Minimum equipment for Comps

Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

Jump in an do it. zero'ed scope, DOPE, pen and paper, bipod or backpack to shoot off of. Rear bag or sock with sand/plastic pellets.

Some nice things to have: shooting mat or moving pad, knee and elbow pads, detachable mags, data book, sling.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

The only things you NEED is a zeroed rifle. From there other guys are usually super welcome to new people,and usually have no problem helping you het estimated dope in their ballistics program. From there it's all optional. Last time I went that was all I had, other than a bipod. I guess sit would matter what kind of competition as well though....

That bare minimum will be ok, but obviously more is recommended. By next time I hope to have a more accurate zero(knowing my exact DA of the zero), and better dope charts from testing.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

Get a good zero, if you know velocity print out a JBM or similiar chart covering the distances the match may involve and go. Then you'll see what the competitors use that work and not what someone may tell you that never competes. A couple of sandbags might be only thing really necessary but like others have said most everyone is more than willing to offer use of their stuff for a new shooter starting out.

You don't need a lot to get started and even be competitive but buying the wrong stuff first and having to change it out gets mighty expensive.

Have fun

Topstrap
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlaw973</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spectate first or go in head first and just shoot? </div></div>

As a person who shots and also directs matches...
If there is a match nearby, go watch. See what is all about and see what competitors need.

As a competitor....
Go shoot, learn what you need. Every match is a little different and different gear can be useful.

In the end it comes down to the shooter and knowing your equipment. Be the master of your tools.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

An Empty Chamber Indicator and a good respect for safety. If you are safe and want to learn, you will make friends quickly. Get out there!
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> not what someone may tell you that never competes. </div></div>
Very true, and there's alot of this on here.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

I am new to precision rifle competitions, but the first thing I learned is not to get overwhelmed with all the gear on the market.

For a bare minimum, a rifle with a SOLID zero, and knowing how to operate your setup will be a great start. From there a rear bag, bipod and dope sheet are needed.

With the little experience I have gained in the matches I have shot I see the usefulness of a laser range finder if they are allowed, and most recently I discovered how useful a spotting scope is assuming you will be working with a spotter.

From there you will be able to identify what would actually benefit you by going out and shooting matches. One thing I do that I feel helps me is to write a detailed AAR to keep for future reference if you are serious about improvement. In my AAR I include detailed descriptions of the stages, and then bullet points about what we did correct, and where we need to improve.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

All that you need is a rifle with a solid zero, your dope, a pack for ammo, a good retention holster for your pistol (if there are pistol stages), and a sling to carry the rifle. You don't even really need a rear bag if you are using one of the TAB slings with a hasty rear support.

I'm a big believer that less is more.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

Rifle, scope, sling, ammo, data, rear bag, pen/pad, calculator, something to carry ammo/water/chow/clothing, and an open mind. Use your first match as a learning experience. Watch what others use and see what you need and what you don't. Don't bring tons of junk. New guys always bring way too much stuff.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

I shot my first match, brought a gun, scope, one mag, ammo, hearing protection and a few granola bars.

After I got there, thanks to a few nice people, we built a range card, bought a rear bag, 2 or 3 more mags and a few other things.

This was my first tac match and I learned alot watched alot, listened alot, picked up tricks of the trade and made things more enjoyable.

K.I.S.S. is probably one of the best rules of thumb at a shoot. Take what you need not much more so you dont start overloading yourself with additional responsiblities instead of focusing on just shooting.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taliv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wait, you mean i won't need a trenching tool, glock knife, 200' of paracord, and a CIRAS??



</div></div>

No, <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> will need all that stuff and more.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

I've shot 3 gun and some USPSA. I used to shoot the Midwest 3 Gun Championship, then started ROing it, so I'm not totally unfamiliar with comps. Just new at getting into the precision comps.
Right now I have Remy 5R 308 w/ Atlas V8, bottom metal on it's way, will be ordering a couple Alpha mags, have a tab sling and rear bag, and scope in the works. The handgun and holster are no problem, have them for 3 gun.
I think I will just go to a shoot and see how it goes and find out what else I need or need to do different. Shot my first 3 gun at the Midwest Champ. a few years ago and didn't even own any of the guns, all borrowed.
Worst thing is there aren't any comps close. Hopeing to make into gugubica's match next year. If there are any spots open in the Mammoth match come January, maybe I can come up with the money and time off to make it down there. IF the is a spot, which I don't expect to be.
Thanks for the advise so far.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

for mammoth, i recommend the following:

a spotting scope with ranging reticle
a partner who knows how to spot and mil
lots of hand/foot warmers in winter, flea/tick collars in summer
when you go to the stage brief, have pen, paper and binos in hand

be prepared to carry all your crap up and down hills to the stages (carry sling on the rifle is good idea)
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taliv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wait, you mean i won't need a trenching tool, glock knife, 200' of paracord, and a CIRAS??



</div></div>
EASY on the Glock knife there HO! I carry that Everyday.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadeye351</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taliv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wait, you mean i won't need a trenching tool, glock knife, 200' of paracord, and a CIRAS??



</div></div>
EASY on the Glock knife there HO! I carry that Everyday. </div></div>

Not to mention the 3 glocks on your side all the time.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

Screw 3 REGULAR Glocks, you guys will always be second rate shooters until you bring your Ninja Glock:

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Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Whoshotya</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesBailey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">An Empty Chamber Indicator and a good respect for safety. If you are safe and want to learn, you will make friends quickly. Get out there!

</div></div>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTalnzcO0xk </div></div>

LOL! I will try that w/ Freddy at the next match!
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

"In the end it comes down to the shooter and knowing your equipment. Be the master of your tools."

Well said Knight and very true. Don't get too hung up on gadgets!
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

So the quality of your tools doesn't matter, as long as you know it sucks for example?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Darkhorse6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"In the end it comes down to the shooter and knowing your equipment. Be the master of your tools."

Well said Knight and very true. Don't get too hung up on gadgets! </div></div>
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jAXDIALATION</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So the quality of your tools doesn't matter, as long as you know it sucks for example?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Darkhorse6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"In the end it comes down to the shooter and knowing your equipment. Be the master of your tools."

Well said Knight and very true. Don't get too hung up on gadgets! </div></div> </div></div>

That is not all at what was meant. Quality of you tools does matter, they dictate the quality of work you will produce.

The comment was more geared towards not swamping yourself with copious amounts of nonessential equipment.
 
Re: Minimum equipment for Comps

I carry the same stuff in my ruck for range trips, local comps and big comps. Its always stowed the same, and is a part of my routine if needed.

-rain gear
-extra bipod (taller than wheats on my rifle)
-shooting bags; big bag, medium bag and for my rear bag, a RedTac 1/2 pint (lg and med are lightweight fill)
-TAB mat in ruck
-cleaning/malfunction gear in an old GI pouch
-tools for my rifle and my buddy's (since the guy I shoot with most never has any and always needs them
-knee pads
-elbow pads
-bug spray
-gloves
-notebook and wrist operator
-ammo
-mags
-Laser range finder
-Kestrel 4000
-Dope card for DA's from -2000 to 15000 attached to rifle


Seems like a lot, but its not bad. There's enough room in my pack for a rolled up sweatshirt or jacket and the pack is full enough to use as support when needed.