PRS Shooters — Barricade Stop Rodeo

[6ShotsOr5?]

This is an equipment question for PRS shooters using an MPA chassis.

I would like to hear about any improvisations on your barricade stop setups to keep things simple. I’m about to order my first MPA chassis and I’m trying to decide on what accessories to buy. I have no desire to have a lightweight rifle to take hunting so I’m probably going with the competition model, which comes with a standard barricade stop. In looking at the other barricade stops, it seems like you could use the flat side of the cow gate as a regular barricade stop. If it seems like that works, I’ll probably just ask for a credit for the regular stop and get a cow gate instead. Now if they would make one side of the cow gate thicker than the other one you would have the offset barricade stop covered too, the whole enchilada. How many squares of duct tape does it take to fatten up a cow gate stop ... or maybe use some blue loctite to put a small piece of metal on the flat side of one half of the cow gate. Logical extra thickness would probably be half the distance between two holes on the MPA rail.

 

[eric32]

Self adhesive rubber pad would be a good bet.

 

[Delfuego]

Let me ask you some questions.

What level are PRS shooter are you? Are you shooting national level matches, chasing points and trying to break into the top 10? How many points do you think these gadgets are going to earn you?

There are a million ways to skin a cat. Remember, gear does not win matches, but practice does. For the record, I have used an MPA barricade stop one time in a national match.

 

[eric32]

Delfuego has a good point, i would focus on get a good multi purpose bag like a gamechanger or fortune cookie, just something that can be used in all situations. And getting solid fundamentals and solid Dope Data.

 

[Rob01]

What they said. I would get the standard stop and try it out and use it and see if you have a need for anything else.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Let me ask you some questions.

What level are PRS shooter are you? Are you shooting national level matches, chasing points and trying to break into the top 10? How many points do you think these gadgets are going to earn you?

There are a million ways to skin a cat. Remember, gear does not win matches, but practice does. For the record, I have used an MPA barricade stop one time in a national match.

That’s a bit harsh, and maybe pretentious and self righteous too. Marksman (that’s the worst category for those who don’t know), No, No, and No. I answered your questions - you didn’t answer any of mine.

I have no illusions that better gear is going to make me an overnight Pro. I have shot four matches so far with dismal results. I practice as much as I can both dry and live fire. Read everything I can get my hands on. Love competing even though I’m not competitive at all yet, and don’t expect to win anything. Beginners and less capable shooters don’t ask gear questions - got it.

For the others, thanks. I do have a Fortune Cookie and good dope. I can hit the targets when I can get steady, which is not very often.

 

[Tony1320]

You might try snipershide for more answers

There's some good videos on facebook of Dave Preston shooting, hes one of the best PRS shooters in the world and he keeps it simple he usually only uses a SAP Solo Sac on the front

A lot of the top shooters don't use much

 

[eric32]

Also jake vibbert has a video series for like 60 bucks with 55 videos about 7-9 min long and different learning points check that out as well.

Less is more sometimes also look into free recoil.

But i have learned have good data and truing/actually shooting it at distance is best way to start.

 

[Delfuego]

Sorry if I came of the wrong way, not my intention. I was just interested in more info about your shooting and level not trying to demeaning. For guys that are really pushing the envelope, stuff like this can get them a few points over a match and that could be the difference in a top 20 finish or a top 10. I was trying to feel out if you were interested in that. I think for 90% of PRS type shooters a few tools and tons of practice are where the energy should be focused. For some competitors that have reached a plateau and need those extra 5-10 points at a match and could use a trick or to improve.

 

[22DASHER]

I was struggling to make the MPA chassis work for me so I went with the Ingenuity rail system on my Manners. I could not be happier. One thing they both have in common is that if the crosshairs are not on target when I pull the trigger I am in trouble. The hardest part of the PRS game is finding out what works for you and go with it. Well atleast that’s been my hardest part.... and then some way master it... the next hardest part.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I was struggling to make the MPA chassis work for me so I went with the Ingenuity rail system on my Manners. I could not be happier. One thing they both have in common is that if the crosshairs are not on target when I pull the trigger I am in trouble. The hardest part of the PRS game is finding out what works for you and go with it. Well atleast that’s been my hardest part.... and then some way master it... the next hardest part.

