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Events Extreme Benchrest tips... share what you know!

EBR is quickly approaching and I figured it's a good time for us to share any tips we've learned over the years with each other.

So... share whatcha know!! 

Call your credit card/debit card companies to let them know you'll be out of state. 

Flying? Call your airline to check on the rules so that you're prepared to go through every hoop they're going to put in front of you. 

Bring plenty of $$$! AoA is OPEN for business before and after the event and has PLENTY of temptations! But, be advised, they are CLOSED during the event so, you're kind of on your own if you need something. That's when the camaraderie of the people involved with this great sport begins to shine! :) 

Also, you'll want some $ for the raffle. Actually, scratch that. You don't need any money for the raffle. Forget about the raffle. Did I say raffle? I meant something else. Just let me worry about any raffles that might pop up! LOL! ;)

You don't need to bring your own air. AoA will provide air. However, it can be a bit more convenient if you do bring a bottle. 

If you do decide to bring a bottle, bring a way to fill it from a foster fitting. AoA will fill it for you at the range.

You don't have to bring a bunch of tools. Larry will be there with the van and his talent to assist in any way he can. Personally, I bring a travel toolbox with critical items and an assortment of tools. But, I also drive there so, I have room to spare. Critical items might be spare magazines, o-rings, or spare SS trays. They're things that are unique to your rifle and could be extremely difficult to find. 

Bring more pellets than you think you'll need or, arrive early and buy them from AoA. 

If you have to carry more than a rifle case and a sandbag to the shooting benches, a wagon similar to this can turn multiple trips into one trip and give you extra time to chat it up with fellow shooters or get into your "zone". Believe me, it well worth the $!

Sunscreen! 

Sunglasses. Range rules... Eye protection shall be worn 100% of the time.

A great attitude! 



I'm sure I'll remember more but, this should get us started. 

Happy Shooting!

Tom

Mod Edit: Moved to Benchrest Upcoming Events forum


 
Last year was my first year there, and it can be a bit overwhelming at first. So here's what I learned:

- Everyone is friendly and willing to help, even if it will help you beat them. Very few "secret squirrel you can't see what I'm doing" kind of guys...

- Like Tom said, safety glasses at all times, whether you're shooting or not.

- Keep your gun in the case until you get to the bench, and load it before you leave the bench. Range Masters can get pretty vocal if you don't!

- There is HP air available just about everywhere. AoA keeps the tanks filled and if you can't find one just ask. Also, they have a huge compressor in a building across the way near where the sign up is for AFT that will fill your tanks for you as much as you want, free.

- If it rains in the AM, it can get a little chilly. Bring a jacket and a beanie.

- Sign up is best done at AoA the day prior to the start of EBR, on Wednesday. You can sign up Thursday morning at the range but you'll have a line to wait in...

- If you're not shooting, stay in back of the line aft of the benches. Also, no coaching during the relay.

- You can walk to the targets after your relay to inspect them and your competitors'. I recommend taking a photo of each of your cards when you go down there. 

- Use the Big Bore range for practice. Bring your own targets or a small cardboard box to use as a target. They are not provided at the practice range, although some guys leave theirs there for anyone to use.

- If you have wind flags, bring them and use them. Take advantage of lulls in the wind to shoot as many targets as you can before it picks up again. Have patience!!!

- If you see someone you recognize from YouTube or AGN or Airgun 101 (like Tom), stop and say hello. They are happy to chat...

- Have fun! Make new friends. Everyone is there to have a good time and enjoy themselves. There are very few shooters that have their "game faces" on...


 
1) Be up front and honest with them. Add 15-20 minutes to your check in time. Be ready to explain everything about them in fine detail to people that have no idea what your talking about. 

2) Treat them like your smuggling drugs. No smells, no rattles, no indicators of any kind. 

I would definitely advise against carry on. When those tins go through the x-ray machine, all kinds of thoughts will be going through TSA's heads! If you do decide to try taking them in your carry on, add 30+ minutes to your check in time for the back room intense grilling and detailed body check. LOL! 

Good luck either way! 
 
Here’s a nice tip I just thought of take a pic of your tags in case you forget them but remember your phone! 

While your at it, take a pic of the schedule too! 

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Happy shooting!

Tom