SniperCentral

Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Not sure if there are many of you that keep a databook, but I did a little write-up guide of sorts on how to get a good book started. I also made a few pages myself that some of you might want to use.

Rifle Data Book - A Lesson in DOPE

Let me know if you have any suggestions. Smile

Rob01 · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 2584 Location: CT

You should check out Impact Data Book's site. www.impactdatabooks.com
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Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Wow.

Pretty apparent that you didn't even read it.

Rob01 · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 2584 Location: CT

I did but didn't see an Impact link so I put one there incase others wanted to check it out as it was only mentioned.

I am all for doing things myself as well but some others aren't.
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Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Impact and storm are both good books.

http://stormtactical.com/

However, the main problem with most people starting out doing a databook is that they don't know what to buy. They don't know which pages they need, or even if they will use it with regularity.

Doing one yourself can take the edge off. Once you start using it, you'll find what you want and what you don't want. You can always make your own pages as I did too.

Brainz · Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 472 Location: Southern Indiana

Maybe add a Range Card and a Sketch Card. Both are a must for those that shoot at places other than a shooting range.

B

Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Murph McMannus · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 31

Anyone used the books Mel sells here? If so how are they.
I've been thinking about picking one up.

kraigwy · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 189

Ref: Using Range Cards

To start off, I'm a firm believer in data books, only I call them score books.

When I was coaching for the Alaska National Guard I was real demanding on score book, wanting everything possible written down. Enough has been written as to what goes in score books so I'll skip that part. I constantly reviewed my shooters score books.

As for Range Cards; Let me give an example where I've used them (outside of the military).

I hunt the Big Horn Mountains in North Central Wyoming. There is a lot of ATV traffic up there that keep the elk moving. I hunt horseback. I'll fine a saddle up high where ATVs cant get to, yet there are plenting of trails all around for ATVs. I find a good location where I have good visibility and set up a little spike camp. I use a range finder to range every possible crossing point and record them in my notes or range card if you will. When I see something, I dont have to do the ranging, and computing for sights, I already have it.

No differant then usning range cards for maching guns, sniper riflesl and crew served weapons.

Just an example.
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kraigwy
Distinguished Rifle Badge #1071
USAMU Sniper School, Oct '78

Brainz · Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 472 Location: Southern Indiana

Kraigwy put it pretty clear on how to use the range card. Once you've ranged all possible areas of your FOV you can just call on your dope and take the shot.
A sketch is something the military use more than civilians. I do use them when I go somewhere new to shoot so that I have it logged. The more info you can collect the better off you'll be.

B

Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Interesting points. However, I don't see that I would benefit. It takes me but a few seconds to get the exact range with a rangefinder. No longer than it would take to use the range card I'd suspect.

kraigwy · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 189

Let me give another example:

I have this rather large PD town where I shoot prarrie dogs. Those littls suckers are quick.

Before hand, I fill out a diargram/range card for the whole area. With ranges to several points where they are most likely to pop up, I also list the slope, and direction of prevailing wind. I set up on a hill and have possible target locations lined up for about 270 degrees around me.

I then make copies of the range card so I can have one for each rifle I shoot,

I've tried the range finding bit, its not near as fast.

But I guess range cards are not for everyone. Guess its just my Army training that carried ove to my playing in my old age.
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kraigwy
Distinguished Rifle Badge #1071
USAMU Sniper School, Oct '78

Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Kraig, I can see and do understand that there would be situations where they are beneficial. I've just not found myself in one yet. As is with the rest of my kit, everything is born out of necessity. Smile

Rob01 · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 2584 Location: CT

Here is an example of a range card. The word "range" doesn't have anything to do with where you shoot. It has to do with range to target. They are useful if you sit in one spot and might be engaging multiple targets from that area. The targets don't have to be there. You can range trees, rocks etc so if an animal walks into your field of fire you can quickly figure his range without moving much from your position.

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http://www.teamblaster.net

Orkan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 340

Yes Rob, I know what it is... and have seen them. Shooting Voodoo has a very similar one for download. Just haven't needed one yet.