Posted: 3/13/2008 8:39:18 PM EDT
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After reading the 20 round mag thread, Im starting to get the itch to shoot on a real KD range again. Its quite challenging, and fun, plus Ive always wondered how the USMC rifle qual and my 2nd award expert stacks up to the Civilain versions. I remember you from way back at an LCR in 03, and I figured you would be the guy to ask. How would I go about getting on one of these matches, and what they hell would I need? I do have a newborn son, so I cant drop an ass-load of crap on a(nother) zillion dollar rifle. Im interested in shooting M16A2/A4s if that helps. Thanks |
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That WSRPA link is a good place to find a match. The Annual Snoqualmie Valley Service Rifle Clinic is one of the best places to start, but it's in February. ODCMP has some resources for beginners HERE, but don't sweat the deep details at the beginning. Get used to the course of fire and match procedures first. You probably have everything you need to get started already. Just show up with: 20" A2 rifle (or A4 rifle with a handle) that meets service match rules. Decent sling, not nylon. Magazines  Ammo, enough for sighters and record shots plus some extra in case you have to repeat a stage. Spotting scope Safety gear Shooting Mat (a roll of carpet will work in a pinch) A glove for your off hand. (I started with an old ski glove.) Match fee Don't worry about fancy equipment right now. However, if you don't have a barrel internally floated with a CMP tube, go easy on the sling tension. Some places like Snoqualmie can actually issue a rifle to those who don't have one. Contact the match director ahead of time and explain that you're interested in trying a service rifle match. I never met one that was not willing to help a new person get started. Ask if you need to bring anything special. Put a dot on a wall and dry fire in each position before the match, getting a feel for your 'natural point of aim'. You will hear about NPA a lot, but more on that later. Practice mag changes and closing the bolt in position BEFORE your first match otherwise you may be in for a rude surprise. (Like I had.  ) Hint: Your non-shooting hand will be locked in a sling. If you're right-handed reach through the handle to drop the bolt, or over the handle if it's an A4.On match day the director will talk everyone through the course of fire. At my first SR match in Snoqualmie I was assigned to an experienced person who guided me as we went along, but that may not be possible. Just listen to the instructions and you'll be fine. Pace yourself during the 'rapid-fire' stages. 60 seconds is a LONG time to get off 10 rounds. Newbies seem to always finish the rapids in less than 25 seconds. The more experienced shooters haven't even finish their first mag by then. Take advantage of the whole period, 3-4 seconds between shots. As you get used to the course of fire you can start looking into the details. For example: During the 'prep time' prior to each stage, get your NPA on target and and establish where your feet or elbows go to achieve that. For the 'rapid fire' stages that start from a standing position, drop into position and reestablish your NPA by putting your feet or elbow in the same spots. Not having a good NPA on target can result in stringing. Eye fatigue can be a problem towards the end of the day. Furthermore, if you stare at the target and front sight for too long it can 'burn' an image into your brain creating a false image. It's called 'burning the bulls-eye' and double vision during a match is bad MMMkay. As a general rule for the slow-fire stages, if you can't get the shot off within 6-8 seconds of acquiring sight alignment, stop. Then, without breaking position, look at something else. Then start again. If you have a solid NPA you're be right back on target. Good luck. |
Shit... Sounds pretty much exactly like USMC rifle qualifications! Im going to have to put my A4 back together. Thanks! |
I really wanted to do this this year
Sound cool to me... better than nothing. Thankns |