Reasons people compete, and what grows the sport.

[superde]

I was reading the AG Cup thread, and decided to start a new thread instead of sidetracking that one.

I have been shooting competitions since SHC at Rifles Only in 2005. There have been a lot of people who have come and gone, and it's sad to certain extent since I've met a lot of good people/friends who I have lost contact with as they moved away from the sport. This is kind of akin to your high school buddies that you may only keep in touch with one or two of them. The reasons many compete at local or at the national level is to see friends and do something fun. I think group of shooters makes up at least 50% of the competitors if not more. We all want to do as well as we can and improve, but friendship in the guiding force. I've seen many of the top 10-20 shooters came and go after they burn out and find another hobby. I have 2 Top 5 finishes, and a bunch of top 20 finishes in the PRS over the last several years since I decided to step it up a notch before I get too old. But to make it more fun again I am going to gas gun this year so I can be more layed back and spend time with buddies, competing with the other 2-3 mentally impaired people (like me) at each match.

The thing that I have seen grow the sport is club matches. Either NRL 22, PRS 22, PRS centerfire sanctioned club matches, or even "outlaw" matches. It's a lot easier for someone to borrow a loaner rifle, or a buddies gun, and travel a few hours to shot a match. They can spend $200-$300 on ammo and match fee and be back in their own bed that night. You have to have people overcome the cost of entry by letting them try before they buy. I remember the first custom competition rig I bought, a trued Remington 700 built by HD Rifles (that's a whole story in of itself). It was hard to make myself spend $2500, but I did in the end which started me on this journey. Since I have time vested in this sport (and have spent enough to buy several new houses) i don't really think twice about adding a new rifle to the safe. And after ROing the PRS 22 Finale the last 2 years, I believe 22 precision rifle matches are the fastest growing segment at the moment. The match grew by 1/3 from the year before a few weeks back.

Just some thoughts as I read the other thread.

 

[BurtG]

I took a k and m 4day class because I wanted to get better at shooting in general and everyone says take professional instruction. I had never shot any comps in my life. They had a mini comp on the last day. After that I was hooked.

I can only compete in august and January and February so I can’t shoot enough by matches to get burnt out

 

[NiteQwill]

At the end of the day, it's about fun. If a person isn't having fun shooting competing (new or seasoned shooter), they will eventually disappear.

I went to a match where the MD told everyone before the match to introduce yourself to a shooter you don't recognize or is new... That shooter I met through the shake of a hand eventually became a good friend to this day. It may sound miniscule, but things like that (shooting with friends as the OP said) is what keeps everything going.

 

[adubeau]

I got into NRL22 this year - as something todo once a month and improve on my own skills, have fun and since it's winter freeze my ass off.

 

[OREGUN]

I dabbled in match shooting since 2018 and I shot over 30 one-day matches and a handful of weekend events in 2022. Everything from guardian matches to competition dynamics and essentially an “outlaw” PRS match every Saturday all year as a part of a regional league. I also took a couple of classes from the big names in the training sphere.

ACCESS and ATTITUDE are the two biggest things in my opinion. People will shoot what they have access to. If there’s a match within a few hours, that only costs $40 and 100 rounds, its a lot less challenging than a ten hour drive, two nights in hotels and a $300 dollar entry fee. Some guys might grow in to that but a lot won’t have the time or money or interest. Local shooting is where the community grows not at the AG cup. I very literally transitioned to PRS style shooting because the F-class I had been involved in prior to a job related relocation was not really accessible to me but there is a ton of PRS format around.

