How to get more people involved in Competitive Shooting
- Thread starter Mystic Precision
- Start date
I like many am interested in long range shooting and joining a club to support and grow the sport.
So I emailed my local PRA and explained what calibers I shoot and the fact that I'm very interested in learning the craft of long range shooting and being an active member of the club.
The response was less then "inviting". I was basically told that my equipment was not good enough to shoot long range and that was that! Funny thing was I never specifically mentioned my rifles, only the calibers.
So I again contacted them and mentioned that yes I shoot 303 British but my 303 is a "regulated by Alfred George Parker" lee enfield and it was used successfully for 1000 DCRA type matches many years ago. I then went on to say if it worked then hopefully it should do the job now.
Then I get a response of " please do come out in spring"
So what I made of this is: If you don't shoot 308 then you'll never hit a long range target. Worst part is what if I didn't know any better and believed that?
The joke is I'm prepared to buy a dedicated 308 caliber target rifle if I want to compete in the near future. What's one more rifle to add to the pile?
Infact I have 2 more oldschool target rifles (in 6.5x55 which is a great cartridge) which would be very well suited to 300-600 yard shooting. I also have a 222 rem which was the choice of BR shooters for many years.
So basically I'm kinda turned off. Im not even sure if I'm going to check it out at this point. I can shoot at home any time I want on my own land.
I still don't even know what the difference us between F class and whatever class. I never even knew there was a Provincial Rifle Association in any province let alone my province. Before contacting my local PRA I asked like 10 guys I know who are serious shooters and none of them knew we had one either.
Just my experience and observations as someone who is trying to get into your sport.
Well come out and prove to them that their experience is wrong. They usually shoot from 300 to 1000 yds. TR shooting, off the elbows with iron sites has come a long way since .303's, even regulated ones, were competitive. Presently only .308/ 223's are the only cartridges allowed in TR. F-class is for scoped rifles shot from bipods or tripod rests. Your .222 is a fine short range rifle but it is approaching its limit at 300yds the shortest range shot. On a good calm day you could hold your own, but if the wind picks up it will be a struggle.
So the guys are saying your equipment doesn't fit the games they are playing. The ORA has a vintage class that owners of these rifles can shoot at 300 yds. I don't know about Manitoba. Anyway come out and see what's happening and maybe you can fit in, maybe you need different equipment to fit the rules/needs.
NormB
NormB,
Your response above is a great one! Wish my correspondence was of that nature as that's the honest truth. I guess I may not fit in with the precision crowd, but here in Manitoba it's slim pickings as for clubs so I thought they would be the best fit for me.
Also I thought it would be great fun to shoot yesterday's long-range guns today. Yeah I'll be that weirdo guy in the corner with the old guns but I'll also be that weirdo guy who loves to shoot and will practice hard to learn long range.
Basically what I was rambling on about in my first post was the fact that it's very intimidating joining any club, especially when it involves precision shooters.
The key is to get new shooters on the firing line practicing and getting hooked on long range. If you guys do that, the sport will grow no matter what.
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Tinman204,
I think what your PRA spokes person was trying to tell you is, that there really isn't a class your older equipment will fit into. (except for Vintage Rifle matches) I would hope that they were not telling you to stay home because your equipment is too old.
I would suggest going out to the range in the spring and see what guys are using. Talk to the shooters and find out about the different classes ie, Target Rifle Vs. F Class and the different classes within the F Class. Some if these shooters may have their #2 or #3 rifles that may be for sale.
I think what your PRA spokes person was trying to tell you is, that there really isn't a class your older equipment will fit into. (except for Vintage Rifle matches) I would hope that they were not telling you to stay home because your equipment is too old.
I would suggest going out to the range in the spring and see what guys are using. Talk to the shooters and find out about the different classes ie, Target Rifle Vs. F Class and the different classes within the F Class. Some if these shooters may have their #2 or #3 rifles that may be for sale.
I wasn't told to stay home by any means but it was kinda the feeling I got. Again maybe I misinterpeted the email as often written words don't express the intended nature of a conversation.
I'm definately going to check it out even if that means watching instead of shooting. They do I believe have a vintage match so that's what I'd be up for to start off with.
So while I have you guys here I must ask.
If I want to shoot full bore 308 from prone without a scope would that be the TR class? I'm sure I can buy a 308 target rifle in the next couple of months if that's what I need to do. Brass is available and I have lots of powder in stock so it wont be a huge undertaking to get set up for 308.
