Better Viewing at 600 Yards with ‘Negative’ Targets
At long range, small bullet holes are much easier to see in the white than in the black. When you’re practicing at long range on high power targets, one way to enhance your ability to see your bullet holes is to print a “negative” version of the regulation bullseye target.
How do you create a “negative” of a target image? Many image programs, including the FREE Irfanview software, have a “Negative” function in the pull-down menu. If you don’t see a “Negative” menu option in your program, look for a “substitute colors” option. Many printers also have a “reverse colors” function. If you can’t find a solution with your computer or printer, just take a normal bullseye target to a copy shop, and the staff can easily print you a set of targets with white centers in black fields.
Forum member Watercam uses a Pentax PF-80ED spotting scope. With his 80mm Pentax he can see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 600 yards (in very good conditions), but holes in the black are only visible out to 400 yards or so. Accordingly, Watercam uses a modified “reversed” black-to-white target for 600-yard practice.
Watercam told us: “The view through the Pentax is very sharp and contrasty with great color. Eye relief with the Pentax 10-60 power zoom is 18-22mm (much more than the Kowa zoom), so I can use glasses with no problem. With my 6mm and limited mirage I’m seeing defined, 6mm holes in the white out to 600. In the black, I can see bullets holes at about 400 with my eyes. I am printing reverse-color targets for training without a pit partner at the 600-yard line.”
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Brits Use New White-Field Target for F-Class
In the UK, ranges are now using a “reverse-style” target with a mostly white area. Laurie Holland says this allows shooters to see shots much more easily. Laurie reports: “Here’s a photo of the 500/600 yard F-Class match target we use in PSSA comps at Diggle Ranges with club members Chris Hull (L) and Terry Mann (R). We now use this target form at all ranges up to 1K for F-Class, and, yes you can often see your hits at 600 on the target before the markers pull it. Regards from England — Laurie”.
Day-Glo Stick-on Targets
If you’re not concerned with official scoring rings, you can use an all-white target with a bright, fluorescent target dot in the middle. A 2″- or 3″-diameter stick-on target dot is highly visible at 600 yards. With a high-quality scope, you can use the small black diamonds in the center for precise aiming. The Birchwood Casey Target Spots® assortment (item #33928-TSA) offers neon orange target dots in 1″, 2″, and 3″ diameters. This “value pack” includes 72-1″, 36-2″, and 24-3″ self-adhesive circles.
Similar Posts:
- Flip Your Target Colors for Better Long-Range Viewing
- "Negative Image" Targets for Better Long-Range Viewing
- The Eyes Have It — Reduced 300-Yard F-Class Targets
- Reduced-Size F-Class Targets for 300-yard Practice
- White/Black Shoot-N-C Targets for Long Range Practice
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Tags: Birchwood Casey, F-Class, Negatives, Pentax, Spotting Scope, Target
For practice backers for the Day-GLo pasters at long distance, use flip chart paper that is marked with graph lines at 1″ intervals. Available either regular or self-stick, one sheet can hold 4-8 pasters and the white paper allows for easy spotting of the holes. Check Staples, Office Depot for the flip chart pads.
EDITOR: Good tip Tom! Your suggestion could be a Bulletin item by itself. Great idea!
The graphing paper trick is a great one to use. Another good use for these stickers I have found for the 1″ rounds is to keep scope dope numbers on the scope itself for quick reference. Can use several for when I change loads to have one for each.
Black reticles on black targets always seemed stupid to me. When F-Class shooters tried to make our case in Canada, we were always given backseat consideration to the target requirements for iron sight shooters. A very valid point, but F-Class deserved equal consideration. Even a white contrasting centre is a huge improvement. Not only for aiming, but seeing shots.
What about the High Power SR targets that have an orange center instead of black. One of the target manufacturers make these. I have seen these for sale at a gun show
Is it just me or does the above reverse target look half size for an F-Class target? What does the “Free Class” in the low right corner mean?