First IPSC match - Suggestions?

jric1308

jric1308

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Hi folks,

I am excited and nervous for my first match coming up at Sharon in August. I have my pistol, ammo, uplula, PPE and belt rig in my range bag, but based on your experience in shooting IPSC matches, what else do you reckon is a requirement to bring? Thanks for your time!
 
Bring a good attitude!

If I wasn't out of town this weekend I'd be shooting this match. Since it's your first match for IPSC focus on safety and taking it slow. You aren't out to win, you're out to have fun and to learn. Pay attention during the walk throughs, ask questions if you aren't sure of something. Everyone there is friendly and helpful. Take your time and aim for Alphas.

Enjoy!
 
sunscreen & bug spray.. I like to bring a folding camp chair when i work a stage.. nice to take a load off while waiting for competitors to finish.
..walk, dont game it just yet ;).. really exaggerate that finger is away from trigger while moving/reloading...shoot all Alphas, take your time. HAVE FUN!
 
Snacks and water, check! I'm certainly going to take it slow, because the last thing I want is to DQ'd. I'm going to come a couple hours early to watch the earlier shooters to hopefully get a hang of how things progress, so I reckon I will bring a chair and sunscreen as well!

I'm thinking of also bringing some allen wrenches to modify pouches, oil, bore snake, and a towel to wipe my tears after getting my arse whooped lol. I'm looking forward to it :d !!
 
In the event you are not sure of some thing ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Let the RO know this is your first match.
Do your best, be safe and above all have fun and make new friends.
 
jric1308 said:
Hi folks,

I am excited and nervous for my first match coming up at Sharon in August. I have my pistol, ammo, uplula, PPE and belt rig in my range bag, but based on your experience in shooting IPSC matches, what else do you reckon is a requirement to bring? Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...

What squad are you on ? I am on the 3pm squad on sun. Hat water and snacks . My advice is just go slow and enjoy your self let the RO know it is your first match I usually bring double the ammo.
Stefan
 
X2 much of the above.

Let Kent know it's your first match. Check weather forecast and dress accordingly. Like to keep rain jacket and umbrella in car and plastic dollar store shower cap in gun bag to keep gun dry on those rainy days. It's only an hour match so other than water, baseball cap and maybe sunscreen and a good attitude wouldn't bother with much else.

Take it slow and shoot alphas. Excercise good trigger finger discipline and stay conscious of the 180 at all time. Keep it simple. Front sight and trigger control. And most important...have fun! Good luck!
 
Watch EVERYONE shoot and learn from how they approach the stages. What you think is the best way to shoot will likely not be the best way.

You are not as good a shooter as you think you are, so slow down and get good hits. Trying to go too fast will not work out well. Work your way up to speed.

If the range is large and there is a lot of walking between stages I suggest something to help with that. A lot of us here in NS use something like this woods-folding-camp-wagon
 
Think accuracy rather than speed. I'm fairly new at it myself, tried the speed route, it's a confidence killer. Fast equals poor hits, accuracy and good hits equals better confidence, speed will come naturally.
 
Fusilier said:
Bring water, snacks, hat, and a good attitude. Concentrate on shooting safe, everything else is a bonus.

Have fun.
Click to expand...

Best advice!

You won't be first place but you can still be competitive.
Shoot a clean run, no misses or no shoots. Aim so that you aren't taking 3 shots on steel.

What gains you make by rushing will be easily lost with mistakes, Delta's and misses.

Ask every stupid question you can think of. The conversation gets rolling and I'm amazed at the things to learn when I stop pretending I know something.
 
jric1308 said:
Snacks and water, check! I'm certainly going to take it slow, because the last thing I want is to DQ'd. I'm going to come a couple hours early to watch the earlier shooters to hopefully get a hang of how things progress, so I reckon I will bring a chair and sunscreen as well!

I'm thinking of also bringing some allen wrenches to modify pouches, oil, bore snake, and a towel to wipe my tears after getting my arse whooped lol. I'm looking forward to it :d !!
Click to expand...

Lots of great replies above. I'll try to add:

A little prep the day before goes a looong way...

Clean and oil your gun before you go.
Clean your mags.

Check your ammo. The night before, when you clean your gun - use the barrel (removed from the gun) to check the rounds to ensure every one seats easily and properly in the chamber.
We call this chamber checking - you can also get a specific gauge to do it without the barrel.

Don't worry so much about the bore snake; if your gun is clean and oiled it should work the whole match but a mag brush and a rag to wipe them out is a very good idea if you drop them on the ground.
Sharon has sand floors and sand is the enemy of working mags.

Like the other guys said - shoot only as fast as you can shoot "A"s and you shouldn't shoot any faster than you should.
(Easier said than done!)

Have fun!
 
Try to go last , dont try to fix a chalie or a delta if you see two hole on cardboard move on, come up with a plan and run it in your head over and over and over again to find your mistakes, try not to run dry when engaging. Reload on the move or when you have a dead zone. Take a deep breath before the buzzer
 
Remember to take your time getting ready before the RO tells you to load. It's your time, calm your mind and run thru your stage plan.

After the last shot, again take your time. You're not on the clock any more, don't rush to holster. Slow and steady at the first match. No DQs!!
 
Thanks everyone! Honestly, just reading what you have to say is easing my mind, and your suggestions are amazing. I'm certainly going for slow and accurate.

I'm going to spend some time with the rule book as well because I think I am getting caught up in the "don't get DQ'ed" mind frame. From informal conversations going on during the BB with a variety of people, it seems pretty easy to get DQ'ed on things that you wouldn't even think twice on (like dropping things on the ground. So more informed, but not to the point where I'm scared to touch anything lol. Definitely going to ask the questions (and maybe where a NOOB shirt)!

I'm certainly not a terrific shooter, so I will try my best to get those alphas, but I know nerves will get the best of me. Either way, I know I'll have a great time!

Freedom, good call on the mag brush - what do you suggest?
 
stefofthenorth said:
What squad are you on ? I am on the 3pm squad on sun. Hat water and snacks . My advice is just go slow and enjoy your self let the RO know it is your first match I usually bring double the ammo.
Stefan
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Hey Stefan,
I'm in the 11:00am squad with some A and B shooters, so I will definitely have my eyes open and take in anything I can. Question, when it says 50 rounds, that means suggested for the entire tourney? Like I said, I'm not a great shooter, so I'll certainly be bring twice or three times that amount. best of luck!
 
Be relaxed and breath. The new you will be born as soon as you hear that beep. We are always learning and improving. Learn to dry fire and read up on the best kids in our sport. Let us know how it went.

Double check all your gear and don't forget your gun. Make a list of what you need, gather it up a few days before your match and triple check you have EVERYTHING.

We are here to cheer you on.
Don't get married.
 
Bring a hundred rounds to cover the possibility of reshoots. If you have any questions at the match ask, there is a fair bit of experience on your squad.
Don't forget to breathe;)
 
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