Televised schedule of Biathlon events.

Olympic Biathlon Schedule!

Womens 7.5k Sprint
Lets hear it for Susan Dunklee from Vermont!!!
Susan Dunklee was the closest American, finishing 14th in this event. She finished with a total time of 21 minutes and 48.3 seconds, 41.5 seconds behind Kuzmina. She incurred one penalty and was 0+1 shooting.

I have been watching these events. It seems to me that the shooting part is no where near as important as the skiing part. A penalty of one shot equates to about 20 seconds (according to the commentators). Most competitors seem to take their time getting the rifle unlimbered and getting ready to shoot. Anyone compete and con confirm or deny my comment?
Peter.

We have been watching a bit of the winter Olympics too including the Biathelon.

After the exertion of skiing, I'd say the shooting would be a challenge as well, but agree it has become mostly a skiing event. From what I've read, in years past they shot 30-06 rifles and most likely didn't have fancy sights like those now. A 30-06 would make it a bit more of a challenge if with iron sites.

I'd like to learn more about their rifles. They have peculiar rifles of .22LR caliber. I did a bit of research on their rifles and the event but couldn't find many details on the rifles. They have sites like I've never seen before. Some variation of a bolt action. Weight is a minimum of 7.5 lbs. All shots are at 50 yards (or meters if metric). Prown are at 1.5 inch targets, standing 4.5 inch.

As a side note, my wife likes watch the figure skating. I like looking at the female figure skater's pretty legs and derrières. Figure skating seems to be good for lower appendages.

deltam, just google "biathlon rifles". I have an Izhmash in 22 mag, with that toggle action. It is VERY fast and almost effortless. It is not a biathlon rifle but is very accurate. I posted some (50 yard) targets some time back. It opens up at 100 yards however, mainly due to the ammo I believe. My Izhmash was imported by EAA (European American Arms). They also make it in 22lr. The rifles are specialized, but no more so than a target rifle. before the new metal stocks, they were wooden. You can imagine what happened when a skier fell on his rifle!
Peter