Tryouts, Some Parting Thoughts…

Hi guys,

I’ve been home for a day or so, and I’d like to discuss some things moving forward to Lodi.

The team, as a whole performed very well; there were issues, however.

Equipment

There were shooters with too hot of loads, improperly sized brass, and sights that were not level. These are all, basic, and preventable issues. Test your equipment at your home range. The temperatures in June at Lodi can be quite warm. Make sure that your rifle and ammunition combination is capable of performing in the heat.

A front sight that is not properly levelled can cause real problems on the line for both shooter and coach. If you do not have a level in your foresight, GET ONE NOW. It is a mandatory piece of kit.

Actions on the line

All of the shooters performed very well at the session. In fact, it will be difficult to make cuts based on the data processed thus far. There are some things, however, that you guys can focus on that may separate you from the pack:

• Get on and off the line quickly. Your coach has an important job to do. He cannot maintain his focus on the wind if he stops to give you a detailed debrief of your performance. After firing is complete, the coaches will give a short critique to all the shooters, as well as a corrected wind-zero (if needed).
• Use your scope wisely. You are permitted a scope on the line to check your elevation during your string. Do not, however, let the scope slow you down or distract you while firing. A quick glance is OK, but prolonged delays while your coach is instructing you to fire will be held against you.
• Call your shot accurately. Your coach is relying on an accurate call to assess the wind. Nobody is capable (I haven’t met him/her yet, in any case) of firing every shot, “center.” Give a clock direction and a scoring ring, if possible.
• Share equipment when possible. Sharing a scope, or mat, within your assigned squad will speed the transition between shooters.

Organization

Be on time, and at the place instructed. We must adhere to a tight schedule, and to do so we need the cooperation of everyone involved.

Zeroes

My favorite. Have a good zero prior to attending the tryout. Buying that new Rightsight a week prior, a mounting it on your rifle, getting a 25 yard zero, consulting your iphone for a theoretical come-up, and driving to the tryout is probably not a good idea.

After each string, the coach may assign you a corrected wind zero. I would advise that you DO NOT run back to your car, pull out the allen wrenches, and begin to pull the windage knob off the sight to re-center it. The ability to do so is a testament to the engineering involved in the design of the sights, but to change it after each string is foolish. Simply note the change, relative to your old zero, and instruct your next coach as to the new zero-always referenced fom the mechanical center of the sight. If the corrected zero lasts two days, you can then change it.

This will save everyone a lot of drama. Besides it will keep you off of my “bad-boy” list.

Healthy Shooters

Drink plenty of water and maintain a proper diet while on the range. You must be properly hydrated to perform at your best. Eating plenty of fruit and staying away from fast foods will help you feel better in the heat. Use Sun block and wear a hat to prevent the effects of the Sun from ruining your weekend.

That all I can think of for now. Good luck, start practicing!

Emil

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 2:24 am and is filed under Team Tryouts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.