View Full Version : My first ever Match...
islandermyk
03-16-2013, 21:02
.. and talk about getting out of your comfort zone [Coffee]
I'm so used to shooting in open land. Take my sweet ass time pulling the trigger... of course, after adjusting, watching your the cant, adjust again, breath, adjust to breathing, look at the cant again after adjusting, load the bipod and adjust again, and take one last breathe before adjusting again and finally pulling the trigger... well sh*t maybe not in that order and I may have missed something while I'm typing all this down, but you guys know what I'm talking about.
So I got to the Match almost 2 hours early... just to watch and get a feel for what's going on which was cool. Got to hang with "TheBelly" (which was awesome!) while the AM Match was still going on. So I got comfy, and felt "awright this looks like fun". Lazed the target furthest was at 427 yards or something, took some notes on yardage with the 10 targets out there and I'm like "cool... I think I can do this" and "You've trained for this day all your life!" and [blah-blah][Coffee]... So here we go. I had a couple of plans in mind like use the DOPE on the rifle as reference and just hold over and under, how to stay/get ready for the next target, etc..... just getting my mind ready for this... all good.. all good. I took a spot laid my sh*t on the ground and what do you know?! Hoser picks the spot right beside me, oh shit [LOL] Okay.. okay.... I'm cool.. Big Dawg gonna show me how it's done and watch me perform [hahhah-no] No pressure.. no pressure. After my first miss out to 427 (or something) I couldn't recover/come up with a back up plan on hitting steel. Suddenly, things felt like "Aw phuck! I don't have time to make adjustments" and can't remember where I was holding and where the round went, and now I gotta get ready for the next one, sh*t! Well, needless to say.... all that planning and sh*t went out the window [ROFL1]
The worse part is I was probably repeating the same mistakes on the same damn targets I missed, and probably made it worse. I caught myself not loading the bipod, pulling the trigger right when I'm inhaling/exhaling, not getting a good cheek weld trying to write sh*t down for record, etc... etc.. I could list a sh*t load of things I didn't do right. Knowing it's my turn on the same targets I keep missing really puts the pressure on, and to feel that lil tap on the foot and hearing that "Beep" Aaaghhh hooooly hell! Be one with the rifle... for the love of God.. hit... nope [facepalm]
Out of 40 shots. I think I only hit 17 (being my score 170). Will I do this again? Hell to the yea! Would I recommend this to anyone? You bet your ass! I really did have a good time... every miss I made I was laughing like "aw sh*t! That didn't work... wait, I think I just did it again... didn't I, wtf?!"Good times for sure.
It was really cool! A lot of friendly faces.. weird thing is some of'em from this site... yes, you too Hoser[Coffee]
I feel like that kid that buys a pair of'em Reebok pumps/fancy basketball shoes thinking it'll make me jump higher.... Man, did that match just tear my soul apart... so this is what the darkside feels like... I need to do this more[Beer]
Great-Kazoo
03-16-2013, 21:06
Yep EVERYTHING YOU KNOW Plan, remember to execute, goes down the shitter like evidence during a No knock. You could say the wind put hair in you eyes.
SA Friday
03-16-2013, 21:08
170 isn't that bad for your first match. That shit is hard. Makes you want to practice more. I was going to go out tomorrow or Monday, but the wind is going to be uber-shitty. Damn you wind.... Damn you to hell!!!!
Not to mention you even got crap about the fried chicken picture.
Nice meeting you today Mike.
Brian.
islandermyk
03-16-2013, 21:19
Not to mention you even got crap about the fried chicken picture.
Nice meeting you today Mike.
Brian.
That's what I probably needed today... [ROFL1]
very cool meeting you too Bro and nice shooting! [Beer]
islandermyk
03-16-2013, 21:22
Yep EVERYTHING YOU KNOW Plan, remember to execute, goes down the shitter like evidence during a No knock. You could say the wind put hair in you eyes.
[ROFL1] Freshly washed too... so the long hair was flowing, but to no good... I couldn't even get any good wind calls from it [Coffee]
170 isn't that bad for your first match. That shit is hard. Makes you want to practice more. I was going to go out tomorrow or Monday, but the wind is going to be uber-shitty. Damn you wind.... Damn you to hell!!!!
I need to grow a beard and be like that Tod fella from Magpul's Precision shooting vid [facepalm]
TheBelly
03-16-2013, 21:37
It was great to meet you today, Mike! You got a better score than I did. I have the results, so if you PM me your email address, I'll forward them over to you.
