing unsupported, with the sling. James did the first count down, 3-2-1-Bang and we fired 4 round groups. I got 20 points, James got 21 points. I was using the PVS-14 with the 3x magnifier screwed on, behind the EOTECH. James was using the Apollo in front of the Vortex. He was on black hot and had a handwarmer over his target centers.
Then we switched to using the ir-lasers and the 14s on our helmets. I did this count down, 3-2-1-bang and got 30 points to James' 28 with 4 rd groups. Then we went to 100yds. A strange phenomena happened at 100yds. The moon was at an angle that created glare off the back of the eotech and washed out the image from the 14. I'd never seen that before. I put my hand over the gap between the eotech and the 3x magnifier and then I could see the target fine. I had James check it and he saw the same phenomena. So I used the shooting stick also at 100yds. With 8 rounds I got 46 and James got 40. But I've been shooting at night for 2 years and this was James second time. Of course he has been shooting for 4 years and me for 2 years (not counting my long ago military and pre-miliary civilian shooting). And this was James first time shooting with, looking through a thermal.

Results: We needed about 10 more hours to get through the planned agenda. I guess next time, we will just have to focus completely on either long range or short range. Given that it is the warm season now and the grass is growing in the pastures, we probably need to stick with short range until September after the harvest.

 

[wigwamitus]

Rolled to Fort Collins CO and back over the weekend, through Beloit KS, St. Francis KS, Wray CO, Greely CO and back. Mission was to pick up 51x55 Gallon drums for green house we are building. Took tow truck (Ram3500) and trailer (30 foot goose neck). Did not anticipate weather. We had ice rain while loading and snow with 30+ mph winds Saturday night. Forty tornados spotted between So Dak and Texas. Bad weather to the West, North, South and East of us. We stopped in Wray for a few hours till the sun came up, then continued rolling through much better weather. Pretty country! Even in May, the elevation can turn rain into ice rain or snow.




==
2015-05-11
2130-2330
40F
5 MPH WSW

Goal: Night walk

Environment: We had decent amounts of rain for the past several days, the creek is bubbling and the critters are noisey. No moon, plenty of stars, but some clouds to obsure a bit.

Equipment: .22LR, eotech w/ 3x, thermal, ir-laser, sling, eley edge, .45ACP, Serpa, lrf, 3x for 14, 30L RBGW, Helmet w/ dual 14s, ir-ill, 4L RGBW, 2x.45 mags, batteries, 1000L white, 300L white, 3L RBGW, canteen, primos trigger stick.

Activity: Proceeded to Turtle Creek, setup and scanned with thermal. The racket was loud, the rain really "lite up" the crickets. Not "deafening" yet as it will be in summer, but the first loud night I've heard this season. Proceeded to Signal Hill (a.k.a. lone tree hill). Heard Owl and Turkey's on Turkey Bluff. Setup and scanned on top of hill. Could see cows in pasture 800yds to the south. Thermal performance was good, but not great ran mostly on black hot, turned down the brightness and image improved. Proceeded across pond dam and up to hill 1309. Could see horses 600yds to the NW and could hear cows to the SE. Took a sip of water. Tested ir-laser, could see laser bouncing off trees at 1800yds. Could I hit anything that far away with it? Maybe an elephant of I zeroed first. But I was suprised I could see it that far out. Proceeded back along creek bank to the East and heard coyotes yipping about 500yds to the North. Continued to hear owl as I passed Turkey Bluff and returned to base.

Results: It's been a while since I did a night walk. I don't have a DVR right now, so can't take recordings with the thermal. Hope I can get one soon. I also need to get a different phone so I can get attachments to take pics through 14s and scopes. It is good to practice with the gear. Setting up and taking down the trigger stick quietly and quickly. Turning everything on and off focusing, setting brightness levels, testing lasers, but mostly testing me, reinforcing muscle memory. Next walk I'll go on North side of creek, the alfalfa patch is probably a hoppin' place.