There has been a lot of discussion about tuners on another channel lately.
These discussions often spawn a new batch of what has been called. "Jack in the box tuner twisters" (Thanks BH for the term)
I know this post will rub many the wrong way but it is written with good intentions.
There is a time to twist tuners, and there is a time not to. Twist away until your heart is content at home, on the range, in your back yard, wherever.
But when you are at a match, and you have other shooters beside you please don't do it.
Show up at a match with your rifle ready to shoot. I know this isn't always possible, you may need to check your zero, but finding the "best tune, or even a better tune" during the time allotted for a target just isn't good.
Remember the clock is running, and each time you turn that tuner you lose your zero. The hole you were in just got deeper. Not only are you looking for a better tune, you also have to re zero, and you have less time to do it.
I know you are hoping you will dial that tuner just a click or two, and all of a sudden everything will be great, but I promise you, that doesn't often happen.
Reaching up and turning that tuner distracts shooters on both sides of you. In doors, where the benches are close it is really bad.
In the long run it is better to shoot it as you brought it or find another lot of ammo. Even changing lot numbers has a down side, but not as deep as dialing that tuner.
TKH
Tony,
Just saw this thread and wanted to reply. Since I hold the TM on "Jack In The Box Tuner Twister" , I figure you'll give me some leeway on this one.
First, I respect the hell out of you and what you've accomplished. When I've asked, even as a newbie, you've given me some great advice in a lot of areas of this sport. In all honesty, I've probably learned as much, if not more, from you than anyone in this game. From the first time I met you to the last time we shot against one another, you've been nothing but a great competitor and good guy.
I kind of want to disagree with you in that I see nothing wrong with moving a tuner a click or two during a match. As long as it doesn't distract anyone. I've only shot with a few people who actually stand up and move their tuner during a match. But have shot next to lots of people who will reach up (while remaining seated) and click their tuners if their gun isn't doing what they expected. Is it wrong for them to do this? Heck if I know. But they pay their money and they shoot their ammo for a chance to win a match, so who am I to say they shouldn't do it? But then, your main point is that moving a tuner isn't going to save a person during a match. In a perfect world, I'd say that's correct. But then I look at instances where I've moved a tuner a few clicks and all of a sudden my gun started shooting awesome again. Just from one card to another... does it make sense? You wouldn't think so, and there are lots of folks who have success never moving their tuners. But then, maybe they're just better than me, or have better guns? Don't know for sure, but if it is helping me, I will feel no shame reaching up and moving a tuner a click.
Does this affect people next to you. I'd say yes. But to what extent? Is it a concentration issue, or is it a vibration issue that comes through to the bench you're shooting off of? I know for a fact at some ranges, just the firing of a rifle next to you can affect how your gun behaves. At some, it doesn't seem to matter as much. Robert Oates and I were sitting next to each other at Kettlefoot once and this point was driven home in a huge way. But most people I know play the game of timing their shots to the people next to them. Especially indoors at venues such as Piney Hill. At almost any match I've been to, the people on each side talk to me and we figure out how we're going to plan our shots in sequence. If someone deviates, it's not really their fault. People get focused on things and might forget, so I just pay attention to what they're doing and play off of their habits or sequences. Same with people getting up from a bench. Some don't ask, but most do say they're ready to get up so you can hold off on your shot sequence. Or will watch you and when you're not in the process of shooting, they will mention that they're going to get up. This isn't an abnormal situation IME. Have had it happen too many times. Most people will do what's right. There's always going to be that one person who wants to push things, but that's the world we live in. And sometimes people might do something that offends someone, but it usually is that they just forget or weren't paying attention. Rarely is it a case of someone knowingly doing something that affects others while they are shooting.
It's the same with anyone moving a tuner. Very rarely will someone not mention that they are going to move their tuner beforehand. Either before the match or while shooting a target, they usually will pick a time when I'm not shooting and ask if it's ok. There's nothing that says they have to, but it's nice on their part. Personally always asked permission first if I wanted to do anything like that. Now, not saying everyone does this everytime, but most people are pretty well behaved.
The one thing that irked me in all of this isn't the people moving a tuner, people jumping up from the bench, people going back to the staging area to get other ammo or other guns, or even the people who might be getting a little loud when talking behind the firing line. What bothers me is when people put others down for such behavior but then when it might benefit themselves, it's ok.
I don't shoot this anymore, will never shoot it again, and never was all that great at it to begin with. So my opinion doesn't matter. But not all things in any of this are as cut and dried as some make them out to be. Just hope people keep that in mind. Yes, some people can be rude, some might mistakenly break a rule here and there. But most try to do what's right. And some even might believe that moving a tuner a click or three helps them. One of the more famous "tuner twisters" is one of the best shooters in this sport and has won about all there is to win. Is he wrong? I don't know who's right or wrong, or even if there is a right or wrong. But if someone moving a tuner a few clicks bothers me, I've got bigger issues going on.
JMO. None of what I've posted has been mean spirited or meant to put anyone down. It's just sometimes things get said online that don't jibe with what happens in the real world.
It was a pleasure shooting with and against you. Take care and good luck in the future.
Kenny
