Libertarian623 wrote: Need some input. I have got six weeks til I shoot a tactical match. First rifle match in 20 years. Shots to 650m,not a lot of prone,some movers, some shooting from a moving platform. Should be a blast. We will be packing in all our equipment( only what I can carry), est 4-5 hours, up to 7 miles,48 shots if you don't miss. I plan on having a medium pack. So far heres the list, Ammo,magazines,shooting stix,light,LRF,shades,3L water,poncho,hat,gloves,bananas,bug juice,ace wrap,cleaning kit and multitool,inclinometer,pens, binos 12X, ear plugs. Ok I know I am missing some important gear. In advance thanks. Lib
Don't know where you live, but in 6 weeks you are looking at between end of Sept, begin Oct. That said:
1) Weather MAY be a prime consideration if you are in Phoenix area, it can still be very hot, hot = water, lack of water = inability to shoot well, see well etcc. Check accuweather for temps where you are going to be, could be a major factor.
2) Rain: This can be a game changer. As you draw down on your target the rain drops get in your eye and blur your vision at the point of trigger pull...You NEED a hat. I like regular issue GI Boonie hats. They cover the head well, have a brim all the way around. Buy that and a can of Scotch Guard and you now have a waterproof hat. You also have a place to keep small things dry (on top your head) I kept one in my ruck and put it on anytime it rained. Keep your powder and head dry for high performance shooting success.
3) You will be out less than 6 hrs. You need very little gear, too much gear means fumbling trying to find or remember where you stashed 'that' in your ruck can be a time waste. Carry what you need, but not what you want. That said: Do a 'PoFA' (Point of Failure Analysis): Look carefully at your BILL (Basic Item Load List) identify anything that if it fails you fail. This is where you have a backup for that item. Hammers rarely fail, but pencils fail often, bring one hammer and 3 pencils.
4) Task organize: You know or will know the tasks to be performed, the time, the scenario, weather, location and terrain: Chose clothing, gear, boots, canteen size, etc etc to SUPPORT the MISSION and its objectives. Have the proper equipment to do the job at hand.
5) Train: Gear up, get on the ground, now get up, now get back down, repeat till it feels right. You do NOT have to live fire to train. Everything you need to do can be done in a dry fire mode. Got to a park or other area with similar terrain and layout a small course to practice movement on. Can't carry a gun, not problem, carry a broom. Key is to go thru the tasks now as you intend to approach them in real time.
6) Physical conditioning: Review the tasks to be performed, identify by doing the task in your back yard what part of your body needs conditioning. I have good upper body strength due to slinging a 18 lb chainsaw on a regular basis, but getting into the prone and up I would need conditioning. Have you wife video you and see where you are challenged. The Army is obsessive on running, we ran everywhere all the time, yet in combat we don't run...what we do is sprint from one point to another using cover and concealment. IIRC we try to keep it to 3-5 meters, further than that you only die tired. Wind sprints of 25-50 yds may be in your future.
Now go win and tell us about it...BEST LUCK my friend, do good things for us...
Topic Author
