Me, the Gun, Both?

[MedServ60Driver]

Hi all, I shot my first PRS style match this past weekend and sufficiently got my clock absolutely cleaned. At first I just figured I hadn't prepared well enough and my technique was what lead to my next-to-last place downfall. HOWEVER, on a final stage that involved shooting prone at a stationary ~435yds the results were bad enough that I began to suspect my rifle to at least be a partial culprit. As I continued to shoot, the misses got worse and worse, and at one point the RO went as far as to stop me and say "you're hitting way to the left." I could not figure out why.

The rifle is a bone stock Tikka T3x CTR 6.5 CM with a Harris bipod and SWFA 10x42. Ammunition was Hornady American Gunner 140gr, which has been consistently 1 MOA in the rifle. While I am no master shooter, I was a Service Rifle shooter back in "the day" and have some working knowledge of the fundamentals, repeatable position, NPA, cheek placement, etc.

While my piss poor performance very well could have entirely been my doing, I'm beginning to wonder if something was up with the rifle. Perhaps a not entirely true barrel face causing shots to walk as it heats up, or the stock being flimsy enough to push against the barrel? All screws were tightened down so I have checked that block.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Spblademaker]

Double check everything on the gun is properly torqued. Get yourself to the range. Check zero. Then try to simulate the shot pace and distances (as best as possible) from your comp. If it’s a gun/heat issue, the problem should show up. If everything seems to be on point, it may be a mental thing. Just internally stressed or mentally “off” for the day. Been there, done that. Enjoy the comps. Don’t worry about where you place. It’s you vs you. That’s how I see it.

The good shooters will chime in soon.

 

[Apnea]

All screws were tightened down so I have checked that block.

Were tight or are tight? Have you checked since the match? Might not be apparent just from handling the rifle.

 

[SubOptimal]

Well, way before the rifle, I would check myself.
Unless you were up in the far north, it was probably hot. Were you properly hydrated? You would be amazed at the amount of water you can lose on a hot sunny day. Hydration has to start about 48-72 hours before the event. If you didn't have to pee at least every hour or so, you weren't drinking anywhere near enough water. Even mild dehydration can cause poor decision making and loss of minor muscle control. Carried to extreme, it can kill you dead and it only takes a few hours to do it. In addition to water, you need to keep your electrolytes in balance which, at minimum, means salt tablets with that liter of water an hour you should be drinking.

Now we can talk a bit about other factors, you mentioned you were a former service rifle shooter, that's a good thing. How much training did you do on position building, trigger, breath and heart rate control prior to the match. I would hope your daily training regimen was built up to as least as long as the match and under similar conditions. If not, how can you hope to last for the duration of a match under adverse conditions and maintain that nice relaxed shooting position and fine motor control on the day of the match.
One hour a day for a week in your air conditioned living room will not put you in shape to sustain the physical and mental stress of even a short match while lugging 20 odd pounds of rifle, ammo and equipment all over a big range.

I'm not saying it was all you, but I would understand. Shit, I'll be 76 in a couple of weeks and I'm far from the guy who could run 6 minute miles in combat boots with a light pack. I get winded walking back and forth from the 100 yard line to change targets on the square range near my house.

 

[Sheldon N]

When I'm missing left, I hold more wind.

What was the wind doing and what were you holding for windage?

And secondly, how sure are you that you had the rifle level? Makes a big difference.