Posted by David Dundas on
URL: http://oldforum.flyshooter.com.au/Shooting-in-rough-conditions-tp5708078p5708156.html

I will add my 2 cents much worth for Rimfire shooting seeing thats pretty much what the family does.

Rimfires invariable throw the first shot , most often this seems to be high from a cold barrel. Its noticable at 50m but ends up significant at 200 yards. My advise has always been to ignore the first shot or pay little attention to it and use it as a barrel warmer, fouler or settling shot and to get it away as early as possible in the detail. You then can settle down with knowledge that your next shot is your real indicator and watch for your desired condition before firing the shot. If good then go to target before the condi tion changes or fire another sighter if needed - often the first detail this extra shot is a good idea to get your confidence up.
Of course its different at every range so you have to work out what is best on when to get your shots away. Here is a tip regarding the Silerdale range where I have shot for 30 years with more then 20 years shooting the Fly shoot every month.
The range is located well down in a valley and you shoot into an old sandstone quarry so only the larger wind gusts get down in there. The wind predominately comes from right to left most days and travels up from the valley on the right hand side therefore the right hand side benches are the most open and the preferred benches are up against the tree line on the left. In a registered match where you move benches then if you can stay with the leaders when out on a right hand bench then your turn will come to shoot up the left which can be like shooting up a wind tunnel!
Here is the big secret - the wind has a definate rythem to it, what I mean is only the large gusts get down in there so you just be patient and the wind drops right off to almost nothing, I have rarely seen the wind last longer then 2 mins before dropping off again - Get your shots away before the next gusts hits!
The above applies except when the good old sourhterly buster comes thru or those pesky afternoon thunderstorms roll in and then it can be a hell of a place to be with a rimfire.
 Mirage in the hotter months can be a real problem as temps can approach 40deg, but the range now has grass and better drainage which is way better then the rocks of 20 years ago. Les posted above on how best to shoot mirage and using that method then you can actually use it to your advantage.

Regards

Dave Dundas
WSRC Club Captain