Not all local matches are created equal. Each match has a certain historical personality and “style”. The Range Officers and shooters at those matches adjust their habits to fit the situation and all is relatively well, although perhaps not always particularly correct. Those habits, however, don’t always mesh well at a major match. Some of the differences deal with the correct application of the rules and some are simply good practice. Shooters and ROs going to their first major may be uncertain about what to expect. Let’s review some of the issues, both for staff and competitors.
[Read more…] about (Major) Match Etiquette and TechniquesSquib Confusion?
Ammunition reloading, whether accomplished on a single-stage press, or a progressive press, or on an auto-drive unit is an enjoyable activity for some and a necessary annoyance for others. Regardless, the end result of that activity can have a significant impact on your match performance (ask me how I know!). A slight user misstep or press malfunction, if not noticed and properly corrected, means the round (or rounds) involved will likely end up being used in a match rather than discovered during a training session.
[Read more…] about Squib Confusion?Now you see it…Now you don’t?
Over the last few years, we have seen the use of see-through walls become nearly universal in our local and major matches. The common reasoning for their use is the additional level of safety they provide to minimize the potential of someone being left downrange unseen as the next shooter is receiving the Make Ready command. Additional benefits are lower cost and lighter weight. Regardless of the types of walls being used, it is ALWAYS the RO’s responsibility to personally confirm the range is void of warm bodies visually.
[Read more…] about Now you see it…Now you don’t?Double Jeopardy
No, this is not about a television game show. It concerns the application of penalties in a match. Although our sport is fundamentally a freestyle activity, and most stages allow the shooter to choose his/her shooting solution, some shooter actions are affected by stage procedures listed in the Written Stage Briefing.
[Read more…] about Double Jeopardy