Wet weather gear

[DenisA]

Would a water proof sheet be considered a rifle accessory and come in under the rifle weight if I were to attach a plastic sheet to the sunshade with a piece of stick on velcro (like an anti mirage shield is held on). The reason I ask, is that I was thinking about the validity of using the 1m x 1m plastic sheet that Dave mentioned, velcroed to the sunshade and having small sand bags sowed into the sides to keep them down in the wind and rain.


Another thought I had. I understand that time wise it may need some fancy choreographing and there would be financial implicationss to the governing body, but I think the idea of lining a mound with marquees during rainy state and national championships has merit.
An event like the QRA Queens attracts many shooters that travel from all over to shoot 10 ranges that they have paid for. To have an event shortened or a day cancelled seems such a shame.
Having marquees up means that no one person is advantaged and that everyone gets to have a great, safe time that they've paid for.

Hyperthetically in a non stop rainy day, if each target had 2 marquees, the first shooters down could move to the next mound and set up the second marquee after their scoring duties. The last shooters could be responsible for closing the first marquee and bringing it back to the next mound.

I briefly mentioned the idea to JohnK who's answer I appreciate and I mean no disrespect to John by re-voicing the idea here. Just interested to know others opinions of the idea.

[Brad Y]

I think Linda uses a velcro attached clear sheet over her action in the event of rain. I think so long as its included in overall rifle weight then there should be no issue?

[johnk]

From the RO's point of view to see whether the bolt is in, out or closed etc.

I don't see that as a requirement. It's the scorer responsible in the first instance to ensure what the SSRs define as safe operation of a firearm on the range & the bolt is inserted & removed under their (or their predecessor's) oversight in every circumstance. I suspect that it would be an advantage to the shooter, being to cast light on his rifle (& ammo). The section of cloth backed expanded vinyl I've used in rain since I started shooting match rifle in 2001 is weather resistant, but dark as underneath.

Would a water proof sheet be considered a rifle accessory and come in under the rifle weight if I were to attach a plastic sheet to the sunshade with a piece of stick on velcro (like an anti mirage shield is held on).

Pedantically, yes, but if it's that bloody wet, those ROs will all be under cover. Seriously, a loosely adhered sheet would be unlikely to recoil with the rifle which would mitigate against that interpretation, and historically, shooters applying covers to TR rifles have not been required to reweigh them once it rained.

I briefly mentioned the idea to JohnK who's answer I appreciate and I mean no disrespect to John by re-voicing the idea here. Just interested to know others opinions of the idea.

My thought is that it would be a bugger for association staff to remove & reinstal them to a suitable level of safety (particularly if it was pussing down, as our Kiwi friends say) and even less likely that competitors would or could do the job in those conditions. Also, at $200 best price a device for a robust one & a usage of 2 per the 30 targets we would expect to air in an average year, $12000 a big outlay for a relatively low risk eventuality.

[pjifl]

pjifl wrote:
...SO - WHAT DRIVES THE TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENT ?


Alan wrote
From the RO's point of view to see whether the bolt is in, out or closed etc.


I am talking about a small flap hanging down just past where a traditional bent down bolt handle would be.
Anyone can ask to see it raised slightly if required.
With this setup I still do not see any valid reason for transparency.

Peter Smith.

[pjifl]

Just a caution to anyone hanging wet towels from the scope barrel - especially on a longer shade tube.

The scope will bend downward changing the zero.

Hanging weights on it will bend it more.

Try a small force on the scope tube and watch.

Even very strong winds can bend a scope noticeably, especially if it has a long shade tube.

Peter Smith.

[AlanF]

From the RO's point of view to see whether the bolt is in, out or closed etc.

I don't see that as a requirement. It's the scorer responsible in the first instance to ensure what the SSRs define as safe operation of a firearm on the range & the bolt is inserted & removed under their (or their predecessor's) oversight in every circumstance...

John,
Yes, agreed its the scorer, but I think you'll agree that its important for safety. In wet weather the likelihood of cease fire calls is increased.

Just a caution to anyone hanging wet towels from the scope barrel - especially on a longer shade tube.
The scope will bend downward changing the zero.

Peter,
I've toyed with the idea of having a wire loop above the scope, shaped to prevent contact between plastic sheet and scope. It could be supported via a suitable scope rail attachment.

Alan

[bartman007]

In this day and age of OHSE all range officers should have the shooters safety first and foremost in their mind and have the rules in place to back up their decision.

It is about safety, as well as the shooter's ability to adapt to the conditions presented.

Personally I took 3 hand towels to the mound:
1. to cover the scope and breach
2. to cover the ammo box
3. to dry my fingers when handling the rounds

I didn't experience any elevation issues or pressure problems whilst shooting the 1000 yards. All items stayed very dry.

