10 meter Air match #3

Although the score would suggest disaster, the match tonight was a big win for me.  Tonight was an experiment and I feel I got some good feedback.

First, I decided to reduce my barrel weight by half.  Effectively reducing the front weight to 6 oz.  I did some research and I may have had my strategy wrong.  I had always thought weight out front was used to aid in "slowing down" barrel movement.  I may have missed the importance of gun balance.  My balance point on my rifle was well ahead of my front hand.  Now it has been moved back.  I might even add some weight on the back to further experiment.

I also realized I may benefit by sight risers as my head is not vertical.  But, I don't own them so that will be another day.

So, why did I not see better results?  Because I forgot to bring decent pellets.  All I had were the nasty Daisy pellets.  I am going to ignore the score.  I tested them afterward off the bench.  Of 8 shots, they held a seven but, that is if you are breaking perfectly on the center which I was off the bench.  An offhand 8 can turn into a 6 easily and that is why I am going to forget about the absolute numbers.  It is practice and I leaving it at that.  Bring the right pellets next time.

Here is a good discussion about rifle balance and I think there are some good takeaways to be found in this thread.

DATA

2012-13 Season score log

#1 501 (81 81 84 85 82 88)
#2 515 (87 88 89 83 85 83) 11x 7 or lower, 15 10x.  previous practice 1x
#3 485 (82 82 80 77 86 78) 19x 7 or lower,  7 10x. Daisy pellets, reduced barrel weight.

2011-12 Season score log

Match #1  515 (87 83 87 88 90 80)
Match #2  510  (85 89 85 86 82 83)
Match #3  532  (94 87 83 91 89 88)  (season high, 94/100 tied best ever 10 shots)
Match #4  530  (87 90 90 93 89 81)
Match #5  524  (86 84 88 91 85 90)  
Match #6  517  (88 85 88 87 90 79)
Match #7  524  (82 91 88 91 84 88)  

Personal Top three 600 scores.  Goal, 540.

539  (93 90 90 85 87 94).  11x 7 or lower, 22 10x.  11/??/08
532  (94 87 83 91 89 88)   3/??/12
530  (87 90 90 93 89 81)   3/??/12

Home or last post.