First Sanctioned Match

[echase1]

I am in the process of preparing for my first "sanctioned match" (US East Coast) after shooting a half dozen or so local matches.  I am currently going through my dry fire exercises and plan on making sure I get 30-50 rounds each day for the final week of prep.  Any other suggestions?  Any lessons learned from your first sanctioned match. 

Thanks for your feedback. 

[Miggy]

I might be the wrong person since I usually end up last in my division but here are my recommendations:
-Arrive with enough time, the day before if possible. Find out where the range is and do a quick recon. Nothing frazzles you more than arriving tired and rushing to an unknown range, specially if you got lost on the way.
-The recon will give you an idea if you are gonna do a lot or little walking. Pack accordingly... very heavy range bags are a drag.
-Breakfast: make it nutritious but not heavy. The Hungry Uncle Hershell  breakfast platter from Cracker Barrel might be a tad too much.
-Make sure you have fun no matter with whom you are squaded. It is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and learn.
-Make sure you take a good box of great chocolate if Gail is at the match. Podcast Mistress demands goodies 
-If you see one tall guy with a funny accent and calling everybody Hunny Bunny... Run like hell! (Just kidding)

[Chris]

A few quick thoughts.... (1) make sure your ammo will chronograph to the proper power factor, and that your gun meets weight and allowable equipment rules... same for your holster, cover garment and mag carriers. All will be checked (2) Try to be smooth and in control on the first stages. That's where match jitters are most likely to attack. Some shooters come flying out the gate and crash & burn early... then try to make up for it by going even faster later. If you start off smooth you can pick up the pace as you get into the match. Sanctioned matches are long affairs... pace yourself. Let your competition screw up, not you. (3) Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It'll be a long day. (4) Get a good nights sleep the night before, stay hydrated and have an energy bar or two along. The last stages can be tough for those who didn't stay properly tuned. Lastly, don't get down on yourself if you blow a stage. The last shots fired are in the books and can't be changed. You want to fully concentrate on the next stage... not dwell on the last. It can mess your mind and affect your performance.
Have fun. You'll learn a lot.
Chris Christian

[garner230]

Bring PLENTY of water to the East Coast match.  Its been in upper 90's and even low 100's past few days here...humidity makes it even worse.  Other than that:   1) Dont be in a rush to shoot a stage. I did that on the NC State match and my points down showed. 2) like Chris said, dont get down on yourself if you blow a stage.  This is a 20 stage event so you need to stay focused.  Once the stage is over...let it be over.  I didnt do that @ the state match and it cost me.  3)  Get there on time.  if you start out behind the curve ball its hard for your mind to catch up.  4) Lastly, have fun...its just a game!

See you there hopefully.  Im shooting Thursday all day.

[echase1]

Thanks for all of the great advice.  I am looking forward to the match.  Looks like I may indeed see you garner230 at the match.  I am also shooting Thursday all day long as well.  Look me up if when you get there, you should be able to figure out my name on the squad list from my user name here.

Thanks again everyone.

[garner230]

@ echase1...Looks like we're on the same squad.  Just checked the web site and it now looks like theyve got over 100 shooters.  Looks like this will be a good inaugural match. Also see that some of the Pro Arms team will be there on Saturday! If you get a chance to speak with Gail P or Mas you will be enlightened! Good people!

Im thinking that I shoulda shot this match over two days due to the weather around here. Man, has it been HOT!!! 90's to over 100 the last few weeks.

[Gail]

Due to unforeseen circumstances we had to change to Thursday. I hope to see some listeners there, if I'm not passsed out, the forcast is for 100+ degrees.
Gail

[Matt G]

All good info. +1 to everyone.  From my experience is water, water, water.  Sometimes people forget and if the club is unprepared or short of water being the hero helps.  I now buy a case and bring it with me.  I keep it in the car if needed.  Also, a lesson learned my first match, bring some lightweight rain jacket.  Nothing is worse than suffering through a mid-afternoon thundershower and sucking through the rest of the day.  Physical distractions suck.  If you wear prescription glasses, an extra pair are good as well.  Also Sun block is smart.  And lastly, bring a towel and soap.  I bring a bar of LAVA.  I have found, psychologically, having clean hands somehow makes me feel better and the lava soap, being fairly abrasive, makes my hands a little more sensitive and the gun feels a little more alive in my hands. (This last point sounds a little PSYCHO but a couple of shooters that have tried this say they like it.   )

Good Luck!

Matt G 

[Kevin]

A few quick thoughts.... (1) make sure your ammo will chronograph to the proper power factor, ...

There's a power factor? When did they start that? This is Florida, for crying out loud. We count the hanging chads AND dimpled targets.
-Kevin, wondering why everyone pointed and laughed  when his bullets bounced off the cardboard...

Good luck in your match. Listen to Chris, he knows his shtuff... It would really suck to not get to shoot due to a rule violation.

[MasAyoob]

Great match! Gail & I enjoyed meeting so many folks who enjoy the podcast.

Garner 230, many thanks for the loan of the bore brush. Couldn't find you during the cloudburst at departure time. Please PM me with your shipping address and I'll mail it back to you.

Stages were fun, and without exception the range staff was superb: helpful, friendly, and fair. Didn't think we'd enjoy shooting 20 stages in one day as much as we did.

All the advice given by others in this thread is good to go. The Evil Princess, however, didn't pick up on the "sunblock" part, and is now Lobster Girl...

best of luck to all who are going,
Mas

[echase1]

All,

Thanks again for the superb advice on this topic.  I had the pleasure to meet Mas and Gail yesterday at the match.  The heat was really brutal, but I had a great time and learned alot from the other shooters.  The stages were challenging and enjoyable and even with a downpour of rain everyone seems to have a good time.

Thanks again,
Ed 

[garner230]

Man, was it hot!  Glad to meet a few of you while there. We actually stayed after the second typhoon to finish 2 stages.

Mas & Gail, it was good to see you two again.  maybe again soon...keep the brush...it would be a waste of your money to send it back; i never use it!