What do YOU want in a Match?

[1911mag]

Christopher from Bucksnort MO as the RO
This guy should put a class on how to run the line. He is top notch!

 

[Albany Mountain]

What I like in a match.
1. Match program to be accurate
2. Match officials know the rules.
3. All information given at briefing/or program to all competitors.
4. PA system in use on the firing line and officials willing to use it.
5. Line range officers be consistent with the commands.
6. Match run at decent pace but not like a cattle drive when the beef prices are high.
7 plug in the pits.
8. Level and clean firing points.
9. Verbal communication behind line kept to match issues.
10. Results emailed.
11. 30% of fee’s given towards awards.
12. Get rid of seeded squadding.

 

[Fast14riot]

For f-class, I would like to see squadding be a random drawing instead of using match director's "discretion", especially for national, regional, and state type matches. Benchrest has been doing the random drawing for years as they recognize that there are some firing points on a range that do have an advantage. We should also probably be moving firing points after every target, like benchrest. That would be unpopular, I know, but it would allow everybody to get a shot at the entire range. And lastly, if there are multiple relays of shooters in a class, then everyone stays with the same shooters on a relay for the next day but your relay number changes. This gives everyone a chance at the first relay for at least one day, and then keeps others that have already had the first relay from getting it again. Anyway, this might be off topic for this discussion, feel free to delete if so.

I would also like to see more dispersion of firing points for competitors. At our recent state match, I shot on the same firing point all weekend. Was good for the grand agg, but then the shoot-off game came around and I got squadded on the complete opposite end of the firing line I was thrown off by the different conditions as well as several other shooters. Those that shot on that end all weekend did well.

I know we started late that last Match due to the fog and used our dwell time up there in the morning
I figure that may have had something to do with it
the dwell time between strings seemed like barely enough time to hop in the truck and go to the pits and get ready to start pulling targets.
Being able to prep, maybe review log notes, or make notes,
or clean in between strings would be kind of cool.
its not a big deal really, it just felt rushed from start to finish, not complaining either way.
the string of fire time seemed perfect which is more important

Once you get the routine down for how it goes, you'll find there is more than enough time to shoot the shit and get things done. We all struggled early on and felt rushed not knowing what was coming next. Come on out next match and Shawn and I will be sure to prep you for each change of duty. Developing a system of setting your rest, mat, bag, rifle and gear helps things go much smoother, unfortunately that's something that just takes a few matches to figure out. I promise it gets easier! If you ever watch me on the first relay, by the time prep is called I might not even have my rifle on the line, lol! I'm at minimum still making adjustments to my rest and position by the time targets go down, sometimes even when they come up! 22 minutes to shoot doesn't mean you have to shoot in the first few seconds. If I don't like the wind, I'll wait 5 or 7 minutes before my first sighter. Its knowing I can get 15 or 20 shots off in 9 minutes or less that matters to me. There aren't any prizes for finishing your string first!

 

[CharlieNC]

In fclass, either everyone pulls targets or everyone has a paid puller. It's an unfair advantage for only a few to have access to target pulleys.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Frank,
As someone who has shot matches in at least ten states, #1 is number one but with that is a good match bulletin/program available with the actual address of the range. Many times, I see a post online that says, "Come to American Heritage range and shoot with us!" and no idea where that range is.

2,3 – Sure, if it is in the program ahead of time and I can have the proper rifle, ammo, and sights ready to go. I find this to be less of an issue with sling shooters and former XTC shooters as the F-Class have more heavier gear to lug and prefer to set up their rest and leave it there for the day.

#8 depends on #4-7
I am willing to pay more if there is extra effort is put into the match by the organizers to make it an event, not just a match. (Orange Blossom, SWN, Sierra Cup) Sometimes it is good just to show up, shoot and have fun without the “Extras” but I don’t want to overpay on those days. This also ties to #1 – have a good match program that defines the event.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

A singular set of gun rules and a format that every single club uses. Without that you dont have a sport.

 

[Rope2horns]

What I like in a match.
1. Match program to be accurate
2. Match officials know the rules.
3. All information given at briefing/or program to all competitors.
4. PA system in use on the firing line and officials willing to use it.
5. Line range officers be consistent with the commands.
6. Match run at decent pace but not like a cattle drive when the beef prices are high.
7 plug in the pits.
8. Level and clean firing points.
9. Verbal communication behind line kept to match issues.
10. Results emailed.
11. 30% of fee’s given towards awards.
12. Get rid of seeded squadding.

