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Training Courses Thoughts on DFAT training?

Interesting. I use SWFAs on both my precision rifles so I haven't needed that gizmo. My dry fire area is about 11 yards long across my basement and both my SWFAs will focus that close in.

But since I replaced my Aimpoint with a Steiner 1-4X on my AR, I could use that thing.
 
Aaaaaand they don't make one small enough for scopes with 30 mm objective outer diameter.

I guess I'll buy a cheap Butler Creek cap, learn the optical equations needed to figure out the aperture size, and get to drilling.
 
Aaaaaand they don't make one small enough for scopes with 30 mm objective outer diameter.

I guess I'll buy a cheap Butler Creek cap, learn the optical equations needed to figure out the aperture size, and get to drilling.


you are going to need a SUPER bright light source/room to work at full mag. i'm no optics PRO but i assume you'll end up with even LESS light coming in versus the 50/56mm OBJ set ups which is already super dark at full mag unless you have great lighting. just keep that in mind
 
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Aaaaaand they don't make one small enough for scopes with 30 mm objective outer diameter.

I guess I'll buy a cheap Butler Creek cap, learn the optical equations needed to figure out the aperture size, and get to drilling.

I tried doing this and never could get mine to focus worth a crap--I need to just break down and order the IOTA
 
I tried doing this and never could get mine to focus worth a crap--I need to just break down and order the IOTA
They don't make one to fit scopes like this:
1548086341668.png


So I'll need to make my own. I'm an engineer, I think I can figure it out.
 
I use it. Really helps with my trigger control. I ended up building my own barricade and get to practice getting in and out of position on the clock. To honestly do this you need to be able to get behind your rifle, acquire your target and break a shot... The DFAT lets you run stages, in you home or garage at you leasure... how could this not be worth it?! Haha
 
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I just received my DFAT this weekend. I haven't had much time behind it, but here are my initial impressions.

First, the setup. I got the #34 for my 4.5-18x44 LRHS (close focus distance is 50y for this scope). Even though this is the exact same Butler Creek cap that I use for my LRHS without the DFAT, the DFAT one isn't a tight fit on the scope (probably because you aren't pushing the DFAT one all the way onto the objective). No biggie, I just used a piece of masking tape to keep the DFAT on the scope. I can already tell the masking tape will serve the dual purpose of reminding me to remove the DFAT and put the regular BC cap back on before going to the range lol.

Usage: To put it plain and simple, it works. It lets me get clear focus at about 10-11 ft at max magnification. If you plan to use it with printed images (it comes with six 4"x6" printed range photos), you'll need to have good lighting to use this at max magnification. If I was going to use these, I'd probably buy a cheap LED work light to make sure I always have enough light to use it. However, if you have a laptop or tablet (or even a regular computer monitor if it's in a good place for you to aim at), you can download the images or a powerpoint presentation of the images from the DFAT website and the backlight of the laptop or tablet screen will be enough to use it at max magnification (at least it was on the laptop I tried it on).

Speaking of using this at max magnification, the depth of field on this thing is narrow at max mag! I'm talking a difference of 6" closer or farther from you can make the difference between the picture being in focus or out of focus. I plan to practice with my scope on 12-15ish magnification, as that's what I'm normally running at the range, and the depth of field is a bit more forgiving here.

For those that plan on making their own, from the website images, it looks like it's just a scope cap with a insert that has a hole drilled in the middle. There is in fact a lens element in there though (not sure how else to describe it). If I look through the DFAT with my naked eye at objects about 10ft away, everything is a bit out of focus, kind of like if you looked through someone else's prescription glasses. If I look at something right in front of my face, it looks clear. Does this mean you can't simply make your own by just drilling a hole in some material and inserting that in a BC cap? No clue, I'll leave that for someone that's smarter than me to figure out. Just reporting what I'm seeing with mine.

