Further to what Furet and Sparhawk have posted,, these are my particular thoughts,,
1. The sling. Most shooters do not use one,, which is just fine if you are shooting an AR15 type of rifle where you can shoot prone with the mag on the ground (30 rounders). You could certainly use a sling to support your position but in the prone, it won't be much better than shooting off the mag,, and is an added complication to deal with when you have to go prone from the standing alert position for the rapids and snaps. Last year I used the sling to support my hold in the standing position. So,, it's your choice, but if you don't have a free floating barrel and you use a sling for support, you will have to find a solution to a wandering zero (particularly at the 300 and 500).
2. Knee pads. Not a fan of them, and I find that they get in the way of my kneeling position and am less stable. I don't use them.
3. Spotting scope. You don't need to go over board on this,, but you will need an optical aid to read the target scoring on the deliberates. You will be tasked with marking other shooters,, and it is not the time to run around and borrow something or to haul your rifle on the line to use your rifle scope to see with. Even a low power set of bino's will do the job. You can eyeball the scoring at 200,, but will be tough at 300 and at 500 you would be guessing for the most part. I have used 7x50 binos in the past,, but now use a 20x60mm Busnell spotting scope on a low tripod for scoring duties and for spotting my own shots.
4. Webbing, mag pouches and vests. I wear the full army smash,, because that's what they gave me and it works. When I turn it in,, I think I may just end up using a belt with one mag pouch. That is all you really need (and that is what many of the civi shooters use),, the rest of your stuff is stuffed in a small ruck or pack sack. You can certainly use the various types of Eagle, Blackhawk, etc vests as they will hold everything and more that you need (many civi shooters use these vests).
5. You need something to write with. Pencils are best,, and you need to have several handy. It annoys others when you have to beg to use theirs when it is time for you to score someone.
6. A sense of humour. Bring it,, you will need it at times. Plse spread it around and share.
7. Now for those things you certainly should not bring to the range or firing line.
a. BlackBerry's and cell phones. If you really need one of these on your person,, then it would be best for you to not compete.
b. Walkman's, IPods, MP3 players. Keep them in your car or at home. They distract others,, and there is no real down time on the range when you can tune out. You will be busy either shooting, scoring or doing butt duty,, so focus on doing those three jobs to the best of your ability.
c. Pets. They might be mistaken for gophers,, and then there will be tears all around,, so sad.
Well, those are my quick thoughts on it.
Opps,, my thoughts on shooting gloves. The rules forbid the use of "shooting gloves" in service conditions shooting. "Shooting Gloves" are those big mitts that the target rifle shooters use that resemble oven mitts. Close fitting leather gloves are not forbidden,, so you can use them if you wish. Most don't bother with gloves for grip,, gloves are only worn if the weather dictates that you need them for warmth,, otherwise bare hands are best for handling mag changes and working the safties, etc.
), long sleeves are a nice idea for shooting prone (or mat), water and snacks. Hat, sun glasses (safety glasses), ear plugs, rain gear, spare socks & cloth (if all get's wet), some basic tool's if something gets loose or fails. A pen or two.