ATTITUDE. Some matches (and training events, for that matter) have a welcoming vibe that encourages community and some don’t. Competition dynamics puts on a fun and very challenging match but often times it basically involves walking around in the desert by yourself for three days in a row. On the other end of that spectrum guardian matches sort of force you to become friends with someone. I have several friends across several states as a result of the guardian format. Some of that’s the people involved or running the match, some of it is the stated purpose of the organization, the rules, etc. Is a new shooter forced to go first on a stage, in rotation or are they skipped in rotation so they don’t have to? Are participants able to separate their competitiveness out and allow coaching on the clock (or before the clock) for a guy who is zeroing stages all day? Does the club offer train-up days, is the focus on winning to the point of regular arguments with the MD, is there an organized group hang the evening between shooting days, or even something like is everyone staying at the venue or are they spread out around town at different hotels? All of those things, from a personal to an organizational level, are important at every match but even more so at the local, non-elite level.

Finally, I think advertising is actually a bigger problem than we want to admit. I’m always astonished at the number of people I meet who are interested in shooting but have never heard of any of this. They have no idea there’s matches happening at ranges all around them all the time. They have no idea that they live within an hour of one of the finest precision rifle retailers in the country, whether that’s Altus or Bugholes, or Mile High. They’ve never heard of K&M or Rifles Only or “the PRS”.

 

[johnnyvw]

In the "competition hobbies" I've been involved in, I've seen a lot of people come in, reach the top rung, and then move on to other things. Not sure if it's because they accomplished what they set out to achieve and then move on to a new challenge, or just get burned out from the time and effort commitment (I suspect maybe a combination). The bulk of people, especially those who stay in the game longer, do it for the enjoyment. That's the group I belong to. In all honesty, if I have to work too hard at something, I don't enjoy it. I'll do what I can to improve my abilities and equipment, but I'll never go that extra 10 or 15% to get to the top level. And since I'm now on a fixed income, money becomes a factor as well.

Just my perspective...

 

[hafejd30]

I do it for fun

When it stops being fun I show myself out

 

[Gil P.]

It's the most fun I've had and I get to meet like minded people. I don't talk to people much, or have friends so it's a nice change of pace.

 

[lennyo3034]

In the "competition hobbies" I've been involved in, I've seen a lot of people come in, reach the top rung, and then move on to other things. Not sure if it's because they accomplished what they set out to achieve and then move on to a new challenge, or just get burned out from the time and effort commitment (I suspect maybe a combination). The bulk of people, especially those who stay in the game longer, do it for the enjoyment. That's the group I belong to. In all honesty, if I have to work too hard at something, I don't enjoy it. I'll do what I can to improve my abilities and equipment, but I'll never go that extra 10 or 15% to get to the top level. And since I'm now on a fixed income, money becomes a factor as well.

Just my perspective...

I fall into this boat. I met my goal this year but did not enjoy the path to get there. I will be shooting less next year. Or at least shooting in a division that is less frustrating.

 

[BurtG]

If it was easy it wouldn’t be fun

If I had more time I’d be all over 2 gun or 3 gun and some pistol comp of some sort

 

[M4orturnate]

The rimfire side has the lowest barrier to entry. You can buy a 600 dollar rifle and not really be at a disadvantage. Plus its laid back and at least in the NE region has atmosphere of helping each other grow and get better. I couldn't tell you how many people have gone out of their way to get me on the right track and i try to give it back anytime im squaded with a new guy. One thing that stuck with me from my first match is the MD saying everyone is always included and noone is left out. Wether its at the range or diner and drinks after.

 

[Rerun7]

In the "competition hobbies" I've been involved in, I've seen a lot of people come in, reach the top rung, and then move on to other things. Not sure if it's because they accomplished what they set out to achieve and then move on to a new challenge, or just get burned out from the time and effort commitment (I suspect maybe a combination). The bulk of people, especially those who stay in the game longer, do it for the enjoyment. That's the group I belong to. In all honesty, if I have to work too hard at something, I don't enjoy it. I'll do what I can to improve my abilities and equipment, but I'll never go that extra 10 or 15% to get to the top level. And since I'm now on a fixed income, money becomes a factor as well.

Just my perspective...

I can relate to this and have seen it in others as well. I do run n gun comps and my first few matches I was decently competitive but knew I wanted to win so I started putting in more time and effort to get there. Also started doing longer races so lots of running/working out between comps.

