MathMan, more F6 questions

[Fowler]

Ok Math, im going to sound really stupid right here so please bare with me... I moved the .50 cals out to 500 and i found it works alot better for taking long shots... But what is deflection shooting?  Are we talking about leading your target?  I am getting better at all aspects of flying the Cat but my shooting is something to be desired.  
I usually waste my full ammo load on a few shots because i cant get my guns on target.

Thanks for any shooting advice.
the cat rocks...

Also what gunsight do you use with your cat and why?


Thanks Fowler

[Mathman]

When I talk about deflection shots, I am referring to leading your target.  The only thing that I can say will truly make you better is to practice.  I don't know of any fool proof way of determining how much to lead your target.  I do know that SimHQ has a few nice articles on this topic by Andy Bush.  There is a three part one: part 1, part 2, and part 3.  There is also a further article where he talks about convergence, sights, and such.  They are very good reading and will give you some insight into how best to approach a good gunnery run.

As for me, I tend to just go by feel.  The sight that I use is a simple dot.  I used to use one that was a historic sight with all osrts of rings.  I quit using it because it would just get in the way of a good view of the target.  The more I have been flying this sim, I have gotten a better feel for target aspect, relative speed, and how much I need to lead my target.  I don't know how to honestly explain it, but I do go through a very quick mental evaluation of what is before me so that I can get a good shot off.  It comes with practice.  The more you do it, the easier it becomes and the less you will miss.  That being said though, there are nights where I can kill 6 planes and be forced to RTB due to fuel shortage even though I have half my ammo left.  There are other nights (too many IMO) where it takes me more ammo than I care to admit to nail a single kill.

As far as convergence goes, most people I know have theirs set to 400 and below.  I am the only one in my squad, I believe, that has convergence set to 500.  I like it because it aids me in the snapshots more than anything else.  I can get a nice spread and nail the wings of my opponent.  The best thing that I can recommend about this is to set it to something one night, and keep it there for a few days or weeks and see if it works for you.  See what distance you are getting kills at most of the time and set your convergence to something in that ball park.

Hope this helps,

-math

[Fowler]

Well im really trying to learn and i have found that the gunsight that comes standard gets in the way all the time... is there anyway that i could see the one you are using?

[SlapShot]

What I have done on the planes that support 6 .50 cals (or multiple gun sets) is to stagger the convergence on the guns. For the HellCat, I start with the outside guns set at 350 (up close and personal)... then next inside set at 400 (optimum kill zone for me) ... and the most inside guns set at 450 (possibly cause damage to move to the 400 zone).

This type of convergence also gets the rounds converging on each other at different lengths. It's effect for me.

Remember also, that the .50 cals don't drop as quickly as the cannons rounds, so you don't need to aim as high when shooting long distance.

I also agree with the "practice" theory. Going offline can be boring, but on the other hand, can be quite effect. Set your convergence, go offline and attack the drones at different speeds, angles, and closesure rates and that will start to give you a feel for deflection shooting.

[Fowler]

Thanks for all the help... what is a snapshot? like a quick turn and a shot and then a dive?

I will practice offline to help with my gunnery. I really apprciate the help i love the hellcat its a great bird...

Thanks again
Fowler

[Mathman]

A snapshot is a quick shot as an opponent crosses your line of fire or quickly moving your nose to get off a quick burst as an opponent flies across your nose.  Often, these do nothing more than ping the enemy, but there are times when it will cause damage, usually enough to degrade his performance or cause him to get a little more desperate and make a mistake.

As far as practicing goes, you can try offline, and it is a good way to get some basics down.  I prefer going against live targets because I will see a variety of different conditions than what I would offline.  Also, you are paying to fly, so you might as well use it.

-math

[214thCavalier]

350 convergence is up close and personal ???
Lol i set my convergence to either 275 or 300 varies depending how i feel, and all at same range.
Yes i will admit it bugs me when somebody runs outa range but hey let em go, i prefer the instant kill snapshot ability of up close and personal firepower
To be honest convergence is a very personal thing my advice is fly and forget convergence, but take note of what ranges you actually feel the need to and start to open fire.
When noted try setting your convergence to match and see how you get on.
One very good reason for having short convergence settings is if you get into a very tight fight with Spit, N1k etc one shot is probably all you will get so making it hurt like hell in as short a time as possible works wonders.
Having said the above Mathman does very well with his 500 convergence but what works for him may or may not work for you, you just gotta be willing to do as we did put some time in experimenting until you find your sweet spot.

[Fowler]

I guess im trying to learn the f6 from the Veterans on this board, Ive really come to love the Cat.  Jabo and getting my Guns are Target are the biggest problem for me.  Ive become pretty good at watching my speed, I pretty much know what the situation around me is like and ifs it a good or bad idea to commit.  Im getting better at denfensive moves all the time... Getting the Guns to hit, now there is where i need the practice.