For those with a DFAT or IOTA, what household objects are you using to train off of? I already plan to use a chair, just wondering if anyone has found other common household furniture that they like to practice off of. I don't have the space to build my own barricade unfortunately.
 
i try to use household objects that mimic getting into the positions i struggle most with, low kneeling and tall kneeling. i've used rubbermaid totes, a folding chair, a sawhorse from my garage, a 10 gallon paint bucket and a step ladder. most are also props that i've seen or actually had to shoot off of in matches.

do you have a tripod? this thread has a good deal of info on building a practice barricade using your tripod

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/updated-rrs-tripod-barricade-practice-device.6841189/
 
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i try to use household objects that mimic getting into the positions i struggle most with, low kneeling and tall kneeling. i've used rubbermaid totes, a folding chair, a sawhorse from my garage, a 10 gallon paint bucket and a step ladder. most are also props that i've seen or actually had to shoot off of in matches.

do you have a tripod? this thread has a good deal of info on building a practice barricade using your tripod

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/updated-rrs-tripod-barricade-practice-device.6841189/

That's exactly the type of info I was looking for, thanks!
 
so my DFAT came today. color me impressed. using it on my cz 455 for rimfire prs training. i SUCK at the positional stuff and i figured this would be a great way to get lots of dryfire practice in my basement. i can tell you this. if i manage to get off my ass and train each day, i will HOPEFULLY get better.

i have it on an athlon midas tac 6-24. i got the #43 cap and it fits perfectly on my scope. the difference it makes was evident right away. DST precision has a power point that you can download from their website so i loaded up one of the practice ranges and got to work. it does take a little bit of fiddling with the parallax to get everything in focus and like others have said, the higher the mag you go to, the more light you need. even with the backlight from a laptop, it was kind of dark. hmm, maybe it will train me to not be a magnification hog.

once i did get everything all dialed in a set up, i got to work. my goal is 50 rounds a night. we'll see how long i can keep it up. right away, i noticed an issue with a bunch of my fundamentals. i'm actually able to "call my shot" and was noticing the reticle moving to the right with my trigger press. not something i've ever noticed live firing except for the constant hits right of POA. not sure why i'm doing it other than inconsistent press or possibly something about my grip.

either way, this thing is awesome and i'm really glad i got it. will keep you all updated on my progress and see if i get any better.
 
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For those that plan on making their own, from the website images, it looks like it's just a scope cap with a insert that has a hole drilled in the middle. There is in fact a lens element in there though (not sure how else to describe it). If I look through the DFAT with my naked eye at objects about 10ft away, everything is a bit out of focus, kind of like if you looked through someone else's prescription glasses. If I look at something right in front of my face, it looks clear. Does this mean you can't simply make your own by just drilling a hole in some material and inserting that in a BC cap? No clue, I'll leave that for someone that's smarter than me to figure out. Just reporting what I'm seeing with mine.

I have the I.O.T.A and really like it. It too has a clear lens. When I look through it everything seems to be in focus both near and far. Just for grins I tried making a DIY version by just drilling a whole in a piece of opaque plastic and could not get it to focus clearly at 12 feet. Tried different size apertures without luck. Some have said they have had luck with just a hole but I could not get it to work.
 
I really like the gen ii version. Instead of scope caps it is threaded like for a sun shade. Going to make a video soon on it.

For the folks who mentioned the need for good lighting it’s true. However my led shop light provides plenty of light. I’ve also used a rechargeable flashlight to give it plenty of illumination if I change my target placement. Or just use it outside. Don’t let the light part stop you!
 
I really like the gen ii version. Instead of scope caps it is threaded like for a sun shade. Going to make a video soon on it.

For the folks who mentioned the need for good lighting it’s true. However my led shop light provides plenty of light. I’ve also used a rechargeable flashlight to give it plenty of illumination if I change my target placement. Or just use it outside. Don’t let the light part stop you!
I know this is an older thread, but did you ever do any pics or a video of this product? Just curious to see what it looks like and pricing on it if you remember? Looking to pick one of these dry fire kits up soon. Thanks.
 
I use it regularly and love it. Have a portable barricade I have up in my storage room and got one of the targets from https://idts-dryfire.com/

It will definitely help out your game.
 

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I use a 6’ ladder and 4’ ladder with the DFAT
This DFAT is a solid training tool
Helps keep the dry firing realistic with the variety of targets that come with the DFAT
 
I am sure that this is a dumb question but how does this help with successful dry fire? I get the optical stuff and how it helps the scope focus on targets that are close.

