The 1500

[Dougan]

I'm going to give GRSB a try at the Spring Action Weekend (as I always shoot GRCF at the Phoenix), and have been looking at the courses of fire - I was thinking about trying the 1500...the course of fire looks quite complicated, and I've never tried shooting left handed; so some questions if I may...

Some parts require 3 reloads - Does this mean you need a minimum of 4 magazines to shoot the comp?

When you shoot left-handed, do you hold the rifle in the same way as normal, just mirrored? Do you use your left eye? And, is it possible to get a few cases in the face?

There doesn't appear to be any sighters - I'll only get the chance to zero at 25m, so does anyone know what difference in POI there'll be at 10, 15 and 50?


General advice for this event would also be greatly appreciated sign92

[The Cupcake Kid]

The 1500 is one of those courses of fire that take a few goes before you can hope to get it all right. You need to get the timings sorted in your brain first, so some dry fire practice at home with a timer is advised.

Likewise, you can practice the different positions and holds at home using a door frame as a barricade. It's important to get your body in a comfortable position for each string so you don't get cramp, have difficulty breathing or cripple yourself! Left handed techniques vary quite a bit. You might find it easier to shoot left-eyed, but it all depends on your stock, your sight and your eyes.

It's also worth noting that your POI is quite likely to shift between standing, kneeling, left hand, right hand etc. it might not be by much but it can be confusing when you get down to the target and see 4 groups in different places on the target. So when you practice live, shoot a string in each position and note the relative POIs so you can hold off if necessary when it comes to shooting a match.

You will need enough magazines for each stage + 1 spare in case of problems. There are no allowances for malfunctions...

As for sighters, no there won't be any and you really do need to sight in at all distances before the day and mark your sights with the different settings. The 10 ring is pretty small and there's quite a bit of variation between different types of ammo so there isn't really a reliable way to guess your elevations without shooting.

Hope all that helps. It's a challenging COF, so don't be put off if you have a few issues the first time you shoot it!

Good luck.

[Dangermouse]

Some find they shoot better from the week hand, probably because they are concentrating harder. The down side of that in the 1500 is that you can not afford to waste time. Do take a count down / timer that can go on your wrist but remember it can not have an audible bleep.
The .22 targets are very small by comparison. You will probably need a scope for 50 yards but it needs to be variable magnification as you will need to wind it down when you get close to the target. Red dots are ok but will be covering a large part of the 10 ring at 50 yards.
As you change between positions you need to take your magazine out and lock the bolt to the rear. This can be a bit of a mind melt with all that is going on. I would write the order of fire on my hand.
You need to practice kneeling and sitting. Kneeling in competition can have you sitting on your other leg. When sitting, you can use your knees, but you need to be angled correctly. You don't have time during the shoot to adjust your position, so practice before hand so that you can drop without thinking about it.
The zero for my 22 was as good as the same from 25 to 50 yards, anything less and I aimed a little higher depending on how close i was to the target.
Good luck and enjoy,

DM

[nfrancis]

Likewise, you can practice the different positions and holds at home using a door frame as a barricade.

Barricades only for pistols (LBPs and LBRs) don't forget.

[Dangermouse]

It is worth letting the RO know you have not shot it before, he will make sure you have fun whilst keeping safe,

DM

[Dougan]

Thanks DM and Cupcake :cheers:

Your advise makes me think that it's probably going to be even more challenging than I'd first thought...fortunately I've got access to my local range four nights a week, so will get a chance to try all the combinations of positions - also I got the 10/22 I'll be using over a year ago, It's a basic stock but has a nice trigger with separate catches for magazine release and for locking the action open...I'm used to always locking the action open; so just have to concentrate on the sequence...

...will have to see how it goes...

Edit: (just seen Neil's post (thank you)) - yes, it's all unsupported for GRSB.

[nfrancis]

You will definitely need to practice weak shoulder - even if its just dry. Is your stock ambidextrous? Not the end of the world if not but you'd need to work out the best way to shoot it. Many 1500 shooters are using symmetrical stocks these days. With optical sights you would use the left eye from the left shoulder. You will only get cases from other peoples rifles hitting you - not from your own

You will need at least 4 mags - people will lend you mags if you need them. You'll also need some mag pouches. Its possible to use from a pocket but pouches are much better. You don't need expensive leather ones - you can make them out of whatever. Someone I know uses an old cardboard bullet box just cut and taped together which holds three 10 rounders

Time wise - its actually not bad for GRSB. Quick mag changes means you have loads of time for shooting.

Difference between 25 and 50 in point of impact is minimal in my experience. I'd hold high (or whatever) at 50 rather than mess with sights. Difference in point of impact between 10 and 25 is greater. You definitely have to hold high at 10 assuming you have zeroed for 25/50 generally.

[Dougan]

It is worth letting the RO know you have not shot it before, he will make sure you have fun whilst keeping safe,

DM

Yes will do - I'm sure I'll be safe no matter how flustered I may get...but it would help explain any bemused looks I may have...

[nfrancis]

Yes will do - I'm sure I'll be safe no matter how flustered I may get...but it would help explain any bemused looks I may have...

Pete and Lynn-Marie Cooper are running the 1500 range again at the Spring. Pete is Gallery Rifle GB team captain for 2014 and thats the 1500 discipline they shoot.

He'll help you out.

[Dougan]

You will definitely need to practice weak shoulder - even if its just dry. Is your stock ambidextrous? Not the end of the world if not but you'd need to work out the best way to shoot it. Many 1500 shooters are using symmetrical stocks these days. With optical sights you would use the left eye from the left shoulder. You will only get cases from other peoples rifles hitting you - not from your own

You will need at least 4 mags - people will lend you mags if you need them. You'll also need some mag pouches. Its possible to use from a pocket but pouches are much better. You don't need expensive leather ones - you can make them out of whatever. Someone I know uses an old cardboard bullet box just cut and taped together which holds three 10 rounders

Time wise - its actually not bad for GRSB. Quick mag changes means you have loads of time for shooting.

Difference between 25 and 50 in point of impact is minimal in my experience. I'd hold high (or whatever) at 50 rather than mess with sights. Difference in point of impact between 10 and 25 is greater. You definitely have to hold high at 10 assuming you have zeroed for 25/50 generally.

I've got a full length basic stock on my Ruger which is ambidextrous...which is lucky, as I hadn't thought about it...definately going to have to get a few practices in over the next few weeks; and will try left eyed with a scope.

I was thinking of using an old bum-bag for the spare magazines, and sticking the empties in my pocket...?

If it's quiet at the range I might be able to check my point of aim at 10 and 15m but will have to start by aiming high at 50, and hopefully be able to see the shot fall through the scope and adjust accordingly...

Cheers Neil :cheers: