Posted: 11/8/2020 1:16:54 AM EDT
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I want to start shooting some rifle matches. I have shot a ton of service rifle and a few high power matches and they are OK, but very structured and, well, boring. I "discovered" PRS last year, managed to get to 2 matches, (both "introduction" style), and I realized that my equipment was woefully inadequate to the task. I brought a single shot 308 with fixed power glass to one, with no provision for carrying ammo, and an AR pattern 308 gas gun with an 8-40x benchrest scope and only 25 round pmags to the other. No bags, service rifle style slings, no bipod, I was a hot mess. OOf. With those failures under my belt, like any good nerd, I went to Google and youtube, watched some videos, and started buying gear. The COVID hit and hucked all of my plans out the window. Some matches were cancelled, I had to give up some due to work commitments, others were on the same day as other matches due to rescheduling, I even suffered a minor sports injury...its been a dumpster fire of a year. Full disclosure: 3 gun is my passion but I shoot everything from Trap to Steel Challenge to USPSA, tactical shotgun, bullseye league, even the occasional IDPA and 2 gun tactical match (but dont tell anyone about those). So, I now have a couple of suitable rifles, with suitable scopes, in suitable calibers (a 308 and a matched .22), with plenty of 10 round mags for each. I have Strelok, bipods, , match ammo (ish), Magnetospeed, QR slings and bags and even a semi-suitable tripod  . What I don't have is any real experience or guidance. I need to figure out how to practice with only a 100y range to work with, WHAT to practice, and start going to matches. I have watched youtube til my eyes bugged, but you can only learn so much with videos. Actually, If I could find a local battle buddy to help show me the ropes, that would be awesome. Specifically, I want to build a prop or two to practice off of, but they have to be space efficient and portable because I cant leave them at the range. This probably means no tank trap, but certainly I can come up with something. Also, I had the idea of using Aguila Colibri in the .22 at 100y with very small targets to get experience and used to dialing and holdovers, but I havent tried it so I don't know if it will work. |
You got gun law problems, I feel bad for you son. I got 99 problems but a ban ain't one. -Sylvan
If you told people where you were instead of “USA” then you might be able to find a local shooter.  You can build a small barricade to take to the range. Also depending on the range you can shoot off of the benches and stools or whatever else is there. Just practicing moving from one position and setting up fast in another will help. Doesn’t have to be a specific prop. That is where people lose a lot of time. Set up is very important. Also with only 100 yards you can still practice what you need to practice. Put up multiple targets, practice hold unders and hovers, shoot weak hand but make sure to use smaller targets. It will make you concentrate more. Also using your .22 will help and be cheaper to shoot and practice with. |
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If your range will allow it, bring a ladder and practice moving between rungs. That is a really easy way to practice different stances, heights, etc. As for finding somebody to show you the ropes, that's best. Start Googling and see if there are any local clubs or even call some gun shops and ask them. Best bet is probably to find the closest range that goes out to 600 yards or more and call them and ask because that is where the matches will be held. |
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The closest range(s) that has this style matches that I can find are 150-190 miles in any of 3 directions Unfortunately I am in Illinois and they don't like shooters here so I mostly have to go to Indiana or Missouri. As far as the my local range, I only have 100 yards, but I could set up most any prop I wanted as long as I could take it with me and I wasnt bothering other shooters. |
You got gun law problems, I feel bad for you son. I got 99 problems but a ban ain't one. -Sylvan
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Bring props and practice then and travel for matches. I had a few years I only had 100 yards and you can get good practice in with props and smaller targets. Can be paper targets also. The practice needs to be getting in and out of positions and props. The ladder is good and if you can build a portable barricade it helps too. Also if you have some NRL22 or other similar matches in the area then get a .22 and shoot them as it's good practice for centerfire matches. And I used to have to travel a good ways to shoot matches. Shooters are lucky now with more matches popping up all over the country. |