How is "range distance" actually measured? - The Firearms Forum

marful · 07-23-2012, 11:05 AM

This is for the rifle shooters. I'm curious from what "point" a distance is actually measured. Let's just stay with a simple 100 yard target, and assume it's NON 3D, simple flat paper target. Where is that 100 yards measured from? The tip of the barrel? The tip of the bullet? The bottom of the cartridge?

jack404 · 07-23-2012, 11:17 AM

it's a rough estimate yes

some places have the edge of the shooting rest or top of the berm exactly 100, but the barrels often extend past there so , yes its not to the inch or anything , unless you get ridiculous

big competition have a dont pass line , the shooters position themselves and gear so they dont go over that , so thats a bit more than 100 , but you dont get pinged by the umpire

carver · 07-23-2012, 01:08 PM

I've steeped it off, measured it with a tape measure, and used a range finder.

Old Grump · 07-23-2012, 02:15 PM

Measured with a tape from the edge of my shooting bench to the target frame. The couple of inches over the edge of the bench don't make a bit of difference. My standing position has a Square beam set into the ground and if I stand on it then the barrel extends the same amount as it does when I am sitting at the bench.

Zane71464 · 07-23-2012, 04:15 PM

Welcome to the Forums marful and that is a good question.
I myself measure 100 yrds. from the front edge of my shooting bench, when shooting from a bench. If standing or useing something other than a shooting bench, I measure from the rifle bore as close as possible.
If shooting long range (4,5-600 yards) I use a laser range finder and within a couple of yards, I dont bother much with spot on. But I'm always within 1-2 yards (3-6 feet) on lasered long range shots.

07-23-2012, 11:05 AM	#1
marful Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 3	How is "range distance" actually measured? This is for the rifle shooters. I'm curious from what "point" a distance is actually measured. Let's just stay with a simple 100 yard target, and assume it's NON 3D, simple flat paper target. Where is that 100 yards measured from? The tip of the barrel? The tip of the bullet? The bottom of the cartridge? -->

07-23-2012, 11:17 AM	#2
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: How is "range distance" actually measured? it's a rough estimate yes some places have the edge of the shooting rest or top of the berm exactly 100, but the barrels often extend past there so , yes its not to the inch or anything , unless you get ridiculous big competition have a dont pass line , the shooters position themselves and gear so they dont go over that , so thats a bit more than 100 , but you dont get pinged by the umpire Last edited by jack404; 07-23-2012 at 11:19 AM..

07-23-2012, 01:08 PM	#3
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,295	Re: How is "range distance" actually measured? I've steeped it off, measured it with a tape measure, and used a range finder. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

07-23-2012, 02:15 PM	#4
Old Grump Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Little hut in the woods near Blue River Wisconsin Posts: 2,293	Re: How is "range distance" actually measured? Measured with a tape from the edge of my shooting bench to the target frame. The couple of inches over the edge of the bench don't make a bit of difference. My standing position has a Square beam set into the ground and if I stand on it then the barrel extends the same amount as it does when I am sitting at the bench. __________________ "When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil."~~- Thomas Jefferson Roman Catholic, Life Member of American Legion, VFW, Wisconsin Libertarian party, Wi-FORCE, WGO, NRA, JPFO, GOA, SAFand CCRKBA

07-23-2012, 04:15 PM	#5
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,372	Re: How is "range distance" actually measured? Welcome to the Forums marful and that is a good question. I myself measure 100 yrds. from the front edge of my shooting bench, when shooting from a bench. If standing or useing something other than a shooting bench, I measure from the rifle bore as close as possible. If shooting long range (4,5-600 yards) I use a laser range finder and within a couple of yards, I dont bother much with spot on. But I'm always within 1-2 yards (3-6 feet) on lasered long range shots. __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!