My real question is how do you gauge your effectiveness at hitting the targets on the banner? What exactly is the method of use and the criteria for knowing whether you are actually hitting the "target"?
 
Did your crosshairs move off the target? If not, you hit it.

I think the real advantage here is being able to actually dry fire a full stage and practice not just the trigger press, but all the movement on a stage too.
 
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DFAT is where it’s at, regardless of which Gen you go with. Personally I like the Gen 2 model but both have worked perfectly for me.

I’m planning on getting the Accurize Target system to measure my dry fire training but DST’s kit is the best thing out there if you have an optic that won’t focus indoors.

If the size you ordered is off, that’s on you, not the product.
 
I use mine almost every night now the last month and a half or so. Seems like it’s helped me a lot on the barricade. I haven’t done and positional shooting since I started to see actual improvement. But I use a shot timer and if your honest with yourself you can get better with it. Plus it’s good trigger time anytime you want to do it and right at home
 
I use mine almost every night now the last month and a half or so. Seems like it’s helped me a lot on the barricade. I haven’t done and positional shooting since I started to see actual improvement. But I use a shot timer and if your honest with yourself you can get better with it. Plus it’s good trigger time anytime you want to do it and right at home
Looking for some guidance and not sure if this would work. I am looking to try this outside as my garage is already too tight but would this work outside extending the range from 12’ to say 12 yards? Since I’m outside I have a bit more room.
 
I think 12 yds would be too far. A card comes with it showing you how many feet it was calibrated to. I think this helps set the target size to be as close to realistic. Meaning at 12ft the 2moa target is actually 2moa when measured with your reticle.
 
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I think 12 yds would be too far. A card comes with it showing you how many feet it was calibrated to. I think this helps set the target size to be as close to realistic. Meaning at 12ft the 2moa target is actually 2moa when measured with your reticle.
Thank you for the response. I’m thinking if I make my own targets to scale to match that respective distance. I guess what I curious is will the combo of the cap and scope work at longer distances.
 
I’d just keep it close. I set up in my reloading room in the basement. They also have some larger cards, I just got a set of big ones. But I run it around 10-14 feet roughly. I never measured but I can focus well with my Minox where I’m setup. It’s a nice tool to be able to get trigger time. Really helps with being able to see how the gun reacts when you pull the trigger. I set my barricade up and only have one leg on it so it’s wobly as shit
 
I have been using the DFAT while the ranges have been closed because of the covid19 stuff. I think it's worth it. I give myself some drills or stages and work on that. I also use it to work on the fundamentals, supported and unsupported position shooting. When I was able to go to the range, the practice definitely made a difference.
 
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I have been using the DFAT while the ranges have been closed because of the covid19 stuff. I think it's worth it. I give myself some drills or stages and work on that. I also use it to work on the fundamentals, supported and unsupported position shooting. When I was able to go to the range, the practice definitely made a difference.
I’d just keep it close. I set up in my reloading room in the basement. They also have some larger cards, I just got a set of big ones. But I run it around 10-14 feet roughly. I never measured but I can focus well with my Minox where I’m setup. It’s a nice tool to be able to get trigger time. Really helps with being able to see how the gun reacts when you pull the trigger. I set my barricade up and only have one leg on it so it’s wobly as shit

thank you. Ordered one up. Excited to get this up and running!!
 
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Just ordered one for my ATACR, Ive heard good things and will post once I get mine up and running
 
Love mine. Single handedly my favorite training aid since I live in the city.
 

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I downloaded the pictures on my Ipad and turn the brightness up all the way. Works great!
 
I’ve got one of the gen 1 dfats. I picked the size that fits my largest scope. When I wish to use it on smaller scopes, I simply attach it with a little tape. The lens works wether or not the scope cap fits corrrectly. Kind of a farm kid solution, but I’m a farm kid at heart.😎
 
I’ve got one of the gen 1 dfats. I picked the size that fits my largest scope. When I wish to use it on smaller scopes, I simply attach it with a little tape. The lens works wether or not the scope cap fits corrrectly. Kind of a farm kid solution, but I’m a farm kid at heart.😎
I have the Gen 1 that fits my 56mm Mk5. I cut a couple strips of packing foam that I use to make it fit on my 44mm Mk5. Works quite well.