What would be a good entry level 308 to buy? I've had an itch to buy a 308 sportco 44 for quite awhile. It's an older design but from what I've read they would get me out shooting and are accurate enough out of the box to get good beginner results. Also the $500-$700 price for a clean sportco 44 is attractive to me to start off with.
Any thoughts?
Attracting New(er) members to the Sport
A number of excellent ideas and points have been shared here on this post.
A thought I wanted to add..
INTIMIDATION....A definite obstacle to attracting and keeping new(er) competitive shooters!
I've felt it in the early days and as well continue to feel "intimidated" from time to time.
The intimidation I feel ,in truth,is "self created" and brought on by "fear of the unknown" .
Although I consider my skin to have been aged ,seasoned and thickened some, I STILL get that twinge .
Let's face it, it's natural to have a certain amount of nervousness when taken "out of a comfort zone"
and put into what maybe considered a "performance" judged situation.
I've not met any people in my experience , who are truly "intimidating" and feel there are very few in this world that can
even try and pull that off. Most are "good people"(with some it's apparent immediately and some it takes a bit to get to know).
The few that aren't , don't count for shyte anyways and best just ignored.
As I've mentioned to others in the past,the greatest way to minimize the "intimidation" of trying
something new is for "experienced" competitors to "help individually" at the introduction .A little confidence
from familiarity reduces substantially the "Intimidation Factor"
Bob Raymond and his crew of volunteers at the ORA do a great job of trying to dispel fears and
do a great job of "familiarization". Other PRA's I understand have similar programs or a least intro days.
We do have a lot of "volunteers" who would and do take the time to assist newcomers at practices
and even at Match..
FWIW.... If every experienced shooter were to make it an objective to
bring in, to introduce at least one newcomer a year ( mentor project?? I believe there is a post on CGN to establish )
think about the potential and benefits for all.
Now ,even with this, I still believe Intimidation will continue to play a role and until potential & new(er) shooters,
can face that unknown for the first time, "nothing" will happen.As NIKE said...Just Do It!
NOW that I've rambled on some... to add to this preachifying,
FACT:::: NOT all of your experiences are going to be "Great".
Shyte happens and sometimes you have to go back at it ,with eyes wide open and with a little differing
approach.
I can promise this...It will always (and should) be challenging.
Just a thought...or two
Regards
Gord
A number of excellent ideas and points have been shared here on this post.
A thought I wanted to add..
INTIMIDATION....A definite obstacle to attracting and keeping new(er) competitive shooters!
I've felt it in the early days and as well continue to feel "intimidated" from time to time.
The intimidation I feel ,in truth,is "self created" and brought on by "fear of the unknown" .
Although I consider my skin to have been aged ,seasoned and thickened some, I STILL get that twinge .
Let's face it, it's natural to have a certain amount of nervousness when taken "out of a comfort zone"
and put into what maybe considered a "performance" judged situation.
I've not met any people in my experience , who are truly "intimidating" and feel there are very few in this world that can
even try and pull that off. Most are "good people"(with some it's apparent immediately and some it takes a bit to get to know).
The few that aren't , don't count for shyte anyways and best just ignored.
As I've mentioned to others in the past,the greatest way to minimize the "intimidation" of trying
something new is for "experienced" competitors to "help individually" at the introduction .A little confidence
from familiarity reduces substantially the "Intimidation Factor"
Bob Raymond and his crew of volunteers at the ORA do a great job of trying to dispel fears and
do a great job of "familiarization". Other PRA's I understand have similar programs or a least intro days.
We do have a lot of "volunteers" who would and do take the time to assist newcomers at practices
and even at Match..
FWIW.... If every experienced shooter were to make it an objective to
bring in, to introduce at least one newcomer a year ( mentor project?? I believe there is a post on CGN to establish )
think about the potential and benefits for all.
Now ,even with this, I still believe Intimidation will continue to play a role and until potential & new(er) shooters,
can face that unknown for the first time, "nothing" will happen.As NIKE said...Just Do It!
NOW that I've rambled on some... to add to this preachifying,
FACT:::: NOT all of your experiences are going to be "Great".
Shyte happens and sometimes you have to go back at it ,with eyes wide open and with a little differing
approach.
I can promise this...It will always (and should) be challenging.
Just a thought...or two
Regards
Gord
Well said GordJust getting a rifle is the small part of getting started. Nothing wrong with a Sportco to start off with, one that already has a Neilson adaptor would be even better. $500 would be about what they are really worth even though I have seen some guys asking (dreaming) a few hundred more for them on the EE.
