TargetTalk

Unless it has changed, I thought the Altius harness has nylon straps? Not sure what you would put the oil on? When a biathlon harness is properly adjusted it should feel very comfortable to wear. Ideally you want the straps to be a bit stiff and keep their shape to provide a nice wide opening in whi...

The importer for the Izzies has been giving folks excuse after excuse for the past few years. This isn't necessarily the fault of the importer. Izhmash is in bankruptcy, and until things get worked out with that then the supply will be limited to non-existent. At least that is what I have been told...

Here is a good place to start: http://minnesotabiathlon.com/2011/06/shooting-tests-protocols/ The key is to use some drills or tests that are repeatable and you can track the results. Paper is good for this. Don't spend the off- season practicing with no idea if you are actually getting better. Keep...

I understand the thing about prone shots having to hit the center of the target to make the score, but how does the target know whether you are shooting prone or offhand? Are these a simple mechanical device or are they computer controlled. At the World Cup level most venues have electronic targets...

Interesting, thanks for posting the follow-up.

I stand corrected (sort of). You are right, some athletes are starting with race with the rifle bolt open. But some have the bolt closed, so this is clearly not a rule. I can't figure out why one would start with the bolt open. It would save 1/2 bolt cycle when loading the first clip at the range, b...

At the start we are required to ski with magazine removed and the bolt open. This is how all the places here in the Northeast operate (Ethan Ellen, Ft Kent). After the first shooting stage are we then allowed to ski with the bolt closed. This must be a regional rule, and it must have been adopted s...

The disadvantage of the Izzy's is skiing with the bolt open at the start of the race. The toggle digs into your back a little, but you figure it out after a few times. Why would you be skiing with the bolt open? Rules allow for it to be closed while skiing. I'm assuming you are left handed? Otherwi...

Your budget usually dictates what rifle you end up getting. If it's around $1,000 then the savage rifles from eastern sierra armory are ok. For $1500-$2000 you might be able to find an Izhmash 7-4. And of course an Anschutz is as good as it gets, but expect to pay around $3000, or a bit less if you ...

You'll want to structure your shooting training somewhat like your aerobic training. For our juniors typically we start up again in late May or early June. We spend the first few months working exclusively on building accuracy. We shoot a lot on paper targets during this time, as it gives better fee...

You're looking for an Anschutz 1827 biathlon rifle. Altius Guns in Montana, Champions Choice in Tennessee or Nordic Marksman in Canada come to mind as places who typically have them in stock.

A few people in our club had the ESA Savage rifles this winter. They are well built and very functional. But let's not get carried away. They are nowhere near the level of an Anschutz or even the Izhmash. They don't claim to be. They shoot pretty well, but as the temperature drops so does their accu...

I've been coaxed into a coaching role due to the normal coach having to take a personal leave. I have a youth who is in his second year of shooting, did quite well last season but is really struggling this year. His position looks good, I'm almost certain his struggles have to do with his sights. I'...

This article will likely explain things: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/10/31/mikhail-kalashnikov-asks-putin-to-save-izhmash/ There have been ongoing supply issues from Izhmash for quite some time now. If you are looking for a biathlon rifle any time soon, it's probably best to look elsewhe...

Here is a biathlon specific target you might want to consider:

http://devinmfg.com/pt.html

A friend in our local club has one on his property. tried it once and it was pretty fun.

This is really good news.

Comparing a modified biathlon basic to an Anschutz Fortner is a bit of a stretch.

I've used on but don't own one. If you have younger children it might be a fun and safe way to get them interested, but if the intent is to use it to get better at shooting, I would think you would be better off with a conventional biathlon rifle and using it to dryfire indoors.

After all that modifying, it would seem like it would be easier to buy the Anschutz right away. When all is said and done, I'll bet the cost would be pretty close the same.