OK, now that you have your trajectory printout and your scope mounted to your rifle, you can now go to the shooting range and �zero-in� your scope. Be sure to pick a day when wind is minimal, no wind if possible.
FT Shooting Position
This is a good point to touch on the FT shooting position. Most FT shooters use the FT sitting position, because it is fairly stable and practical. This is the second most stable position in shooting. The most stable is the prone, but the prone position is not as practical because you are in a relatively low position, and sometimes there are bushes/plants in the way, and thus you cannot see the target or see it clear. During a match, there may be signs posted in specific lanes that state �Standing� or �Kneeling�. Those are the lanes you must shooting standing up or kneeling down.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are some pictures of the sitting FT positions. Note that the shooters are wearing a shooting strap. Double click on photos below.
Zero-in your rifle
Because you just setup your rifle, you don�t know if your scope is aligned with the barrel of your rifle. Even if scope and barrel is aligned, you still need to know what scope setting is your zero point. Also you want to zero-in your scope such that your windage and elevation knobs are set somewhere in the middle, which allow you to have some up and down elevation and right and left windage adjustment in your scope. Here�s how you begin�
1. Setup you target at 27 yards (This number looks familiar?)
2. Turn your scope�s elevation and windage knob to the middle setting.
3. Adjust your scope�s Parallax setting to 27 yards.
4. Aim at center of target and shoot 3 shots. If all 3-shots land at the center area, you are in luck! Your gun is now zero in. Chances are this won�t happen.
What to do if your 3-shot group didn�t land around the center of your target?
Answer: You need to shim your scope mount. You have to place shims either underneath the scope and/or to the side of a scope. Again, there are websites that tell your how to do this. Some shooters even have their scope mounts machined so that it would align correctly with respect to the barrel.
After you shimmed your scope, repeat step 4 above. This process should be repeated until your 3-shot group falls to the center or close to the center of the target. If it is close, you can just use some elevation and/or windage setting to center your rifle.
Once you got your rifle centered, mark this elevation setting point. Better yet, re-position your elevation knob such that the �0� mark is aligned with the index marker in your scope. O.K. you are now ready to shoot a FT match, enjoy!
Last words
If you want to go beyond the Basics discussed here or want more information, come out to one of CASA FT matches. Please see schedule and directions in this website�.
Bear in mind that FT shooting is just like any other shooting sports; it has its own tricks and tips that you learn along the way that will make you a better shooter.
If you have any question or something is not clear, please email me and I will try to answer your question.
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