Help with International F-Open Travel

[kyreloader]

I would like to attend the Emerald Matches in Ireland in June. I shoot F-Open and with that brings a lot of gear including a heavy Seb Neo front rest and a heavy sand filled Seb rear bag. That is not including spotting scope with stand, shell holder, shooting mat, etc. The rifle and ammo thing I think will be easy to work out (have help with that).

For those of you that have traveled international for shoots, how did you get all of your gear there? I assume that I will need to buy a padded case for my spotting scope, but what do you guys/girls use for all the rest? Pack it in suitcases, other hard cases? Any idea of cost for big bags?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am trying to work through all the logistics that go along with international travel. Seem daunting at this point, so want to be out ahead of it a bit.

Thanks in advance.

 

[conor m]

kyreloader , just empty the rear bag ,we got plenty of sand to refill the rear bag .as for shooting mats i have two spare mats can also lend you an opticron spotting scope and tripod as for shell holders and reloading equipment tell me what caliber you are shooting and i can probably help.

conor murphy.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

First, breakdown case for the rifle so you're under size. We left multiple barrel vices, action wrenches, and tools at the MNSC last year when we went for the Creedmoor. You just need to commit to having one extra bag, and budget for that additional cost. You then have your carryons - you have one normal and one backpack. In my backpack is where I carried my "birding" scope, and otherwise full of clothes.

Rest and spotting scope stand in suitcase with clothes. Maybe bring some rain gear... ;-) It is Ireland.

As our good friend Connor notes, there is also bag sand at the MNSC for you to use. We left multiple cleaning rods courtesy of Boretech, so you should not have an issue with taking one. Take your jags and some small amount of cleaning fluid Boretech Eliminator as one will get it done.

What am I missing? Oh, driving on the left is quite an experience if you never have. Get all the insurance on the rental car you can. It is $$$$, you will want it. ;-)

We stayed at the Central Hotel in Tullamore, and I would recommend it, most definitely. Nice folks and a nice bar in the bottom. 15 harrowing minutes from the range, depending on who is driving.

Most of all, prepare mentally for one of the most fun experiences of your life. The people are OUTSTANDING, all over the county, and particularly at/on the range.

While I won't make this trip back, I will be back as soon as I can!!