Competitive Shooting - Ask Me Anything

[Cameronswmp9]

When I started years ago I started out shooting a sub compact 40 Springfield talk about snappy. I never once had anyone talk crap about me and my gun. Majority were Hey glad you are here feel free to ask questions. Watch and learn. And those were guys with 3,4,5 k guns on their hips as well as the others with factory guns too. Not saying there are not snobs out there.

This one sounds like it was written just for you. "At OnPoint, we believe that IDPA is all about fun, challenging your practical shooting ability, improving your handgun skills, making genuine and lasting relationships and amazing experiences competing with, not against people." https://practiscore.com/onpoint-raleigh-indoor-idpa-match-21/register

There are so many categories and classes that you wouldn't be judged against the GM(s) there, unless you're at GM level. First you compete against yourself and probably compare yourself to those just above or below you. A number of people can be within a fraction of a point of each other in overall performance. (USPSA goes by "hit factor" which is basically points per second.) If you're in a group like that, you can imagine your position changing by maybe just a slightly better shot or reload. That's where your competition lies. Not at who is at the very top...unless that's your level.

Someone who enters as, say, "Production, B class, Junior, Lady, Major" will have standings in all those categories. If you're "Carry Optics, U class, Senior, Minor" then you aren't technically competing directly against the other person. Let alone against an "Open, GM, Super Senior, Lady, Foreign, Military, Major!" You could be first in some categories and last in others. If an extraterrestrial with a laser gun takes first overall, it doesn't reflect poorly on your performance.

At least the way I understand it and see it.

Just be safe. No one else will remember where you placed, but will remember if you do something unsafe.

I'm not worried about it, I'm looking to have fun and get better. I'm no GM, and I know I'm not expected to be one. It's all in fun.

If the first match I hit nothing and and it takes an hour each stage (obviously exaggerating here) it doesn't matter to me. Anytime behind the gun is good, and not static range shooting paper is better. Safety 1st and 2nd, fun 3rd.

 

[gloom]

I'm not worried about it, I'm looking to have fun and get better. I'm no GM, and I know I'm not expected to be one. It's all in fun.

If the first match I hit nothing and and it takes an hour each stage (obviously exaggerating here) it doesn't matter to me. Anytime behind the gun is good, and not static range shooting paper is better. Safety 1st and 2nd, fun 3rd.

Just be ready to shoot when it's your turn and maybe help out a little. How you shoot is up to you...within reason. haha If you show up early and help set up (Which I can never do!) you'd have a chance to settle in, get to know some people, and learn more about shooting the stages. (I always help with painting or patching during the match and tear down. I've done a minute amount of running the scoring pad in Steel Challenge.

My wife, it was her dream to say, "Shooter ready? Stand by!" heheh It finally became a reality recently. I don't have such lofty dreams, but it's an all volunteer team so that's appreciated.

 

[NKD]

GM’s are happy to see anybody they can add to their list of victims. And that goes for D class too!

They’ve all been there. Nobody was born good at shooting, and those that think they were: we have competition shooting to straighten you out on that!

I shot my first centerfire match at PDHSC indoor IDPA with a basic CZ75. Still have video somewhere. It’s like watching paint dry, but I didn’t get DQ’d!

 

[Hashknife]

I shot my first centerfire match at PDHSC indoor IDPA with a basic CZ75. Still have video somewhere. It’s like watching paint dry, but I didn’t get DQ’d!

We always told new shooters that the goal for their first match should be to finish the match and not get DQ'd. A reasonable goal for a first time shooter.

 

[Cameronswmp9]

We always told new shooters that the goal for their first match should be to finish the match and not get DQ'd. A reasonable goal for a first time shooter.

Baby steps! That's really my thoughts too, pick up the rules, be safe, etc.

I do have a question, link and attachment related. Rule related.

