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

Supreme Court 2022 F
Supreme Court 2022 F

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wolford v. Lopez Decision is Striking

In Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court ruled that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Leupold Celebrates USA 250th With Limited-Edition "Mark 250" Riflescope Package

Leupold has commissioned a Limited-Edition Mark 250 Riflescope Package to commemorate the United States semiquincentennial, and it is now available exclusively through Scheels.

A Successful Friends of the NRA Dinner at Compton Hunting & Fishing Club

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Compton Hunting & Fishing Club in Southern California hosted another outstanding Friends of the NRA dinner.

President Trump Touts the NRA and National Concealed Carry Reciprocity

At the Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa., President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the National Rifle Association as well as his support for national right-to-carry legislation.

Rifleman Review: Savage Arms Revel Classic

Offered as an affordable, rimfire, takedown design, the Savage Arms Revel line of lever-actions has expanded to include several popular chamberings, as well as a deluxe version.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.