Question about match equipment.....Help please!

[exhogflyer]

First off if I've posted in the wrong forum I apologize...and I did search and came up with little.
I am planning on shooting my first "tactical" style match this season, I am NOT new to shooting or long range precision shooting...however I've never shot this style of match.Can someone recommend what I'll need as far as equipment? Here's what I have already, maybe some is good...maybe some useless.
1) decent quality rifle case/ drag bag that seems like it would hold most all gear I'd need, has straps to carry on back
2) accurate 308 bolt gun, quality scope that I am comfortable with out to 1k
3) binocs and spotting scope...do I need?
4) shooting mat....waste of time carrying?
5) dope for ammo/ range card...verified
6) ear and eye protection
7) soft ammo cases...there is where I'm confused.How much ammo is normal to carry?
8) hydration pack/ mre's.....do I need?
9) do I need a range finder?
10) knee/ elbow pads.....do I need?

Ok guys...try not to laugh too hard.What else do I need to pack or carry? If you make a recommendation please feel free to tell me even the specific brand too.Thanks all in advance

 

[Bear_308]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

From my experience each match is a little different ... opinions on this topic will vary from shooter to shooter. Some guys are minimalists with how much they carry and some guys carry everything conceivable. I try to make sure I can cover all aspects of the match and I also plan for some challenges as well.

Matches can vary greatly on the shooting conditions ... some shoot from concrete pads out in the field (based on range regs) and don't necessarily require shooting pads, etc. while others will have shooting positions where you'll definitely need a shooting pad (rocks, dirt, briars, etc.) Check the guidance from the match you're shooting & you'll generally get min/max ranges, round count, etc.

Most club 1-day matches I've shot are in the ~60 rounds range ... big 2-day matches can be upwards of 90rds/day or 180 rounds for 2 days. Again - round count should be provided to you.

As for your other questions from your post:
1) good to go - consider a pack vs a drag bag (but ultimately it's your preference). You'll learn a ton on your first match.
2) good to go - practice
3) I always carry binos but not a spotting scope - I use my rifle scope for most spotting applications - but again check your specific match requirements
4) shooting mat can be a good idea
5) always
6) always
7) I carry hard plasic (20rd) ammo cases but I've seen guys carry the 50 or 100rd variant depending on their packs ... it's personal preference really
8) Always have a quart (or 2-3 if it's hot) of water ... a snack (MREs are great for this but trail mix or beef jerky will work too) isn't a bad idea either depending on the length of the match
9) Range finder - always (to confirm distances - meters vs yards, etc and to get unknown distances stages)
10) Always

Make sure you have a rifle sling as well (great for offhand, sitting and other stages where it can provide a more stable shooting position.)

Other items I usually carry along in a well-built pack are an extra battery for my rangefinder, a basic (small) tool kit to fix rifle, scope, etc) and pencil/pad for taking notes.

Good luck with your first match ... again the match director should clarify many of your questions. The learning curve is initially very steep but it's a blast to shoot - the first step is just getting out and giving it a try. Have a plan to deal with the things left open to question

Good luck and have fun!

Bear

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

1) I use a pack only, rifle is slung. Pack I use is a Camelback Urban Rover, w/TAG Rifle rest attached

2) Mine's a 7mm-08 but whatever works for you. Rifle w/Atlas Bipod and Tab Sling
3) Binoc's Only
4) shooting mat by Voodoo Tactical
5) I use a Impact Data Book w/ 8541 Tactical Data book cover.
6) Electronic Muffs Silenco Falcon's and shooting glasses by Decot
7) I carry 20 rounds in Mags - four 5 rounders on my Apollo, plus another 40-60 rounds in Red-Tac Gear ammo cards in Pack.
8) I keep two 750ML Camelback bottles, that fit in my packs side pockets
9) Most tactical shoots I attend do not allow the use of a range finder, So no, but if allowed I do have a Zeiss LRF.
10) I use 5.11 pants that have knee pads inserts


I use a Red Tac Gear Apollo belt/harness system. I have a variety of Molle pouches I put on it depending on needs for that shoot. But mostly I carry on it, Triad Tactical AICS 5 rd mag pouches (4), and utility dump pouch for brass, cell phone pouch.

Other stuff I carry, in my pack:

Helly Hansen rain suit
Mildot Master w/small lead weight and line
Calculator if I have to do range math
Surefire Z2 LED Combat light
Red-Tac Gear Battery Card
Printout of latest range dope for my load, with corrected weather/altiude data as needed for that day.
Small tools for rifle maintenance
A disassembled steel cleaning rod, and patches, packets of BC Sheath rust preventer.
Pens & Note pad



Bob

 

[Lucks]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

It is true that every match is different and every match has different rules. I would contact the Match Director and get his advice.

But in general.....
For your first match I would just throw everything you have in a backpack, then go to the match and see what gear everyone else is using. When you get to the match and look around, you'll likely get some ideas on what set up will work best for you in the future. Just tell everyone at the match that this is your first match, they'll all be happy to tell you all about their gear.

Me personally, I just use a backpack to carry all my gear, and I just sling my rifle. At matches that mix pistol and rifle, I carry my pistol and extra mags on my belt.

At the matches I have gone to, most people don't use drag bags. It is not uncommon to see them at matches, but most guys just use a pack of some sort and carry their rifle slung.

I would bring the range finder, most of the matches I've been to allow them, and if they are not allowed on a particular stage they will tell you and you just leave it in your backpack.

At the matches I have shot you also have to just carry all your gear to the stage, not through each stage. Before your turn to shoot, they'll brief you and you can pick which gear you need for that stage and leave the rest in your pack.