Grand Master USPSA Carry Optics Pistol Set-Up - The Mag Life

Here's a look at the Carry Optics pistol that Hunter Constantine competes with, and the modifications he has chosen. Hint: its a S&W!

gunmagwarehouse.com

In reading these, and I know dude in the link is a GM, but talks about CO in both IDPA and USPSA. Talks about trigger, barrel, magazine, and mag release modification to his gun. In the screenshot, it sounds like factory mag release is required. Am I reading this wrong and it's drop in parts are legal?

To be clear, I'm one who upgrades as needed, like a mag release I can see being useful. Trigger of course (M&P with Apex goodies to match my 9c) not just upgrades to throw money at it.

 

[gloom]

it sounds like factory mag release is required. Am I reading this wrong and it's drop in parts are legal?

I believe it states that a mag release made by the same firearm manufacturer is legal as long as it fits without any modification and that it comes from a firearm model that would be legal in the Stock Service Pistol division. In other words, it sounds like aftermarket mag releases made by other manufacturers are not legal. For example, if you have "S&W pistol A" and "S&W pistol B" and both are legal in SSP division (in their stock configuration), but "pistol A" has a nicer mag release that can fit in "pistol B," you can swap it.

Although, I thought I read somewhere that Carry Optics is based on Enhanced Service Pistol instead of Stock Service Pistol. Yeah, IDPA equipment appendix, updated Feb 22, 2023:


So maybe research ESP requirements. Updated rules are here: https://www.idpa.com/idpa-match-rules/

Note that in ESP or CO divisions you're limited to 10+1 rounds. SSP is limited to 15 rounds. USPSA is the opposite, limiting Production pistols to 10 rounds, which is why I've entered in Limited division which is only limited by magazine length.

USPSA rules here: https://uspsa.org/rules

USPSA Carry Optics division:



In the "worst" possible case, I think they'd just put you in Open division.

 

[brundoggie]

Only official USPSA? There's indoor USPSA at The Range at Lake Norman in Cornelius, north of CLT, twice a month plus additional action pistol matches. https://practiscore.com/clubs/competitive-shooters-of-lake-norman

Rowan Practical Shooters, north-east of CLT in Salisbury, has outdoor USPSA https://practiscore.com/clubs/rowan-practical-shooters

EDIT: A couple options added.

Catawba Valley in Conover has 3-gun which you can shoot pistol-only or PCC-only, or 2-gun with a pistol and a rifle/PCC. https://practiscore.com/clubs/catawba-vally-rifle-and-pistol

Mecklenburg Wildlife in west Charlotte has Action Pistol (with modified IDPA targets). https://practiscore.com/clubs/mecklenburg_defensive_shooters_1

Thanks, those are some great options! My understanding is the Lake Norman matches are in the evening. The range in Conover is probably the closest as it is less than a half hour from my house. I checked them out about joining the range but apparently they have a waiting list and you have to sponsored by multiple members and I really don't know anyone in the area yet.

 

[gloom]

The range in Conover is probably the closest as it is less than a half hour from my house. I checked them out about joining the range but apparently they have a waiting list and you have to sponsored by multiple members and I really don't know anyone in the area yet.

Membership isn't required to participate in the matches unless they specifically say that it is, which they don't, so check it out.

 

[brundoggie]

Membership isn't required to participate in the matches unless they specifically say that it is, which they don't, so check it out.

Got it, thanks!

 

[Cameronswmp9]

I believe it states that a mag release made by the same firearm manufacturer is legal as long as it fits without any modification and that it comes from a firearm model that would be legal in the Stock Service Pistol division. In other words, it sounds like aftermarket mag releases made by other manufacturers are not legal. For example, if you have "S&W pistol A" and "S&W pistol B" and both are legal in SSP division (in their stock configuration), but "pistol A" has a nicer mag release that can fit in "pistol B," you can swap it.

Although, I thought I read somewhere that Carry Optics is based on Enhanced Service Pistol instead of Stock Service Pistol. Yeah, IDPA equipment appendix, updated Feb 22, 2023:
View attachment 681443

So maybe research ESP requirements. Updated rules are here: https://www.idpa.com/idpa-match-rules/

Note that in ESP or CO divisions you're limited to 10+1 rounds. SSP is limited to 15 rounds. USPSA is the opposite, limiting Production pistols to 10 rounds, which is why I've entered in Limited division which is only limited by magazine length.

