On May 9 this year, another edition of the Delta Long Range Weekend was held at the Military Institute of Armament Technology training ground in Zielonka. The event has already gained a regular following. There are few facilities in Poland that allow shooting at distances of up to 1,800 m, so it is worth appreciating that Delta Optical is meeting the needs of long-range shooters.
Firing positions on Axis A, with targets at distances from 300 to 1,800 m
Although the number of facilities that allow long-range shooting is not large, their availability is steadily increasing. Long-range shooting training sessions and competitions are being organized more and more often. The Delta Long Range Weekend differs from standard training sessions. The difference is the support provided by instructors during the event organized by Delta Optical. During regular training, shooters ‒ especially less experienced ones ‒ are left alone with the mistakes they make. Of course, they can rely on theoretical knowledge from manuals. Personal contact with an instructor makes it possible to correct mistakes without having to reinvent the wheel. At the Delta Long Range Weekend, participants can draw on the knowledge and experience of highly competent instructors. As a result, they can very often learn how to avoid mistakes rather than how to eliminate them. Alongside the available distances, the team of experienced instructors is probably the greatest advantage of the Delta Long Range Weekend.
Firing positions on Axis B, with targets at distances from 100 to 800 m
This year, the organizers set up more than 100 steel targets on two ranges: one from 200 to 800 m and the other from 300 to 1,800 m. In addition, electronic targets were also placed at distances of 600 and 800 m on the shorter range. Targets were also set up at 100 and 50 m to check firearm zeroing. As in previous editions, there were also positions for .22 LR enthusiasts, with targets from 100 to 300 m. The targets placed at different distances also varied in size, providing different levels of difficulty. These included steel targets measuring 20×20 cm, 30 cm in diameter, 40×40 cm, and 50×50 cm. Steel targets provide immediate confirmation of a hit, both visually and audibly.
Delta Optical equipment stand
According to the organizers’ observations, regardless of whether the number of new long-range shooters is growing, there is a very large group of participants who are trying to systematically improve their skills. Thanks to professional instructor support and a variety of distances, every shooter could find their place at the Delta Long Range Weekend ‒ both highly experienced marksmen and complete beginners.
As in previous years, most distances featured firing positions allowing participants to train in precision shooting, tactical shooting, and PRS from forced shooting positions.
During the Delta Long Range Weekend, participants can train not only in prone shooting, but also from forced positions
Next to the shooting range, there was space for an exhibition of optical equipment produced by Delta Optical. The display included various types of riflescopes, night-vision sights for hunters, as well as red-dot and prism sights. At the exhibition stand, participants could also obtain expert advice not only on the parameters of the equipment on display, but also practical information on how to choose it.
Instructor support was available during the training / Photos: Grzegorz Sobczak, MILMAG
As usual, there was logistical support with hot drinks, as well as a field gunsmithing workshop providing technical assistance in the event of firearm malfunctions.
It should also be noted that the weather did not disappoint. It was moderately warm, but warm enough for mirage to appear. Gusty winds meant that conditions had to be carefully observed when preparing to fire. However, the organizers provided a number of wind indicators, which made it easier to observe wind direction and speed.