4. Establishing the Trajectory
4.1. Choosing Zero Distance
“Zero”, in Field Target, is a bit of a misnomer. Unlike hunters, who utilise a fixed zero and use holdover/under for height corrections in order to save time, the majority of Field Target shooters will dial-in the correct elevation setting for every shot. The raised target- turrets that FT scopes possess also have a resettable calibration dial, usually marked in
1 minute-of-angle (MOA) large graduations, and smaller 1⁄4 MOA markings.
This calibration dial will begin at zero. A zero, in Field Target, really amounts to this:
The range, and position on the elevation turret from which all the other settings will be referenced. It’s as simple as that. The choice is down to personal preference, although collective wisdom suggests zeroing at the zenith (top) of the trajectory, because all the elevation adjustments are upwards from zero, making things simpler.
Of course, this goes out of the window when you put a piece of tape around the turret and mark the distances in yards directly on to the turret, without reference to MOA or numbers of clicks. In this case it can be said that your scope is zeroed for every range.
It is for this very reason that a “zero” in field target shooting is a bit of a misnomer.
4.2. Systems for Marking P/A Assembly and Elevation
Before you proceed to set up all the elevation settings on the range, it is important to decide on which system of marking the sidewheel/objective and elevation you are going to use. There are basically 3 ways to do it, with infinite variations thereof.
(I) Mark both the P/A and elevation turret in actual distance (Yardage)
Just read distance from P/A, and then dial to that range. However, turret can become very cluttered as sub-zero ranges cross over and fight for space with major ranges. When this method is used there is no “Zero” as such.
Just read distance from P/A, then dial elevation to that range.
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