First ORPS. Any hints/tips/wisdom

Tinybear

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Just signed up for my first ORPS event on 25th and just looking for some advice. Going be shooting just what I have to see if I like it. Shooting a CZ457 Canadian with a vortex DiamondBack HP 4-16x42 on tall Leupold rings so entered it as production class which I think is correct.

Going be a bit of a challenge as I only have access to a 25 yard range and a 100yard range to practice so going to have to try and just use math to sort out for 50 and 75 yards (going Friday to try sorting rifle out). Thinking to zero at 25yard and sort out the hold over for 100 yards? Or should I try and just dial up and down? I have a simple Caldwell swivel 6-9” bipod on it and no real bags (have the Caldwell heavy front and rear bag combo but don’t see that being useful). Accuracy wise with eley contact I getting around 3/4”-1.5” off a bench @ 100yards. The DiamondBack HP scope is 2nd focal plain MOA with kinda mushy clicks but it’s got the clearest glass of scopes I own and it’s presently pretty dialed in at 100 yards.
 
I’ll also be at that match. Will send you a PM.
Second Focal Plane can be done buts it’s tricky because you can only use one magnification to keep track of your holds.
Wind isn’t a big factor at Guelph unless you’re shooting the smaller targets at distance. Edge of target is usually the max.
If you don’t have strelok or another ballistic calculator I would advise getting one.
Normally you should get a velocity reading and shoot your ammo out to 200 y/m and “true” your Ballistic Coefficient for your ammo lot in either G1 or RA4.
The only other work around is if you have ranges at 25,50,75 & 100 to verify your drops.
Don’t worry about bags. The heavy front can be useful but You can always borrow from your squad mates. We’re a sharing is caring bunch.
Your bipod is adequate.
I zero for 50 and use hold overs only now. Turrets only get touched if I’m shooting beyond 100.
 
That setup will be fine for your first time. I’d say best piece of advice is go with an open mind. Be ready to shoot when it’s your turn and focus on safety with your trigger finger and muzzle control. Most of all have fun!
 
Welcome to the addiction. As mentioned, your scope may not be optimal but it will do the job. Since you only have a 25 and 100y range, I'd sight-in at 25yards about 0.25" low. That'll give you a 50yard zero. Your comeup at 75 yards will be about 2.75MOA and at 100 yards your comeup will be about 8MOA. Your scope height may affect these comeups a bit but they should be within 0.5MOA. All adjustments are for standard velocity .22LR. If you want to upgrade your scope in the future, get a good quality FFP scope calibrated in mils. With my setup, a 50y zero is basically right on at 25y and the 75y comeup is 1 mil and the 100y comeup 2 mils. That's so easy to do with a mil reticle.
 
Lots of great advice. Biggest is just relax and have fun. Its a big learning experience and youve just joined a new family with lots of help available,if you want it. Keep your finger off your trigger and your bolt open until youve aquired your target in your sight. Bolt open with any gun movement and mindful of your muzzle at all times. Youll have a great time and I wish you all the best. Cheers Chris
 
I plan to try my first ORPS in the spring too. I think you need a better scope eventually but the diamondbackhd you have now will work to get started. I will be trying to get a diamondback tactical or the venom for my first match later
 
Thanks all. My plan is if this is something I want to keep doing I’d like to set up a rifle specifically for this. I love my CZ CDN but if I mount a DB tactical I would need 30mm rings which means I need a rail and at that point the scope height be too high for the stock. And I really don’t want tk mess with this too much as I love the feel and lines of this rifle for just relaxing and plinking at the range. So it would be staying as is.

I could easily mount a better scope on my Savage A22 and it’s every bit as accurate as my CZ. Has an adjustable Boyd’s stock and a phenomenal Jared trigger. I would likely be pressing this rifle into this roll as I already own it. The only issue that’s not really an issue is this would be classed as an open class rifle as it has been restocked and has a aftermarket trigger. And as an open class rifle I feel this maybe a far out classed rifle being a pencil barreled semi auto. But it sure does shoot for me often under 1” at 100yards. It just needs a better scope for ORPS use.

My other thought would be to sell off one my centerfires (Probly my SKS) and likely my Ruger 10/22 TD and pick up a bolt gun (my preference) specifically for use in ORPS. Either another CZ 457 but with a heavy barrel and a AtOne stock or cheaper option a Ruger American Long Range target (all ready have 10/22 mags for the Take Down). And then scope either with a Diamond back tactical 4-16x44.

Here’s the rimfires I have to choose from. For my first time I feel the CZ CDN is my best choice.
B9-B460-E4-5954-4911-950-C-455-D2-D4097-C3.jpg
 
That setup will be fine for your first time. I’d say best piece of advice is go with an open mind. Be ready to shoot when it’s your turn and focus on safety with your trigger finger and muzzle control. Most of all have fun!

I agree with Travis. Your rifle and scope combination are very good choices. Now you can stop thinking about the rifle, and concentrate on hold, aim and squeeze. On the wind. On the light. On the mirage. Get your head out from between your ears. Good marksmanship is not about gear, it is about shooting every shot perfectly. You'll never buy bullseyes, but you can sure give them away.
 
