Event Idea FYI

[tomapleleafss]

Just wanted to throw something out there if others wanted to try this. In my area there is strong vibrant gun community (SE Sask/SW Man) but it mostly focuses around hunting. There are a few of us that participant in PRS matches and what not but it has been really difficult to get shooters out these events. Once competition is mentioned people shy away. So another shooter and I got together and started talking about hosting a beginners/non-competitive event.

We are going with 20 shooters to keep squads to 4 shooters each. First thing, debrief the event and safety. Then we will have a quick zero check and have a couple of Labradars available for those that do not know their velocity. There will be 6 stages. At each stage there is a stage leader. The stage leader is an experienced shooter that will go through the stage, give tips and advice and give a demo of the some of the positions. Then the shooters will have a chance to practice (both dry fire and live rounds) and at the end of the time limit they will shoot the stage on the clock. Scores will only be kept for shooter's reference. Each stage time will be 60 minutes. All we have asked is to bring a rifle and scope with exposed turrets, 80 rounds of preferably match/reloaded ammo. All the other things (bags, bipods, tripods, etc), we think that the experienced shooters have enough to share. We have also invited some dealers to demo some of their products as well. Cost is $40. Registration went live on Monday, full by Friday.

I really would like to thank the experienced shooter. Most of this hangs on the volunteerism of the them. There are a few guys that are taking their whole weekend to dedicate to this. Some live over 2 hours away and are coming. Without them this would never have gotten off the ground. And lastly there are some really awesome vendors (most of them are on CGN) out there. We wanted to have at least a few prizes to give away and the vendors have come through (and still getting more responses) in style. Since it is non-competitive all the shooters will have an equal opportunity to win them.

Like I said, just an idea that has seemed to work here. We plan on doing more of these types in both centerfire and rimfire. Hopefully we can build a small community of competitive shooters and then be able to host regular competitive events as well.

 

[LittleBoyLefty]

Great idea! A really great way to expand the sport. Well done to both you and the other volunteers.

 

[adamg]

That sounds like a great way to get people out and learning about rifle shooting. As you say, by dipping their toes like this perhaps we see them at other events in the future.

 

[Sniffer]

Sounds like a good idea.

Locally we had some silhouette practice days over the summer and it was fairly well supported, possibly as it was pretty laid back. I think the plan is to roll this into competition and will most folks hang already dipped their toes in the water it should be a natural progression.

Some folks do shy away when competition is mentioned which never made sense to me, competition is the fastest way you will ever learn as you get to watch others who are more skillful and get ideas as well as seeing where your weaknesses are when put under pressure (which changes everything). Ive been involved in a lot of sports and have always tried to get into competition as early as possible for these reasons.

Wish I lived closer, what you propose sounds great - I'd be in for sure

 

[fridge450]

I’d be interested depending on the weekend.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Call it a FIELD POSITIONAL Hunting course.

When hunters figure out how much PRS gear will help them harvest game, look out...

Jerry

 

[Mystic Precision]

Sounds like a good idea.

Locally we had some silhouette practice days over the summer and it was fairly well supported, possibly as it was pretty laid back. I think the plan is to roll this into competition and will most folks hang already dipped their toes in the water it should be a natural progression.

Some folks do shy away when competition is mentioned which never made sense to me, competition is the fastest way you will ever learn as you get to watch others who are more skillful and get ideas as well as seeing where your weaknesses are when put under pressure (which changes everything). Ive been involved in a lot of sports and have always tried to get into competition as early as possible for these reasons.

Wish I lived closer, what you propose sounds great - I'd be in for sure

There are a couple of generations of kids (now adults) taught competition ie winners and losers is BAD. There are more on the way.....

There was just a discussion on another group about having 'participation' medals so shooters wouldn't feel bad about how they did.... Yes, Jan 2021 discussion.

When practiscore tells me... I am "meeting expectations", I quit shooting.

Jerry

 

[rgv]

Sounds like a good idea.

Locally we had some silhouette practice days over the summer and it was fairly well supported, possibly as it was pretty laid back. I think the plan is to roll this into competition and will most folks hang already dipped their toes in the water it should be a natural progression.

