New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

[toddconley]

I have never shot a match of the tact type and I plan to shoot the Mamoth Challenge in Jan. I have three rifle that would all do well but all have their own handicaps. My first choice for long range accuracy is my 280 ai. It the best shooter that I own. I am very confident with it and it has lots of reach. It is however very heavy with a 28in barrel in a A5. It is very hard to shoot unsupported. It is also mag fed. Of the other two one is my TIkka 595 Master sporter. Very accurate. Pretty good to shoot unsupported and also mag fed. Although I only have one mag for it. It shoots gold medal match like a house a fire. But gives up lots in wind to the 280AI. The third is my 243 ai with a 20 barrel in a HTG. It is the lightest but not the most accurate yet and also not mag fed yet. I also dont think I drive it quite as well as the guns with more of a pistol type grip ie the a5 and Tikka. But the 243 ai is much more portable and easier to shoot unsupported? What kind of scenerios are likely to be seen in a match like this? If there was ver little or no unsupported situations then the big 280 is a no brainer but I just dont know what to expect?
Thanks,
T

 

[springle]

Re: New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

I would shoot the one I am most confident in. Since this is your first match confidence in your rig is going to help you alot. As for the weight just practice dry firing in unsupported positions (something I need to do myself).

 

[desertHK]

Re: New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toddconley</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What kind of scenerios are likely to be seen in a match like this? T </div></div>

FWIW, expect the unexpected. You never know what you are going to get. You want to shoot the rifle that you feel most comfortable with. Of course, the load has to be a bit accurate too. Remember, when the clock is ticking away, the anxiety and pressure is going to build. The last thing you want is a rifle that you don't feel comfortable behind. Good luck with the match.

 

[toddconley]

Re: New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

bump again

 

[gugubica]

Re: New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

One thing to consider:

From what I can gather, there is going to be lots of gear humping at this match. I also expect lots of running, crawling, etc. Pick a rifle that you are comfortable with moving around a lot into and out of odd positions.

What sp260 said holds true. Make sure you are comfortable with it and trust it to perform.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

one goes to these matches and finds out what works and what gets junked,,,,this goes from boots to shemaghs and everthing in between.

consider not getting too fancy and locate where the nearest wally world is so .....if.......you need more boolits, you'll know where to get them.

lots of matches are won 300yard and in....so the lazer beam rocket launchers that will need to have the barrel replaced after a blistering rapid fire string is kinda sorta self defeating.....and way too fuckin expensive to continue playing the game.

and yes....expect the un-expected....get in shape and try not to be a dunlop brother .

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: New Shooter What should I shoot at first match?

The advice that you have been given is spot on, perfect for Mammoth.

You NEED to be comfortable with you equipment. Time will be a factor on every event you will shoot there. You will shoot from a variety of positions, not just prone.

There are advantages and disadvantages to all of the rifles you have listed. Its up to you to weigh those and choose the best rifle. All of them will put you in the Open Class so class choice does nto matter. I will say that I would strongly urge you to choose a rifle that you have solid DOPE with.

Make sure you get your forms sent in fast, trust me. The match is filling up.