I am currently building a 6PPC, and I would like to eventually start shooting in matches.
How do I go about preparing for matches? Do I need to belong to a local club? I don't know where any are in my area. Do I need to belong to IBS?
Once I finish the 6PPC, I would like to build up a longer range gun for 1000+. What recommendations of calibers do any of you have so that I can be looking for an action?
Any and all help or advice is appreciated since I know very little about competitive shooting.
Robert
Well to start, The best advise I could give is do some research before you jump in. As mentioned Mike Ratigans book is a great source, I also highly recamend Glenn Newicks book. After that go to a couple of matchs, not to compete but to observe. Take notes, and ask questions. Best way to find matches is to post a thread on this and other web sites stating where you live and where local match are. On becoming a member of a club and shooting matchs, well it depends on the club. Most clubs I know of will let you compete in matchs without being a member, some may have higher match cost for non members. I would recamend getting a membership at some club, because the best thing you can do is pratice. (Remember the old saying, how do you get to Carnigie Hall? Pratice,Pratice, Pratice.) When you pratice, pratice like you would at a match, set up the same way, put a time limit and run senieros. (you have two minutes left, and you have 1 shot on target, and it is not at your aiming point, try to scavange togeather a good group before time runs out.) The best piece of advise would be to find a mentor, there is a lot of little ins and outs that a mentor can help you with. Also pratice with your mentor, it helps to have someone else with you when you shoot. You can tell if your having a bad day or it is just the conditions by compairing targets. Pay attention to the equipement used. I would recamend you not put too many irons in the fire at once, start out with your PPC, and get your feet wet in a few matchs, before you even look into building another gun for 1000 yards.
Long range is a complete diferent animal. There is diferent equipement used, and some diferent rules. Again once you feel you have gotten point blank down (100-300 benchrest) then look at 600 and 1000 yard benchrest. Do as before do some research go to a couple of matchs to observe, ask questions, again find a mentor. Long range is a bit harder game to pratcice in as there are fewer long range, ranges in the usa. Your in luck as there is a few good ranges in your area. You may want to becamone a meber of one of these clubs, even if it is a few hour drive. In the 600 yard realm varients of the 6BR seam to rule, at 1000 yard you will see a great diversity of what people are shooting, but you usualy find someone shooting a 6br somewere in the top of the list. as far as recamendations agine as I said do your homework, go to some matchs talk to foaks, ssee what they are using, if you can find a mentor, after that deside what caliber you want.
