Tips for the 1st timer @ FCN or SWN

[bsumoba]

Any tips or advice for the first time shooter going to say the F-Class Nationals or the Berger SWN?

Are there common things people miss or do not bring or forget to bring? Or common mistakes new shooters do when attending these bigger matches?

Gun - I assume bringing spare parts like triggers, optics, etc is common in case of the gun going down. I am sure people bring multiple rifles if they have them.

Ammo - Load everything at home or do you bring a portable reloading setup and do some there? How many extra rounds do you bring typically bring?

Lodging - already being discussed in another thread

Transportation of Gear: - I see "red ryder" type carts and custom carts. I am assuming this is big if you don't want to hold up the line or tire yourself out bringing stuff from the car to the line.

 

[Zilla]

Bring as much extra stuff as you can. I'll bring two guns and can switch bolts, barrels or triggers between the two. As far as ammo, I always bring all my ammo loaded. Some like to load in the evenings. Whatever works for you. Bring enough to allow for fouling the barrel and shooting extra sighters if needed. Sometimes the wind there can be wicked.

Even though it's Phoenix, it is sometimes cool in the mornings as the sun comes up so be prepared for that. Of course it will heat up so have sunscreen.

A cart of some sort is highly recommended. The firing line is elevated from the parking lot and there are only a few ramps up. There will be a lot of cars there so you will seldom be able to park behind your firing point. Also, we usually change firing points between matches so you may end up a long way from where you started.


Also, DO NOT leave anything of value in vehicles overnight in motel parking lots. There have been several thefts from different motels over the years.

 

[Matthew Schwartzkopf]

Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. An umbrella for shade is commonly seen too.

 

[Ringostar]

Some shooters also require a cooler full of icy refreshments for afterward. It takes about an hour for scores to get posted. There is usually a lot of comradery while waiting (BS)! Bring your cleaning equipment also. Some shooters even clean their rifles in the parking lot, while waiting for scores. If David worked a little quicker, I'd let him clean mine too!

 

[Matthew Schwartzkopf]

Some shooters also require a cooler full of icy refreshments for afterward. It takes about an hour for scores to get posted. There is usually a lot of comradery while waiting (BS)! Bring your cleaning equipment also. Some shooters even clean their rifles in the parking lot, while waiting for scores. If David worked a little quicker, I'd let him clean mine too!

And lots of water for during the match. it is easy to get dehydrated.

 

[Down South]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

 

[Cigarcop]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

+1

 

[Immike]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

+1

Daaahhh, these guys are worried about X's when you got some high wind practice to do!! Good luck bud.

 

[Cigarcop]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

+1

Daaahhh, these guys are worried about X's when you got some high wind practice to do!! Good luck bud.

I'm here just waiting till morning!!!

 

[Immike]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

+1

Daaahhh, these guys are worried about X's when you got some high wind practice to do!! Good luck bud.

I'm here just waiting till morning!!!

Bsumoba, here is the perfect example of a man so focused on his shooting that he thinks he's in Phoenix . Lmao

(He's in Delaware)

 

[Cigarcop]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

+1

Daaahhh, these guys are worried about X's when you got some high wind practice to do!! Good luck bud.

I'm here just waiting till morning!!!

Bsumoba, here is the perfect example of a man so focused on his shooting that he thinks he's in Phoenix . Lmao

(He's in Delaware)

Lmao....... I'm in NY!!

 

[ALppc]

Spotting scope. I am surprised at the number who show up with no way to score others.

 

[Immike]

Great advice from everyone, as for ammo, i load them seated long at home then seat down to final seating depth the night before the following days match with portable arbor press and Wilson seater die.

+1

Daaahhh, these guys are worried about X's when you got some high wind practice to do!! Good luck bud.

I'm here just waiting till morning!!!

Bsumoba, here is the perfect example of a man so focused on his shooting that he thinks he's in Phoenix . Lmao

(He's in Delaware)

Lmao....... I'm in NY!!

Close enough, you are doing the right thing Keith and THAT is getting out and fighting the other ranges. Mr Bsunoba, the best of the best will be there to win these matches and this guy above will be one of them, my tip is... Be ready for these guys, be thorough and be confident.... They will be! But it's not everybody's turn everytime so you have just as good a chance at this as they do if you are ready.

 

[bsumoba]

I am in it for the experience, the comradery, and because I plain and simply, like to shoot.

I can't wait.

 

[dannyjbiggs]

:-\ There's nary a need to bring any extra sand for your rear bag either...no, not at all; every evening after firing on a particularly windy day, you can just about get a rear bag full out of your rifle action and rifle scope!! 8) See you in Phoenix!

Dan

 

[jr600yd]

Aside from the fun it's like combat, you need more ammo and water. Hahahaha

 

[bsumoba]

I just ran some numbers assuming "reasonable" sighter counts of 5-10 rounds for mid-range and 10 rounds for unlimited sighter periods for LR and I got the following rounds count needed for Nationals:

Mid-Range Nationals: 212 rounds
Mid-Range w/ Team match: 256 rounds

Long Range Nationals: 192 rounds
Long Range w/ Team match & 30 rounds for practice day: 266 rounds

Looks like I need to start prepping brass now. LOL. Didn't realize how many rounds it was.

 

[Immike]

I just ran some numbers assuming "reasonable" sighter counts of 5-10 rounds for mid-range and 10 rounds for unlimited sighter periods for LR and I got the following rounds count needed for Nationals:

Mid-Range Nationals: 212 rounds
Mid-Range w/ Team match: 256 rounds

Long Range Nationals: 192 rounds
Long Range w/ Team match & 30 rounds for practice day: 266 rounds

Looks like I need to start prepping brass now. LOL. Didn't realize how many rounds it was.

You can't have too much ammo ( Larry Bartholome said this before the last world match) and that's good advice if you switch over to your backup rifle.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

If shooting open, good rest feet for the sand. Little things like a rope to run the target carriers, several bath towels to cover the rifle when not shooting (or during blowing sand).

More ammo is always good. I managed to fire 10 sighters on one relay at SWN this year.

Even if you come with ammo loaded, a seating die is a must. If you find yourself out of tune, changing seating depth can get you out of trouble. Did I say bring extra ammo?

 

[boltman13]

Get to the Range early, give yourself plenty of time to get your equipment to the line and your firing point. Get your target and relay assignment as early as you can. Then relax and have fun.