I saw the manners, they look good too. Both are pricey but you get what you pay for. Thanks.

Also jake vibbert has a video series for like 60 bucks with 55 videos about 7-9 min long and different learning points check that out as well.

Less is more sometimes also look into free recoil.

But i have learned have good data and truing/actually shooting it at distance is best way to start.

Thanks, I think I asked a question on this forum if anybody recommended those videos back when the article about them ran on the Precision Rifle Blog. I think maybe the videos were pretty new then, not much response. I don’t usually like to buy stuff unless at least a few people on this forum that aren’t on the products’ payroll vouch for it. I think the PRS shooters are greatly outnumbered by bench testers and F class shooters on this forum, but there’s usually more than enough good PRS advice than I can absorb.

 

[Rob01]

Honestly the best thing I have found to use on barricades and other obstacles is the game changer. I don't free recoil but just putting it up on an obstacles and finding the balance point makes it very stable. I used to push into a barricade with the magazine before barricade stops were even a thought but the game changer makes it more stable. You can use it on a number of different obstacles.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Thanks, nice pics. What’s the name of that big bag you’re supporting your shooting arm with?

 

[Rob01]

The the big bag from Armageddon Gear. Works pretty good for rear support when needed.

 

[Delfuego]

The "Udder" bag from Bison Tactical is pretty nifty. Very useful in a lot of situations. Also the Traust gamer bag is the best big bag around. Give them a look.

 

[ncboiler]

I use the barricade stop occasionally. It really locks the gun in if you get it set right and then it's just fine adjustments to get the crosshairs where you want them. I find myself, like others have stated, using the solo sack or game changer. I have used the solo sack more than the game changer lately but carry both (heavy lol). I find the RAT system with the pic rail to be very valuable in moving the bipod back toward the mag well on the more narrow obstacles. I think the RAT system with the barricade stop would be a very good piece to have as long as it would be quickly adjustable during a stage if required. I haven't looked at it that close but I would put it on your short list.

 

[fredo]

Personal comfort & overall stability will be what determines how best to shoot off those barricades. Tall shooters might prefer one way, while short shooters use a different technique...

Some shooters like to push into the barricade for support.
Other shooters prefer to pull back into the barricade, hooking their bipod (or stop) over top of it.
Others yet like to balance atop the barricade.

I seem to graviate toward the latter, using Armageddon's (lighter) version of the original Gamechanger bag...

Rob's pics are an excellent illustration of that bag in action. Here's one more to show how a balance point can be found rather quickly using that style of bag:

With a 'wobbly' barricade like the one above, adding forward (or rearward) pressure via a stop would've destabilized it greatly. Whereas, a balanced approach via the bag allows the rifle to just sit there while you build a solid position behind it...

F.w.i.w., in that stage we had to shoot off each top corner of that tank trap barricade, as well as the center x point, shown. The Gamechanger bag worked well even when settled up on the top corners of it.

That's what's so cool about practical shooting, we see all manner of improvisation to make hits! Having one multi-purpose bag sure helps to simplify your approach to solving the never ending puzzles of the practical shooting game...

Have fun!

 

[XTR]

My problem with my limited experience isn't the barricade, it is getting stable behind the ones that are between above the belt and chest high. I shoot better offhand, that wobble is ridiculous.

 

[22DASHER]

My problem with my limited experience isn't the barricade, it is getting stable behind the ones that are between above the belt and chest high. I shoot better offhand, that wobble is ridiculous.

Spread your legs apart, lean into it and practice! Only do this for PRS!

 

[XTR]

Spread your legs apart, lean into it and practice! Only do this for PRS!

The last one that killed me was shooting off of the top of a step ladder for a barricade. I was wobbling so bad it was crazy. My muscle memory kicked into Service Rifle offhand mode and I tried to take up the first stage in my single stage trigger. That didn't work so well.