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SWN information

I am going to the SWN for the first time anyone have photos of the firing line or information on it, is it sand, gravel paved, and are there paved or gravel trails to get to the firing points. Any other information on the layout and the daily events would be appreciated.


Thanks
 
The firing lines are desert dirt, but pretty uniform. You can drive your vehicle down to the less than 1k yard lines. The 1k firing line is raised and you park below the firing line and walk up steps or ramps. You can see the ramps in the photo with the vehicles parked below. The little specks forward of the vehicles are people. Nonfiring relays are transported to the pits via pickups and trailers. Great place to shoot, my favorite range!
 
Best advice I can give you that caught me this past Feb. During the Palma match when you’re done shooting, move your stuff to the next firing line before heading to the pits to pull targets. Same goes with a vehical if you using it to move your stuff each time.
Drink all the water you can find before getting there and while you’re there.
 
Things I know now, but didn't know the first time:
1 Get to the Range as early as you can. Get all your gear and rifle as close to your firing point as you can.
2 Dress in multiple layers, it is cool to cold early in the morning, shed layers as it heats up, have gloves even if you don't need them, also rain gear.
3 Arrange your shooting cart and gear in a logical order to minimize the time it takes to move everything you need from the ready line to the firing point.
4 Don't be afraid to ask if you are not sure. Almost every shooter will gladly answer your questions during lulls in firing.
Things to expect:
1 You will get your squadding via email prior to arriving at the Range, also it is available at the building behind the 1,000 yard line.
2 Take your cart and equipment to the 800 yard firing line on Palma day, then park your vehicle behind the 1000 yard firing line and walk back to the 800 yard firing line to your firing point. Get your gear and rifle loaded on your cart as soon as you finish your shooting so you can get it to the 900 yard firing line before the "Shooters Shuttle" is leaving. Remember you will either shoot and then score or score and then shoot. Repeat for 900 to 1000.
3 Two shooters share a single firing point and target, one shoots the other scores, then you switch, you can both set up your gear on your point, but DO NOT BRING YOUR RIFLE TO THE LINE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO with an ECI in your chamber.
4 There are 2 people on each target in the pits, so you can expect fast target service, unless you are all over your target or cross fire. Give the target service you would like to receive.
5 Things will seam to move very fast at first, but you will get used to this and move accordingly.
6 Porta Potties are available in the pits and behind the firing lines, also toilets in the building behind the 1000 yard firing line.
7 Water is available from the venders behind the firing lines and in the pits. Make a point of thanking them for this. STAY HYDRATED.
8 Snacks should be with you in the pits to keep your energy up.
9 Relax, have fun, favor center.
 
Is it not possible to go a day early and practice at all distances on Tuesday? How does the practice session work on Thursday, will there be target pullers in the pits or do they have electronics for the practice session? Once paying the $20 to practice does that cover practicing/zeroing at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards? I normally shoot at 10-20 feet above see level with heavy humidity and mirage, not really sure how that will affect things.
Thanks
Chris
 
For the practice on Thursday. Check in at the building and pay your $20 fee. There will be manual targets set up on the side of the team match (either high end or low end). When you check in we will tell you which target you are on. You will be paired up on the target with another shooter. Both shooters will take turns pulling targets and shooting. Every shooter will have a block time of 47 minutes (or when all team shooting is complete) to shoot at 800, 900, and 1000 yards.
 
For the practice on Thursday. Check in at the building and pay your $20 fee. There will be manual targets set up on the side of the team match (either high end or low end). When you check in we will tell you which target you are on. You will be paired up on the target with another shooter. Both shooters will take turns pulling targets and shooting. Every shooter will have a block time of 47 minutes (or when all team shooting is complete) to shoot at 800, 900, and 1000 yards.
Thank you, that helps explain things.
 
For those who have never shot at BA before ; the Firing points are a combination of the Desert dirt , sand and small rocks , and also a mixture of crushed granite in the soil , to help hold the shape of the Berms . Little hard on the knees , so be advised . It's not the place to just "Drop" to your knees from standing . That could get painful . Things are dusty , due to the set-up , so having a cover for your rifle is advisable to keep our famous Arizona "micro-dust" out of your action .
All the advice about clothing is correct . I have seen temps go from 27 degrees , with a twenty mph wind at 8:00 A.M. , to 85 degrees and a 5 mph breeze in the same shooting day . And of course ; for those who know , the winds will swing the compass whenever they feel like it .

For "Newbies" do NOT be shocked when you see every Flag on the Range pointing a different direction at the same time . Welcome to Ben Avery .
 
I didn't see this in the other comments. If you will be using a cart to tote your equipment make sure your tires are solid. Inflatable tires will be flat by the time you get to 1000 yards on Palma Friday. There are ubiquitous devil thorn balls on the range that are unavoidable. They are also in the parking lot. They will find your tires.
 

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