My First Match: Report from the Field

[Bongo Boy]

Thought I'd try to write this up for at least two reasons. First would be to let the folks who put these together know how much it means, and second would be to further encourage anyone who's hesitating to get on out and git er done. There are some other reasons...I'll let them just reveal themselves all on their own.

Early Day

Getting up before 0700 is a major effort for me. Getting up at 0400 takes some real doing--0500 out the door, and on the compound at 0650 after missing the place and going 3 miles too far. Nice drive from Colo Spgs.

At 0700, I have to think there were at least a dozen folks ready to set up stages, so this was a good sign. I was impressed. By 0720, I think, all four bays were configured for fun. Couldn't possibly have taken more than 20 minutes to set the entire match up.

Safety Class

Done nice in 60 minutes. Emphasis where you'd expect it, and a short Q&A. We all had some questions, but I don't anyone had too many questions about the basics. I was very happy to hear exactly the same kind of language I heard at my Sig Academy training: don't care how well or poorly you shoot...we care about how well you obey the 4 Rules. I like that.

The Match

One more large coffee and I wouldn't have been able to contain myself. Man, this beats painting the bathroom or raking the yard ANY OLD DAY. What a great bunch of folks. I was more than a bit skiddish about screwing up, about fumbling with gear, etc. I saw everything today in terms of familiarity with equipment, shooting accuracy, level of comfort in shooting on the move, etc., and while I can't say how other folks felt, I have to think we all felt more than welcome and totally okay with our own individual 'challenges'.

I have to say--I didn't see or hear ANYTHING that made me feel anything but comfortable in getting out there and doing what I could. It was huge to not have those worries, while I tried desperately not to screw up on safety or procedure. I screwed up on procedure several times during the day...and it was just no big deal. Nice, calm words from our SOs on how much and why, and that was it. Thanks so much to these guys for a) applying the rules with some compasion, and b) for applying the rules.

I really wouldn't have cared about the stages at all. ANY stage would have been just dandy. But, there was a good bit of shooting on-the-move today, and I'd like to cast one vote for THAT. Nice.

Other Observations

So, while setting up one of the stages, a few of the seasoned fellers expressed various opinions on them with respect to the Rules. This was interesting, but there was a little lesson learned for me. I left setup with an understanding of the COF based on the comments I heard during setup. Specifically, at Bay 2 we had two threats: a distant one on the far right and a somewhat closer one just to its left.

During setup up, my impression was that a consensus had been reached that these two threats were close enough that they could be engaged in any order. During the match, I answered affirmative to understanding the COF, and proceded to draw a foul for firing on the more-distant threat first. So...lesson learned for this Nubus: ask--especially if you don't listen during the stage briefing. :)

Thanks, thanks and thanks again to everyone--SOs, MD, new shooters and the old hands. This was a great experience that even the most sociopathically-introverted of us should be able to enjoy. I am, I did. Thanks to everyone for welcoming everyone--that's nice.

[pickenup]

That is a pretty good write up.
I don't think you will find a nicer group of people, than at a match.

Now that you have seen how they set up a stage, maybe you could come up with one or more stages you would like to present.

[Bongo Boy]

Now that you have seen how they set up a stage, maybe you could come up with one or more stages you would like to present.That would be fun, but I'd feel a bit pretentious, I think, having only done one match. But, one goal I would like to strive for is to somehow find a way to set up the all-steel stages closer to the clubhouse. :D Hauling that stuff just 4 bays away, even with a wagon, was quite the workout at that altitude.

I'd like to get through an entire match with no procedurals--I think that would be very cool. Funny stuff that just happens when you're learning must look hilarious. Stage 1 was a great example: walking when the start signal goes, draw & present weapon--and stop cold to take the shot. What a laugh.

Learning how folks like to run things, how they interpret the rules and how they enforce or apply them would be good things to know before designing stages, I think. I mean there's no harm, of course, but it would be a huge help. There's sure no stage design limitations I can imagine based on all the props and stuff at the shed. Nice setup.

[SA Friday]

Um, where was match? Clear Creek?

[eerw]

Um, where was match? Clear Creek?

yes..they shoot second saturday..

are you back??

[pickenup]

The reason I suggested that you come up with a stage, is BECAUSE you are new to it. Fresh ideas, ya know.

Don't get me wrong, the guys who design these stages do a GREAT job. Always challenging, and a hoot to shoot. They have been doing this for a LONG time.

Maybe I am all wrong (and they will let me know) but having done this for a while (at a different place) I welcomed ANY fresh ideas.

[Bongo Boy]

The reason I suggested that you come up with a stage, is BECAUSE you are new to it. Fresh ideas, ya know.I understand. Once in a while I find that being too ignorant to 'know' something can't be done leads to accomplishing things...even if it they done the hard way.