proper use of a big wheel side focus...

[Henry Bowman]

I have a .177 HW97 Blue with a Meopta Optica 6 FFP 3 to 18x power scope.
I have mounted a big wheel on the parallax side focus ring.
I laid out a tape measure to 40 yards and focused the ring every yard and applied the sticker (technique for consistency was to go past focus then bring back to sharp). it was a pain in the butt and good exercise but its done. I will likely go out further later when I am able.

My question for you guys, if I am using a known pellet that the rifle likes best and only that pellet, does it not make more sense to compute the click up or down (35 yard zero) and put that click number on the big wheel next to the distance?
Or do you guys use hold over hold under for the field targets based on your cross hairs?

Seems to me the clicks would be more repeatable and precise, but I haven't tried it out in the field yet.

So, how do you guys use the range finder feature of a big wheel? Am I missing something?

[Back_Roads]

 Field target is in part a replication of hunting, thus no time to dial, just use your holds and shoot.

[Henry Bowman]

Interesting, is there a time component to shooting/scoring?
I have not shot field target, and no one here does it. I may set up random targets for myself to shoot at, but there's nothing much going on here for airguns.

[Back_Roads]

 Yes there is a time limit, though IMO lengthy LOL Here is a rundown on the varying disiplines of field target. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_target

[Frank in Fairfield]

If you are shooting Hunter Class, you cannot even touch your adjustment knobs other than focusing and maybe REDUCING power for offhand.
Other classes you can adjust windage and elevation (clicking) and then you can shoot by centering your crosshairs.
Zero your scope for 27 yards (halfway from 10-55 yards).
If in Hunter Class you will NEVER have to hold UNDER- always on or up.
When focusing always return your knob to the closest setting then focus forward.
Try and keep you scope out of the heat.
Good luck.

In no way does airgun field target emulate a hunting experience.
When the concept first started, that was the intention.
Just like archery field target.
But things have a way of changing.
I have hunted large/big game in most of the lower 48 and on three other continents.
When I am hunting the scope is set for its highest power and the focusing (if equipped ) is set to 100 yards (I do not shoot further than that).
I do not use a drop card when hunting and I do not use a rangefinder.

I suggest the OP attend a few FT matches and ask questions of the higher scoring shooters.
They will be glad to help you.

[Henry Bowman]

I would love to attend/shoot in a FT match.
There really aren't any matches nearby for me to attend.

I live in Guam.

Ghank you very much for the info.
Even if I never compete I still like the idea of having a rifle set up for it.