Garrison Petawawa PR Clinic 24-25 March 2018 Debrief Here!!

How about those fancy range bags that converts to a shooting mat.....where does one look for those ? any input on brand or quality ?

I would highly recommend against these combo bag/mats. Over a day of shooting your mat gets covered in grass, dirt, dust, rain, snow etc. Then you go and wrap your nice expensive rifle and scope in it. Now when you get to your next firing position you get all set up load your mags and start the match. Half way through the match our action jams and you can not load a round. There goes half your points.

I recommend a solid backpack and light weight shooting mat. Then ether carry our rifle or pick up a sling. One other hint don't buy a black mat.
 
Once again, it's Cabelas . . . lol... Was there yesterday and saw that their tactical drag mat/case is currently 50% off. Not sure of the quality and how they compare to other ones, but it looked decent enough...
Really ?..... I was in this morning !.....did not see them ?
 
Continuing with questions......what is everyone using for a "Rucksack, 3 day pack, Assault pack to carry your kit around the range" ? suggestions , comments , reviews would be appreciated and helpful .

Always used a 5.11 72hr pack. Fits more than what I need to carry around the range for a wknd. If you’re hauling your rifle around in a soft case from mound to mound, you could get away with stowing most of your gear in that case. Make sure you can carry lots of water, bug dope, and rain gear!
 
Last edited:
Continuing with questions......what is everyone using for a "Rucksack, 3 day pack, Assault pack to carry your kit around the range" ? suggestions , comments , reviews would be appreciated and helpful .

The size of pack I have found that works best for a day of shooting is around the 30-36 liter area. This gives you enough room for 100+rounds of ammo, water, snacks, repair and firstaid kit, rain gear, shooting bags, and all the other stuff you might need. (The bigger the pack the more crap you carry that you won't need)
I picked up a cheap condor bag last year and it lasted 1.5 seasons. It was still usable but zippers were braking, and stiching was loosening up. Think I paid 80 for it.

I have now switched to a Eberlestock halftrack. I did alot of resurch on packs before going with this one. Some of the features I like include
1.the full front opening zipper. This allows you to access everything at the same time from top to bottom.
2. A devider that splits up the main compartment. This allows you pack more efficiently and keep it organized.
3. The side compartments are very useful for storing water and one side can hold a tripod system easily.
4. The harness system on the pack is AMAZING. I attaches a strap to the bottom molle and then to a nice size buck then proceeded to drag the deer 2+ miles through a bush trail and field. I was tired as hell, but when it was all done the pack showed no sign of wear and was very comfy.

To put this in perspective I will shoot 3-5 two day PRS match, 5-6 ORA day matches, match direct Meaford and shoot/practice 1-3 times a week for a total of 3000+ rounds this season. So I need solid gear that won't fail. This pack goes for around 330 Canadian but I expect it to last me 10+years. I like the saying buy once cry once.
If you plan to shoot a couple clinics/matches a year and hit the range as time allows then the $100-150 dollar bag will last a long time. I would also suggest looking on the EE for used packs. You usually can pick them up for a good price.

Cheers
Ryan
 
Carry around or pull around? I was considering a pull cart to carry all my crap (matt, ammo, spotting scope and tripod, rifle, ammo, cooler, boots, miscellaneous gear). Is that allowed?

cheers,
 
Think high speed - low drag.
Get a solid pack, I use a 3-day assault pack. Pack light and always pack it the same way.
Bring snacks, water, ammo, small tool kit, lightweight mat, support bag and most importantly Rain Gear!
Leave the coolers and beach umbrellas for F Class :)
 
Thanks everyone. Looks like a lot of my hunting kit will work here too. Another question: Ensure your scope can do the "box" test reliably. What's that??
 
The box test is a simple test to make sure your scope tracks properly when you crank on the turrets, and returns to zero repeatabley when you're done. Only really applies to scopes with target style turrets. On your hunting scope you'll just hold over.

At 100 yards fire 1 shot. Dial right a number of clicks, fire another shot and see if the number of inches matches the adjustment you just made. I usually do 20 clicks so I'm looking for 5 inches of movement. Dial up 20. Dial left 20. Dial down 20 and you should be back where you started.
 
The box test is a simple test to make sure your scope tracks properly when you crank on the turrets, and returns to zero when you're done. Only really applies to scopes with target style turrets. On your hunting scope you'll just hold over.

At 100 yards fire 1 shot. Dial right a number of clicks, fire another shot and see if the number of inches matches the adjustment you just made. Dial up the same amount. Dial left the same amount. Dial down the same amount and you should be back where you started.

Got it. Will try that. Thanks!
 
hey any spots left for 2 guys to come and shoot

Tactical teacher here: got lots of space for you....EMT away to cement your spot. I’m surprised as heck that it’s filling up this fast

Cheers, Barney
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Carry around or pull around? I was considering a pull cart to carry all my crap (matt, ammo, spotting scope and tripod, rifle, ammo, cooler, boots, miscellaneous gear). Is that allowed?

cheers,

theres lots of moving between berms and whatnot. Unless you're physically unable to carry your gear, I would plan on carrying it. You don't need to haul coolers or spare boots around as you'll be able to re-load your pack at lunch. Heres whats in my 5.11 72hr pack:

- 2 mags
- data book
- 100rds of ammo
- small tool kit (the Oh S*** kit...)
- ear pro
- goretex rain suit
- spare under-layer
- bug dope/sunscreen
- rear bag
- shooting mat

As Viper mentioned, be able to pack up quick and move to the next berm. Your setup doesn't need to be complicated, and worst case, any spare gear can be stored in your car (worst case..a 600m walk). As soon as you're done shooting and are cleared off the berm, toss everything in the bag, pick up your rifle, and start walking back to the next berm.