Some folks do shy away when competition is mentioned which never made sense to me, competition is the fastest way you will ever learn as you get to watch others who are more skillful and get ideas as well as seeing where your weaknesses are when put under pressure (which changes everything). Ive been involved in a lot of sports and have always tried to get into competition as early as possible for these reasons.

Wish I lived closer, what you propose sounds great - I'd be in for sure

There are a couple of generations of kids (now adults) taught competition ie winners and losers is BAD. There are more on the way.....

There was just a discussion on another group about having 'participation' medals so shooters wouldn't feel bad about how they did.... Yes, Jan 2021 discussion.

When practiscore tells me... I am "meeting expectations", I quit shooting.

Jerry

I agree 1000%

Specifically non-competitive events and clinics like proposed by the OP are great, but competitions encouraging
‘non-scoring’ participants with these absurd divisions/classifications like ‘ghost’ and ‘stealth’ are nothing but virtue signalling aimed at closet SJWs. It’s depressing to see who the snowflakes really are.

What’s wrong with showing up, running what you bring, getting your ass kicked, and then getting better and doing some ass-kicking of your own?

 

[rugbydave]

I agree 1000%

Specifically non-competitive events and clinics like proposed by the OP are great, but competitions encouraging
‘non-scoring’ participants with these absurd divisions/classifications like ‘ghost’ and ‘stealth’ are nothing but virtue signalling aimed at closet SJWs. It’s depressing to see who the snowflakes really are.

What’s wrong with showing up, running what you bring, getting your ass kicked, and then getting better and doing some ass-kicking of your own?

I couldn't agree more with this. Clinics and train-ups are a great way of teaching the "tips and tricks" of a shooting discipline to new participants and giving them "the feel" of what a competition will be like.

However, it saddens me for the future of our society when people advocate for "non-scoring" participants at matches so as not to "hurt people's feelings". What I find baffling about the attitude is that I've shot dozens of matches and from the time that I was a rank beginner to now, I've never seen a competitor #### on another less experienced/less skilled competitor. Quite the opposite in fact, guys are always willing to offer advice, tips, gear, etc. People would be well served by setting aside their fragile egos and showing up at a match with a will/desire to learn and improve.

 

[Mystic Precision]

"kids" yearn for positive communities that allow shared interests to be demonstrated without judgement (maybe a little light hearted ribbing)... to gain relationships that are supportive and positive.

There is no better place then the competition shooting community... what they want, we do at every match.

They just need to get off their sorry asses and get out... so if you know some 'disheartened' shooter, drag them to the match EVEN IF THEY DO NOT COMPETE. I have yet to see a match where people were not laughing, sharing stories, BS'ing

... and yes, that drives the RO's nuts cause NO, I am not ready to shoot

Despite how society is framing our interests, we ARE a very positive solution... we need to believe it ourselves, and bring others out.

Maybe the PARTICIPATION is what they so desperately need... so set up clinics early in the season... matches later on.. practice days in between.

Maybe the established shooters need this to get back into more active shooting too? Maybe we move from competiting to mentoring. I know it has been very rewarding for me.

Costs are a very real hurdle for most... but it can be overcome.

Jerry

 

[Snowballs]

I couldn't agree more with this. Clinics and train-ups are a great way of teaching the "tips and tricks" of a shooting discipline to new participants and giving them "the feel" of what a competition will be like.

However, it saddens me for the future of our society when people advocate for "non-scoring" participants at matches so as not to "hurt people's feelings". What I find baffling about the attitude is that I've shot dozens of matches and from the time that I was a rank beginner to now, I've never seen a competitor #### on another less experienced/less skilled competitor. Quite the opposite in fact, guys are always willing to offer advice, tips, gear, etc. People would be well served by setting aside their fragile egos and showing up at a match with a will/desire to learn and improve.

Agreed. As a new shooter with a grand total of 2 matches under my belt, I can attest to the fact that no one dumped on me as a newbie and everyone I have squadded with was there to encourage and promote the sport.

I for one, don't want or expect to receive special consideration or be a 'non scoring participant.'

You learn and get better by doing and when you get your ass handed to you by a group of better shooters you need to take that as a learning and move forward.

Thanks for injecting some reality into the story Rugby Dave!