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Morning team. Im after some 30" pattern plate targets, I understand I could get them printed by a specialist, but wondered if anyone knew where I could buy a few of the "self healing" old plastic type? I don't have the space for a painted steel type. Thanks a lot in advance.

Hypothesis The Fiocchi ‘Pigeon 32’ cartridges that I have been using appear to cause excessive wounding. Earlier investigatory testing on the pattern plate (at various ranges with various chokes) showed these cartridges behaved erratically; the pellets tended to stick together with a lot less pellets than expected hitting the target. Better shooting performance could be achieved by trying two readily available brands and undertaking pattern testing in the method described by John Harradine for the BASC, June 2013. To provide some context, here are some example results from earlier testing using a factory extended 1/2 choke (20 thou) at 40 yards: Fiocchi Pigeon 32g – 98 Eley Pigeon HV 32g - 168 Gamebore Clear Pigeon 32g - 171 Desired average – 140 Note: Based on this earlier testing, I invested in a 3/8 choke (15 thou). Method Shoot the pattern plate then draw a 30 inch circle over the centre of the pattern. The goal is to achieve the minimum average pellet count in a 30 inch circle, at the desired range, with at least 10 pattern tests per cartridge. For more detail on the method see: https://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/340965-basc-pattern-test-we-need/ (I can’t find a copy of the original document) My specification is: Range = 40 yards Minimum average pellet count in 30 inch circle = 140 (for pigeon) Do no exceed 140 by too much as shooting is expected to be at 25 to 40 yards and the pigeon must be edible. In addition to the method described in the link, I have created two extra sets of data in an attempt to provide indicative results on how erratic a given cartridge can be. This is because its difficult if not impossible to consistently judge the evenness of a pattern with the human eye, but it is possible to collect data on the perceived errors in a pattern. Multiple Hits (MH) – This is the number of times pellets appear to have hit the same place at the same time; 2 hits in the same place gives a hole that looks like a figure of eight. Number of Pellets Together (NPT) – the total number of pellets that appear to have hit the same place at the same time; the sum of the pellets counted in multiple hits. For example: A pair of pellets hitting one place and a pair hitting another would be MH=2 NPT=4. Note: I have no way of knowing if 2 pellets did hit the target at the same time. Its possible one pellet was at the front of the shot cloud and one at the back. I do think its more likely that the pellets become stuck together in the barrel. Multiple Hits can be identified by multiple uniform curves around a hole in the target, this can be can be as high as 5. Its possibly why sometimes your quarry appears to have been ‘hit hard’ - it got it by 5 pellets in almost the exactly same place at the same time. Apparatus Gun: Browing Maxus, 26 inch barrel, Briley Helix Hunter ‘Mid-Range’ Choke (15 Thou) Medium: Lining paper from B&M Bargains Target: Mk2 Portable Pattern Plate (patent pending) Specifications of Cartridges under test Fiocchi: ‘Pigeon 32’ - 32 gram - No. 6 - Fibre Wad Eley: ‘Pigeon HV’ - 32 gram - No. 6 - Fibre Wad Gamebore: ‘Clear Pigeon’ - 32 gram - No. 6 - Fibre Wad Results Testing of the Fiocchi cartridges was not continued due to obvious poor performance; its not worth the time or effort. Conclusion The Fiocchi cartridges under test were of exceptionally poor quality. The pellet count and spread of the pattern was poor. This accounts for the excessive wounding. I have cut open some cartridges and found all the pellets are all separated so large amounts of pellets must stick together in the barrel. Perhaps the lead is too soft and/or the diameter of the wad does not provide sufficient obturation. Both the Eley and Gamebore cartridges gave much better results than the Fiocchi. With a 15 thou choke, the Eley cartridges achieved the desired average pellet count without exceeding it too much. With a 15 thou choke, the Gamebore cartridges did not achieve the desired average pellet count; 17% less pellets in a 30 inch circle when compared with the Eley. The standard deviation for pellet count was significantly lower for the Eley cartridges; 14.43 compared with 18.21 for Gamebore. Therefore the Eley cartridges are more consistent when compared to the Gamebore cartridges. The Gamebore cartridges had on average 27% more Multiple Hits and a 37.55% higher Number of Pellets Together. This is more evidence of inconsistency from the Gamebore cartridges when compared to the Eley cartridges. The Gamebore cartridges would benefit from a 20 thou choke to increase the average pellet count, although it is highly unlikely that this would improve consistency. Just because the Gamebore cartridge is marketed well with a nicely printed box and celebrity endorsement… it doesn't mean its any better than the competition. Notes on the Efficacy of the Method I’m satisfied that 10 tests per cartridge gave meaningful average and standard deviation values for pellet count, MH and NPT. If I stopped at 5 tests per cartridge, the results for average pellet count would have still been accurate enough to reach a worthwhile conclusion, although the Standard Deviation for pellet count would have been a lot less accurate. Scores for the first 5 tests only would have been as follows: In future, I am unsure as to weather I would spend the time & effort on 10+ tests for each cartridge if there is an obvious trend emerging after 5 tests. FAQ Q: Why did you bother with all this!? A: I was interested in the real world effects of different chokes & cartridge combinations and whether or not these match up to the gut feelings & rules of thumb people like to iterate. Q: What have you learnt so far? A: So far I've found that even if you stick to the same loads at a similar price, the choice of cartridge is very important, more important than choice of choke. I’ve never heard anyone say that before. I thinks its generally assumed that ‘similar’ cartridges behave in a similar way, but they certainly don’t. Q: Would you do it again? A: Yes, I plan to do this two more times; once for game and once for clays. Q: Why did you choose a Briley Helix Hunter ‘Mid-Range’ Choke? A: Its a 3/8 choke (15 thou) which was my best guess to achieve the desired average pellet count, based on earlier testing. Its advertised as being optimum for 25 to 40 yards using lead shot. Its aftermarket & extended which should give more consistent results with a wide variety of loads when compared to factory Invector chokes (based on information from American writers such as Randy Wakeman). Most importantly, I think it looks good on the end of a semi-auto. Q: Any tips for conducting pattern tests? A: It’s actually difficult to hit a stationary target at 40 yards in a consistent manor with a shotgun. I think this is because you are not moving you body, your muscles are not offering much resistance to recoil forces that are far higher than most rifles. This can lead to excessive barrel flip and throw the centre of the pattern so far off that the result is unusable. I used a semi-auto, I imagine this effect can be far worse with a double barrel. To achieve a consistent result, I mark my point of aim 2 thirds from the top to the target rather than half way down. I’ve found its best to mount the gun slightly over the top of the target, pulling tightly into the shoulder with both hands, slowly lower the gun on to the point of aim while breathing out, stop when out of breath & at the point of aim then finally pull the trigger. Do not hold on the point of aim as there is a tendency to drift side to side. My Portable Pattern Plate is 40 x 40 inches, I recommend 50 x 50 inches to alleviate this problem.

