Tips & Techniques: Quick & Dirty Wind Reading

by
posted on January 10, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Wind Reading

A common saying in precision shooting is that beginners study ballistic charts, while masters study the wind. Unfortunately, there is no magic trick to mastering the wind, but there is a starting point.

Dealing with wind consists of two problems: estimating the wind itself and adjusting the point of aim (POA) accordingly. Wind meters, flags or gut instincts help with the first problem, but not everyone has them when they need them.

Professionals test themselves by first estimating the wind and then using a meter to see how close they were. 

The best way to correct for wind is to know the ballistic data of the cartridge and calculate the required adjustment. This is especially important for shots beyond 300 yards. Inside of that, the average shooter has a little bit more room for error. Assuming a standard IPSC silhouette target (18"x30"), the below strategies can aid in quickly getting on target within that distance.

With these tricks in mind, try applying them at a local outdoor range and start building a mental database for wind correction.

wind direction graphic

Latest

shooter wearing hearing protection
shooter wearing hearing protection

Shooters, Listen Up! Take Hearing Health Seriously

When it comes to the five senses, hearing is one of the most susceptible to damage from the shooting sports. Now, the latest electronic technology gives compromised ears a new lease on life—and protects them from further harm.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 17, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs

In 2025, Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States will have extra support from the National Rifle Association, thanks to NRA Foundation donors.

Preview: Hornady Security RAPiD Safe Night Guard

The latest security product to leverage the company’s RAPiD Safe touch-free radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, Hornady Security’s Night Guard is a ruggedly built handgun safe sized perfectly...

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.