What do YOU want in a Match?

[Stumpy1]

Here is the setup; -Mid-Range and Long-Range prone matches. Local and Regional level matches. E-targets are in place and work very well. NRA sanctioning with all matches Registered. Conventional Sling and F-Class.

What 'stuff' makes a match somewhere you want to go?
Is it (mostly) all about the shooting? Or...

1. Decently run match? Smooth, no fooling around.
2. Multi-distance matches? 300/500/600 and Palma type?
3. FullBore?
4. Tee-shirts for the Regional level matches?
5. Meals provided at Regional level matches?
6. Prize tables?
7. Decent payout?
8. Reasonable match fees?

So, what are the things you like to see in/at matches?

Looking forward to learning.

Frank

 

[kelbro]

All of those sound good. It's also nice to have a campground nearby if the match is more than a couple of hours from my house.

 

[r bose]

All of the above. But I'll add, E-targets have made matches run way too fast. I'm not suggesting a match take all day but the goal shouldn't be to be finished by 10:30 AM. I feel extremely rushed then.

 

[Fast14riot]

A well organized and run match let's shooters worry only about their shooting. A detailed match bulletin that is easy to find online is very helpful. Detailed info about places to stay near by, is camping allowed at the range, food, and something I went through at our state match this year, I found out from the hotel staff that the range has discounted rates agreement for big matches. I had booked online and never even knew it was offered.

Prize tables are cool, sometimes "side games" during the match are fun too. Our state match the MD has certain shots highlighted on your score card, best score total of those shots puts you into a blind shoot off after and those winners get prizes. Your score card is highlighted when you get it so you can game it if you want.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Not having E targets and not having camping at the range are two killers for me. Also, if traveling to shoot, I want to shoot. 2 days minimum, a practice day is a plus. Start at 8 or 9 in am and shoot until 4 or 5 on Sat at least. Sunday done by 2.

 

[rardoin]

Challenging range, LR, well organized and no horse's a$$ personality running it and reasonably nearby accommodations are what attracts me to travel for an event. I won't travel far for MR unless it would be a MR/LR 2 day match. E-targets are nice, but I'm physically able and willing to pull targets as long as the carriers are maintained in a reasonable condition.

 

[SDDasher]

Match Directors that are safety conscious and impartial to all shooters. No favoritism towards local members in any regard to squading, rules enforcement or any issue to be resolved about the match.

 

[anon]

As a sling shooter, I second the E-Target conundrum. In a dead calm, how long does it now take F-Open, F/TR, and us slingers to shoot our sighters plus 20?

 

[323]

In order of priority 1-5-8 you should’ve put 9 as good awards we give away plaques like this. Also for our state championship you don’t have to be a state resident to win the state championship. But far as I’m concerned #1 is the most important. There is a match held in Idaho outside Rexburg it’s one the best ran matches I been to. It’s two days, lunch is provided, e targets, shoot palma course of fire both days but on Saturday they also shoot a 20rd 1k yard match after they are done shooting the Palma course. Our matches I like to say are ran extremely well our only issue is range rental at one of the ranges so we hold 1 day match. If we do 2 days at the other one in Kenai then finding a hotel can be tough it’s in the middle of tourist season. We also give away coffee cups to the 1st thru 3rd place finishers.

 

[WyleWD]

Match Directors that are safety conscious and impartial to all shooters. No favoritism towards local members in any regard to squading, rules enforcement or any issue to be resolved about the match.

+1^^^ Add clearly defined course of fire and allowable equipment and forbidden equipment to the sign up sheet. Lastly any safety rules that are or might be unique to the range. JME. WD

 

[BKA]

All of the above. But I'll add, E-targets have made matches run way too fast. I'm not suggesting a match take all day but the goal shouldn't be to be finished by 10:30 AM. I feel extremely rushed then.

E-Targets are great! Whatever game you're playing, you have time limits, no one says you have to machine gun your shots down range. Your extremely rushed feeling is self induced, don't blame it on an E-Target. In addition, E-Targets have settings that allow for a delay in recognizing your shot, thus making you wait between shots to see your sighter or record shots displayed.

 

[1K6BRA]

At least one good descriptive one liner to add to my list to use on other people at the most opportune time.