DShortt
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes. Twice. Once too many times based on my personal experiences.Have you ever been to a match?
Yes. Twice. Once too many times based on my personal experiences.Have you ever been to a match?
Well it sounds like you made up your mind so I’ll not try and change it, just ask why even reply to a thread such as this other than to complain ?Yes. Twice. Once too many times based on my personal experiences.
Some individuals are not comfortable with competition, and the learning curve necessary to get to be “competitive”. SR Benchrest is not a sport for immediate gratification, which many people expect. You need to have realistic goals. When I first started I was happy to shoot 0.2xx groups. Then 0.28x aggs. Then placing in the top ten. It took me three years to win a yardage, and 5 years to win a 2-Gun.Yes. Twice. Once too many times based on my personal experiences.
Upgrading my rear bag solved my tracking issues. Also, take time to make sure the bags are square with the rifle during setup.I honestly do not know what is wrong with my setup that is causing it not to track well. I have never used a good tracking rest. But I sure can tell that mine is not good.
Because the question was raised as to why the sport seems to be shrinking in popularity. Sorry you don't want to hear an honest answer.Well it sounds like you made up your mind so I’ll not try and change it, just ask why even reply to a thread such as this other than to complain ?
Absolutely. If the enjoy part isn't there, there's no motivation to continue.it just takes a certain type of person to enjoy it and stick with it.
No it isn’t , the thread is about popularity and growth not decline. Bring some positive input instead of the poor me crap.Because the question was raised as to why the sport seems to be shrinking in popularity. Sorry you don't want to hear an honest answer.
Well said, Lee.Some individuals are not comfortable with competition, and the learning curve necessary to get to be “competitive”. SR Benchrest is not a sport for immediate gratification, which many people expect. You need to have realistic goals. When I first started I was happy to shoot 0.2xx groups. Then 0.28x aggs. Then placing in the top ten. It took me three years to when a yardage, and 5 years to win a 2-Gun.
Yes, sometimes there are bad apples at matches, but most competitive shooters are willing to help. What turns me off is someone who asks for some guidance, and then turns around and tells me I’m wrong (because someone else told him something different). When that happens to me, in my mind I say don’t ask me anymore questions. Additionally, seeking advice of a top shooter in middle of an aggregate isn’t very smart (he’s trying to win as much as you are trying to learn something). Before or after the match is the best time to seek advice.
My recommendation to ”new to the sport shooters“, is set realistic goals, celebrate the small accomplishments and have fun. Gain the experience necessary to win, and then you will be the guy new shooters come to for advice!
It's to bad you had that experience. In the 9 years of shooting srbr I can't say I've had the same, actually the opposite. I'm not saying I haven't ran into a ass hole at a match because I have.......once, but that happens occasionally no mater where I'm at. To me it's just a good example of how not to be.Yes. Twice. Once too many times based on my personal experiences.
Mine lacks the Gulf Coast patinaAl, it might be a good time to show this, which is my Bench Set-up and Loading at the Range Set-up.
This is almost the Antithesis to the way most shooters approach, or are told to approach, Short Range Group and Score Benchrest.View attachment 1592898View attachment 1592899
Thanks Al! You’re a good guy!Just an aside about the quality of individuals in BR. @Jud96 and I did a swap recently on front rests. I had one he was looking for and visa versa. I boxed mine up and set it to him. He boxed his up and sent it to me. Done. Just a verbal handshake on the phone was fine for both of us. In my experience, that's how most competitors are.
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Now that is a “box” haha. Solid lumber, not even plywood!Just an aside about the quality of individuals in BR. @Jud96 and I did a swap recently on front rests. I had one he was looking for and visa versa. I boxed mine up and set it to him. He boxed his up and sent it to me. Done. Just a verbal handshake on the phone was fine for both of us. In my experience, that's how most competitors are.
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I also wanted to add. This is my second year in SR BR, I didn’t know anyone personally at these matches before I went to my first match. I knew Ken Hottenstein from a couple brief conversations and I got some long range 6mm to try from him. However, the majority of shooters were very helpful to me and very friendly even though I was new and relatively young compared to the crowd. A few stick to themselves, but none of them have really been rude to me. I ask a LOT of questions, but even then they still put up with me and don’t give me a hard time. I can’t say anything bad about the people I shoot with.
As far as competitiveness, it’s a very difficult and challenging sport. However, I look at it more towards competing against myself and making incremental improvements on myself. My goal is always to finish middle of the pack or better, but there’s matches where I’m at the bottom and having problems. I understand I’m not going to become a consistent top 10 shooter overnight. Everyone has struggles, but I’m learning it’s about narrowing down the struggles and how bad they hurt your results. I’m working on improving my bench manors, making sure my rifle and equipment is as good as it can be, and learning how to tune the loads in the match to keep on top of things. Even then, I have problems pop up that kill my aggs, but again I’m working towards eliminating those problems and staying on top of them.
Interesting. In my 81 years I hadn't thought about that. Now that you mention it, some aren't, are they?Some individuals are not comfortable with competition,