I agree with most everything you mentioned.....except #12....care to elaborate?

Personally, for me I want to be squadded with my peers. Regardless if that is based on classification or score.

 

[Liven The Dream]

I have a lot of years shooting Service Rifle, Match Rifle, Palma, F/Class and 4P.
I shot from Camp Perry,NM,AZ,OR,WA,IL,IN. and more.
A lot of great Ranges and people. In the end the down side it doesn't last.

The Ranges get taken over by the New Power to be ? The people that know me, have been there.
I once finished two Ranges, got one on the Map. I was more than likely not the best to run it ? I tried only to be replaced by a persons that took the place to a end. The Ranges has had a few more to Bat ?

The Range was built as a KD Range 200 to 1000 yard firing points. Today it is a shadow of its Glory Day.

I would hope with all this good information in this post ! It's Glory Day is just around the corner to the next Personal change.

 

[Airborne-350G]

Would like to see common rules across the different ranges for NRA sanctioned matches. I have been to several matches that seem to favor the “local boys”.
When using electronic targets would like to see the targets set to the caliber the competitor is shooting. It isn’t much of a difference but I have seen scores change when the caliber is changed. And yes I know that the electronic targets are not that accurate and there are small errors on where it plots.

 

[rlporter507]

I think this is within the subject of this thread. Shooter etiquette. its not just how the match is run, but how competitors act. Seems like everyone is quite at the start of relay, but as soon as the first couple gets done then the talking/excuses start. the ones that use the time allotted have to deal with the ones that want to get done and go home. At some matches the range officer talks through the entire relay with someone that is not scoring or that rare guy that is doing his work bond and came to help the RO.
At Camp Perry this year, the command "brass and trash call has ended, relay 2 your 3 minute prep period will begin in 2 minutes." the guy on my point had talked to the scorer the entire challenge period, and brass call, and had not packed anything up, or picked up brass. I went to the line and started to set up, he started to pick brass, so i had to move his stool to get ready. Of course you can imagine what he said and thought, but it was my turn, my time. I thought it funny that he thought i was rude.
maybe im just that old grumpy guy, but when my relay is done, i pull off my gear first, if just a little ways back, then look for brass, so to give all the time the next rely is given to set up. Thats what I expect, so i try to give the same. When im done I try to be quite until both shooters beside me are done.
I think if everyone treated other competitors like they would like to be treated, it would be a more enjoyable match.

 

[gmr4]

I think this is within the subject of this thread. Shooter etiquette. its not just how the match is run, but how competitors act. Seems like everyone is quite at the start of relay, but as soon as the first couple gets done then the talking/excuses start. the ones that use the time allotted have to deal with the ones that want to get done and go home. At some matches the range officer talks through the entire relay with someone that is not scoring or that rare guy that is doing his work bond and came to help the RO.
At Camp Perry this year, the command "brass and trash call has ended, relay 2 your 3 minute prep period will begin in 2 minutes." the guy on my point had talked to the scorer the entire challenge period, and brass call, and had not packed anything up, or picked up brass. I went to the line and started to set up, he started to pick brass, so i had to move his stool to get ready. Of course you can imagine what he said and thought, but it was my turn, my time. I thought it funny that he thought i was rude.
maybe im just that old grumpy guy, but when my relay is done, i pull off my gear first, if just a little ways back, then look for brass, so to give all the time the next rely is given to set up. Thats what I expect, so i try to give the same. When im done I try to be quite until both shooters beside me are done.
I think if everyone treated other competitors like they would like to be treated, it would be a more enjoyable match.

Even though range officer remind everyone about talking on the line.. it happens every match. There’s nothing like a head on a stake in the parking lot! ROs need to call them out.. it was going on up and down the line at F Class Nationals with ROs walking up and down doing a good job. Whenever I observed someone giving a play by play about a gust of wind it was clear to me they were not top shooter.. the top shooter have serious manners….

 

[Albany Mountain]

I agree with most everything you mentioned.....except #12....care to elaborate?

Personally, for me I want to be squadded with my peers. Regardless if that is based on classification or score.

I don’t care about anyone else’s score but my own until the last shot is fired. I love surprises.