USPSA rules here: https://uspsa.org/rules

USPSA Carry Optics division:

View attachment 681455

In the "worst" possible case, I think they'd just put you in Open division.

I did realize I was looking at 2 different classes, in 2 different orgs, which really adds to confusion.

CO in both orgs are pretty close, other than some of the mag rules from what I have read.

I think I'm going to hone more on the IDPA because there are more matches close by and better fitting to the schedule (dang working on Saturdays). But keeping the gun kosher for both in the chances of getting to a USPSA event.

 

[GregB]

Looking at buying a PCC to shoot local matches with. I've had several over the years and kind of want this one to be an SBR. IF, if I go that route how badly am I handicapping myself with the shorter barrel (4.5 -10.5) versus the 16". Looking at a Stribog A3 with Glock mags, Extar, MP5 clone (PTR, MKE), or Scorpion.

 

[gloom]

Looking at buying a PCC to shoot local matches with. I've had several over the years and kind of want this one to be an SBR. IF, if I go that route how badly am I handicapping myself with the shorter barrel (4.5 -10.5) versus the 16". Looking at a Stribog A3 with Glock mags, Extar, MP5 clone (PTR, MKE), or Scorpion.

Generally speaking, 9mm doesn't benefit from a 16" barrel. I think they mainly exist for legal reasons and for simulating a 5.56 for training. Personally, I'd prefer a 10" barrel with an adjustable stock. BUT, I don't want to pay for a tax stamp and have to get approval to travel to another state with it. Especially not for a lower end firearm which is what I tend to get. heh I can see advantages to it in competition and in general though.

I have an Extar EP9 which has pluses and minuses. Lightweight and small, great. Not being able to use a stock or a brace, not great at all. It's a little too short for my tastes unless it's used in a tight space. (That's what SHE said...about the Extar. No joke. Wife has long arms and doesn't like her hand being so close to the muzzle, and it feels cramped to her. Plus it lacks rail space.) I don't 100% trust the polymer receiver, but it was a trade-off to save weight. (S&W just released the "Response" polymer AR-platform PCC. Kinda interesting.)

I'd definitely choose one that takes Glock magazines. Preferably with last round bolt hold open.

Here you can see that velocity gains taper off and even reverse as the barrel gets longer.

There are barrel options that extend the overall length to the 16" minimum without having the bullet travel through 16" of rifling, using either a pinned and welded muzzle device or a tube.

Maybe also consider that having some rail space would allow you to brace against a barrier easier and have a longer sight radius if you're using iron sights.

 

[NKD]

Looking at buying a PCC to shoot local matches with. I've had several over the years and kind of want this one to be an SBR. IF, if I go that route how badly am I handicapping myself with the shorter barrel (4.5 -10.5) versus the 16". Looking at a Stribog A3 with Glock mags, Extar, MP5 clone (PTR, MKE), or Scorpion.

A shorter barrel can be an advantage, imo, for most PCC matches, which are really pistol matches. There's barriers, walls, leans, etc which are easier to perform with a shorter barrel.
However, if it is too short, it reduces forward handguard length and jams you into a into a position which is not ideal for high performance shooting with modern techniques.
For this reason, I wouldn't recommend any of the PCC's you listed for competition, if you plan on compete on any serious level.
However, if the goal is to have a useful PCC for fun, and take it to a match once in a while, I would pick the Scorpion most likely.

I'd recommend a more ergonomic carbine like a Sig MPX, a JP GMR15 or JP5, or a quality AR9 of your choice like MBX. AR9's can be tricky as, like all AR's, there has been a race-to-the-bottom for pricing/marketing and frankly a lot of it is trash. BUt there is a lot of good quality as well.
Brian Enos forum has a PCC sub-forum and it is a wealth of knowledge as that forum is completely competition oriented. There is a lot general competition knowledge as well. Techniques, equipment, etc.