I had ONE goal today, and that was to hit one of the 400+ targets. Success. I fluffed everything else, but I got a 400+.....
SAFriday, I'm trying to practice a bit for this by making my own stupid little 3"x6" targets drawn on a piece of paper and staple them out there. It started to work until Mike showed up with his gun that's MUCH cooler than mine. All I thought was, "ohhh, shiny!" and then my practice was done, really.
I had problems getting a good consistent load on my bipod today. I ended up just extending the legs out farther than I thought and planting them in the dirt in front of my little cheapo mil-spec PT/sleeping mat (yep, one of the old green ones)... problem with this ended up being the guy next to me was shooting with a muzzle brake. It made it real loud into my left ear.
I like these competitions because it gets me out of my comfort zone and I get better sooo much faster as a result.
It was good to chat a little bit with Brian after the match, as well. I don't know who the guy and girl were that we were talking with, but it was just fun to listen mostly.
Kraven251
03-16-2013, 22:00
problem with this ended up being the guy next to me was shooting with a muzzle brake. It made it real loud into my left ear.
I need to come to a match, though I don't think the battle comp will be appreciated, it beats the hell out of the folks on either side of me.
TheBelly
03-16-2013, 22:03
I need to come to a match, though I don't think the battle comp will be appreciated, it beats the hell out of the folks on either side of me.
Just put yourself on the end (of the row of shooters)....
I shot today with a BE Meyers vortex, and that's pretty loud I think. (I know that certain comps/brakes are LOUD!!!!)
400M and how big are the targets?
Inquiring minds want to know.
islandermyk
03-17-2013, 03:31
400M and how big are the targets?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Not very big.... it's like shooting clay pigeons out that far given only one shot.
I guess that's the fun part in all this. Shooting a small as target with only 10 seconds to do it with no follow up shot if you miss. Aww yea... good times [Coffee]
It gets easier, Mark, and I think you did fine for your first time out. Just knowing what to expect, I'll bet your score goes up 50 points next match. It was nice to meet you and put a face to the name.
67rschev
03-17-2013, 10:01
Congrats on your first match , and I'm sure you will be a repeat offender . It is a humbling learning experience for sure , but once familiar with the format of these long range shoots , it will become easier . The learning curve is not linear , and there will be ups and downs learning how your shooting stick responds to different conditions . Last time out to one of these I was thinking ' Oh yeah I got this game licked ' , and promptly shot a big fat zero on my first string WTF . Relaxed , Knew I was just there to have fun and kept my head in the game and bounced back with a 11 and then a 13 go figure . Every time out , you will learn something new . Hope to see you at the CRC match soon , good people who run an excellent match .
You did great. Your wind calls were spot on. Elevation is what got you.
Lots of people hit fewer than you did their first match. You did good. And you left with a smile on your face and you learned something.
You really have to focus and worry about the shot you are taking. Learn from the last, but dont worry about it.
400M and how big are the targets?
Inquiring minds want to know.
4.5x7. Kinda like a big prairie dog.
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 10:34
4.5x7. Kinda like a big prairie dog.
i made some 3"x6" rectangles on some paper and put those out there to try and practice. I think that's what I'm going to do from now on, just make my own targets and get out there and learn what the dang rifle is supposed to do.
Byte Stryke
03-17-2013, 10:42
a piece of AR500 that size shouldn't be too expensive and would give you a better instant feedback
Wildboarem
03-17-2013, 11:50
I was thinking I have to do this. 400+m isn't that hard of a shot. Do it with ar all the time. Wait, what? 4"x7"? yeah maybe me needs to practice a little more before I do that. 12x12 at 500yd and 4x7 at 500yd is a big damn difference. BTW I got to RO at the Snipers Hide Cup last year and Hoser was by far the most impressive shooter I have witnessed, and I had some good damn shooters come through. Take advantage of having time next to people who know their shit.
First comps are the best, first DP, first IDPA, first 3-gun. It's amazing the emotional roller coaster ride at your first one. I still haven't done a rifle comp yet though. It's so scary!
islandermyk
03-17-2013, 12:26
Oowee... I'm gonna say... this was one of the coolest things I've ever done... and really looking forward in participating more in events like these!