After one win I knew what it took so I stayed after it and won several in a row along with a couple 2nd place finishes. But I can’t say it was ever “fun” and right now I’m having trouble staying motivated to work that hard. But at the same time I’m having a hard time with the idea of just having fun and not working hard enough to win. (rupturing a disc a few months ago didn’t help either)

Gonna try to just have fun on this next one and see how it goes. I’d like to get in a spot where I could just enjoy the experience and hanging out.

 

[superde]

But at the same time I’m having a hard time with the idea of just having fun and not working hard enough to win.

This is why I'm shooting with a gas gun next year. I know it's a liability against the bolt gunners so if/when I finish down the leaderboard it shouldn't bother me as much.

 

[OREGUN]

On a personal level, the only way to stay motivated, in my opinion, is to have goals that don’t essentially rank you against who else shows up. There’s always someone out there training harder, using better techniques, with better support, etc. Once you take home whatever trophy you are chasing, there’s only one way to go on the scoreboard.

Hit percentage, for example: same at any venue, lower rifle weight, less gear, faster, smaller targets.

All of which are relevant with no regard to who shows up at the match, i.e your position in the leaderboard.

 

[whiskey_papa]

I compete because it allows me to get more familiar with my equipment and abilities or lack thereof in "realistic" dynamic situations. That being said, I would not be interested in shooting PRS if it weren't for monthly local club matches just an hour away from me.

 

[ECK]

I’ve been shooting USPSA since 2008 and PRS-style rifle matches for the last few years. Thought I was a decent pistol shot before I got into USPSA, boy was I mistaken. But I wanted to do it again. And again. Kept at it, bought some gear, practiced more, and met some great friends along the way.

With rifles it was kinda the same, except I knew I sucked and wanted to suck less with long guns. I also got into the rimfire rifle game as well which helped me with being able to sling more rounds down range at a lower cost. As a result my shooting has probably matured along the way, and I’m having fun and seeing progression in the right direction. If I can ever figure out wind calls in a more consistent manner I’ll have even more fun bc hitting steel at silly distances is nothing if not fun.

IMO getting into competition shooting brings it to a whole new level with the right motivation to get better. In addition to figuring out what you suck at, if you’re any bit competitive that will motivate you to practice, learn, work on fundamentals, and strive to do better at your next match.

As far as scores, that’s just a convenient way to keep track of your progression, compare yourself to others, and maybe now and then rake in a win or two. But I go to matches for the stages, not for the trophies or the prize table.

 

[Mormegil87]

I compete because I want to see how good I can get at the game as it stands. If the game changes, then I'll try to get as good as I can at that version. Being a better "tactical" or "dynamic" long range shooter holds no interest to me. If some of the PRS game translates over to hunting, cool. If it doesn't, whatever, I'm not there for that anyway. I'm there to strictly play a game to the best of my ability.

 

[RobertB]

I compete because I want to see how good I can get at the game as it stands. If the game changes, then I'll try to get as good as I can at that version. Being a better "tactical" or "dynamic" long range shooter holds no interest to me. If some of the PRS game translates over to hunting, cool. If it doesn't, whatever, I'm not there for that anyway. I'm there to strictly play a game to the best of my ability.

I like the way you think!

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

If its not fun, then why shoot? People come and go but thats just life. They get married , have kids, change jobs, find new hobbies,ect. Variety is the spice of life and if someone doesn't get a thrill from shooting anymore then go do something you enjoy.

It does suck when you try to explain to your friends who are interested in shooting to come out. I think most people are so scared and intimidated of looking silly or being bad, they don't even try. Its convincing them that no one cares just come out an have fun that seems to work best. I have noticed low turnout this season in an area with a ton of money and people, so its going to be a focus going forward to recruit new shooters. As people age or move on , we need new blood to replace them. Even better if they are younger/kids who will get hooked on it.

