Field Target Harness: A necessity or a crutch?
I was reading Airgun Times when I noticed a shooter “all trussed up” in some harness that appeared to steady his sitting position. So, what’s the deal with the harness? Is the point of field target competitions to simulate hunting? Or am I missing something? When has anyone ever seen a hunter crawl into a harness and then sit there untill his legs go numb waiting for a critter to come along and stand there long enough to get shot by said hunter? It just seems like it defeats the spirit of field target shooting. Perhaps someone who shoots field target competition can educate me on the finer points of accurate shooting.
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Now that makes some sense. An unlimited class that is. My thought was that the targets had become too difficult. I’m no expert, but hitting a critter 1/8″ left, right, up, or down still results in a kill. However, the targets that these guys are shooting are much more demanding than a critter. I certainly admire their accuracy and dedication to their sport. I just thought that the harness thing was taking it a little too far.
We should all be capable of using the standard shooting positions to be as accurate as possible. Be it standing, sitting, kneeling, prone; standing/offhand being the most difficult, but quickest. Also practicing with the weak hand, or weak side. That can be a humbling drill.
Bikinicrazy, that was a great headshot on that rat! (speaking of accuracy)
I’m no expert on field target but most shooting competitions have different classes; ie beginner, stock, modified, unlimited. Normally in a “unlimited” class, anything goes within reason as long as you hit the target. In other words the gent you saw wouldn’t be competing directly against someone with a talon, s400, r-9, whom is shooting true unsupported offhand. Unlimited classes are normally ultra competitive and come down to a combonation of who spent the most on their rig and who practiced the most. Often match results are separated by only a few points.
I’m with you guys. I do understand it can help make you more accurate. But, “field” target is supposed to represent the field right?
Offhand is a lot harder. Shooting off a bench is good for testing accuracy of the gun. It’s rare you get a good shot prone in the field. I do get shots on occasion where I’m on a rock that mimicks a bench and have the bipod up. It works well.
Most of the shots though, are offhand. If you never practice offhand, you’ll never be able to hit anything. Even firearms, if you are going to hunt, you should practice offhand. With my .223 rifle I can shoot under .5 moa all day on a bench. Offhand though, is a lot harder. I have finally gotten to where I can hit a soda can at 100 yards 4/5 and 5/5 times. Time to move on to a smaller target.
It is cool to see stuff flip way out there. 😀
That’s exactly how I feel. Its almost like how most people can shoot off a benchrest. Try shooting offhand!! I was shooting at a Coke can at 50yds offhand at my grandparents a few weeks ago and that stuff ain’t easy!! I hit it three times out of six or seven shots. When you hit your target offhand, it’s much more rewarding, but if I can rest on a tree or something, I usually do if I’m hunting. (for the game’s sake) 🙂
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Take a look at “hunter field target”. Limited to 12X scope power, a 15″ high seat (bucket of camp stool height) and “buffalo sticks” for support. The targets and ranges are the same and some targets are designated as off hand only. Seems like a better simulation of hunting and easier for us older guys to get in position.
Abe