Just my personal opinions based on what I have learned. Most of it the hard way, which is generally how I do it, lol.

 

[GregB]

What about a 16" or the shorter Banshee by CMMG? Are all of them radial delay?

 

[gloom]

What about a 16" or the shorter Banshee by CMMG? Are all of them radial delay?

EDIT: I think this is incorrect. I thought I saw models in the past that didn't have the delay. "Check carefully before buying because not all CMMG's are delayed."

There is also some useful info at Blowback9. https://blowback9.wordpress.com/

Specifically on competition builds: https://blowback9.wordpress.com/2022/04/22/building-a-competition-pcc/

Legally still a 16" barrel. heh https://brekkecustom.com/index.php/product/pcc-compxtension-6/

 

[gloom]

What about a 16" or the shorter Banshee by CMMG?

I only saw 8" and 5" Banshees on the Website.

8" Banshee https://cmmg.com/pistol-banshee-mkgs-9mm-8-pistol-tube

10.5" Dissent (A folding stock might be nice!) https://cmmg.com/pistol-dissent-mkgs-9mm-10-5

16.1" Resolute https://cmmg.com/resolute-mkgs-9mm-16-1

This Resolute can use converted AR-15 magazines to feed 9mm, so the lower can be used for rifle or pistol rounds if you swap the upper. (Glock magazines probably offer higher capacity though.) https://cmmg.com/resolute-mk4-9mm-16-1

Oh, SBR category!

SBR, BANSHEE, MkGs, 9mm, 8" | CMMG - AR 15 and AR 10 Builds and Parts

Following in the steps of the MkG™ platform, the 9mm MkGs™ uses the popular and commonly found double stack

cmmg.com

SBR, DISSENT, MkGs, 9MM, 10.5" | CMMG - AR 15 and AR 10 Builds and Parts

The CMMG® MkGs® platform has become one of the most popular 9mm PCC/PDW options available to date. Now making it

cmmg.com

 

[gloom]

What about a 16" or the shorter Banshee by CMMG?

Just thought of this. If you're already going NFA to SBR it, if you think you might also add a suppressor, maybe the 8" barrel makes more sense. The Banshee seems nice. Plus, it's the lower that is registered, so the length of the upper can be changed at any time.

 

[gloom]

What are decent electronic ear muffs for Steel Challenge, to be able to hear the plates better (while avoiding hearing loss)? Preferably with a max price around $100, but I'd be curious about what makes higher priced ones better.

 

[barf]

What are decent electronic ear muffs for Steel Challenge, to be able to hear the plates better (while avoiding hearing loss)? Preferably with a max price around $100, but I'd be curious about what makes higher priced ones better.

Walker makes some in that price range I believe. With the more expensive ones (Sordin, Otto, etc) you get better sound with less wind noise and better directional sound. And they are way more durable. But you’re talking 250+ dollars.

I have Sordin Pros and Otto Micro ear buds. The Otto’s sound like they cut out more sound than the over ears do, and are 100x more comfortable.

 

[NKD]

I have the walker razor. Have tried the other cheaper ones too.
Can only really use the electronic feature for very short periods. It’s just terribly annoying sound artifacts constantly. Echoing, tinny sound trails, etc. very fatiguing. I’ve found this on all the inexpensive muffs I’ve used.
But for steel challenge I would only turn them on when it was my turn to shoot and I think they would work well enough for that.

Ten years into shooting and I wish i would have just bit the bullet and spent 300$ on something decent right out of the gate.

But at least I have a box of cheap muffs to match my box of cheap holsters!

 

[gloom]

I have the walker razor. Have tried the other cheaper ones too.
Can only really use the electronic feature for very short periods. It’s just terribly annoying sound artifacts constantly. Echoing, tinny sound trails, etc. very fatiguing. I’ve found this on all the inexpensive muffs I’ve used.
But for steel challenge I would only turn them on when it was my turn to shoot and I think they would work well enough for that.