You will also need a good spotting scope and spotting scope stand, don't cheap out on one, go out and see for yourself what guys are using. You will likely need a handstop, single point sling, a shooting jacket, a shooting glove/mitt and a shooting mat. Add a set of front sight inserts or adjustable iris for the front sight.
When you go out to the range for the first time let them know that you are looking to buy everything that you need. Lots of shooter have a old shooting jackets that got too small over the winter. Some might have a extra shooting glove that you could borrow for a while. And just maybe your PRA has a complete set of TR gear that could be on a rent to own deal or loaner equipment. Some shooters retire and sell off all their stuff and some sell off older equipment thinking that they can buy a few points by upgrading.
lejarretnoir
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- 162km from Connaught
Tinman204
Just go see that Leo Poulin dude in Manitoba and tell him I sent you.
JP Poulin
Just go see that Leo Poulin dude in Manitoba and tell him I sent you.
JP Poulin
Long Winded Message Follows....
Addressed to the few posters who have had an unpleasant experience getting Introduced to our sport, AND
to any readers who are considering giving it a try this year....
I can't speak to your individual experiences or the bad taste that it may have left. What I can say is that
IF you feel you would like to "giver" another shot (sorry 4 the pun) ,I have a few suggestions that may
help.(or not)
1.If you are anywhere near/in Ontario, try coming out to Base Borden,Connaught,CedarSprings or Kingston for
a session or two and contact one or two of the "regulars" before hand so you will have a some familiarity to
help facilitate the experience. I can vouch for (most) of the people that they are decent helpful folks.
Preparation for that day can be assisted by someone who's been there. It'll help you possess what you need to,
to have some fun and reduce or eliminate frustration.
2.If you are not in the Ontario area,try contacting a "local regular" in your PRA's events.Check on here and see
just who would be available and willing to help you out on a scheduled practice day. I've met a number of regular shooters
from around the country and they seemed like pretty "good peoples" to me.
FWIW , a group of "experienced" shooters sitting around BS'ing between relays may seem intimidating and
unapproachable ,having another experienced shooter introduce you to the "crowd" will perhaps relieve any tensions you maybe feeling.
3.YES. there are "jackasses" in every crowd ,some... just having a bad day and then there's the occasional "JA to da bone".Ignore those
and concentrate on learning and having some fun. (It's like real life...not everybody is going to mesh everyday)There have been times
where I've been one of those "jackasses" (for a number of reasons) ,but everyone has a bad day now and then.
4.Try not to be too sensitive (not saying you are) ,but at the same time ,do not accept disrespect. Keep in mind respect is an earned thing
It's a 2 way road and takes time.
5. Remember...EVERYONE will have a opinion, right or wrong, it's just that... their opinion. Some will share it when asked....other's will
"provide it " unrequested. Your challenge is to consider the source,validate the information,learn something helpful and not take it personal.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Time them so you can get a proper answer. Sure,,,we've ALL asked "dumb questions" from time to time.
If you NEED to know...it's NOT a dumb question.
6. Bottom Line..... This sport is supposed to provide "enjoyment and fun" for it's participants. It also provides challenges, frustrations,
and the occasional headache, but at the end of it all , you should be able to walk away with a feeling of "a desire to return and do better".
It is a SPORT, an avocation that for some ,forms an important part of their lives. For others,it will be the occasional day out of "fun".
It is probably that I've spent too much time winterbound indoors,prepping brass and bullets,building next seasons rifles, NOT having seen
the sun or pulled a trigger on green grass for too long, that I find myself typing these verbose postings.If any of this
helps a new or new to this sport style shooter....great. If not...I've still had my say and being almost like a "therapy" of sorts,feel vented.
How do we get more shooters to come out and try our sport?
"Our" invitation is out there. It may not be as publicized as it could be. Not as, "industry" involved perhaps.
"Public" publicity...well you are in Canada and are familiar with Canadian Media and firearms...
Information access has been terrible in the past.Websites not up to date ,confusing and contradicting at times.Yep we got issues.
But I DO see great improvements being made,and there's people on here,and out there that are getting things done.Volunteers who will never
get the real thanks for what they've done and continue to do.
I do see more "experienced" shooters offer their time, their help ,their desire "make it a great experience",post on here to some
that didn't have "good " experience(s) in the past.
Am looking forward to the Spring and green grass mounds and to get back to shooting.I'm also looking forward to seeing not only those familiar faces,
but a lot of NEW faces willing to put in some efforts to see if this is a "good thing" for them.