I really am greatful for all of this! Thank you guys! https://www.ar-15.co/clientscript/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/images/smilies/anim_beer1.gif
Now to find some powder and rounds https://www.ar-15.co/clientscript/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/images/smilies/anim_coffee.gif
Here you are in all your flowing hair glory...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c173/tkulin/CIMG5338_zps93d06b6d.jpg
islandermyk
03-17-2013, 14:33
Here you are in all your flowing hair glory...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c173/tkulin/CIMG5338_zps93d06b6d.jpg
[LOL]Thanks Brother! Tha's awesome! [Beer]
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 16:36
a piece of AR500 that size shouldn't be too expensive and would give you a better instant feedback
I tried calling a couple different places here in the springs, and their minimum order amount was $500.
If you have a line on a couple small pieces, then I'm all ears.....
islandermyk
03-17-2013, 17:25
I tried calling a couple different places here in the springs, and their minimum order amount was $500.
If you have a line on a couple small pieces, then I'm all ears.....
I know someone on here that knows someone that has access to getting some AR500 steel... In fact, he has two huge sheets that we shoot at... let's wait and hope he chimes in [Beer]
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 17:27
I know someone on here that knows someone that has access to getting some AR500 steel... In fact, he has two huge sheets that we shoot at... let's wait and hope he chimes in [Beer]
well, I don't need anything that big, just maybe 4"x7" or so....
I'm trying to practice a bit for this by making my own stupid little 3"x6" targets drawn on a piece of paper and staple them out there.
Perfect idea, not stupid.
Good practice for matches like this is not just shooting at a chunk of steel. Sure it is fun watching it get tossed around like a rag doll, but... You might have hit it, but was it left edge, center or what. You will only know for a shot or two until the fresh paint is gone and it is a grey blob.
I have a bunch of 8x10 paper targets I made up. White target on a black background and the opposite. The crosshairs show up well against the white target. Being a small target on a big chunk of paper you can learn from your misses instead of just saying "Well I missed."
I started doing exactly that when I was shooing IHMSA Silhouette hard. Air gun training in the basement and lots of rounds downrange. I was able to progress rapidly and won a match or two along the way.
After two years of these PD matches I went out to slay some real prairie dogs. Everything inside 350 yards was easy. Before that my comfort was maybe 250 yards with my 22-250 or 220 Swift. I might fling a bullet at the 400-500 yards dogs, but I was just kinda guessing where it would go.
I need to come to a match, though I don't think the battle comp will be appreciated, it beats the hell out of the folks on either side of me.
Lots of people have brakes. It is no big deal. In all the years (7 years) of these matches, I have only had one single person snivel to me because "I think his brake is too loud. Make him shoot somewhere else. Terry Cross runs his matches like that, you should too."
I run a brake on my rifles about 1/2 the time.
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 19:32
After two years of these PD matches I went out to slay some real prairie dogs. Everything inside 350 yards was easy. Before that my comfort was maybe 250 yards with my 22-250 or 220 Swift. I might fling a bullet at the 400-500 yards dogs, but I was just kinda guessing where it would go.
Are you shooting real prairie dogs with that AI monster? If so, I want video of the hilarity that probably ensued.
islandermyk
03-17-2013, 20:36
Are you shooting real prairie dogs with that AI monster? If so, I want video of the hilarity that probably ensued.
screw that! You got our numbers! Call us so we could go shootin too [pick-me] it'll help us out in the matches[ROFL1]
Would you guys make laugh at me if I went to the next match knowing that my Birthday is on that 3rd Saturday of next month [Coffee]
1st shot Pow----- *ping "HIT!" 2nd shot Pow----- ----- "HIT!" [LOL]
I kid! I kid! Damn... I'm already itching for another match...[Beer]
Are you shooting real prairie dogs with that AI monster? If so, I want video of the hilarity that probably ensued.
I use a XP-100 pistol in 17 Mach IV, R-700 in 223 Ackley and a Stolle 22 BR. The 17 shoots 20 gn Bergers around 3800 fps. The 223 shoots 55gn Blitzkings at the speed of heat and the 22 BR does the same with a 75 gn AMAX.
I have killed a bunch of coyotes and foxes with my 243.
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 20:49
I should have gotten involved in these matches a bit sooner.
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 20:50
I use a XP-100 pistol in 17 Mach IV, R-700 in 223 Ackley and a Stolle 22 BR. The 17 shoots 20 gn Bergers around 3800 fps. The 223 shoots 55gn Blitzkings at the speed of heat and the 22 BR does the same with a 75 gn AMAX.
