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AR15.com Pro Am Stage 1

Arizona Independence Day Rifle Match – Stage 4

Stage 4 was another stage which required a choice. The rifle was in the shooting area and there were 2 boxes. If the shooter started in the farthest away box, thye would be able to engage the larger targets (a full sized steel IPSC). If they started in the closer box, they could only engage the smaller targets (quarter sized IPSC targets). The targets were about 130 yards away. The shooter had to get 10 hits. The catch was that you could only fire 2 shots from each shooting area. There were 3: each of which was a rickty prop. So a miss meant that you would have to do an extra transition. The farther box added about 5-6 seconds of time but we ALL figured it was well worth the run in order to be able to shoot at the easy targets.
I shot the stage on 3X.
Note how Keith uses his foot to hold down the middle prop. Also note how Mike aggressively pushes the prop to hold it still. Keith and I choose to shoot over the top of Props 1 and 3 whereas Grant and MIke use the sides. I slip by Mike as I shoot it clean whereas he has 1 miss so he has 1 more transition. Mike shot the stage later without using the props and it was faster but I was chicken during the match to do so. I wanted that support!

Thanks to the Tucson ACTS crew, Russell Phagen and the AzCDL for putting on yet another fun match. I won overall and Optics division. Mike was 2nd and won Reflex (1X). Team Manning did well with Grant winning irons sight and Keith taking 2nd in Trooper (the largest division) to Russell Phagen.

I shot my ole standby DSA ZM4 with JP parts, Leupold MR/T 1.5-5X with CMR2 reticle in a Warne mount. I used the excellent Hornady Steel Match ammo with 75 grian bullets (which were admittedly completely unneccessary for this match). Keith shot a Larue AR with 16 in barrel, Aimpoint and tripler. Mike shot a NGA X7 with an Eotech. That X7 is a really nice rifle worth checking out.

Arizona Independence Day Rifle Match – Stage 3

Stage 3 was the “hoser” of the match. Lots of close range paper targets. However there were a lot of no shoots too! Many of the targets, could only be engaged in the head (A/B zone) or even just a sliver of the head w/ no shoots covering the rest. The shooter had 3 ports and some of the targets could be seen through more than one port so you had to be careful to not reengage. Note that the shooter could start pointed at the target making for a speedy first shot.

I do have a good run on this one. You obviously have to compensate for the hold off (holding high for every shot to compenstae for sight offset.) The 1st target, I put 1 A in the body as I could guarantee it was a A but on all the other body shots, I take 2 shots. I even take 3 shots on the 1st target through the last port as I did not like the sight picture on the 1st shot (I was afraid it was too low.) But on all the head shots I only take 1 shot if I call it good. So the cadence on this stage is a bit different with single shots followed by pairs and vice versa.

Mike and I talked about this stage quite a bit. I think I am getting time over the other guys in 2 ways. First, I drive the rifle more aggressively between both the targets and the shooting ports. Second, I shoot the approach method for many of these shots. When I see the reticle crossing where it needs to go, I fire. The other guys wait for the reticle to settle and then shoot. To quote Bennie Cooley, I am shooting sooner not necessarily faster. That way my rifle is staying in motion as opposed to settling down. Mike’s other problem is that his biceps are just too big.

Mike and Keith start right and go left whereas Grant and I start left and go right. I’m not sure that made a difference or not. I’d liked to have it several times both ways.

Arizona Independence Day Match – Stage 2

Stage 2 offered the shooter a choice. If the shooter carried/drug the ammo can from station to station, he could have unlimited ammo. If the shooter chose not to deal with the ammo can, they could have ONLY 15 rounds for the 15 required hits. The targets were mini-steel IPSC targets at a little under 50 yards. A miss cost 10 seconds. whiel it was doable to go 15 for 15, I chose the safe (or cowardly??) way. Good call as I needed some makeup shots. Note how most of us do use the props as rests as the shots are much more difficult. I believe Mike and I are both safety “manipulators” who go to safe between every movement. I’m not sure about Keith. Both Mike and I get sloppy on the last target.

Mike’s malfunction was a dud primer which he QUICKLY clears. Note there is no hestitation on how to clear the rifle, it just happens.

AZ Independence Day Rifle Match – Stage 1

Stage 1 required that the shooter start with only 10 rounds in the magazine and then the shooter must shoot from a series of six shooting areas. It required 2 shots each on 3 A/C zone sized steel targets at 50 yards. While my score was good for the stage my shooting was a bit sloppy with 3 make up shots which is unacceptable for targets of that degree of difficulty. This costs me the standing reload at the last shooting area. Mike has a good run too and is clearly better at negotiating the obstacle. I get my time on him at a couple of spots. First, I go with 2 mags in a Safariland mag clip. This gives me a faster reload and really saves me for that standing (actually lying down!) reload at the last station. Second, I don’t mess with the props as rests due to the relative ease of the shots. Props can really be your friend but they do slow you down. Finally, I shoot from unsupported kneeling (basically just offhand but instead of standing I’m on my knees) from the 5th position while Mike goes prone. Prone is more much more accurate but slower. And I am able to quickly get to the next shooting station slightly faster.

3 more observations: First, note how aggressive Mike’s shooting stance is! Second, I manipulate the safety when moving between positions. Finally, I should be getting that knee down on the last station.