Ten years into shooting and I wish i would have just bit the bullet and spent 300$ on something decent right out of the gate.

But at least I have a box of cheap muffs to match my box of cheap holsters!

What do you recommend in the $300 range?

We have Walker Razors and they sound okay. They don't always transmit the steel hits as loud. Voices sound okay. Strange issue though. After switching to gel pads, it seems harder to her my own voice. (I also double up with ear plugs though, unless it's 22LR only.)

 

[NKD]

What do you recommend in the $300 range?

We have Walker Razors and they sound okay. They don't always transmit the steel hits as loud. Voices sound okay. Strange issue though. After switching to gel pads, it seems harder to her my own voice. (I also double up with ear plugs though, unless it's 22LR only.)

I just don’t have the knowledge to make a recommendation to be honest.

I am part of the earmuff proletariat! I guess I would go with MSA/Sordin though. And likely will at some point. But plan on doing more research as there are a few good options.
We had a pretty enlightening thread on here which you might be able to search and find.

 

[gloom]

A weight slug in a Glock grip, are there any USPSA divisions in which they are not allowed? I'm guessing Production. Comments on usefulness are also welcome. (All I know is that shooting a G17 with a 41-round magazine seemed to stabilize it nicely for slow fire!) Also checking on GSSF and IDPA rules.

 

[Cameronswmp9]

Probably a stupid question, but the stupidest question is the one not asked.

Using a compact gun, and getting gear together (was planning on doing this sooner but dang the holidays got expensive!) any issues using the full size counter part mags? Not aftermarket extensions, just factory mags. M&P9c1.0 factory was 12 round, full size is 17.

Went to this gun as it will be carry gun and practice with the carry gun is always a good thing.

 

[gloom]

Probably a stupid question, but the stupidest question is the one not asked.

Using a compact gun, and getting gear together (was planning on doing this sooner but dang the holidays got expensive!) any issues using the full size counter part mags? Not aftermarket extensions, just factory mags. M&P9c1.0 factory was 12 round, full size is 17.

Went to this gun as it will be carry gun and practice with the carry gun is always a good thing.

Depending one the organization and the division, the limit on the magazine size might be based on magazine measurement or if the entire pistol fits within a certain box size. For example, USPSA might limit the magazine to 141mm or IDPA might change your division if the pistol is too tall overall. If it's safe, there's likely a division it will qualify for, if only Open or Unlimited.

Allow me to refer you to Kevin Fan as an example of someone using smaller, common carry pistols with magazine extensions in competition. "Racer of non-competitive guns." https://www.youtube.com/@AllOuttaNine

M&P Compact here:

 

[GregB]

Tips for getting a better hit factor in USPSA. Shoot fewer Alpha's faster or shoot more Alpha's slower....

 

[gloom]

Tips for getting a better hit factor in USPSA. Shoot fewer Alpha's faster or shoot more Alpha's slower....

Is that a question or a statement? I think the answer is yes either way. heh At least at my low level.

Recently I told someone that it's possible to win by shooting A/C faster than A/A slower, relative to someone else's performance in the same power factor.

I guess at a high level it's about how big or small the A/A group is and it's probably happening faster than I can track!

EDIT: Thinking over this again, for me personally, I think moving between positions faster is one thing that would improve my scores.

 

[9major]

Tips for getting a better hit factor in USPSA. Shoot fewer Alpha's faster or shoot more Alpha's slower....

You have to shoot all Alphas up close. On further targets, it can be beneficial to allow more sloppiness and not care if you have some Cs if you keep the speed up. Not to say you are shooting for Cs, just that if they happen, they happen. But really, the time aspect of the hit factor has so little to do with the actual shooting and mostly about movement and being able to shoot sooner, not faster. Movement to targets, ready to shoot as soon as the target is available, fast transitions between targets, having a good stage plan and executing it without hesitation, all will benefit HF way more than shooting speed.

