Ladies and Gentlemen,

I didn't know where to post this, so I'm putting it here. Would you like to learn how to shoot an AR15 from a helicopter? Go to this link and scroll to the bottom of the page:

http://www.thunderranchinc.com/

This has got to be the coolest thing, leave it to Clint to come up with something like this. I attended Thunder Ranch's 5 day Defensive Handgun class last year and had great time.

Regards,

Terry

[ 07-20-2002, 18:49: Message edited by: T.Carr ]

T Carr, I think you a basically dreaming here. As an old pilot who used to try to hit things from airplanes, I can tell you "It ain't that easy."

The technique used by helicopter gunners in the military is simply firehose the area and have lots or tracers so you have SOME clue where things are going.

This method obviously isn't going to work in an AR and you are going to burn up a lot of ammo and probably a barrel or two for nothing.

About the only way you are going to shoot successfully out of a helicopter is to get VERY close to your target and try to fire as much FORWARD as possible. The more you shoot perpendicular to your direction of flight, the more complicated it gets.

Try this technique on a "bad guy" and YOU will make a much better target than he will and you will get the crap shot out of you and the helicopter.

I hate to rain on your parade, but you are about to blow a lot of money for nothing. Just don't fall out of the helicopter trying it.

Pecos 45,

I am sure you are correct. I personally wouldn't be interested in this (I'm too cheap). It is basically a roller coaster with live-fire. It is more for the entertainment value than practical use. IF one has the money, it would probably be a kick.

Regards,

Terry

Gentlemen: As someone who has shot a 308 and a Barrett 50 cal. out of a helicopter I can assure you it can be done. T.Carr, it definitely is a "kick".

Well, let me say NE is right up to a point. I spent over 23,000 hrs in fixed wing and about 10 in helicopters.......so I tend to think of this from a fixed wing perspective. As far as hunting game is concerned a helicopter has the advantage of being able to slow down to the animal's speed and presenting you with a fairly simple shot if done properly.

Just flying by something and blazing away as I tend to think of the problem is a different game entirely.

My biggest objection to hunting from helicopter is it doesn't seem all that sporting the the prey. Whatever it is, they are basically screwed since they can't shoot back or get away.

Let the record reflect, I was not, nor would I hunt from a plane or a chopper.

Just a quick note on the subject....
I seem to recall firing from helos (in regards to tagging from the air) you actually need to fire behind the animal as you are moving as well as the target. Firing behind(I've been told) makes up for the movement of the plane or helo. Now I cant verify this but mearly relaying a discussion from another forum awhile back.

It does make sense though

Gentlemen,
In think T.Carr was just tickled about the idea of attempting to hit a target from a chopper. It is unusual. I am sure people who first saw an IPSC shoot years ago thought it was unusual too.

As Pecos45 points out it can work both ways.

About 15 years ago there was a very sad situation up on the Yukon in a place called Manley Hot Springs, a drifter blew into town and apparently he didn't like anyone else living around there either. To make a long story short the State Troopers went hunting for him and he fired on their helicopter, killing one before being hosed by the Trooper sitting next to the first.

While that is a sad tale I personally would think it fun to attempt to do something difficult like shooting at targets from a chopper, even though getting into a contraption that wants to crash isn't my idea of a good time.

While in the Army, I had the great pleasure of being a Huey Crewchief. Shooting M60D's from the aircraft at the gun range was a blast, thank the good Lord I was never required to do so in combat.

If you folks think pinpoint accuracy is not possible, check out this link...

USCG GunShips

This is no joke. The Guard has the aircraft and are currently using them with at least some success.

[ 07-24-2002, 06:47: Message edited by: BW ]