Just over a year ago the company I was delivering for went into liquidation. I needed to get some gainful employment. For the first time in over twenty years I was on the job market. It was Vince from this very forum that suggested I try applying to Bisley to be a Butt Marker. By then, it was the end of the season, and I had to wait until just before the next season, to attend a 'course' on target marking. I couldn't start work in the Butts until I had done the training. After a cancelled course (bad weather?!!) I did complete the course and have been marking now for only six months. It seems a lot longer though, in a good way! I love my job, but that love doesn't extend to everybody I work with. Some of the younger markers are hugely trying. From constantly staring at their phones, to not even knowing how to operate a simple two way radio, I wonder how they get home at night... Any questions?

Hi everyone. I took my dad shooting yesterday. it was his first shoot in around 30 years. he was a keen shooter up until the late 80s. I took over his gun last summer and have got into the sport my self in a big way. I have a semi auto browning and his old Franchi 400. All is well and good with the guns for my use. The problem is he has now started taking an interest in shooting again. But has sever arthritis in his wrists and hand and the recoil is making it near unboreable for him to shoot. I want to get him a gun that he might be able to work with something he can use and shoot without being in pain and giving up on the idea of going out again. Many thanks

Well ive just come back from a group called WELLIES for sport. they asked us to go down and host a target range for there users with disability's. So off we went and set up a range in a old brick warehouse a farmer offered us to use when we need it. Pitch black donated us 4 new pitch black units and nite site gave us a few ns50 for the event as well as our sponsor andrew huggett of huggett mods. what a day it was there was smiles everywhere and alot of very good shots. it was a pleasure to teach them to shoot on the range and they have now asked us if we can do a 10 week project with them. Just a few pics of the day. This is what the raffle we are hosting is for so that we can do alot more days like these. With out the support we recive from outside sauce's and members of the public this would not be possible

Pigeon Watch Airgunners Postal Competition - February. ( Trial run - will address any issues as and when they arise, PM me any questions. ) I hope this can be used as a constructive excercise where by more experienced enterants can comment and advise those who perhaps didnt get the result they would have liked. General Rules: 1 - This is a fun informal competition, So have fun. 2 - Anyone cheating is only cheating themselfs. 3 - Entrys made after the closing date or not on the assigned targets will not be counted. 4 - Entrys must be made in response to this post - either as a linked or embedded image OR video. 5 - Three classes 10 yards, 40 yards, and Extreme. 6 - Rules for specific classes will be stated in the "info" for that class. Entrys from all classes will be accepted from 1st Feb - 25th Feb. 10 Yard Class. Target: http://www.targetz.c...tzlib/20005.pdf Info: Shoot, aiming for the clear white center holes on each of the billiard balls. 15 shots - One shot per billiard ball. Limited time frame of seven and a half minutes. Winning entry will be judged on the number of shots in the center circles, and thier centrality. One entry per person per class. Please make your entry in reply to this post, and include any suggestions for future competitions, and for the sake of other members let people know what Airgun and ammunition you used. Free standing position. 40 Yard Class. Target: http://www.targetz.c...tzlib/10001.pdf Info: Shoot, aiming for the center red circle, for a group of 10 shots. All picture entrys for this class must contain a ruler horizontally accross the grouping. Winning entry will be judged on the tightest group within the center red circle. One entry per person per class. Please make your entry in reply to this post, and include any suggestions for future competitions, and for the sake of other members let people know what Airgun and ammunition you used. Bipods and All other positions/rests allowed. Extreme! This months EXTREME class will be a long range challenge. Five empty 12g shotgun cartridges must be placed at 60 yards. Unlimited time frame and unlimited shots, however all entrys MUST be via video. Recording must start at the first shot and end when the last cartridge is toppled. Entrys will be judged on how many shots it takes. No sighting in shots allowed, no shots aloud off camera except for any zeroing shots at your normal zero range. You really need to know your kit. No limitations on bipods or positions. Any issues or problems, do not reply to here just PM me, and i will make any amendments or changes.

I've had my SGC for just over 6 months, but I've decided I'd also like to do some target shooting (probably with a .22 LR and some kind of historic rifle). Obviously, no FAC yet, so I'll be a probationary member for about 6 months before I can apply. Is anyone else here a member of a target club - any general advice (no no's, faux pas to avoid etc.) for a new member? I've read their club rules a few times, so I think I'm up to speed there.