Sept 4th, 2017 Known Distance Event
This KD event was held at Arnold Air Force Base and sponsored by the base's Highland Rim Shooter's Club. The weather started out comfortable during our class time and while we shot our sighters but turned rather hot during the full distance AQTs. The heat and full direct sun, along with wind that blew anywhere from nil to 20 mph during a single course of fire, gave the students a lot to think about on each press of the trigger. All students had great sighter targets and looked like they had digested the KD instruction well and knew their trajectories/come-ups.
After lunch, we began our AQT COF, but were disappointed with the results. All students seemed to have their groups at the bottom of the target and only one student had enough good shots to qualify and earn the KD rocker. There was much thought given to why everyone's shots seemed to drop in elevation as the day went on. We wrongly assumed that heating of the rifle and cartridges would increase chamber pressure and thus give and higher POI. Some research afterwards did show that higher pressures can give lower POI at distance.
Next KD during the heat of the summer, we'll bring an infrared thermometer and advise the students to bring a light colored towel to cover the rifles with. Looking back, the one student who did qualify had his rifle exposed to direct sun the least.
On to the pictures.