Keeping it Simple - Advice for a new to PRS shooter

[clark33]

I'm looking to get some advice from those experienced in PRS matches. Whether it be sponsored events or just local club matches. I tend to get paralysis by analysis when it comes to this stuff. Thinking I HAVE to have this or NEED that to get started. So, what essential pieces of gear besides rifle/scope would you suggest for someone about to attend their first PRS match? Basically, the best way to "keep it simple stupid" Also a little insight on strategies or technique for first timers.

1. essential gear i.e. bipod, bags, etc

2. basic strategies for a first time guy, example would be "Hey, don't worry about the clock, just go for hits, don't rush to finish a stage"

Thanks

 

[Dthomas3523]

Rifle, bipod, ammo, and dope if you can get it, and a ballistic app on phone.

If you absolutely have to buy a bag for yourself for now: WieBad fortune cookie/mini cookie or gamechanger/mini game changer.

If not, you can borrow bags at a match and see what you like.

First match is always a train wreck. You’re likely not going to do too well (compared with how you’ll do after a few matches). Shoot smooth/slow, make good shots, and pay attention as you’ll learn a ton.

Other gear is creature comfort/extra.

 

[clark33]

Thank you for the input! Exactly what I was looking for.

My creature comforts consist of a few cans of copenhagen, that isn't frowned upon is it? Or should I bring extra in exchange for borrowing gear?

 

[hlee]

Answer these questions...

1. Got a bipod? If yes, go to question 2. If no, go to a big box store and grab a Caldwell bipod.

2. Got a rear bag? If yes, go to a local match. If no, go anyway.

While at the match, ask to borrow bags, bipods, wind calls, dope sheets, everything. I'd be surprised if you were turned down- short of asking to shoot another's gun, and even then you're more likely to hear yes than no. There's a ton of bags out there, and bipods too. You'll like some more than others. A Caldwell bipod is cheap, but it is serviceable and will do until you decide what you really want. There's a lot of money to spend if you don't buy intelligently. Try it all at a match and buy once.

Everyone that has been to a few matches will be dragging around a tripod/spotting scope/wind meter/and a metric shit ton of support bags. Let them. As a new guy, you get the benefit of being under-prepared.

Show up with dope for your rifle. If not verified at range, at least have drop and drift numbers calculated from MV out to the max expected range. Bring a pen and paper. You might want a wrist coach too. Look up the "sidewinder rifle dope holder." A creative person can DIY a similar solution. I prefer that over the wrist coach.

If nothing else, bring a positive and open attitude. Remember that this is a hobby and if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong.

 

[clark33]

Sounds like I have most of what I really need just from my hunting gear. I have a harris bipod and picked up a little lightweight T.A.B. gear rear bag. And lucky for me I jumped on cameralandny's Bushnell DMRii w/ the kestrel. Entered my 6creed data on it.

I see the wrist coach being pretty dang valuable. Knowing me I'll be a bit anxious/nervous once they say "Shooter Ready" and no way in hell I'll remember my dope if the targets vary in range by any distance.

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[MakeSawdust]

Don't go buy a shitload of bags/support gear. MOST stages are going to be conquered with a bipod and rear bag or a game changer.

Go to a match. The first one is likely to be a shit show. A pair of binos to identify targets is helpful. A lot of really accomplished shooters still write their dope on their arm or hand.

Once you can remember the course of fire and have good dope it is mostly about getting into and out of steady positions quickly and making good wind calls.

It is a ton of fun and most experienced shooters so willing to help.

Don't over analyze things. Most of the elr, Coriolis, spin drift, etc. bs doesn't matter at typical PRS distances. As long as you have trued you ballistic solver and have good elevation dope you will do well.