 

[323]

Would like to see common rules across the different ranges for NRA sanctioned matches. I have been to several matches that seem to favor the “local boys”.
When using electronic targets would like to see the targets set to the caliber the competitor is shooting. It isn’t much of a difference but I have seen scores change when the caliber is changed. And yes I know that the electronic targets are not that accurate and there are small errors on where it plots.

Well you better not shoot a cmp lr match then. CMP put a new rule in the 2026 highpower rule book. Electronics will default to .308.

https://thecmp.org/cmp-announces-the-early-release-of-four-2026-competition-rulebooks/

 

[323]

I think this is within the subject of this thread. Shooter etiquette. its not just how the match is run, but how competitors act. Seems like everyone is quite at the start of relay, but as soon as the first couple gets done then the talking/excuses start. the ones that use the time allotted have to deal with the ones that want to get done and go home. At some matches the range officer talks through the entire relay with someone that is not scoring or that rare guy that is doing his work bond and came to help the RO.
At Camp Perry this year, the command "brass and trash call has ended, relay 2 your 3 minute prep period will begin in 2 minutes." the guy on my point had talked to the scorer the entire challenge period, and brass call, and had not packed anything up, or picked up brass. I went to the line and started to set up, he started to pick brass, so i had to move his stool to get ready. Of course you can imagine what he said and thought, but it was my turn, my time. I thought it funny that he thought i was rude.
maybe im just that old grumpy guy, but when my relay is done, i pull off my gear first, if just a little ways back, then look for brass, so to give all the time the next rely is given to set up. Thats what I expect, so i try to give the same. When im done I try to be quite until both shooters beside me are done.
I think if everyone treated other competitors like they would like to be treated, it would be a more enjoyable match.

Been to Perry last 3 yrs see that every year I been there. After I’m done shooting I get my stuff off the line. Far as brass Camp Perry can have it I buckets of LC brass.

 

[jackieschmidt]

A singular set of gun rules and a format that every single club uses. Without that you dont have a sport.

^^^^^^^
That is exactly what the NBRSA and IBS requires. The way Matches are run are not suggestions.
That way everybody is on an even playing field.

Of course, then those that can scream…..….”TOO MANY RULES”

 

[Alex Wheeler]

^^^^^^^
That is exactly what the NBRSA and IBS requires. The way Matches are run are not suggestions.
That way everybody is on an even playing field.

Of course, then those that can scream…..….”TOO MANY RULES”

Any legitimate sport has a solid set of rules. Seems like a basic requirement. The "flexability" has killed our sport. Hard to take it serious anymore. Hard to invest time and money to advance the game.

 

[DR1586]

Any legitimate sport has a solid set of rules. Seems like a basic requirement. The "flexability" has killed our sport. Hard to take it serious anymore. Hard to invest time and money to advance the game.

Alex, you are spot on. The NRA and CMP have published rules and try to make them widely known. It pains me to see matches under the banner of HP/Prone/F-Class that deviate significantly from the rules. When I show up to a match, I expect some local nuance, but the rules should be the same regardless of location.

 

[323]

Alex, you are spot on. The NRA and CMP have published rules and try to make them widely known. It pains me to see matches under the banner of HP/Prone/F-Class that deviate significantly from the rules. When I show up to a match, I expect some local nuance, but the rules should be the same regardless of location.

If matches are not being ran in accordance with the rule book then that’s on the club running the match. If someone sees rule violation they should speak up.

 

[323]

Any legitimate sport has a solid set of rules. Seems like a basic requirement. The "flexability" has killed our sport. Hard to take it serious anymore. Hard to invest time and money to advance the game.

The CMP and NRA rules are pretty solid I think. The flexibility is the match director, if they are bending the rules someone needs to say something.

 

[Stumpy1]

Guys,

These are GREAT responses! Thank you, and keep the ideas coming.

Now, a follow up question regarding rules.

The NRA rulebook is very explicit (since the start of 2025) for sling and F-Class, that there be NO electronic devices on the line (read Chronographs). Rule 3.22 (c) for F-Class. For sling shooters, rule 3.22(b) (chronographs) and 3.22(d) (excluding specifically electronic levels)

Some match directors allow them on the line, some don't.

What say you all?

Thanks again for all the discussion!

Frank