I would also bring a pen and small notebook or databook. At most matches there always seems to be some information to jot down....like distances to targets, etc.

Someone else already said this, but make sure you have a sling for your rifle.

Hope that helps....

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

-rifle and sling
-rifle usually carried in Eagle DB-BS case/mat or there's a TAB mat in ruck when I just use my sling as a carry strap



Always present in medium ruck:
-scope/rifle tools
-ammunition/mags
-lightweight rain gear
-wrist data carrier
-RnR notepad/pen
-knee/elbow pads
-gloves
-taller bipod/sticks
-LRF
-Kestrel
-data book/dope sheets
-rear bag, tac pillow
-shemagh
-ear protection


I add to that if needed.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

Don't forget the open mind and good attitude

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

Oh and question #7-
-I have 1.5X the day's course of fire on hand ammo wise. I carry a couple ten round and a 5 round mags for my rifle.

I like to carry extra ammo in cheap aluminum HK91 magazines. They protect the ammo well and I'm not really fond of the soft ammo wallets-too bulky for too little ammo.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

+1 on not buying too much for your first match. You will see quite a variey of equipment and when you get talking to others you'll figure it out quickly.

Having said that, I would strongly recommend you go with the electronic ear muffs (i use Peltor, link below). There will be a lot of instructions and you need to be certain you hear them. I found at my first shoot i was the only newbie and the others were regulars = i had a RO up my backside for the entire day so be sure you can hear him. if you can borrow a spotter for the day and can find an amicable shooter, try to get behind them on your down time and see how they conduct their drills etc.

http://www.8541tactical.com/tacsport_review.php

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

Thank you all for the help and suggestions.And yes, when I attend I'll keep a good attitude/ open mind as ultimately this is for fun and learning.Hope to see some of you out there...

 

[Lindy]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

Forget the drag bag. Carry the rifle slung, protected by one of these:

http://www.riflesonly.com/pro-shop/tactical-gear/tab-rifle-cover-gen-i.html

 

[Graham]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

I carry the rifle in an Eagle HSRC with a small 'three-day' size pack for ammo and gear. The HSRC helps prevent lying on fire ants at TacPro and burrs at R.O., although the killer bees I can't do anything about.

For comps I travel light: 80-100rds of loose ammo per 1/2 day; a few extra mags; ear pro; range finder; ballistic program; Kestrel; pen and paper; power bar and a few bottles of water. That's it.

 

[KiwiShtr]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

And most importantly..... TP in a zip lock bag!

 

[ida83704]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

I never hurts to email the match director and ask for an equipment list.

If it is wet, a $5 blue tarp is nice to have.
Not very tactical but it will keep you dry when you have to prone out.

If it is raining a 30 gallon trash bag is nice to put your pack in if the pack is not water proof.

I've seen several shooters discover their pack didn't keep the rain out. Looked to be a soggy mess.

 

[tjonh2001]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

this is a great topic.

anyone know who has a waterproof back pack?

 

[JALVI]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

If there's one thing I have learned, gear management, and solid preparation are key. If you find that you like this game, it will all work itself out, or it will work you...

There is a lot of good advice in this thread, including ^^^^ " the open mind, and good attitude." The best piece of kit you got is right between your ears.

You are probably also gonna trip out at all the different kit people bring to a match. Take your time. Fondle other peoples gear,(hahaha!) before you buy.

Now for your list:

1) <span style="font-weight: bold">I have a nice TacOps drag bag, but it stays in the truck when I'm shooting. Thats one thing a good sling is good for.</span>
2) <span style="font-weight: bold">Yes. You need a rifle.</span>
3) <span style="font-weight: bold">As far as bino's, I just keep a small pair of 10X, just to scan the course if allowed. I also keep a Leica CRF1200 LRF, and Kestrel 4500</span>
4) shooting mat....<span style="font-weight: bold">TAB mat. Don't use it too often unless its muddy or tons of stickers!</span>
5) dope for ammo/ range card - <span style="font-weight: bold">taped to my rifle</span>
6) ear and eye protection - <span style="font-weight: bold">Surefire little things...</span>
7) soft ammo cases... <span style="font-weight: bold">All my ammo is loaded in the mags the night before. Just one less thing to have to worry bout.</span>
8) hydration pack/ mre's.....do I need? <span style="font-weight: bold">I usually just keep a couple sandwiches, bars, and H2O 64oz in the pack with me</span>
9) do I need a range finder?- <span style="font-weight: bold">Depends on the match. Some wont let you use them</span>
10) knee/ elbow pads.....do I need? <span style="font-weight: bold">They sure do help. I cant use those big robotic things, but found some slick lil elbow pads from Blackhawk for like $13.</span>

Every match, and match director has his own flavor, so you will see a lot of different stuff. Take your time, have fun and enjoy the journey!

 

[DUB DEE]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

Just show up to a comp and watch what the others guys do.... watch the bad shooters and watch the good shooters..... the guy that knows it all will come in last place (so dont get any thing that he uses) the guy that wins wont say much, so you will have to pay close attention to him!!! he wont explain when and why, just make notes on his equipment. Now your ready..

The biggest thing i learned early was if you get an opportunity to sight in, watch what the winds doing, when you zero and comp begins remember that your window of opp is when the wind is doing what it was doing when you zeroed...so if it was bad when you zeroed than thats your window of opportunity.. oh yeah stay away from the 50 cals.. cuz you will have to time your shots between those guys to.

OBSERVATION, AND NOTES NOTES NOTES...good luck

 

[Shady_Jay]

Re: Question about match equipment.....Help please!

see if this helps

http://northtexasrifleprecision.freeforums.org/competition-equipment-for-the-new-shooter-t125.html