Try not to think speed or accuracy, it is speed and accuracy. Shoot accurate and do everything else fast.

 

[JRV]

Tips for getting a better hit factor in USPSA. Shoot fewer Alpha's faster or shoot more Alpha's slower....

Shoot more Alphas faster.
- Increase the range at which you can shoot predictive pairs by drilling your grip with double drills (you need to trust yourself and your gun at high speed).
- Emphasize precise visual focus on targets when entering positions and transitioning (visual discipline adds no time at all).
- Aggressive footwork is part of all stage plans.

The winning scores at majors are fast shooters who get around 90% of available points. That’s not hosing. That’s fast accuracy. Speed and accuracy are not exclusive concepts.

 

[dmarbell]

Probably a stupid question, but the stupidest question is the one not asked.

Using a compact gun, and getting gear together (was planning on doing this sooner but dang the holidays got expensive!) any issues using the full size counter part mags? Not aftermarket extensions, just factory mags. M&P9c1.0 factory was 12 round, full size is 17.

Went to this gun as it will be carry gun and practice with the carry gun is always a good thing.

If you shoot IDPA, M&P9c1.0 can be Stock Service Pistol (SSP) unless you are using an optic, in which case it's Carry Optics (CO). SSP division capacity is 15+1 (15 in the mag with 1 in the chamber and other mags loaded to 15), CO is 10+1. You might consider shooting it in Compact Carry Pistol (CCP) which is limited to 10+1, and you can practice with your 12 rounds mags.

Technically, for SSP the height limit is 6" from the top of the sight to the bottom of the mag plate. I doubt your gun with 17-rd mag will be taller than that. However, at our local matches, nobody measures or weighs your gun. We will be so happy to have a new shooter that nobody will care what you are shooting, within reason.

The Deep River IDPA match on January 27 would be a good first match. It's usually a smallish crowd, relatively simple stages, and friendly safety officers. The H2O shoot on February 10 is another good match, new shooter friendly with a larger crowd.

Keep in mind, as long as your are safe and follow safety officer commands, you will have fun shooting no matter how you shoot. And nobody cares how you shoot except you, unless you come out and burn it down and then they'll say, "Damn, this is his first shoot and look at him go!"

 

[gloom]

You have to shoot all Alphas up close. On further targets, it can be beneficial to allow more sloppiness and not care if you have some Cs if you keep the speed up. Not to say you are shooting for Cs, just that if they happen, they happen. But really, the time aspect of the hit factor has so little to do with the actual shooting and mostly about movement and being able to shoot sooner, not faster. Movement to targets, ready to shoot as soon as the target is available, fast transitions between targets, having a good stage plan and executing it without hesitation, all will benefit HF way more than shooting speed.

Try not to think speed or accuracy, it is speed and accuracy. Shoot accurate and do everything else fast.

Excellent perspective! That will be floating around in my head. The question of HOW to develop accuracy at speed is somewhat separate, I suppose.

 

[9major]

Excellent perspective! That will be floating around in my head. The question of HOW to develop accuracy at speed is somewhat separate, I suppose.

Accuracy at speed is developed thru drills that work on vision, trigger control and grip. For vision, you need to see precisely...ie the exact spot you want to hit. Your trigger control needs to keep it at this spot as the trigger breaks, and the grip need to have the POA return exactly to that point you are looking at. If any one of these is bad, then you can't have accuracy with speed.

 

[NKD]

Just my opinion, but a lot of what 9major is talking about can and should be ironed out in dryfire practice.
Strict dryfire practice yields huge results. Stoeger has a helpful book if you are into it: Dryfire Reloaded.

 

[localguy]

New to competitive shooting? Interested, but don't know where to start? This thread is your safe space to ask any question you like, no matter how trivial it may seem. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does.

Shooter ready? Stand by!

New to shooting , last year was my first gun purchase since moving to NC. I'm in Wilmington NC.