Ranting ended.....
Sincerest Regards
Gord O
Addressed to the few posters who have had an unpleasant experience getting Introduced to our sport, AND
to any readers who are considering giving it a try this year....
I can't speak to your individual experiences or the bad taste that it may have left. What I can say is that
IF you feel you would like to "giver" another shot (sorry 4 the pun) ,I have a few suggestions that may
help.(or not)
1.If you are anywhere near/in Ontario, try coming out to Base Borden,Connaught,CedarSprings or Kingston for
a session or two and contact one or two of the "regulars" before hand so you will have a some familiarity to
help facilitate the experience. I can vouch for (most
) of the people that they are decent helpful folks.Preparation for that day can be assisted by someone who's been there. It'll help you possess what you need to,
to have some fun and reduce or eliminate frustration.
2.If you are not in the Ontario area,try contacting a "local regular" in your PRA's events.Check on here and see
just who would be available and willing to help you out on a scheduled practice day. I've met a number of regular shooters
from around the country and they seemed like pretty "good peoples" to me.
FWIW , a group of "experienced" shooters sitting around BS'ing between relays may seem intimidating and
unapproachable ,having another experienced shooter introduce you to the "crowd" will perhaps relieve any tensions you maybe feeling.
3.YES. there are "jackasses" in every crowd ,some... just having a bad day and then there's the occasional "JA to da bone".Ignore those
and concentrate on learning and having some fun. (It's like real life...not everybody is going to mesh everyday)There have been times
where I've been one of those "jackasses" (for a number of reasons) ,but everyone has a bad day now and then.
4.Try not to be too sensitive (not saying you are) ,but at the same time ,do not accept disrespect. Keep in mind respect is an earned thing
It's a 2 way road and takes time.
5. Remember...EVERYONE will have a opinion, right or wrong, it's just that... their opinion. Some will share it when asked....other's will
"provide it " unrequested. Your challenge is to consider the source,validate the information,learn something helpful and not take it personal.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Time them so you can get a proper answer. Sure,,,we've ALL asked "dumb questions" from time to time.
If you NEED to know...it's NOT a dumb question.
6. Bottom Line..... This sport is supposed to provide "enjoyment and fun" for it's participants. It also provides challenges, frustrations,
and the occasional headache, but at the end of it all , you should be able to walk away with a feeling of "a desire to return and do better".
It is a SPORT, an avocation that for some ,forms an important part of their lives. For others,it will be the occasional day out of "fun".
It is probably that I've spent too much time winterbound indoors,prepping brass and bullets,building next seasons rifles, NOT having seen
the sun or pulled a trigger on green grass for too long, that I find myself typing these verbose postings.If any of this
helps a new or new to this sport style shooter....great. If not...I've still had my say and being almost like a "therapy" of sorts,feel vented.
How do we get more shooters to come out and try our sport?
"Our" invitation is out there. It may not be as publicized as it could be. Not as, "industry" involved perhaps.
"Public" publicity...well you are in Canada and are familiar with Canadian Media and firearms...
Information access has been terrible in the past.Websites not up to date ,confusing and contradicting at times.Yep we got issues.
But I DO see great improvements being made,and there's people on here,and out there that are getting things done.Volunteers who will never
get the real thanks for what they've done and continue to do.
I do see more "experienced" shooters offer their time, their help ,their desire "make it a great experience",post on here to some
that didn't have "good " experience(s) in the past.
Am looking forward to the Spring and green grass mounds and to get back to shooting.I'm also looking forward to seeing not only those familiar faces,
but a lot of NEW faces willing to put in some efforts to see if this is a "good thing" for them.
Ranting ended.....
Sincerest Regards
Gord O
Its should NOT be a surprise to anyone that you get completely green people showing up at major matches as their first experience, when they have never been to a practice. It should be completely expected.
People come on here to look for information. They don't go to PRA websites. Most new people don't even know the PRAs exists (or the DCRA). They don't know the history of F-Class, that it is derived from TR and shot along side it. They look for something that says "F-Class" in the title, then they go to it. The only thing mentioned are the big matches. So, it's a given that they are going to be the first thing many new people show up at. Yeah, there's threads that talk about it like this one, but you only have to look at the number of identical "Which X should I buy, brand A or brand B" threads there are on here to know that people don't read anything past the first page of a forum, and rarely use the search function. Once this thread sinks to the next page, few people will ever read it again. Few will through an entire thread this long when it is on the first page.
