Competitive Shooting Best Practices

Just a few things I've noticed that I thought I would point out. The first two things seem to be done mostly by newer shooters, and the second two seem to be mostly more-seasoned shooters. Know the rules. At least have a rudimentary understanding of the rules of the game you're shooting. I don't think you need to read the whole rulebook before your first match (actually, I don't think it would be very helpful, because without context much of it wouldn't make sense), but at least make an effort to know the safety rules, and then try to pick up something more each time you shoot. Not only will you help others, but most importantly knowing the rules you'll be able help yourself. Know your equipment. Know how to clear malfunctions and manipulate your gun. Also, know your support gear. If you can't holster and unholster your gun with one hand, you might need some more practice or different gear. Don't self deprecate yourself on the firing line. Telling people that you're planning for makeup shots and things like that will just ensure that you'll have a bunch of makeup shots. Nobody want's that garbage. Don't change your stage plan. Unless it's pointed out to you that you've planned to do something completely stupid, don't make changes after you've started to visualize a stage. It's never a good, and it very rarely works out. Gear that Doesn't Suck I picked up this Caldwell Chronograph a couple weeks ago, and finally got it out to the range this week. I bought it because it was the cheapest thing going. After I opened the box I realized that it has a smartphone app that connects to the chronograph through a cable and syncs all of the shots. It seemed gimmicky to me, but I decided to try it at the range anyways. It's so easy to chronograph multiple loads now. Way easier than I thought. It's a definite winner, and it's still one of the least expensive chronographs out there. I'm a fan. Plug of the Week: Tam had an interesting post about Second Amendment Cosplay at the NRA show this week. If you're not subscribed to her blog, you're wrong. Contact [email protected]