Do you know of any competitions that I can go to and observe

Thank you

 

[Frack N Cylons]

New to shooting , last year was my first gun purchase since moving to NC. I'm in Wilmington NC.

Do you know of any competitions that I can go to and observe

Thank you

How far is Shallote? Ant Hill is a beautiful range and they used to host all sorts of handgun matches.

 

[gloom]

New to shooting , last year was my first gun purchase since moving to NC. I'm in Wilmington NC.

Do you know of any competitions that I can go to and observe

Thank you

Poke around on practiscore.com I was surprised that so much was going on within an hour or so of where I live.

Here is something out towards Wilmington. They have an IDPA match on the 1st Saturday of each month. (Tomorrow as I write this!) https://practiscore.com/clubs/buccaneer-gun-club

 

[baltimoreed]

There is a shoot of some sort happening at Flatwoods every weekend. Only an hour or so from Wilmington. My favorite is the ZSA 2 gun. Had a conflict with my cas club on the 3rd Saturday last couple months but now we are back on the 4th Saturday so I’ll try my best to get back to Flatwoods this month on the 3rd Saturday. I’m still not getting on your boat John.

 

[Adkinsaa]

Plenty of questions here for the group. Specifically looking for CMP/EIC related answers at the moment, but once I'm slightly less ashamed of my marksmanship abilities, IDPA/all the other acronyms may be on the table. I'm about as new as it gets when it comes to any kind of competitive shooting. Last week I participated in a Combat Pistol and Rifle Marksmanship match held at Camp Butner for the NC National Guard. I used a unit issued M4 and M17 for the competition and we fired the zero and practice for both pistol and rifle as well as the EIC table (PI2000M and PI2210, RI3000M and RI3210). That is the extent of my competitive experience. Now for the questions.

I have looked at the CMP website/rulebook (Personally, I don't think it's very beginner friendly) and I'm making some assumptions here, but I'm assuming the events I participated in are considered the Special M9 (M17) & M16 (M4) EIC Match. Since I competed in one EIC match for each (PI2210 & RI 3210) does that mean I'm only allowed to compete in three events for the remainder of the year so that I don't go over the threshold of five?

Are all EIC matches for a given category always the same? If I fired RI3210 for this past match, what are the chances I would fire that exact same table in a different match.

Are there ever events that provide either firearms, ammo or both?

For something like the Eastern CMP games, how many competitors would normally participate in an event?

Is there a way to find out average scores for events? Not like the National Matches or anything, but I guess more of a goal to aim for to atleast be somewhat competitive.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Adkinsaa]

Plenty of questions here for the group. Specifically looking for CMP/EIC related answers at the moment, but once I'm slightly less ashamed of my marksmanship abilities, IDPA/all the other acronyms may be on the table. I'm about as new as it gets when it comes to any kind of competitive shooting. Last week I participated in a Combat Pistol and Rifle Marksmanship match held at Camp Butner for the NC National Guard. I used a unit issued M4 and M17 for the competition and we fired the zero and practice for both pistol and rifle as well as the EIC table (PI2000M and PI2210, RI3000M and RI3210). That is the extent of my competitive experience. Now for the questions.

I have looked at the CMP website/rulebook (Personally, I don't think it's very beginner friendly) and I'm making some assumptions here, but I'm assuming the events I participated in are considered the Special M9 (M17) & M16 (M4) EIC Match. Since I competed in one EIC match for each (PI2210 & RI 3210) does that mean I'm only allowed to compete in three events for the remainder of the year so that I don't go over the threshold of five?

Are all EIC matches for a given category always the same? If I fired RI3210 for this past match, what are the chances I would fire that exact same table in a different match.

Are there ever events that provide either firearms, ammo or both?

For something like the Eastern CMP games, how many competitors would normally participate in an event?

Is there a way to find out average scores for events? Not like the National Matches or anything, but I guess more of a goal to aim for to atleast be somewhat competitive.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cross-posted on live thread for increased visibility.

 

[DESi]

Red dot question. If you're using target focus, does it really matter how big your optic window is?