I have killed a bunch of coyotes and foxes with my 243.
do you have anything that's just normal/stock/boring?
SA Friday
03-17-2013, 20:52
do you have anything that's just normal/stock/boring?
that's just crazy talk... [dammit]
do you have anything that's just normal/stock/boring?
He does, and he uses them all out to 500 yards.
But none of them have sights or optics.
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 20:58
He does, and he uses them all out to 500 yards.
Even the air rifles.
Even the air rifles.
I even shoot my air rifle suppressed.
I know, I know. I need help.
islandermyk
03-17-2013, 21:41
I even shoot my air rifle suppressed.
I know, I know. I need help.
I tired something like this, making a silencer for my Benjamin pellet gun as a kid back home with a shampoo bottle... it worked till the tape couldn't hold much more [LOL]
bowhunter
03-17-2013, 21:46
What kind of rifles and what calibers do you see there alot? I have been interested in doing this for a while now. If it wasnt so far i would just hang out and watch.
TheBelly
03-17-2013, 22:15
There's a thread about it here:
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/6763-Prairie-Dog-Sniper-Match-In-Pueblo
mostly bolt rifles, a few semi guns (ARs). I shot a 16" AR in .223 this time. I felt that I had the 'enough gun' for the match. There were also a couple other ARs. The bolt rifles shoot all kinds of calibers: .223, .243, 6mm, .308, .300 win mag. Everything from what looked like normal hunting rigs, to flat out guns that came from space.
This was a great read and great description Mike! I've been practicing with my Savage BA 10 out to 500 yards and thinking I'd like to try a competition, but WOW, I need ALOT of practice. Thats a pretty small target. Right now I think I can hit that sized target maybe 1 in 7 shots... Gives me something to practice for!
Congrats on your match, glad you had fun. :)
What kind of rifles and what calibers do you see there alot? I have been interested in doing this for a while now. If it wasnt so far i would just hang out and watch.
I shoot a .260.
If anybody is on the fence about getting in to competitive shooting, this is a great match to get your feet wet. Long range guys are some of the nicest, most helpful guys you'll ever meet. Pretty much the exact opposite if my first IPSC match.
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-18-2013, 08:34
Congrats!
I shoot a .260.
If anybody is on the fence about getting in to competitive shooting, this is a great match to get your feet wet. Long range guys are some of the nicest, most helpful guys you'll ever meet. Pretty much the exact opposite if my first IPSC match.
That is very reassuring to read. I want to go to a match just to see how it's ran. I'd actually like to shadow someone one day(not a competition) to see what long range is all about.
Delfuego
03-18-2013, 09:36
Way to go Mike! Looks like a fun day in Pueblo! Hoser's match is great fun and practice. Those target are absolutely tiny! I thought they were bigger and I was missing by 6", then they retrieved a broken target during the match and I was probably off by 1.5".
Way to go Tim on 390 [Alrigh]
I will try to get back out after ski season ends. I may even be able to match 170 but I wont hold my breath. I am already scared of 600y, 420y was plenty tough.
RE: TheBelly, I sent you a PM about small steel targets.
The Gen 2 mags I ordered showed up on Saturday. Apparently the gen 3's are still back ordered.
islandermyk
03-18-2013, 12:27
This was a great read and great description Mike! I've been practicing with my Savage BA 10 out to 500 yards and thinking I'd like to try a competition, but WOW, I need ALOT of practice. Thats a pretty small target. Right now I think I can hit that sized target maybe 1 in 7 shots... Gives me something to practice for!
You need to come out... it was fun, holy sh*t!
I'm itching to do it again! [Beer]
Congrats on your match, glad you had fun. :)
Yep, and it ended up giving me another reason to spend money... again... Thanks Hoser for letting me try out that rest bag [facepalm][Beer]
It was good times for sure though!
islandermyk
03-18-2013, 12:28
Way to go Mike! Looks like a fun day in Pueblo! Hoser's match is great fun and practice. Those target are absolutely tiny! I thought they were bigger and I was missing by 6", then they retrieved a broken target during the match and I was probably off by 1.5".
Way to go Tim on 390 [Alrigh]
I will try to get back out after ski season ends. I may even be able to match 170 but I wont hold my breath. I am already scared of 600y, 420y was plenty tough.
RE: TheBelly, I sent you a PM about small steel targets.
Thanks man! Those targets look smaller than 7 inches tall[Coffee]
[Beer]
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