Wet weather gear

[Tim N]

Hi All,
I have recently submitted a proposal to have the personal "tent" considered for inclusion in the rules for F class shooting.
Not sure how the whole process works but if they are allowed I'm sure there won't be too many nay sayers as the "tent" will be cheap to make and convenient to carry.
Should anyone be strongly opposed to their use, they will of course be able to shoot without one

[DenisA]

Dragging up an old thread here because of the amount of rain around here at the moment. Here's my latest solution to keeping my weather sheet from dropping in front of the scope. Cost me $3, weighs SFA, looks stupid but works well in the garage. I think it will be very practical.

[williada]

Doesn't look stupid Denis. Very practical.

[Tim N]

Hey Denis
It looks like a great idea
My only advice would be to check with the officials BEFORE shooting in a comp as you may be disqualified under protest.
No "personal" tents are allowed and yours looks half like a tent.
My preference would be that the marquees should be used in rain and heat, traditions are hard to change...
If the front hoop were attached to the rifle I guess that would be fine as it is part of the rifle, just have to check the weight.

[DenisA]

Hey Denis
It looks like a great idea
My only advice would be to check with the officials BEFORE shooting in a comp as you may be disqualified under protest.
No "personal" tents are allowed and yours looks half like a tent.
My preference would be that the marquees should be used in rain and heat, traditions are hard to change...
If the front hoop were attached to the rifle I guess that would be fine as it is part of the rifle, just have to check the weight.

G'day Tim. Good idea, if J.K doesn't see and comment on this, I'll ask him to a have a look.

I don't see it breaking the personal tent rule for a few reasons though. The shooters not shielded from the weather at all, the weather sheet is still independent, not fixed, fastened or framed and last of all, J.K has already approved the last one I came up with.

When I say the weather sheet is not framed, the hoop at the front is part of the rest. There are no rules on front rest shape or height. The sheet is just draped over it.
Because the shooters head is still out in the weather, IMO this one offers no competitive advantage to the shooter other than safety.

[PhilD]

A few rules were updated / modified in the latest Feb 19th SSRs.

Specifically:

3.2.1 A waterproof mat may be placed over the fore end and breech mechanism to prevent the entry of water.

3.2.12 Sun or Rain Shelter
Shelter from the Sun or Rain may be provided on the mound at the discretion of the Organising body. The shelter may not have sides or be organised in such a way that the shooter is protected from the effects of the wind. The use of shelter for protection from extreme conditions of heat and the sun is highly recommended.

It would be nice if we were more accepting of the shelters that seem to be used at weekend shoots, but, not OPMs. With the lovely UVs we have in this part of the world, it makes sense on so many levels.

Cheers,

Phil

[johnk]

It would be nice if we were more accepting of the shelters that seem to be used at weekend shoots, but, not OPMs. With the lovely UVs we have in this part of the world, it makes sense on so many levels.

I'm sure there's no lack of acceptance, just the dual issues of the promoting body being financially resourced to provide them & the shooters being willing to assist in their relocation.

[AlanF]

While you're there John, can you give an opinion about Denis's cover (in terms of compliance with the SSRs)?

[johnk]

I've referred it on. We may as well get a domestic & ICFRA opinion on it.

[Longranger]

I kind of like Dennis's "Chuck wagon" design.

[DenisA]

I kind of like Dennis's "Chuck wagon" design.

Club member DaveB is O.S at the moment. He's emailed me some pics of his weather shield and asked me to post them for J.K's opinion.

[Longranger]

I think it is a great idea from a safety perspective. Wet rounds and a wet chamber increase the loading on the lugs significantly. These things should be allowed for that reason alone.

[johnk]

As the Rules Director said last time somebody had a self-supporting device rejected, if shooters want that type of device approved for local rules, then they should press for its approval through their local associations. As it stands, it is specifically not approved.

For those considering international representation, it might be worth downloading your personal copy of the ICFRA rules, which are updated usually at each international championship, the latest F class one being 2014:

F1.2. Screening. A barrel mirage band is permitted and black or coloured adhesive tape may be applied to the top surface of the barrel. A flexible or rigid cover may be used to prevent dust or rain from getting into the action. More general cover may be provided by a piece of transparent material not exceeding 1 metre square over the scope and action which:-

F1.2.1. Does not interfere with the RO’s visibility over whether the bolt is open or not,

F1.2.2. Is attached to the rifle in such a way as to ensure that the material cannot be blown away by wind or muzzle blast, and

F1.2.3. Does not interfere with the shooter’s partner or his equipment.

F1.2.4. Personal shooting ‘tents’ are not permitted.

[Tim N]

The second one looks like a copyright infringement

[DaveB]

My shield is a modified version of the first one Denis built, I've only shot with it once, but not in the rain. Seems like it would work OK, but I'm not sure if it is legal,, open for discussion!