Posted: 10/27/2008 11:48:17 AM EDT
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I finally attended the High Power Clinic at my local range yesterday.
It was a 50 rd course with 3 sighters all from 200 yds. I was a little dissapointed at first when I found out that we were only going to shoot from 200 but I quickly understood why. This clinic is only 2 times per year and there were 38 shooters and only 13 firing positions. They appointed three shooters per position (one with only 2) and we had to take turns being in the pit and scoring. Each position has an Instructor/spotter to assist. I ended being with a Father/Daughter and the Dad asked if I would man the pits twice so he could assist his daughter. I didn't mind, so I walked down range with my lunch and was down there for a few hours. Anyway after a little you get into a rhythm and you get to where you mark the target fairly quickly. I learned the importance of this when I finally got to shoot at the end of the day. We shot everything from 200, 20 rds prone slow, 10 rds prone rapid, 10 rds sitting rapid, and finally 10 rds offhand. I shot a meager 446 5X (50 rd course 500 total). I actually scored higher in the offhand than I did on the sitting rapid. I did shoot the rapids a little fast. I understand why they do only 50 rds for this clinic, it took all day just to get us all through after the classroom stuff in the AM. I know I could have scored better. I caught myself doing all the things I am not supposed to do. I will be more calm the next time out. Our range has the 80 rd NRA match once every month, so I look forward to going and doing that next month. I did the clinic without a shooting jacket, and I also figured out the importance of having a CART to wheel all your stuff around. I had my spotting scope and various other things in my backpack. I had my rifle case slung over my shoulder and in my right hand was my rolled up mat that had my scope stand in it. In my left hand was my lunch box with sandwich bunch of water and some powerade. I had to pack all this stuff from the 1000 yd line down to the 200 yd line. I was scowling at the few smart ones that had carts! I just got back from Kuwait Friday night and when I was over there I had ordered a glove (Creedmoor), a scope stand (Ray Vin - love it), and a spotting scope (Nikon 20-60 X 82 Prostaff) so all that was waiting for me when I got home. The Nikon scope so far is awesome. I could clearly see the holes in the black at 200 and I didn't even have it all the way to 60 power. I was zoomed out so I could still see the huge number board above. I was just a little paranoid at first and I didn't want to mistakingly be looking at the wrong target. The instructer kept reminding me "Target number 9, Target number 9" so that was good. The only things I need to get for now are a shooting cart and a jacket. Overall a great experience, and I learned a lot. I know I will shoot much higher score next time out. I will be more relaxed because I know what to expect. P |