I echo Ryan's comments on the shooting mat/storage case. I use a homemade version of the Tab Gear Pollock mat which is essentially one layer of cordura and is only there to keep you from laying directly on the ground. It folds up insanely small and can be pegged down, offering some basic rain protection when you leave your gear on the line and are cycled into the butts. Guys have taken out dollar-store tarps for this purpose as well ($3).
 
theres lots of moving between berms and whatnot. Unless you're physically unable to carry your gear, I would plan on carrying it. You don't need to haul coolers or spare boots around as you'll be able to re-load your pack at lunch. Heres whats in my 5.11 72hr pack:

- 2 mags
- data book
- 100rds of ammo
- small tool kit (the Oh S*** kit...)
- ear pro
- goretex rain suit
- spare under-layer
- bug dope/sunscreen
- rear bag
- shooting mat

As Viper mentioned, be able to pack up quick and move to the next berm. Your setup doesn't need to be complicated, and worst case, any spare gear can be stored in your car (worst case..a 600m walk). As soon as you're done shooting and are cleared off the berm, toss everything in the bag, pick up your rifle, and start walking back to the next berm.

I echo Ryan's comments on the shooting mat/storage case. I use a homemade version of the Tab Gear Pollock mat which is essentially one layer of cordura and is only there to keep you from laying directly on the ground. It folds up insanely small and can be pegged down, offering some basic rain protection when you leave your gear on the line and are cycled into the butts. Guys have taken out dollar-store tarps for this purpose as well ($3).

Thanks for the info. I am capable of carrying my gear, just don't want to:cool:. Ever shoot with a fella who uses the term "I'm too old for this shyte"? That's me:wave:


cheers,
 
For what it's worth, here's my kit drying out after a very wet PR match at Borden last May. This kit has evolved over 4 years since I took that first (fateful!) clinic with Barney and continues to develop.

bE2QydQ.jpg


Not shown is the Eberlestock Gunslinger II that it all goes into, battle belt, and my rain gear that was in the dryer. Also not shown was my Eberlestock shooting mat. I've since switched to an Armageddon mat as they are very compact.

I've refined it since then, as the PRS match in New Hampshire had us hiking up and down a mountainside and flying with this kit really makes you want to shed the unnecessary weight. For PR, I'll still take 5 mags, but I only take 3 for PRS.

*Cheap CT rain poncho
*Garbage bag
*Beef Jerky and snacks
*Bug dope and sunscreen
*Rear bag (Gamechanger as well for PRS, although that might replace the small bag for PR)
*Work Gloves
*Ear and Eye pro
*Wrist coach with many different types of markers
*Sharpie
*Rite-in-the-Rain pen and notebook
*Small clipboard (PR only)
*Chamber flag
*Tools - now down to a Fixit stick kit, CLP, and the leatherman
*Lens cleaning cloth and pen
*Sling
*Water
*Monocular
*WeatherFlow meter (added after this match)
*Cellphone for ballistics app (not shown). In this case I'm glad it was weather resistant
*1 x 5 round mag
*4 x 10 round mags
*100 rounds ammo
*permits, letters of invite, etc
*spare batteries
*some empty ziplocs

For PRS I'll take a big bag as well as the aforementioned gamechanger.

Good advice from Chrisward3 though. Start with the basics and add in as you need.
 
Last edited:
For what it's worth, here's my kit drying out after a very wet PR match at Borden last May. This kit has evolved over 4 years since I took that first (fateful!) clinic with Barney and continues to develop.

bE2QydQ.jpg


Not shown is the Eberlestock Gunslinger II that it all goes into, battle belt, and my rain gear that was in the dryer. Also not shown was my Eberlestock shooting mat. I've since switched to an Armageddon mat as they are very compact.

I've refined it since then, as the PRS match in New Hampshire had us hiking up and down a mountainside and flying with this kit really makes you want to shed the unnecessary weight. For PR, I'll still take 5 mags, but I only take 3 for PRS.

*Cheap CT rain poncho
*Garbage bag
*Beef Jerky and snacks
*Bug dope and sunscreen
*Rear bag (Gamechanger as well for PRS, although that might replace the small bag for PR)
*Work Gloves
*Ear and Eye pro
*Wrist coach with many different types of markers
*Sharpie
*Rite-in-the-Rain pen and notebook
*Small clipboard (PR only)
*Chamber flag
*Tools - now down to a Fixit stick kit, CLP, and the leatherman
*Lens cleaning cloth and pen
*Sling
*Water
*Monocular
*WeatherFlow meter (added after this match)
*Cellphone for ballistics app (not shown). In this case I'm glad it was weather resistant
*1 x 5 round mag
*4 x 10 round mags
*100 rounds ammo
*permits, letters of invite, etc
*spare batteries
*some empty ziplocs

For PRS I'll take a big bag as well as the aforementioned gamechanger.

Good advice from Chrisward3 though. Start with the basics and add in as you need.

That helps a lot actually, thanks. I will bring more than I need and sort through what is essential leaving the rest in the truck. Of course I can't forget the items that I will forget. Make sense!

cheers,
 
I cant wait for the Clinic in March, It will be my first opportunity to get my new AX308 out to 600m, cant wait to get a .260 barrel done up but one thing at a time haha! I've been using a MEC backpack for the past few years and definitely think its time to find something a little more appropriate, I've been humming and hawing over the 5.11 over the 72hr pack for a while, Ill probably deal with that soon.
 
Back
Top Bottom