Thinking out loud,
How I see the future matches moving, the direction, back towards the fighting rifleman.
Understanding, I have weighed typical tactical rifles such as the various versions of the Accuracy International to provide a base line. Regardless of what you think, if you have not looked these rifles are generally heavier than you realize out of the box. We are a tactical crowd not a hunting one. Currently issued sniper rifles such as the AI, the MRAD, and the M2010 style rifles are not as light as one might suspect.
In terms of divisions, I think simple is the best approach. In reviewing the past complaints from other series, the random nature of the divisions needs to be cleaned up. As I have noted several times, I am focusing on two divisions to balance the equipment race.
Ammo is a factor, regardless of personal opinions, hand loading vs Factory, a properly hand loaded round should perform better out of the same rifle under the same conditions. Maybe not the first round, but subsequent shots. Therefore, hand loading is a factor in my decisions. Those who want to handload should understand that the open division is available. We have two divisions, Open and Limited. Like anything most of the matches today work under the open umbrella. So it's really no change other than including a maximum weight limit for the Open division. Weight is stability and stability is predictability.
Hoping to create a productive conversation around these various topics, if something simple, like factory ammunition in the limited division says to you personally, Hard Pass, then please refrain from commenting. We get it, you don't agree, but this part of the conversation is not negotiable. We can talking about things, but I am also well aware how easy a single post can derail the conversation. Don't like it, either explain why I detail or move on down the road. I like Hand Loading is not a valid excuse to argue. Neither is the money aspect, the availability one, etc. It can certainly matter in a match, and has to be looked at.
2022 is the proposed time frame to start putting these changes into action. Prior to that we will be doing some experimental events to adjust and fine tune the ideas.
It's clear to me, the current match style is too cookie cutter. When you boil the feedback down, its variety people are after. With that variety I want to include reasons "why" we are doing things the way we are. What the WHY in this equation. Why are we competing, what are we looking to accomplish on a personal level. That varies from shooter to shooter, what I see is improvement as the goal. So why not design things to help improve your abilities.
I want to look at variety in the target package while keeping a standard people can replicate easily. Variety in the props. In my mind, the current line up of props are too accommodating to the shooter. We need to force you to think, to react, not just run on autopilot. Simple elements like not squaring off the shooter and target as if they are fighting old west style, angles, obstacles, decision making has to be put into the equation. I have 3 position and 3 targets, not every target should give the shooter the same view. Nobody is gonna stand face to face and draw down, it's shoot, move, communicate. And by communicate, how about calling those shots, telling the RO which target vs just shooting in order.
Many of these elements are included in one form or another. You might see a piece at a CD match, another piece at a different match. It's about taking the best practices, working around those, vs what is easy. 20 stages with the same or similar format and solution was never the goal. You can still innovate, and solve problems, but within a set of guidelines that touch more people vs the chosen few.
I am looking at some basic skill stages too. Universal truths that do no cater to the physical differences between shooter. If the format is not equal it's not a skill stage, it's an adaption stage. How we can adapt to the question is no problem, but skills should translate on the basics.
3 x 3 Skill Stage
600 yards, Progressive target rack, 2 MOA, 1 MOA, 1/2 MOA, 1 shot each
800 yards, repeat
1000 yards repeat
Shooter starts 5 yards behind line, moves forward to the prone, engages targets near to far, big to small. Time limit is X,
With 9 shots you can use the same numbers to help with classifications, which more and more I believe they are the right way of doing business.
Also, include the flexibility so the targets can be at any range really, don't make it 6, 8, 10, you can make it 3, 6, 8 or 545, 953, 1127 doesn't matter.
Classifications
Alpha: 85% or Greater
Bravo: 55% up to Alpha limit
Charlie: 25% up to Bravo
UNC : below 25%
This works on several levels. Prizes, training and moving forward.
Another skill stage might be a the Kraft Drill shot from a Tripod at 600 yards. Standing, Kneeling, Sitting, 3 shots each position on a 45% ipsc. The tripod means it's even for everyone. You build your best position vs working according to someone's else's rules here. It's even for everyone, and something to practice.
To me this is a living set of conditions. It's the Sniper's Hide Cup, it's moving to a standalone event, so I can make the rules how I see fit. The key is, make the process transparent, so you know the why, you understand the reasoning, then put it out up front.
Where my head is at today:
2022 SHC
Divisions
Open : 24lLBS weight limit*, calibers from .22 to .33, speeds 3200fps max
Weight is as shot, rifle, scope, bipod, any weights, 3rd party attachments used during a stage.
Limited: 19LBS weight limit* factory ammunition, 26" barrel length
Classifications
Alpha : 85%
Bravo: 55%
Charlie: 25%
UNC: >25%
Equipment restrictions
1 - Rear Bag Style
1 - Pillow Style
1- Rifle Rest Style
Tripods, extension, etc, allowed but must be carried. Tripods will be deployed on the clock.
All equipment will be carried from 1st stage to last stage. Equipment will move 100% with the shooter, bags maybe grounded forward of the starting point, but must travel with the shooter.
Time Per Stage
5 Minute Par Time
Stage times may vary, however each competitor will have 5 minutes to complete the stage. Any shooting beyond the Par Time will be a 1 point deduction, and times that beat Par will be +1 point.
Time will be scored, by adding 1 point or subtracting 1 point.
All stages will begin with 1 arm free....
Meaning, you start the stage with all equipment attached the shooter. The shooter must keep one arm free at the beginning of the stage clock.
Stages will require at least 1 magazine change,
Points
3, 2, 1 ...
3 points for each first round hit on a new target,
2 points for a second
1 point for all subsequent targets as well as handgun rounds.
so as noted, right now here is where my head is at...
