[Joshua M. Smith]

Hi Folks,

The target below was shot about one hour ago, at 6pm.



Now, at about 25 or 30 yards my range goes into the woods with a particularly thick canopy.

I had bright light shining on me and my rifle but was shooting into twilight. Target was about 80 yards out.

I was shooting prone, off a log. Just verifying zero after moving a pressure point on the barrel. No rear rest.

I measured both the best group, throwing out what I figure were fliers, and the whole group.

I was shooting for a bit of orange I could see. I figure it was the bottom of the target.

Is there a better way to shoot into twilight from a bright spot with open sights? I know I'm better than this as I usually do this maximum at 20 yards further.

Thanks,

Josh

[Ken in Iowa]

You have 2 things working against you. If you are in the light your pupils will constrict making it hard to see in the low light. With the target in low light it's tougher to see the contrast of the bullseye.

There's no easy answer.

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello.

This is what I'm looking at:


A regular, 1x shot from my standard shooting spot (elevated concrete)


Zoomed 3.6x optical. Didn't want to use the digital zoom as clarity would have been affected.

You can also see the dry creek. It's usually not dry. We're well-watered and usually within digging distance of the water table right there. Not this year though!

As you can see, I've been doing some work on the range as I have plenty of woods on both sides, but only 100% cleared to 50 yards. Early spring, late fall, and winter I can take full advantage of the range.

Thanks,

Josh

[goat roper]

I see a fence there. Probably should ask before you shoot into your neighbor's yard.

Verne

[Jay]

...reflective panels placed between 50 and 75 yards, angled so as to reflect light into the woods. They should be adjustable/moveable, so as to keep track of the movement of the sun.

[Joshua M. Smith]

Quote:       Originally Posted by goat roper

I see a fence there. Probably should ask before you shoot into your neighbor's yard. Verne

That's to let the dogs run.

Josh

[Joshua M. Smith]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Jay

...reflective panels placed between 50 and 75 yards, angled so as to reflect light into the woods. They should be adjustable/moveable, so as to keep track of the movement of the sun.

That might be an idea... Thanks!

[BigCaneSwift]

Time to trim some limbs to let the light in

[Jay]

nahhhhh, anybody can shoot in good light.... ... besides, I thought I had an illuminating idea...

[tobnpr]

I would probably do something much simpler- like better contrasting colors.

A larger, white background, with a black dot (sized appropriately) for POA seems like it would be easier to spot/differentiate the bulls. Or, a large black background, with a white dot.

Just doesn't look to me like your choice of colors is highly visible, and contrasting.

[Tha Dave]

Use a weed wacker to knock alot of that low level brush down, and what you can safely reach over head, then see if you can find an old sheet of plywood paint it white and put that at the 100 yard line with a smaller one at the 75 or 50. That will work for a while but you will have to work to maintain the area so that vines dont over take your targets but the better lighting and contrast should help your POA/POI.

If you are allowed to cut down one or two trees to let some light in and give your self a little fire wood this later this winter.

[338RUM]

A cheap spot light may be in order shining on the target, it really doesnt matter how dark it is between the rifle and target just so long as the focal points are both about the same

[MosinRuger]

I wish i had your problems...

i.e. having a range to work on.

[338RUM]

I hear that!

[waterdog]

Place a towel over your head, to cut down on the light (keeping just your sight pitcure and the rifels sights in view). It will help if the towel is kinda dark in color.

[tobnpr]

Quote:       Originally Posted by MosinRuger

I wish i had your problems... i.e. having a range to work on.

Saw a post on Snipershide a while back where the guy had his reloading/gun room set up in his garage, with a large window/cutout right over his bench, and a 500 yard range beyond. Bastard...

A floodlight at the target is actually a cheap, functional idea. Local range is open at night, they have a bank of floods buried in a short berm ahead of the targets. Fun stuff, no different than shooting in the daytime. String some Romex out there and a 100 watt flood, solve the daytime problems AND be able to shoot at night.

[mouser868]

Quote:       Originally Posted by MosinRuger

I wish i had your problems... i.e. having a range to work on.

All I did for my range was mow the hayfield and set the target boards so I would be shooting into a hillside.

[cooker300]

how about running extion cords down range and hang a 4' flourcent light from the canopy

just a thought

[Joshua M. Smith]

Thanks folks.

I tried sunglasses, Berkley fishing sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB . I would like a hat, but none of my earmuffs are for use with a hat, and I'm out of my earplugs.

Also tried a different target:



I really should get glasses again, too... From that, I could only see a bit of fuzzy green. Normal sight could have seen the black center and then some.

The load was Sierra instead of Hornady 150grn soft point, over 45 grains of Varget.

Most say that they find the Hornady to be more precise, but it seems my rifle likes Sierra. I'm basing this on several different range sessions.

Still, I really need to get out to the gunshop's range. Just don't like to spend money to burn money, you know?

Regards,

Josh

[tobnpr]

Do you hunt?

Wondering why you would choose SP's for target shooting?