This motto was tested again over a recent weekend.
I thought about all the reasons I should say, maybe next time, bro.
But that would have been the easy way out.
So, I said, Sure!.
rounds for this match.
He also gave me his DOPE for his 16 suppressed AR-15 that he runs 77-gr.
Then, I used a ballistic calculator to get some data on my specific bullet.
I figured I could compare those two sets of data and get a rough idea of my DOPE.
Each stage required about eight to 10 hits in 90 seconds with 20 rounds max to fire.
There was a total of 75 shooters for the match in different divisions.
But, I was ready to have a cool experience and learn some new things.
Thankfully, all the people in my squad of 15 shooters were super nice and very helpful.
But keeping with their generous spirit, a buddy let me use his to try out.
Ive mostly only shot distance dialing, so using holds was going to be a new thing for me.
On the Line
I was feeling pretty good until I was next in line to shoot.
Then my mind started going through all the things for which I was unprepared.
But before I could get spun up, my name was called.
Deep breath, just shoot the match, and have fun.
The timer went off and I fell into the sport.
To my surprise and satisfaction, I completed the first stage in under the 90 seconds allotted.
My goal from the start was just to end up in the middle of the pack.
I would be happy with that.
I was feeling great, and my rifle set-up was performing flawlessly.
But, it was working well enough.
The final stage was starting prone and then moving to a suspended platform that moved when you shot.
But once I got into position, I realized I should have used mine that I am used to.
I was having a tough time getting the bag set up under theB5 Systems Precision Stock.
I ended up dropping four targets on that last stage.
The ATC was a bit of an eye-catcher.
In the line-up of black AR-15s, the coyote brown ATC Elite really stood out.
A couple hours later, the match results were posted.
I placed 16thout of 36 in my division; pretty spot on for my middle-of-the-pack hopes!
The competition was fierce, as the difference between first and seventh place was only three points.
Overall, I am happy that I decided to just wing it and sign up for the match.
I look forward to progressing that placement into the top 10 next time!