If you want new people to show up at practices instead of big matches for their first experience, then someone should create a thread that lists all of the practices and matches, their times and locations, what people need to bring, etc... Streamline the information for them. We can sticky it to the top of the forum, so that it's easy to find. Until someone puts up a clear and concise schedule in a place that the new people actually visit, that clearly says "F-Class" on it, you will continue to have new people showing up at major matches as their first experience.
People come on here to look for information. They don't go to PRA websites. Most new people don't even know the PRAs exists (or the DCRA). They don't know the history of F-Class, that it is derived from TR and shot along side it. They look for something that says "F-Class" in the title, then they go to it. The only thing mentioned are the big matches. So, it's a given that they are going to be the first thing many new people show up at. Yeah, there's threads that talk about it like this one, but you only have to look at the number of identical "Which X should I buy, brand A or brand B" threads there are on here to know that people don't read anything past the first page of a forum, and rarely use the search function. Once this thread sinks to the next page, few people will ever read it again. Few will through an entire thread this long when it is on the first page.
If you want new people to show up at practices instead of big matches for their first experience, then someone should create a thread that lists all of the practices and matches, their times and locations, what people need to bring, etc... Streamline the information for them. We can sticky it to the top of the forum, so that it's easy to find. Until someone puts up a clear and concise schedule in a place that the new people actually visit, that clearly says "F-Class" on it, you will continue to have new people showing up at major matches as their first experience.
"If you want new people to show up at practices instead of big matches for their first experience, then someone should create a thread that lists all of the practices and matches, their times and locations, what people need to bring, etc... Streamline the information for them. We can sticky it to the top of the forum,"
Great idea, but, to me, a practice day suggests competitions are imminent.....!!
I don’t understand, please forgive me and excuse my rant.
Are members obliged to compete?
Is a membership at Connaught not the same as a membership at any other club?
Why are shooters not invited to just shoot? Not practice......not compete.......no pressure....no expectations...just have fun.
Why not put out the word that Connaught is a great place to try out your Varmint rifle, your Savage, your new scope etc.
Maybe put a little distance between the pressures of competition and just having a membership at Connaught for the simple fun of it.
I asked Scott recently if a "club level factory" group for newbies could be arranged, is it possible?
What about "club level factory" competitions, is it possible?
Is it just a matter of not having the manpower/volunteers to manage it?
Or is it more than that, maybe the members are not interested in having someone wasting ammo
beside them and having fun doing it?
Is there room at Connaught for fun shooting or not?
Spell it out guys……because I’m still in the dark, and I’ve read all the threads on the subject not just this one.
Great idea, but, to me, a practice day suggests competitions are imminent.....!!
I don’t understand, please forgive me and excuse my rant.
Are members obliged to compete?
Is a membership at Connaught not the same as a membership at any other club?
Why are shooters not invited to just shoot? Not practice......not compete.......no pressure....no expectations...just have fun.
Why not put out the word that Connaught is a great place to try out your Varmint rifle, your Savage, your new scope etc.
Maybe put a little distance between the pressures of competition and just having a membership at Connaught for the simple fun of it.
I asked Scott recently if a "club level factory" group for newbies could be arranged, is it possible?
What about "club level factory" competitions, is it possible?
Is it just a matter of not having the manpower/volunteers to manage it?
Or is it more than that, maybe the members are not interested in having someone wasting ammo
beside them and having fun doing it?
Is there room at Connaught for fun shooting or not?
Spell it out guys……because I’m still in the dark, and I’ve read all the threads on the subject not just this one.
cet,
Members at Connaught are members of the NCRRA/DCRA however some are also ORA members. I am a member of the ORA but live 7.5-8 hours away from Connaught so it is a little too far for me. In fact I think at one time that you had to live within a 100 km radius of Connaught to be a member, but I think that has changed now.
I am sure Scott can fill you in on the practice dates and times for Connaught.
Members at Connaught are members of the NCRRA/DCRA however some are also ORA members. I am a member of the ORA but live 7.5-8 hours away from Connaught so it is a little too far for me. In fact I think at one time that you had to live within a 100 km radius of Connaught to be a member, but I think that has changed now.
I am sure Scott can fill you in on the practice dates and times for Connaught.