The CRO made a decision on the Friday morning to delay shooting due to safety concerns related to shooting in the wet, as a previous event suffered from popped primers and the like. I put these issues down to shooters not being appropriately prepared for possible conditions. Keeping an eye on the forecast, would lead you to visiting the local shops to buy appropriate items to deal with the conditions. Talking to your fellow shooters will provide sound advice to overcome the issues.

Tim came up with a solution, unfortunately it was considered not appropriate. However if you talk to a number of shooters, you can develop a system that suits you. Alan has a continuous towel, I simply use 3 towels, others will have different solutions too.

Both Alan and I shoot in Gippsland, which is notorious for being wet. We have contingencies for dealing with those local conditions. And our club shooters don't suffer popped primers and the like due to wet conditions.

It is good that the QRA thought about the wet conditons over night, and elected to shoot 1000 yards on the Saturday. It proved that it was OK. If the POM's stopped shooting Bisley every time it rained, I'd suggest they'd never get to finish

[johnk]

It is good that the QRA thought about the wet conditons over night, and elected to shoot 1000 yards on the Saturday.

Bled would be more appropriate.

I know most of you appreciate that a Queens is a sad anticlimax if it dribbles away on the final day, losing that last high (for most of us) of watching the top shooters battle it out. That's why the final decision to go for it was made the instant before you were called to the mound and that call included a determination that while the weather remained in the, to our minds, acceptable range before the start, we would shoot a single block - or, if conditions worsened appreciably, we would be forced to call the range & the day off. One chance - and you nailed it.

I know it gave you no joy to subject your gear & yourselves to the conditions, but we really appreciate the good grace & humour you demonstrated throughout.

Thanks, John

[Tim N]

One more thing I found useful when shooting in the wet was placing the rear bag in a plastic bag and covering the bag/top part of my farley with another plastic bag

[DenisA]

Everyone's interpretations will be different.

I feel a logical interpretation that stays within the "intent" of the rule but allows for the safety factor required is anything that maintains a dry chamber and ammo and is see through should be allowed providing it doesn't provide a "personal" tent - ie shelter you personally from the weather. A size limit of 1m * 1m like the international rule would stop anything too crazy being brought to the mound.

Dragging up an old thread here....

I made a rain cover today. Its really basic. Its .3mm clear table cloth vinyl with alloy strips either side. 1m x 1m. Rolls up nicely.

It feels O.K to lay down with but could do with some support on top of the front rest to keep it off the scope..

My question is, being 1m x 1m, if I bring the front of the sheet just forward of the scopes sun shade, I can comfortably get my head inside. Do you guys think that would be considered sheltering myself from the weather?

[RDavies]

My question is, being 1m x 1m, if I bring the front of the sheet just forward of the scopes sun shade, I can comfortably get my head inside. Do you guys think that would be considered sheltering myself

Only if you are winning

[DenisA]

Only if you are winning

Well that doesn't happen very often so I should be right.

Cheers Rod.

[BATattack]

In this day and age of OHSE all range officers should have the shooters safety first and foremost in their mind and have the rules in place to back up their decision.

Hang on, shouldn't the shooter have a contingency plan for such circumstance too, particularly when serious rain was forecast?

yes obviously shooters should have a contingency plan for wet weather. but the rules should not be so restrictive as to prevent the use of an item which may increase the safety of the shooter and those around them.

case in point would be tim's rain shield. to me it ticks a lot of boxes. . . it only covers the action and ammo and does not provide any shelter to the shooter, its clear to allow the scorer or any official to view the breach if a cease fire is called, its small enough to fall within the width of the shooting mat and not encroach on any other shooters, the lower straps would prevent it being blown down range or into the path of other shooters YET it would be preferred if tim laid the plastic across the top of the scope or used a towel which would preclude visibility??

tim what was the exact reason for your rain shield not being allowed? it seems like a really good practical and safe solution when shooting in the rain is required.

Here's a Pic of the wet weather shield I made for the QLD queens.
It did create a bit of interest.
I was advised to check legality before using as it may have resulted in disqualification.
So I approached the RO with a don't know go see the Head range officer, he wasn't sure so sent me to Bob P, his quick reply was NO but was OK with me removing the straps and letting it lay over my rifle.
Apparently international rules allow for 1m x 1m clear plastic which I wouldn't mind being allowed for at home.

[williada]

Adam it is a good idea. It is 1930's thinking to disallow it. The gear these days is worth a lot of money so why not protect it. Using such a device IMO is no real advantage. Certainly would make seeing the flags harder with rain droplets and maybe drop the feel of the wind off your face. Might need further lobbying for change. David.

[AlanF]

To continue this discussion, a new thread has been started in the Rules forum here : http://ozfclass.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7079