How I see the future matches moving, the direction, back towards the fighting rifleman.
Understanding, I have weighed typical tactical rifles such as the various versions of the Accuracy International to provide a base line. Regardless of what you think, if you have not looked these rifles are generally heavier than you realize out of the box. We are a tactical crowd not a hunting one. Currently issued sniper rifles such as the AI, the MRAD, and the M2010 style rifles are not as light as one might suspect.
In terms of divisions, I think simple is the best approach. In reviewing the past complaints from other series, the random nature of the divisions needs to be cleaned up. As I have noted several times, I am focusing on two divisions to balance the equipment race.
Ammo is a factor, regardless of personal opinions, hand loading vs Factory, a properly hand loaded round should perform better out of the same rifle under the same conditions. Maybe not the first round, but subsequent shots. Therefore, hand loading is a factor in my decisions. Those who want to handload should understand that the open division is available. We have two divisions, Open and Limited. Like anything most of the matches today work under the open umbrella. So it's really no change other than including a maximum weight limit for the Open division. Weight is stability and stability is predictability.
Hoping to create a productive conversation around these various topics, if something simple, like factory ammunition in the limited division says to you personally, Hard Pass, then please refrain from commenting. We get it, you don't agree, but this part of the conversation is not negotiable. We can talking about things, but I am also well aware how easy a single post can derail the conversation. Don't like it, either explain why I detail or move on down the road. I like Hand Loading is not a valid excuse to argue. Neither is the money aspect, the availability one, etc. It can certainly matter in a match, and has to be looked at.
2022 is the proposed time frame to start putting these changes into action. Prior to that we will be doing some experimental events to adjust and fine tune the ideas.
It's clear to me, the current match style is too cookie cutter. When you boil the feedback down, its variety people are after. With that variety I want to include reasons "why" we are doing things the way we are. What the WHY in this equation. Why are we competing, what are we looking to accomplish on a personal level. That varies from shooter to shooter, what I see is improvement as the goal. So why not design things to help improve your abilities.
I want to look at variety in the target package while keeping a standard people can replicate easily. Variety in the props. In my mind, the current line up of props are too accommodating to the shooter. We need to force you to think, to react, not just run on autopilot. Simple elements like not squaring off the shooter and target as if they are fighting old west style, angles, obstacles, decision making has to be put into the equation. I have 3 position and 3 targets, not every target should give the shooter the same view. Nobody is gonna stand face to face and draw down, it's shoot, move, communicate. And by communicate, how about calling those shots, telling the RO which target vs just shooting in order.
Many of these elements are included in one form or another. You might see a piece at a CD match, another piece at a different match. It's about taking the best practices, working around those, vs what is easy. 20 stages with the same or similar format and solution was never the goal. You can still innovate, and solve problems, but within a set of guidelines that touch more people vs the chosen few.
I am looking at some basic skill stages too. Universal truths that do no cater to the physical differences between shooter. If the format is not equal it's not a skill stage, it's an adaption stage. How we can adapt to the question is no problem, but skills should translate on the basics.
3 x 3 Skill Stage
600 yards, Progressive target rack, 2 MOA, 1 MOA, 1/2 MOA, 1 shot each
800 yards, repeat
1000 yards repeat
Shooter starts 5 yards behind line, moves forward to the prone, engages targets near to far, big to small. Time limit is X,
With 9 shots you can use the same numbers to help with classifications, which more and more I believe they are the right way of doing business.
Also, include the flexibility so the targets can be at any range really, don't make it 6, 8, 10, you can make it 3, 6, 8 or 545, 953, 1127 doesn't matter.
Classifications
Alpha: 85% or Greater
Bravo: 55% up to Alpha limit
Charlie: 25% up to Bravo
UNC : below 25%
This works on several levels. Prizes, training and moving forward.
Another skill stage might be a the Kraft Drill shot from a Tripod at 600 yards. Standing, Kneeling, Sitting, 3 shots each position on a 45% ipsc. The tripod means it's even for everyone. You build your best position vs working according to someone's else's rules here. It's even for everyone, and something to practice.
To me this is a living set of conditions. It's the Sniper's Hide Cup, it's moving to a standalone event, so I can make the rules how I see fit. The key is, make the process transparent, so you know the why, you understand the reasoning, then put it out up front.
Where my head is at today:
2022 SHC
Divisions
Open : 24lLBS weight limit*, calibers from .22 to .33, speeds 3200fps max
Weight is as shot, rifle, scope, bipod, any weights, 3rd party attachments used during a stage.
Limited: 19LBS weight limit* factory ammunition, 26" barrel length
Classifications
Alpha : 85%
Bravo: 55%
Charlie: 25%
UNC: >25%
Equipment restrictions
1 - Rear Bag Style
1 - Pillow Style
1- Rifle Rest Style
Tripods, extension, etc, allowed but must be carried. Tripods will be deployed on the clock.
All equipment will be carried from 1st stage to last stage. Equipment will move 100% with the shooter, bags maybe grounded forward of the starting point, but must travel with the shooter.
Time Per Stage
5 Minute Par Time
Stage times may vary, however each competitor will have 5 minutes to complete the stage. Any shooting beyond the Par Time will be a 1 point deduction, and times that beat Par will be +1 point.
Time will be scored, by adding 1 point or subtracting 1 point.
All stages will begin with 1 arm free....
Meaning, you start the stage with all equipment attached the shooter. The shooter must keep one arm free at the beginning of the stage clock.
Stages will require at least 1 magazine change,
Points
3, 2, 1 ...
3 points for each first round hit on a new target,
2 points for a second
1 point for all subsequent targets as well as handgun rounds.
so as noted, right now here is where my head is at...
