Watching Biathlon - how big are the targets?

[Jetmugg]

I'm just watching a little of the Winter Olympics Biathlon competition. Does anyone know how big the targets are/how far the distance is? They seem to be shooting very quickly, and don't miss very often.

I know the exertion really affects the difficulty, just wondering how tough the shooting would be as compared to silhouette.

SteveM.

[malinois]

I beleive the targets are at 50 meters and 4 inches in diameter.

[BlauBear]

Shooting details

The biathlete carries the small bore rifle, which weighs at least 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb), including ammunition in magazines on her/his back during the race. The rifles use .22 LR ammunition and are bolt action or Fortner (straight-pull bolt) action.

The target range shooting distance is 50 metres (160 ft). There are five circular targets to be hit in each shooting round. When shooting in the prone position the target diameter is 45 millimetres (1.8 in), when shooting in the standing position the target diameter is 115 millimetres (4.5 in). On all modern biathlon ranges, the targets are self-indicating, in that they flip from black to white when hit, giving the biathlete as well as the spectators instant visual feedback for each shot fired.

- Shooting details

All I can think is "yup, that's gonna work out well".

[Another Dang 9]

There is a young guy who shows up at one of the matches in NH that is a biathlon shooter. He runs before every match then shoots AAA scores. sets his own targets while running too. I'm lucky if I can get a AA score sitting on my butt.

[BlauBear]

Ain't it the truth!

[Innocent]

So AD9....that means you should take up running, and skiing as well!
Innocent

[Another Dang 9]

You sound like my cardiologist. I'm still having the sofa sewn to my butt and thats that.

[BlauBear]

Ms. Rev. BB is getting me a Wii Balance Board and a bicycle helmet after my second tumble in a month, so I guess the cardiologist would be pleased. It's doubtful that a biathlon is in my future, but maybe fewer runs to the ER...

[Bob259]

Ms. Rev. BB is getting me a Wii Balance Board and a bicycle helmet after my second tumble in a month, so I guess the cardiologist would be pleased. It's doubtful that a biathlon is in my future, but maybe fewer runs to the ER...

Be careful BB, the helmet won't help prevent a broken neck I think she's had it with you and your projects and is trying to get rid of you and now that you sold the Stiller you have nothing good to leave me, ;) but I'll take the black gun and give it a good home

[BlauBear]

Still got some nice stuff Bob, don't worry! And at this rate, you don't have much much longer to wait...

[Bob259]

.......at this rate, you don't have much much longer to wait...

Let's hope not!!!!!!!

[Innocent]

259...you can have the rifles, I get the ammo.

Innocent

[BlauBear]

You'll be disappointed, Mary! What I've got would only last you a month or so!

[Bob259]

259...you can have the rifles, I get the ammo.

Innocent

Deal... BB inform the wife

[BCloninger]

Tough luck guys - I got all his stuff!