The leagues could do ALOT more to advertise and make it more asscessable. They don't seem to want to spend the money, even though it would yield a ROI for everyone. They seem happy with the same 3-500 registered shooters playing in a small pond every year. Someone above noted this all needs to happen grassroots. Cheaper matches that locals can try out that are welcoming to new shooters is the ticket.

Lastly, when the OP mentioned gas guns, this came to mind:

 

[Timo Turl]

I do it for fun

When it stops being fun I show myself out

I do it for the chicks and groupies

 

[Emerson0311]

For me to be competitive, I have to spend about $1K/match in travel costs due to location. Now that I know my gear and skills can compete at that level, the drive is much less strong. The juice doesn’t justify the squeeze for just bragging rights. I will try running local matches, hoping that the reward of joy will offset the stress of volunteering.

 

[kthomas]

I'll provide my perspective as someone who used to shoot a decent amount of PRS, both one day club matches and 2 day national events.

The reason why myself and my friends shoot is for fun, to challenge ourselves and to come out of it as better shooters. But we wouldn't do it if it wasn't fun. I couldn't care less about prizes, podiums, or any sort of recognition.

I've definitely drifted away from PRS, as have most people I know that participated in the sport. Access is one issue - if you don't live near an area where there is matches consistently going on, its a challenge to attend. My closest club matches are ~3 hours away, and I'm not going to drive 6 hours for 5 hours of shooting. Not when I can participate in other hobbies that I can pursue within a very quick drive in any direction from my house. The travel to shooting ratio is not great for a casual hobby.

Cost is another. We all know rifles and the associated equipment is expensive. But so is traveling for matches, especially the bigger two day matches. Match fees are expensive. Travel is expensive. Lodging is expensive. Food/eating out is expensive. The ammo to shoot it is expensive. A weekend spent traveling away from home to shoot a 2-day match can easily cost in the thousands once you tally it all up. There's definitely ways to save on costs, but no matter what its a substantial investment in money and time.

I also think PRS matches have gotten pretty boring. There's certainly a deficit of creativity and strategy in PRS shooting. The more intriguing sports to me are those that require the use of thinking and strategy, but there really isn't any of that in PRS shooting. The majority of stages in a PRS match follow a familiar format (some of which are required match to match), the strategy of which to tackle is pretty straight forward - generally a derivative of taking a couple of steps, placing a barricade bag on a contrived prop, and shooting. I know some people really like this consistency (and I think some of the top shooters pushed the sport in this direction), but I find it rather boring and contrived. I don't want to shoot a slightly different iteration of the same stage/prop over and over and over - I want to be challenged as a marksman and have to employ strategy to get results (or get punished).

There's a lot of turnover in PRS, and when you think about the time and cost to participate, it's no surprise that people come and go. Its not a very accessible sport. Combine that with the lack of creativity and strategy, its only going to have long term appeal to a relatively small amount of people.

 

[Rob01]

I shoot matches to have fun, challenge myself and hang with friends. Been doing it for 20 years before there was a "PRS" with the OP and others. When it's not fun then I won't shoot them. .22 matches have been a blast over the last 5 years of shooting them so they have added a little life to the sport.

 

[MDof2]

It's either this or hookers and blow...... So PRS it is.....

 

[pineoak]

We need to grow the divisions past just men.

We need more younger/kid divisions, women divisions, and comps that suit them better.

When the women become competitive, they compete with men no problem. But to start, it needs to be less competitive, more novel targets, and a shorter day.

Kids will have fun if it's cheap (parents $), fun, and there are other kids doing it too with downtime that allows them to socialize.

If we don't train/teach/grow the sport with the younger ones, you risk not having a sport over time.

Like the idea of short, cheap, EASY club matches that average Joe's can just run what they brung without missing most of the targets. Kind of like the KYL type "choose 1 of 3 targets. the small one scores 5 points, the medium one 3 points, the large one 1 point"

.22 precision rifle has allowed for much of what I'm talking about. Was chatting with an old guy at the range yesterday (great shooter and avid competitor) and he told me the one gun he'll always have is a precision .22 (he has both Vudoo & RimX). Considering shooting a .22 match to see how easy/difficult it is to try to bring in some younger shooters to those matches.