Thanks all. My plan is if this is something I want to keep doing I’d like to set up a rifle specifically for this. I love my CZ CDN but if I mount a DB tactical I would need 30mm rings which means I need a rail and at that point the scope height be too high for the stock. And I really don’t want tk mess with this too much as I love the feel and lines of this rifle for just relaxing and plinking at the range. So it would be staying as is.

I could easily mount a better scope on my Savage A22 and it’s every bit as accurate as my CZ. Has an adjustable Boyd’s stock and a phenomenal Jared trigger. I would likely be pressing this rifle into this roll as I already own it. The only issue that’s not really an issue is this would be classed as an open class rifle as it has been restocked and has a aftermarket trigger. And as an open class rifle I feel this maybe a far out classed rifle being a pencil barreled semi auto. But it sure does shoot for me often under 1” at 100yards. It just needs a better scope for ORPS use.

My other thought would be to sell off one my centerfires (Probly my SKS) and likely my Ruger 10/22 TD and pick up a bolt gun (my preference) specifically for use in ORPS. Either another CZ 457 but with a heavy barrel and a AtOne stock or cheaper option a Ruger American Long Range target (all ready have 10/22 mags for the Take Down). And then scope either with a Diamond back tactical 4-16x44.

Here’s the rimfires I have to choose from. For my first time I feel the CZ CDN is my best choice.
B9-B460-E4-5954-4911-950-C-455-D2-D4097-C3.jpg

Honestly I wouldn't worry about which division you are shooting in to start. If you want to upgrade your glass that's a good start. Shoot your A22 to start because it will be more accurate than you until you learn the sport. You can always upgrade or build a production setup once you see what you like.
 
Well event got canceled due to weather today some what thankfully.

But leading up to today and seeing weather I was dreading bringing the PURDY CZ 457 Canadian out so I Ended up taking a plunge and picked up a Savage B22 FV SS and a Bushnell match pro FFP (MRAD) scope for this purpose. The only truly weather proof rifle I owned prior was my Ruger 10/22 take down, not exactly my first choice for any sort of precision. So with the wife’s blessing I ordered this rifle. Looking forward to getting it all set up and testing out at the range.

The added time waiting for the April match will give me some time I guess to sort out this new rifle and ammo test it. Still have a cheek riser and a 30moa rail on route. Planning to fill butt of stock with foam to give it a slightly more solid feel and Bedliner the (plastic butt pad) to make it less slippy. Also want to sand out barrel channel a bit for a bit more barrel clearance.

921187-C2-99-F0-406-A-B1-FC-FDDF57167005.jpg
 
My 10 Lesson learned for multiple OPRS and CRPS

1. Reset your turrets before leaving the firing point
2. Always carry an extra loaded mag
3. Don’t max out your magnification right away, zoom in after you find the target
4. Don’t rush your reload , smooth and easy is the way to go to prevent misfeed
5. Change mag when changing positions (if required)
6. Nice to have gear…knee and elbow pads
7. Better to get hits and run out of time then to fire every round but miss them all
8. When shooting from non dominant side, back out your magnification
9. Use a rear bag when possible
10. Remember that in ORPS and CRPS the winners only get a medal, you ain’t winning a million $ so don’t stress about winning and have fun
 
Practicing Positional Shooting while dry firing in a safe space with whatever you can find will get you better prepared for when the clock starts. Most people have never shot off a tire, ladder, chair, saw horse, milk crate, rope, or tank trap before their first match. I would also suggest stretching quite a bit as it can be strenuous on your body. If you remain calm and take it easy this will be less of an issue but most folks wanna be Ricky Bobby (wanna go Fast). It’s a hoot. You’re moving yourself and the rifle at least 3 times during the course of fire so practice safe muzzle direction as well.
 
My 10 Lesson learned for multiple OPRS and CRPS

1. Reset your turrets before leaving the firing point
2. Always carry an extra loaded mag
3. Don’t max out your magnification right away, zoom in after you find the target
4. Don’t rush your reload , smooth and easy is the way to go to prevent misfeed
5. Change mag when changing positions (if required)
6. Nice to have gear…knee and elbow pads
7. Better to get hits and run out of time then to fire every round but miss them all
8. When shooting from non dominant side, back out your magnification
9. Use a rear bag when possible
10. Remember that in ORPS and CRPS the winners only get a medal, you ain’t winning a million $ so don’t stress about winning and have fun

Great points. To these, I would add:

1. Tip for finding tiny distant targets: scan the ground for the large wooden base, then up
2. Having the ability to mount your bipod (ie Atlas that can go 45 degrees back or forward) up close to the magwell can be very helpful on barrels and milk crates, often allowing stable shots with a rear bag on small spaces
3. Practice non-dominant shooting next time you're at the range
4. Strelok Pro (or equivalent) needs lots of data to work, but once set up, it's gold for knowing your dope
5. Find the ammo your rifle likes (SK Rifle Match for me) and buy a ton of it. Practice with it and shoot matches with it, and don't change.
6. Don't be afraid to try a different idea with the props. I recall one "build a shooting platform from tires" event where the last shooter did a thing that made everyone wonder why they didn't think of it
7. Gear helps, but it's not too important. One of the best shooters at our matches regularly beats all but 1-2 open shooters with his production rig. He just knows his rifle, scope and dope extremely well.
 
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