You don't have to have a mount but if you have one it helps remove the human element. do you know about POA, POI, MOA, ballistics etc? If not spend a bit of time researching it and figure out what the best zero for your rifle is. For example i use a 50 yard zero (Aka 50/200 yard zero) on my AR15 since my point of impact will be within 2 inches of my point of aim within 200 yards, as the 5.56 has a rather flat trajectory out to 200 yards. Different calibers have different trajectories so its important to find the best zero for your needs. Do you have any friends who can help you? I would help you if you were on the island.
Equipment suggestions for new shooter
- Thread starter qiu_lijie
- Start date
You don't have to have a mount but if you have one it helps remove the human element. do you know about POA, POI, MOA, ballistics etc? If not spend a bit of time researching it and figure out what the best zero for your rifle is. For example i use a 50 yard zero (Aka 50/200 yard zero) on my AR15 since my point of impact will be within 2 inches of my point of aim within 200 yards, as the 5.56 has a rather flat trajectory out to 200 yards. Different calibers have different trajectories so its important to find the best zero for your needs. Do you have any friends who can help you? I would help you if you were on the island.
I got you. I have a pair of supposedly Russian binoculars from a tourist store way back, hopefully it would do the job.
Another noob question. What is like on an outdoor range? I have only been to indoor one and they have an automatic system to set the targets. I'm just wondering usually how often is seize fire command called and how long do you have each time, so I don't look like a dumbass on my first time
.Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
I got you. I have a pair of supposedly Russian binoculars from a tourist store way back, hopefully it would do the job.
Another noob question. What is like on an outdoor range? I have only been to indoor one and they have an automatic system to set the targets. I'm just wondering usually how often is seize fire command called and how long do you have each time, so I don't look like a dumbass on my first time
Outdoor ranges are subject to the weather. I'm assuming you're going to PoCo. Dress warm for winter and less for summer. The noise of gunfire aren't as loud as on an indoor range but that is counteracted by the sheer number of guns going off at the same time, esp at PoCo.
Depending on which outdoor range you go to, some have target backers already mounted at specific distances, usually 50, 75, 100, 200 M or Yds. You just walk out and pin or staple your own targets on them. Other ranges have target backers at the firing line. You can set up your targets when you arrive and when the range is SAFE, walk the backers out to the distance you want to shoot at. You can also uncase and handle your guns when the light is RED, on arrival, and set them up properly pointing downrange with the action open. You can also load your magazines. When the light is GREEN, it means the range is safe and NO HANDLING of firearms is allowed. This is when you go and set up or change your targets. You can load your mags during GREEN at most ranges.
Bear in mind, some ranges will NOT allow you to load magazines when the light is GREEN. Also, regarding targets, some ranges will NOT allow certain types of targets, like human silhouettes or zombies or what not. Check with the range you're going to to make sure your targets are approved.
At quiet ranges, anyone can call a Cease Fire to change targets etc. At busy ones, a Range Officer will usually have a set time ( every 20 mins for example) that he will call a Range Safe. Make sure you open your gun action, make sure the gun is unloaded and take out your magazine during such a command. Do not fuss with or touch yours or anyone elses gun during a Green or Range Safe command. Not even to adjust your scope.
A Range Safe exists until everyone is back to the firing line. The RO will do a scan to make sure and call the range active after that!
Well I know the basics like POA is where you aim, POI is where the bullet hit, MOA is like the measure of accuracy, etc. But there is still a lot for me to learn. I got into this pretty much by myself, but I'm sure I can find some helpful CGNer like you on the range in the future on the range if I cant figure this out myself.
I'm trying to get into the range in Abbotsford actually, have been on the waitlist since last November or something, but I know they only take new members once a year. Hopefully I can get in this year. It was recommended by the CFSC instructor when I took the course last summer, and I have read some good thing about it here. Heard PoCo is quite good as well, but perhaps busier? Its website said the main range is closed to the public on weekends for this reason.
Anyways, thanks for all the info! They certainly helped prepare me to future trips to the range
.Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
I'm trying to get into the range in Abbotsford actually, have been on the waitlist since last November or something, but I know they only take new members once a year. Hopefully I can get in this year. It was recommended by the CFSC instructor when I took the course last summer, and I have read some good thing about it here. Heard PoCo is quite good as well, but perhaps busier? Its website said the main range is closed to the public on weekends for this reason.
Anyways, thanks for all the info! They certainly helped prepare me to future trips to the range
Abby is an awesome range. Almost everyone is an action shooter. The fun shooting disciplines are all represented there.
I sent you a PM. Look up at your “ Notification” box.
MOA is minute of angle. the basics of it are 1 MOA=1 inch at 100 yards, so
1 MOA at 50 yards=0.5"
1 MOA at 100 yards=1"
1 MOA at 200 yards=2"
2 MOA at 50 yards=1"
2 MOA at 100 yards=2"
2 MOA at 200 yards=4"
And so on. Most optics use the MOA system and the adjustments are usually 1/4 MOA or 1/2 MOA clicks. So understanding how to calculate it is important to correctly zero your optic. So if you were zeroing an optic with 1/2 MOA clicks at 50 yards and your POI was 1 inch high from your POA you would need to turn the optic 4 clicks down to zero it, since you were 2 MOA high (4 turns x 1/2 MOA clicks=2 MOA). I recommend the targets I posted earlier because they are calibrated for the MOA system
Some helpful hints.... Don't purchase patches , cut up old T-shirts. Use synthetic car oil as your gun lube, clean corrosive salts right away with hot water and thorough clean afterwards.
Do your research and only buy what you really need or fits your systems or platforms. Save the $ from the nonsense and more for that ammo and range time.
Safe shooting and follow all firearms rules always, never sweep yourself or others and never engage trigger until absolutely ready
Do your research and only buy what you really need or fits your systems or platforms. Save the $ from the nonsense and more for that ammo and range time.
Safe shooting and follow all firearms rules always, never sweep yourself or others and never engage trigger until absolutely ready
Just want to ask a few follow up questions about patches. Aren't they specifically sized for different calibres? And from what I understand, they are not reusable, right? So how realistic it is to make your own patches? Thanks!
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
Patches are not reusable. You can size them yourself for each caliber you use. Like 22LR@dd!ct said, cut up an old thin towel, t-shirt or bed sheet. Make sure they are absorbent material, like thick cotton t-shirt material but make sure it's thin or it won't fit inside a small barrel, like a .22 or .223. You're shooting a 7.62 so you have more room.
If you buy commercial, they can be expensive for the number of patches you get. Just cut up the size that fits your barrel, use them, then throw them away. You'll need at least 3 patches, on average, for normal barrel cleaning.
If you buy commercial, they can be expensive for the number of patches you get. Just cut up the size that fits your barrel, use them, then throw them away. You'll need at least 3 patches, on average, for normal barrel cleaning.
Got it, thanks! Now my lack of marksmanship is probably the biggest problem in zeroing
Glad to help. If you need help most folks at the range are always friendly and happy to help a new gun owner out. lots will offer to let you try out their guns if you are curious about them etc. that is one thing you will find in this sport that you don't see elsewhere.
