Originally Posted By AT7:
I’m a member at a small club that has 100 yard bullseye matches. I am thinking about trying these.
I have a LaRue match upper on an old Superior lower with an original Magpul M93b stock and a LaRue trigger. The only glass I have is a Primary Arms 1-8.
I have some Prvi Partisan 69 grain ammo that the gun seems to like.
I’m thinking I just zero at 100 yards and go from there. Is there anything else I need to know or do?
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NRA/CMP tournaments limit scopes to 4.5x maximum magnification. If it's just a fun tournament, the organizers can make any rules they like.
You need a heavy shooting glove for your left hand (I'm assuming you're a righty), an easily adjustable sling (I prefer leather slings), lace up boots and suspenders. The boots give you more stability in standing and a better platform when sitting. The suspenders eliminate a pulse at your waistline when in the sitting position. No belt.
Practice dry firing at home every evening prior to the match. Put a well-lit target on the wall, the same width as your front sight post and practice firing offhand, unsupported. Use your left elbow resting against your rib cage for support. Wear the heavy glove. Slings aren't allowed in standing.
Be honest about your calls when the trigger drops. Follow through is important. Be patient and relaxed, trying to squeeze the trigger as the front post aligns under the bullseye without jerking it. If you can't get aligned after a few seconds trying, set the rifle down on a chair and start over fresh.
You are going to have to make a magazine change in the rapid fire events. Service rifle competitors load two rounds and fire both, before swapping magazines (8 rounds in the second mag) and completing the course of fire. Once the second magazine is inserted, you can cant the rifle and slap the bolt stop to send the carrier home or rack the charging handle, it's your choice.
NRA tournaments start the rapids already in position. CMP tournaments start from the standing position which makes establishing a NPA (natural point of aim) critical when hitting the ground. Controlling your breathing, timing your shot sequence, concentrating your focus on the front sight post, squeezing the trigger straight back and holding it until recoil has subsided will greatly improve your scores.
I try to shoot holding my breath with 2/3 lung full of air. Some people use 1/2 lung full of air. Some people let their breath out. If you let all of your air out your eyes will suffer. 60 seconds in the rapid sitting is plenty of time with an AR-15, it's enough time with an M14 and it's a hell of a time with a bolt action.
I use a shooting jacket and have for over 40 years. Buying one mail order sucks, because you really need to try them on and get into position wearing them to make a choice. Camp Perry has many for sale during the National Matches, I suspect you could buy them in Chillicothe, OH too. Champion's Choice and Creedmoor Sports are major suppliers.