 

[Rob01]

We need to grow the divisions past just men.

We need more younger/kid divisions, women divisions, and comps that suit them better.

When the women become competitive, they compete with men no problem. But to start, it needs to be less competitive, more novel targets, and a shorter day.

Kids will have fun if it's cheap (parents $), fun, and there are other kids doing it too with downtime that allows them to socialize.

If we don't train/teach/grow the sport with the younger ones, you risk not having a sport over time.

Like the idea of short, cheap, EASY club matches that average Joe's can just run what they brung without missing most of the targets. Kind of like the KYL type "choose 1 of 3 targets. the small one scores 5 points, the medium one 3 points, the large one 1 point"

.22 precision rifle has allowed for much of what I'm talking about. Was chatting with an old guy at the range yesterday (great shooter and avid competitor) and he told me the one gun he'll always have is a precision .22 (he has both Vudoo & RimX). Considering shooting a .22 match to see how easy/difficult it is to try to bring in some younger shooters to those matches.

Will let you know when I see some more local .22 matches and you can go with Gary and I.

 

[roostercogburn98]

22 precision rifle has allowed for much of what I'm talking about. Was chatting with an old guy at the range yesterday (great shooter and avid competitor) and he told me the one gun he'll always have is a precision .22 (he has both Vudoo & RimX). Considering shooting a .22 match to see how easy/difficult it is to try to bring in some younger shooters to those matches.

That was my thought process as well. The only range I feel like driving to was going to have one, then canceled due to lack of signup. Not enough return on their investment or time, they haven’t listed one more attempt to put a 22 match on. I don’t want to drive 3 plus hours one way to shoot a match.

 

[Mormegil87]

I like the way you think!

Hopefully see you at a match or two this season!

 

[BurtG]

Women don’t shoot much. Just like men don’t do dressage much.

Agree on the younger shooters though.

 

[BurtG]

on. I don’t want to drive 3 plus hours one way to shoot a match.

lol I drive 5-6 hours for matches. Driving 13 to frostbite next year.

Yes the local ones within 60-90 minutes are easier to get to but only one of those locations range compares to the ones farther away

 

[acudaowner]

in our clubs we have started to see more and more women getting into shooting started with 6 now up to 55 , and hopefully more into the sport as long as they don't hog up all the shooting spots all the time . If something is not growing it's dying .

 

[roostercogburn98]

lol I drive 5-6 hours for matches.

F
U
C
K

T
H
A
T

 

[canezach]

I've been shooting matches on and off for well over a decade. I've done a few two+ day matches, PRS, NRL, etc., but they've all been within driving distance of Colorado (NM, Utah, Oklahoma, Kansas) and more than a few one day matches like NRL Border Wars. My issue has always been my work schedule allowing me time to go to those longer matches, since my days off were either Thurs through Saturday or Sunday through Tuesday, so i haven't competed in one in a few years. I also find I enjoy shooting the Sporting Rifle Match in Raton more than I do other matches. I squad with a group of people I'm friends with, have a great time, and we're done early enough that I'm back home before sundown. I also shoot local matches and I'm fortunate to have a monthly match at my local range, so I don't really miss traveling just to participate in a match.

 

[superde]

When the women become competitive, they compete with men no problem. But to start, it needs to be less competitive, more novel targets, and a shorter day.

Kids will have fun if it's cheap (parents $), fun, and there are other kids doing it too with downtime that allows them to socialize.

If we don't train/teach/grow the sport with the younger ones, you risk not having a sport over time.