The ORA has Intro Days, a Winter Program for new shooters (both directed mainly to F Class). We also run Service Conditions Clinics, CQB Clinics and Precision Rifle clinics and ATT Clinics. Maybe it is time that people step up and run some F Class Clinics? Although I am a TR shooter and more than willing to help out new TR shooters on a one on one basis, there doesn't seem to be much help for new F'ers after an Intro Day. The Winter program is always full and new shooters taking this course will be much further ahead and learn a lot more than what could be covered on an Intro Day.
So here is what I would like to throw out at least to the ORA F'ers. We need one guy to ram-rod the whole thing. Before anyone starts pointing fingers and naming names, I think Bob's plate is already pretty full.
Book a Saturday at Amien range and a Sunday at Mons and the classrooms. Start off with the usual safety stuff that need to be taken care of right off the bat. Get everyone a 100 yard zero and make sure that they have enough elevation to get out to 1000 yards. Now here is where you need a couple of guys that know what they are doing, to shim and re-zero scopes if need be.
Shoot 300 yards and 500 yards on Saturday. And you need to have one on one coaching for this.
Sunday, Mons range. Things should go quicker because everyone will be familiar with the routine for DND ranges. Shoot 600-800-900 and 1000.
So here is the question for new shooters. What would you be willing to pay for a 2 day event like this?
So here is what I would like to throw out at least to the ORA F'ers. We need one guy to ram-rod the whole thing. Before anyone starts pointing fingers and naming names, I think Bob's plate is already pretty full.
Book a Saturday at Amien range and a Sunday at Mons and the classrooms. Start off with the usual safety stuff that need to be taken care of right off the bat. Get everyone a 100 yard zero and make sure that they have enough elevation to get out to 1000 yards. Now here is where you need a couple of guys that know what they are doing, to shim and re-zero scopes if need be.
Shoot 300 yards and 500 yards on Saturday. And you need to have one on one coaching for this.
Sunday, Mons range. Things should go quicker because everyone will be familiar with the routine for DND ranges. Shoot 600-800-900 and 1000.
So here is the question for new shooters. What would you be willing to pay for a 2 day event like this?
Understood, but how does that answer any my questions? Am I missing something here?
Something more basic?
I have no idea where Amiens and Mons ranges are located, near Ottawa?
But I would not have a problem with $100 $150 for something like this.
Bruno,
I guess the part that was missing from our discussion was the statement that there is absolutely no requirement for anyone who decides to join at NCRRA/Connaught to actually compete, but it's important to state that most do.
Practice sessions are certainly less formal, but we shoot the same targets we would in a competition, and in roughly the same conditions (two to a mound, paid markers, etc.). With that said, if you join because you decide that you like shooting at long range but you'd prefer not to compete that is your prerogative, and you certainly won't be alone (neither Butch or Ian compete anymore).
One thing new prospective shooters should be aware of, specifically as it relates to the NCRRA, is that Connaught is a military range, and doesn't run like a private range where you can just show up, throw some targets up, and plink away. Practice sessions are typically dedicated to specific disciplines and they are run by volunteer range officers, vetted by DND, in a manner intended to help those who participate in those specific disciplines (Wednesday is F-Class and TR, Thursdays are Precision Rifle and the New Shooter Program, Saturdays are Precision and Sundays are F-Class and TR again).
FWIW, I will happily put myself out there if anyone has questions or wants to meet up in the spring to shoot at NCRRA/Connaught. I may not be the most experienced shooter but I hope ONT001 will still vouch for me.
Scott
I guess the part that was missing from our discussion was the statement that there is absolutely no requirement for anyone who decides to join at NCRRA/Connaught to actually compete, but it's important to state that most do.
Practice sessions are certainly less formal, but we shoot the same targets we would in a competition, and in roughly the same conditions (two to a mound, paid markers, etc.). With that said, if you join because you decide that you like shooting at long range but you'd prefer not to compete that is your prerogative, and you certainly won't be alone (neither Butch or Ian compete anymore).
One thing new prospective shooters should be aware of, specifically as it relates to the NCRRA, is that Connaught is a military range, and doesn't run like a private range where you can just show up, throw some targets up, and plink away. Practice sessions are typically dedicated to specific disciplines and they are run by volunteer range officers, vetted by DND, in a manner intended to help those who participate in those specific disciplines (Wednesday is F-Class and TR, Thursdays are Precision Rifle and the New Shooter Program, Saturdays are Precision and Sundays are F-Class and TR again).
FWIW, I will happily put myself out there if anyone has questions or wants to meet up in the spring to shoot at NCRRA/Connaught. I may not be the most experienced shooter but I hope ONT001 will still vouch for me
.Scott
