We hope that you’ve had a pleasant and productive week – I know we sure as shit have. So we are all looking forward to the weekend. It’s Friday and time for our weekly shoot-the-shit. Last week, I expressed a liking for the Dragunov ranging reticle stating that it was surprisingly accurate and fast. So we thought readers may enjoy learning how to range with the Dragunov reticle. All shoot-the-shit rules apply
The Dragunov reticle is very simple to interpret. The horizontal stadia is for lead and wind and the vertical chevrons are hold points calibrated for the 7.62 x 54r.
The ranging components consist of markings ranging from 200 meters to 1000 meters. The 1.7 indicates the ranging scale calibration, which in this case is 1.7 meters or 67 inches. There’s nothing magical about about the 1.7 meter reference; I’ve use Dragunov reticles with a 1.8 meter reference. So don’t sweat it.
All optical ranging is error prone and in practice you’re obtaining a range estimate that will vary with shooting angle to the target and your ability. The “goal” is to be within 20 yards of actual target range. The first question that pops up from folks that have never shot a Dragunov reticle is “what to I do if my target is 75 inches tall?” My answer is don’t worry.
So, let’s start ranging.
To use a Dragunov ranging reticle you bracket the target such that your target exactly fits between the top and bottom stadia. So, our first target, viewing from right to left is at approximately 200 meters. However, not all targets will be fully exposed; you may only have a full torso. So, what then? Let’s see if we can figure it out. Take a look at the next target, this is a full torso presentation that brackets exactly at the 400 meter mark, but 400 meters is not your targets true range. A full torso is approximately 1/2 of the full target so divide 400 by 2 and his range is approximately 200 meters.
Continuing to move left. We encounter a target that presents just a head and shoulders, which is approximately 1/5 of a full size target, so what’s your targets range? Simply divide 700 by 5 or 140 meters.
Our last target is a full presentation and is perfectly bracketed at the 1000 meter mark. His range is 1000 meters.
As you can see, it’s a very simple ranging mechanism that is not as precise as a mildot but makes up for it with speed and simplicity.
We love hearing from you so be sure to let us know what you think.
Have a great weekend be safe but have some fun. Get out to the range with your buds and / or family!
FOG HORN 