Like the idea of short, cheap, EASY club matches that average Joe's can just run what they brung without missing most of the targets. Kind of like the KYL type "choose 1 of 3 targets. the small one scores 5 points, the medium one 3 points, the large one 1 point"

.22 precision rifle has allowed for much of what I'm talking about. Was chatting with an old guy at the range yesterday (great shooter and avid competitor) and he told me the one gun he'll always have is a precision .22 (he has both Vudoo & RimX). Considering shooting a .22 match to see how easy/difficult it is to try to bring in some younger shooters to those matches.

Most of the incoming junior shooters in the PRS and PRS 22 are girls from what I have seen over the last 2 years. A lot of Dads are taking their daughters out to shoot club matches and 2 days, with good results. Payton Grimes, Allison Zane, Kate Estes, Laurel Akenhead to name a few of the top junior ladies.

I agree with the short, easy, cheap club matches. That is originally what the 22 matches were supposed to be I believe before they became like centerfire. You would almost have to have a Walmart division - you can run what you can get off of the shelf at Walmart, lol. 130 grain Remington Core Lokt in 270, lol.

 

[salks]

It is way cooler than golf and you dress in camo to hide from...hmm.

 

[stanley_white]

I attend shooting competitions because they are a chance to test my skills in a situation that someone else created.

I focus on my performance of all the tasks involved in each stage more than strictly score. I take a lot of notes and I ignore my overall standing.

I am at a point where I no longer have the unhealthy / world-ignoring mindset I need to get really good at anything so I am at the match to meet my standards and nobody else’s.

I don’t talk much at matches because all too often the conversation ends up getting stupid. What begins as purely gun talk eventually turns to politics or conspiracies or something annoying so best to not engage at all.

-Stan

 

[superde]

@stanley_white we talk about where we are eating dinner, and have a lot of junior high hijinks. In my few years of trying to shoot well the conversation was laser focused on the wind and strategy.

 

[stanley_white]

@stanley_white we talk about where we are eating dinner, and have a lot of junior high hijinks. In my few years of trying to shoot well the conversation was laser focused on the wind and strategy.

Looks like I need to shoot where you are shooting.

-Stan

 

[Rob01]

@stanley_white we talk about where we are eating dinner, and have a lot of junior high hijinks. In my few years of trying to shoot well the conversation was laser focused on the wind and strategy.

Got to chat about all of it or it's work and not fun. Going to a match and not talking to anyone and taking notes sounds like a miserable day. Talking to others is a good way to make new friends and connect with old ones you don't get to see all the time. The razzing and joking makes it fun and then getting wind calls and spotting target to get width and data for the stage is also part of it. Not one or the other.

 

[Hickswr]

It’s really simple.

3 Things in no particular order.

1- Desire to compete

2- Time

3- Money

If any of the three are lacking, then it won’t work out long term, period.

It’s extremely difficult to have all three for an extended period of time while raising a family. At some point Johnny and Susie want to play their own sports and compromises have to be made.

 

[Tempest 455]

We need to grow the divisions past just men.

We need more younger/kid divisions, women divisions, and comps that suit them better.

When the women become competitive, they compete with men no problem. But to start, it needs to be less competitive, more novel targets, and a shorter day.

Kids will have fun if it's cheap (parents $), fun, and there are other kids doing it too with downtime that allows them to socialize.

If we don't train/teach/grow the sport with the younger ones, you risk not having a sport over time.

Like the idea of short, cheap, EASY club matches that average Joe's can just run what they brung without missing most of the targets. Kind of like the KYL type "choose 1 of 3 targets. the small one scores 5 points, the medium one 3 points, the large one 1 point"

.22 precision rifle has allowed for much of what I'm talking about. Was chatting with an old guy at the range yesterday (great shooter and avid competitor) and he told me the one gun he'll always have is a precision .22 (he has both Vudoo & RimX). Considering shooting a .22 match to see how easy/difficult it is to try to bring in some younger shooters to those matches.

Been shooting 600 and 1000 yard FTR matches for 12 years. Both my sons (now grown men) started as Jr's and we shot together for many years. Our local club will let Jr's shoot for free to get younger shooters. It's a lot of grey hair at our matches. I tried numerous times to get their buddy's to join us, offering use of equipment and I would load the ammo. Probably had 4 bites over a period of the last 10 years.

