Posted: 4/3/2011 7:21:37 AM EDT
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Hi all,
I've been lurking here for a long time, simply because I didn't have much to say. I took off the 2010 high power rifle season for wrist surgery on my left wrist. It simply wasn't possible for me to support the rifle or sling in until the wrist was fully recovered. As a result, yesterday's match was the my first since late 2009. I've shot a little bit, weather permitting, over the last few months, but not as much as I would have liked. I didn't even do any dry-fire practice at home. Nevertheless, I scored a 429 out of 500 at our 100-yard reduced course match. I'm classified sharpshooter, so I was pleased to shoot in my own classification despite the time off. :) Even better, that 429 was only two points off my last match of 2009. I've been shooting high power rifle for six years now, and with an AR for five (I started with a Lee-Enfield No. 4). All that time, I have not had a shooting jacket. I think I need to make getting one a priority. I hate to blame my equipment –– or lack of equipment –– for my scores, but there's got to be a reason that everyone has a shooting jacket. Regards, -Drew |
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Drew,
There have been a few good words written down on the topic. There are also a few decent DVDs on Service Rifle shooting and technique. Each have some parts dedicated to how the coat affects each part of the match. The Zediker books touch on the topic. The one from Martin & Tillman hit a few words on coats at page 8. Nancy Tompkin's book covers the coat in Chapter 4, although the book is all about prone it is excellent. When you get to the range with the match shooters, I would suggest you ask questions. They are usually very good about answering, just like this forum. May I suggest you either buy a cloth entry level jacket or jump in with both feet. If you want to take it slow, the cloth coats from Creedmoor and Champion's are all excellent starting points. Then you can study the hardback rigs of the other shooters at the next match. The pulse pads and chest straps will become more sophisticated as you spend up. When you are ready to plunge, you will need to take some body dimensions as if for a suit jacket. Each sight has instructions for the measurements and you will find they don't mind taking phone questions when there are any doubts. You will need to allow assembly time when you order, these things are not on the shelf. If you have any doubts, the cloth coats are less expansive to start learning. |