SOME COMMENTS from Top Shooters Dustin Morris the winners were beginning to separate themselves from the crowd, fighting hard to maintain a high percentage hit range over 25 events. Do You Want To Compete? Jacob Bynum and his staff managed to come up with several new shooting events for each match. Getting used to the events is not possible in many cases. However, a train-up is offered for three days prior to the match. It is extremely helpful according to those who attend. It gives those who have never shot the match the layout of the range and commands from the range officers. It also gives them a chance to zero their rifles at many different distances in the conditions most likely to be encountered. Barometric pressure is relatively constant there, and temperature extremes are not likely. During this match, the mornings were chilly, but it warmed up relatively quickly. Elevation is constant of course. Density/altitude changes little. The bottom line remains constant. That is, productive hits under stress, on demand, and under all the variations that Rifles Only can come up with. Those who do not shoot well under such circumstances finish poorly. Just because you and your rifle can punch tiny groups at 100 yards, shoot a static High Power match, or hit F-Class targets at 600 yards have little meaning at these matches. There are some dot drills from the prone “As soon as Surgeon offers a left hand 591 action, I’m getting one.” “Good quality practice will trump high dollar gear! i have over 10,000 rounds through my stock Glock without a malfunction.” Sean Hardy “Factory ammo, stock Glock, BORROWEd gun—what was I thinking?” “The .300 WM takes me off target so my gun for <strong>2012</strong> is an Accuracy International in .260 Remington.” “Action – Surgeon... IS there anything else?” John Sommers position, and some shooters may do well at them. But the other 24 events may leave them in the dust. The spring 3-day match has well over 30 events. The shooter must learn to make productive decisions quickly, thus the requirement for concentration and a clear head. The range officers make demands with strict time limits that you have not heard before, thus the stress. Often the shooters are held Top 10 Pistol Equipment Shooter Pistol caliber Ammo Holster Night Sights Laser Light Wade Stuteville STI T 5.0 9mm 124 Raug Safariland ALS None None SureFire X300 terry Cross Glock 34 9mm Win 147 Safariland 6005 Trijicon None None John Sommers Glock 34 9mm Federal Safariland ALS None None None tim Long Glock 24 9mm Federal Safariland None None None Francis Kuehl STI 2011 .40 HL 180 Blade-Tech Fiber Optic None None Bryan Yeung Glock 17 9mm NL BLACKHAWK! Serpa Fiber Optic None None stan Owens SIG P226 9mm CorBon Safariland Factory SureFire SureFire sean Hardy Glock 17 9mm UMC Safariland 6004 Trijicon None NL mike Rogan FNP .45 Winchester FN FN Fiber Optic None None dustin Morris FG 2011 NL HL 124 Blade-Tech None None None Notes: HL = Handload; FG = Freedom Gunworks; NL = Not Listed in a position where they can’t see what is going on. When called, they have no idea what the shot(s) will be or the requirement until the range officers give them brief and succinct instructions. The shooter must learn to make shots rapidly in a rich field of fire at different distances that often involve a mover as well as shots from 200 to 1,000 yards, sometimes five shots taken in 20 seconds to 10 taken in 40 seconds or less. Impossible? Skilled shooters often clean these events in much less time. Some dial each shot. Some use hash marks or Mil-Dots for hold over. No, this is not a static, high-power course where the targets are always the same and at the same distances. The sniper is often called on to shoot Stan Owens Tim Long with his rifle lying on its side, or from a hide he can barely see over, or through a window, or from a helicopter, or under a barricade, or… For a civilian shooter, no other course on earth would make him a better hunter or competitor. Not only must his rifle be consistently capable of less than a minute of angle, he must be able to handle a pistol with controlled competence. Shooting the rifle well from the weak side and from the kneeling, setting, and standing positions must be mastered. Correct moving leads are essential as is moving through several running gun events quickly and effectively. The owners, staff, and competitors stood in awe and appreciation of the graciousness and willingness of manufacturers to support the match with gifts. Every shooter got something and often more than just one. The staff works long, hard hours to provide an efficiently run, safe, and lasting experience. They give of their time and their talent without complaint. They cover many miles running alongside each competitor, ensuring they understand the course of fire as well as making sure there are no safety issues. Keep your eyes tuned to the Rifles Only website for training schedules and upcoming matches. Rifles Only 188 South F.M. 772, Kingsville, TX 78363 (361) 522-4165 www.gunsmagazine.com/rifles-only 58 WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • AUGUST <strong>2012</strong>
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