Most matches for us are 2-2.5 hours away. It was hard to get the younger generation interested in getting up at 5:00AM, traveling, lot's of waiting, pulling targets in the hot sun and spending 10-12 hours on a weekend to shoot. Fortunately for me, my sons loved it.

Now, electronic targets certainly is a benefit for the older shooters not having to pull targets. Thought it would encourage the younger generation who embrace electronic technology. Don't think it has.

Lastly, the price of the components has created an environment only people who can afford the ammo/travel can play. We typically shoot 80 rounds on a 3 x 1000 match. A 2 day match for multiple people is an investment.

Personally, I don't care what it costs. It's quality time spent with my family. Someone on this forum or another once said:

I can make more money. I can't go back in time and spend more time with my family.

I fear with the cost of components and the media attitude about firearms, many of these sports are going to fade away.

 

[Ronws]

Women don’t shoot much. Just like men don’t do dressage much.

Agree on the younger shooters though.

I have never worn a dress in my whole life.

 

[OREGUN]

Figuring out a way to spread info about matches without using Facebook would be a huge help. Especially among the more conspiratorial among us.

In the rocky mountain west, if you don’t have Facebook, you basically don’t have access to a huge amount of local match info. That excludes a lot of people.

 

[M4orturnate]

Figuring out a way to spread info about matches without using Facebook would be a huge help. Especially among the more conspiratorial among us.

In the rocky mountain west, if you don’t have Facebook, you basically don’t have access to a huge amount of local match info. That excludes a lot of people.

Good point. Practiscore isnt the easiest to find certain matches either.

 

[BurtG]

Good point. Practiscore isnt the easiest to find certain matches either.

Yup. I donate $10 every time in hopes they improve. The search function sucks!

 

[Rob01]

The search does kind of suck but if you go to a match then follow the club you can go to your clubs and see what matches they have coming up.

 

[BurtG]

The search does kind of suck but if you go to a match then follow the club you can go to your clubs and see what matches they have coming up.

Yeah I just got into 22 to shoot more matches and there’s about a million clubs. Hard to find the 22 matches. Did open my eyes to some local pistol matches I’m going to start.

Wish they would have a option to pick mafch type then filter by closest locations and dates

 

[Jimichanga]

Figuring out a way to spread info about matches without using Facebook would be a huge help. Especially among the more conspiratorial among us.

In the rocky mountain west, if you don’t have Facebook, you basically don’t have access to a huge amount of local match info. That excludes a lot of people.

I hate FB for the data mining as well. It kills me that we as a shooting community use a resource bent on our destruction... but I digress. If you are in the PNW this Google calendar works pretty good:

Match Calendar

I am not the author, I just appreciate the resource.

Cheers

 

[todd]

Got to chat about all of it or it's work and not fun. Going to a match and not talking to anyone and taking notes sounds like a miserable day.

I shot a 2 day match where I was last up in my squad on the first stage. The match format was that you shoot your stage, then walk to the next stage and kind of get in line and it's one big conga line throughout the weekend. I knew almost everyone in my squad and was looking forward to hanging out with my buddies all weekend. After the first stage, I was basically shooting by myself as my squadmates headed off to the next stage, and the squad behind me was filing in behind me waiting for their turn to shoot. I didn't know anyone in that squad, so I just kept to myself. I ended up having Jake and Morgan taking turns on deck right behind me all weekend long. No pressure, right? It did end up being my best "% of top" finish ever, but it wasn't as much fun as if I were with my buddies all weekend moving as a squad from stage to stage.

 

[Rob01]

Yeah that doesn't sound like a fun set up at all. I wonder why they did it that way? Probably moves faster but sure doesn't do anything to prove those that say the PRS is becoming an assembly line as that was exactly what that match was from the sounds of it.