First time prep questions for Connaught SR

[norlandgeese]

I have some SR newbie questions, sorry if it has been talked about before, I have read quite a bit of the existing posts. Feel free to point me back to any old info, call it a newbie confirmation:

(1) My home range has only 50M, 100M, 200M and 300M for center fire rifles. Is 50M dead on center the best way to zero my SAN and AR for SR matches? Please advise. Planning on using DMS-1 scope.

(2) I read in some existing posts that I need to plan to carry around everything I bring to the match. Does anyone bring a back-up rifle and back-up gear? Haven't been to a match yet I do not know the arrangement. Is there some kinda of storage?

(3) I have had a minor knee injury bugging me for a few months, I can still jog(limp) 100m dashes with my gear in 30s (I can try to push a little harder probably). But no athlete at this point. So if anyone can suggest the barebone gear/kit I should consider having on me during the match, to reduce weight, I would appreciate your suggestion.

(4) I read in some of the rule books about 35 seconds rundowns in yards, but I also see for meters 40 seconds. Then I see slightly longer rundown time for the 500m match. So what exactly is it at Connaught?

Anything else I should think about in prep?

Thanks in advance, might have more questions later.

Cheers!

 

[tiriaq]

If you are referring to the NSCC style matches, as offered by DCRA and OSA, the entire rulebook is available at www.dcra.ca. See also www.osacanada.ca.
Generally speaking, you don't want to hump anything more onto the range than you need. In addition to your rifle and vest, no harm with a knapsack with everything else you need. Like water, ammunition, raingear, etc. At Connaught, vehicle parking downrange is limited. You will probably be able to hitch a ride, though. Bit of a hike from the road to the firing points you will be using.
If you are referring to the matches run by the ORA, I do not know where you could find a rulebook, or the course of fire. Neither seems to be available on the ORA website, www.ontariorifleassociation.ca.
As far as zeroing is comcerned, you will need an exact elevation zero for each range at which you will be firing. Often there is the opportunity for walk back zeroing. You should also have wind charts relevant to the ammunition you will be shooting. Connaught can be windy.
In addition to being able to do any rundowns, it is very important to have good, solid positions developed that you can assume quickly.

 

[agrubin]

If you are wondering about the facilities at Connaught, there are quarters available for competitors that are close to the range. The mess in on site and close to the range too. Good food, and it'll just be one less thing to worry about.

1) My suggestion would be to zero your rifle at 100m. You can then make yourself an elevation setting card for 50m, 200m, and 300m at home, to be confirmed if time allows with a walk back. But 100m seems to be the place to start.

2) I do bring back-up kit, but I usually limit what I take to the firing point. Like Tiriaq said, parking space is limited. Usually it's a team vehicle, the RSO's vehicles, and a safety vehicle. Or something like that. Your best bet would be to pack what you'll need in a ruck sack, and carry your rifle in a case with a shooting mat, if you have one. There are cases out there that fold out into a shooting mat, and this is what I have used with good effect. Remember, you'll be out on the firing point exposed to the elements all day. There is no shelter except what you bring with you.

3) For the run-downs all you will need is your ear defenders, rifle, the ammunition/mag for the match, hearing protection, and if you have one, some sort of chamber flag to show your rifle is unloaded and clear.

4) The ranges at Connaught are in meters. Plan your runs accordingly.

One thing I found last year was that the positions are what will make or break your score. Fitness in the rundowns is a major factor, and should not be overlooked.

Just my suggestions and opinions. Feel free to PM me if required for clarification.

Aaron Grubin