Where to buy equipment/clothing for prone competitions?

[benzy2]

Hello,

I've found a big interest recently in prone shooting. I've got the rifle, sights, ammo, and sling all purchased and am having a blast. But now it's time to buy a coat, glove, mat, etc. I would really like to try the coat on in person if possible rather than sending out mail order. I live between Ann Arbor and Detroit in Michigan. I was wondering what the closest shop would be that carries competition equipment? There are hunting/tactical stores everywhere but I have a tough time finding anyone that sells anything geared for shooting itty bitty groups. I know Champion Shooter Supply is in Columbus but that is well over a 3 hour drive. Is there anywhere else closer that I could swing by to try on a few coats? Thanks for the help.

Matt

 

[KevinThomas]

Hi Matt,

First thing to understand here is that we're a relatively small community, and there's only a tiny handful of dealers that specialize in this sort of gear. You mentioned Champion Shooter Supply, and that's about the closest in your area that comes to mind. Beyond that, there's Chamion's Choice in TN, and Creedmoor Armory in CA. Otto Weber used to be out of OR, but he's pretty well gone into retirement now. There's also Sinclair's in Ft. Wayne, IN, but they don't carry jackets (lots of other accessories that come in handy, though). Probably your best bet would be to wait until July/August, and head on down to Camp Perry for a visit to commercial row. That's about the only time/place you'll find true "one-stop shopping" in this game. There's a couple small custom outfitters as well, such as Monard's that are well worth a look. Talk to any of them, tell them what you're looking for and they'll get you taken care of. Most of these operations are staffed by folks who are themselves competitive shooters, and are more than able to steer you in the right direction.


Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA

 

[distinguished]

Creedmoor Sports can pretty much fill your needs but they are in California. Also, they are selling a coat specifically for prone and I believe part of each sale goes to support the US PALMA team. Their general manager is former national champion Dennis DeMille and will not steer you wrong.

Steve

 

[spclark]

Given the climate we live in (I'm over across Lake Michigan from you) this isn't the best time of year for the most practical suggestion: plan on attending a few local matches & ask the participants if they'd let you try their stuff on.

There are ranges at Ypsilanti, Linden and Kimball, or if you're willing to drive farther at Cadillac, Camp Grayling and Gaylord.

You can find contact info for all those and more by downloading the 10-states schedule from here:

http://www.illinoishighpower.org/10-state_schedule/10-state_schedule.htm

Coats are such a custom item there's really no way to avoid ordering one built to your needs, once you know what those might be. There are shooters of many disciplines who frequent this forum; once in awhile a used coat becomes available so you may see a posting here if the owner's looking to broaden his market. F-Class & BR don't really require a shooting jacket... but you mentioned sling & sights so I'll assume you're into prone / mid- or long-range events.

Back at the 6mmBR home page you'll find a great list of vendors of all kinds of stuff under the Vendors button on the left side.

You may want to look in over at the Long Range forum at http://www.USrifleteams.com too.

What Kevin mentioned regarding Commercial Row at Camp Perry is probably the ONLY time & place you'd really have a chance to do what you're looking to accomplish. I'm guessing that's about a two hour drive for you.

Sadly, there may have been a time once when shooting gear was as commonly available as decent underwear but it's behind us now....

 

[KenO]

If you are just going to shoot the prone matches, I don't think there would be any problem ordering over the phone with guidance from the respected dealers. The fit isn't near as important as for XTC matches where the back support and fit for off-hand is critical.

You live in an area where there are prone matches every weekend within driving distance, Washtenaw being real close to you. I live half way between Grayling and Cadillac and shoot Washtenaw when there isn't a match closer. If you come up to Cadillac or Grayling, you can come the day before and stay free in the clubhouse at Cadillac, or the barracks at Camp Grayling. Or bring your camper/tent and camp on the range either place.

 

[spclark]

Ken, where's the range at Washtenaw? That's not mentioned on the 10-States Schedule.

If you let me know who to contact, I'll bring it to Konrad's attention & maybe he can add it to the 2011 edition to benefit us all.

 

[KenO]

The Washtennaw club is in Yipsilanti. Here is a link http://www.washtenawsportsmansclub.org/about/map.html Its a pretty good website with results, events, etc.

 

[spclark]

Yep, that's the range listed in the back pages of Konrad's 10-States schedule: 600 yards with pits. E-mail for info's: hipower(at)wsclub(dot)org