Range
How long is too long?
Fox control means it can be necessary to shoot at longer range than
you’re used to, so you must know your capabilities, says Chris Parkin
M
odern sporting rifl e
advertising frequently
suggests extending70 • SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE
boosting to improve recognition
and performance. Eye shine is the
fi rst sign of presence but aiming
for sparkly winks is best avoided in
terms of shot placement. Making out
the body shape to place a defi ned
killing shot was possible but certainly
nothing like daylight clarity.
Advancing sensor technology
increases capability, but don’t assume
the core capability is advancing
at the same rate. Be careful you
aren’t merely paying for electronic
novelties, many of which are soon
unused in the world of serious
pest control. The stumbling block
is when the manufacturers claim
great long-range capability, off ering
ce zeroes to account for
t remain inconsistent,
justment values on the
s makes precise initial
g-range engagement less
regular optics, alongside
limits on image quality
ng precision.
invisible to any animal
sing thermal to aimof the lamp’s capability. Daylight
foxing was never a consideration for
me, so ranges never got pushed. In the
rk, what looks to be, and is spoken
s, a great distance can often be
erestimated, with a more honest
ure realised in the cold light of day.
mps have become smaller and
hter with more reliable batteries,
t they haven’t really gained much
wer to extend safe ranges.ght vision
e great leap forward was the use of
ht vision and thermal imaging to
tect and aim. Intensifi er tubes were
pensive off shoots from the military;
ital night vision soon emerged