Rifle Competition Events 2021 Steel Safari

[CUBUFF89]

The 2021 Steel Safari is coming up in June and I would like to be a first time competitor and have a few basic questions.

I've shot a few PRS style events at the regional level and have a pretty good understanding of my abilities but would like to move to a field type event. The description makes clear that target location and ranging are on the clock. Are laser rangefinders allowed on all stages? I have practiced range estimation with my reticle but that leaves a lot to be desired and hope it's not necessary, especially given only one shot per target.

How about the need for a tripod? Both as a support for observation as well as support for the rifle? I have a nice carbon fiber tripod with an Anvil30 ballhead.

One other piece of equipment I'm looking at is a new bipod. Currently have a Harris SBRM but expect it would be too low for many positions. Again, I haven't yet shot a field match so advice is welcome.

If any members have shot this event and can offer some recommendations, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[James Abram]

I’ve done the SS twice and Team SS three times. Laser rangefinders, or better yet rangefinder binos are a must. The first year I had separate RF and binos, the next time I went I made sure I had RF binos. A tripod is a must as there are multiple stages where an elevated shooting position is required. The targets are fairly easy to hit if you can find them. Finding the targets is the hardest part of the match, as they are grey, on grey hangers, on grey dirt.

 

[James Abram]

As long as you have a tripod you can get away with having a shorter bipod. Some guys are running the LONG bipods and having some success.

 

[James Abram]

The Blue Steel Ranch is one of the most beautiful places you will ever shoot. This match, and especially the team match are my absolute favorite ones to shoot.

 

[CUBUFF89]

Thank you. I can understand how going from binoculars to find the target then lrf to range the target then to riflescope to aim at the target would be difficult. You're having to reacquire the target each time, potentially very time consuming. Unfortunately separate binos, lrf and riflescope is my current inventory.

And I'll definitely count on a tripod with arca rail on the rifle.

 

[CUBUFF89]

And sounds like I should just leave the spotting scope at home. I personally like to use the spotter at PRS matches where there's not a great deal of movement from target to target at one stage but I could see that the more limited field of view would be a handicap when trying to rapidly locate multiple targets that are spaced further apart.

 

[James Abram]

And sounds like I should just leave the spotting scope at home. I personally like to use the spotter at PRS matches where there's not a great deal of movement from target to target at one stage but I could see that the more limited field of view would be a handicap when trying to rapidly locate multiple targets that are spaced further apart.

Definitely leave the spotting scope at home. One day I carried my 15x binos and the were WAY too much. 10x Rangefinders like the Sigs are perfect. If you use separate RF and binos make a plate for your tripod so they can co-witness, that way at least you have both optics pointing at the same thing. Remember, you only have 5 minutes to locate, range and engage 6 targets.

 

[Todc]

Plan on using a tripod. A lot.