Recently got my first Glock, so U've been reading a lot about GSSF competition events.
I am really interested in trying one.
How do you prepare for an event like that?
For those of you who have competed, were you scared to death at your first event?
How long are you actually AT the event? A few hours? Full day? Full weekend?
Throw some hints my eay!
malladus has some very good points!
Arrive early in the morning and leave your shooting gear in the trunk. Get to meet the GSSF Crew while you sign and get your score card stickers. They are very nice folks and enjoy talking with new shooters when they can. They will answer any questions you have also.
Note: Bring at least four mags per gun that you'll shoot. Have them loaded to ten rounds for each stage before shooting. If you only have two mags, that's OK too. Set up with someone that can load mags for you as you shoot, in that case. Paper stages (Glock M and 5 to Glock) require 3 mags(3 strings of fire each). Plate rack 4 mags(4 strings of fire)
First thing, get your stickers and sign in at ALL the stages you select to shoot BUT DON'T stat shooting right away. Go visit the Armorers table and have them look your gun over and they too will answer any questions you havw about the gun(s) you brought to the party.
If you remember anything, remember this!
You can handle ammo anywhere on the range EXCEPT in the designated SAFETY ZONE. You can only handle your weapon when told to do so by a RO or to remove it from the bag or holster at the Armorers Table for inspection. Of course the safety zone is there for you handle your UNLOADED weapon if you need to swap parts or checkput the funtioning.
GLOCK Matches are cold range matches therefore you should ensure your firearmss are unloaded before arriving at the range.
OK, gear up!
Get the gun bag chairs and cooler out of the trunk. Now, go run the practice stage for a buck or two a string. If the club has a practice stage set up this really helps to get the jitters out. Ask the folks there to "Time" you, and just take your time.
Now, you're ready to walk over to a stage you previously signed in on and PLACE an "X" next to your name. IF there is no one currently squarded there you'll be the next shooter so have everthing ready to go.
If there is a squad shooting by now, you'll have time to reload and watch to see how the stage is run. The RO will call the next group of shooters (Ones with an X) and ask for your stickers to place on the score sheet. They will hang you sheet on the TREE and that will determine the line up.
Be sure to ask any questions you have. We alot 3-5 minutes per shooter to shoot a stage. That includes shooting, scoring time and signing the scoresheet. At each stage you'll see a stage description posted also if you have questions, if you have questions, read it.
Expect to be at the reange all day. If the match runs smoothly, likely you'll be done by lunchtime!