(breathing hard) Sorry I'm late! Did someone say HP?
Hey guys...just got in from Thule Air Base...was TDY up there for a week.
Darogue1, good to hear you're going to shoot an HP match. Sounds like you're going to shoot what's called a "clinic match." Basically that's a match for new shooters to try the sport. You won't need all the equipment to shoot your first match. There are a few things you will need, and I'll try to hit on those things, and also tell you what to do and not to do.
First things first, though, that "compensator" is a no-no. Technically, its not allowed at all. Even at a clinic match, where guys won't have Service Rifle legal guns to bring, the compensator is a bad thing. You may get by with it, but the guys next to you will not be happy.
What you'll need:
A rifle. Ask the Match Director if he has some loaner rifles, so you can avoid the muzzle brake issue all together. If not, press on with what you have. Bring four or five mags, at least. Back-ups are important. In addition, you can load two mags with two rounds, and two with eight the night before. That way you don't have to load them for the rapids while getting ready.
Sounds like you'll be shooting at 100 or 200 yards, woth reduced targets, like you said. I doubt you'll have pits. In that case, a good spotting scope is a necessity in order to finely adjust your sights, but untill you're hooked, don't drop the cash. A good HP level scope will run you $500-$1200 not including the stand. No need to buy it if you don't get bitten by the bug. Instead, bring a pair of good binocs that I hope you already own. (If not, again, don't drop the cash) More than likely, an experienced shooter or three will offer their scopes. HANDLE ALL BORROWED EQUIPMENT AS IF IT WERE FINE CHINA!
A sling. Specifically, its supposed to be a USGI issue style, either the 1907 leather style, or the M1 Garand cotton or nylon web sling. Even HP shooter's argue on which is best, so for now, try to find a COTTON M1 Garand web sling...price should be between $5 and $10. Any old timer at the range worth his salt should be able to show you how to use it, or check out
www.jarheadtop.com
The three items above are the most important items that an HP shooter should have...all else are nice-to-haves.
The piece of carpet is a common new-guy accessory, often seen with a chiffon crying towel.
The coat mainly provides padding. Many outsiders think that the coat keeps you from moving, but that's simply not true. While it does limit your movements some, and keeps your shoulders tight during the offhand, its true purpose is padding, like I said. You'll need something to protect your "off" arm when using a slinged position; otherwise, the pain will take your concentration away from your shooting. I'd suggest wearing a sweatshirt or two, and then a coat over that. Even in the summer, HP shooters wear a sweatshirt and the shooting coat...it takes up space and also helps keep your body at the same temp (hot).
Do not worry too much about your ammo. In your case, you've probably never shot from position before, at least not seriously. If you start out shooting 1 MOA, I'll be surprised. (This is NOT an insult!) Do this: Get out this weekend or next and see which ammo shoots best off the bench. Use that. If you get serious about shooting HP, you won't be using that AR, and it won't be with off the shelf ammo anyway. Go to have fun and don't sweat the ammo.
Don't worry about your sights too much. Find out at what distance you're really going to shoot at, and get a good zero there before the match. If its all at one distance (sounds like it is) then you're golden right there. When the match starts, you may need to adjust your sights to hit where you're aiming...if so, make sure to RETURN the sights to where they were at the start before you move to the next position. If you shoot at 100 and 200, and 3 MOA in between, shoot a sighter, and adjust.
Offhand advice: I recently reached a goal of mine for offhand, and I thought you could use this advice. When you lift the rifle, cradle it in your arms and close your eyes. Feel your natural balance point, and see whether you can stand absolutely still. If not, move your feet 'till you can. Go between this and finding your NPOA untill both are the same. Do not move your feet again untill your shooting is finished. Make sure to put the rifle in the same place in your shoulder every time. Do not adjust with your waist. If you're not pointing at the target, move your feet, check your balance, and press on. Do not use your forward had to adjustment, either. Its just there to hold up the rifle. Use the pistol grip to make very minor adjustments in your aim. Grasp the grip like you mean it and pull it back into your shoulder. Again, "steer" the rifle with the grip. This is directly from the AMU, and it works very well with the AR.
Always know exactly where you hit before you even look through the scope.
If you have some more questions, I'd like to help. Feel free to email me at
highpowerar15@earthlink.net
Will be shooting my AR15 with q3131A ammunition. I also know that I need my spotting scope. Do I get another person or do I do everything myself? How many magazines to take, which capacity? I don't have a fancy shooting jacket or anything like that. How about a ground pad or something like that? Since my AR is post ban with a "compensator" permanately afixed is that going to cause problems? The advertisement says " ALL NRA RULES CURRENTLY IN FORCE WILL APPLY." I am going to call the match director later today/tonight. Just looking for a heads up on this. All help is welcomed. Thanks in advance. DAROGUE1