55Kingpin

Main issue: The match was touted as being the best one yet. Main problem: It wasn't. A previous poster made an excellent point. If a shooter signs up for the Blue Ridge, MGM Ironman, SMM3G, etc they know what to expect year after year. The same statement is not true of the Pro-Am. Solution: Pro-Am staff should be upfront about the expectations for the match. If you know the match isn't going to meet those initial promises/expectations (even if it's at the last minute, i.e. sponsors and side matches bail the weekend or even the day before the match) let the shooters know. Post it here, facebook, twitter, etc, wherever. Just keep the lines of communication open and honest. Again, I just want to re-iterate how much I appreciate all of the hard work and effort that goes into making this match (and any match!) happen. I've helped with large matches in the past, and it is never easy. I hope this is seen as constructive advice/help, because that is what I intend it to be. Lastly, I spoke to a few sponsors that were absent. I let them know that me and my crew appreciate their continued support of 3 gun, and that we genuinely missed exchanging money for product at Rockcastle this year. I suggest everyone reach out to the sponsor's and let them know that they were appreciated for being there and/or they were truly missed if they were not there. In Rockcastle's defense, there was at least one sponsor who said that they decided not to come at the last minute (a week out), but it was for legitimate reasons (i.e., short-handed, logistic issues, etc). That is clearly not something we can pin on Rockcastle staff, especially if the sponsor didn't notify them. I hope to be back at Rockcastle for the Pro-Am next year....time will tell.

Sincere thanks go out to all of the sponsors that helped make this match happen. I personally would like to extend extra gratitude to the fine folks I met and talked to from: WMD guns, Voodoo Tactical, Troy, and Hiperfire. I also would like to thank the entire Rockcastle crew, RO's, and Linda Chico for doing the tasks that I would dread. Honest feedback time.... First, let me say that (like darkvibe) I have shot this match every year since inception. I also have a crew of three other guys (who do not frequent the forums) that travel and shoot together. We all agreed that this was a fun match, but it lacked in the overall experience from previous iterations. I'll simply state that I agree with darkvibe on numerous points. I always hype this match to new shooters as "the" match to shoot if you can only afford/choose one. There were quite a few disappointments from our group. Some may say that we have just been spoiled by previous Pro-Am's, but to me if you are going to set the bar to a certain level, then you really need to keep it at that level (especially if the match fees go North). 1. No shooter's bag with SWAG - Did NRA not donate this year? I'm a member and will be contacting them directly on this point. 2. No side matches - Vendor interest waned or not enough RO staff to pull it off? 3. TNVC cave shoot - Why did this not happen? 4. Sponsored dinner - "sponsored" for $10? 5. Missing vendors - We really missed DSG Arms this year....I will be contacting them directly. I know some of this is probably explained with the fact that AR15.com is no longer involved, and they might have taken the NRA support with them (along with possibly TNVC...). I really want to shoot this match next year, but I'll be honest....it's not looking good unless someone can convince me that the normal tone/expectations will return. I'm not trying to manufacture drama, and I hope this is seen as constructive criticism from a group of shooter's who want to come back. Bottom line: We all enjoyed ourselves (because shooting is fun!), and I hope we can be convinced to return. Godspeed, -C

I've been to a few major pistol matches that do just that. When u see your name at the bottom you can decide if to want your oil or want to hit the road 2 hours early. I honestly think it would be easier on all of the staff involved if this policy were to be implemented.

I wonder how difficult it would be to do the "random" draw list earlier in the day. Like another poster mentioned they could print a list of the top 30 or 50 and have it hanging around the tents. It seems like that would go a long way in reducing the drama at the prize table. The only downside is does someone get to walk the prize table if they are DQ'd? If that's the case then the staff would have to print the list after the last squad finishes the last stage.

It is purely speculation on my part but I am guessing that since AR15.com is no longer a sponsor, Ed Avila's (from arfcom) buddy Joe DeBergalis is no longer involved and Joe is an NRA Board member. No NRA board member involved, no NRA stuff for the shooters bags. To be honest, other than the bag I don't think I ever used any of the NRA stuff. Gotta agree with you on this one Jeff. My SWVA crew has shot all four matches, and we thoroughly enjoyed each. We miss the LaRue brisket the most...haha. The NRA bags were nice, but that's about it. I spoke with Joe D multiple times (he seems like a great guy) and we all told him that we would prefer 1 made in USA item from the NRA instead of 6 or 7 China made "toys" to fill the bags with. For the record I'm a long time NRA member as well. Overall, I think the Rockcastle Pro-Am is one of the best matches around at the going rate. The match fee we paid was more than made up for in shooting, food, beer, freebies, and prize table plunder. I will have to say that as far as the actual match and stages go, this year was my favorite by far. Our AM squad was helpful and always on time. Heck, we even shot most stages a half to a full hour ahead of schedule. Hats off to all involved, and feel free to chalk 2014 up as a success. See you all next year (if we can click fast enough for sign up)! Godspeed, Chase

No doubt. One of my buddies dropped out last week and was told that there were over 20 on the AM wait list, and another 9 that will be geared up the day of ready to go at the last minute. A lot can happen in a week though, so maybe it's true.

If you need a new gas piston for the 930 for the match I have a brand new one you can use. I need it back for my duck hunting gun though. This is Jeff, you should be squadded with me again this year. Thanks Jeff! Wes is having some issues as well, so one of us may take you up on that offer. You fellas have a safe trip down, and we'll see you soon!

Yes sir. JM Pro 930. The only modification is a welded lifter. I've shot it the past two years with no other issues. Two year old JM Pro??? She might be worn out! Just kidding, kind of. I'd agree with the above that it's probably a combination of being dirty and possibly a few light rounds. Low recoil Slugs and buck always seem to have a little variance to them from lot to lot even box to box. At 1145 fps you're on the low end of any semi auto guns reliability curve. Yeah, my 3 gun competition schedule has gone way down hill the past two years. This is literally the only 3 gun match I have shot for the past two years. Hence, why I sold my SLP and got the JM (I'm an FFL so I got the JM for cheap when it first came out). Of course, I always shoot the Knob Creek subgun matches, and those aren't cheap either, lol. I will clean the gun today during lunch, and try to pick up some stouter buckshot loads as well. Thanks for the help!

Yes sir. JM Pro 930. The only modification is a welded lifter. I've shot it the past two years with no other issues.

I don't want to de-rail, but I know this thread will be watched closely over the next few days. I took my shotgun out tonight to re-check where my slugs and buckshot hit. I shot a five shot group with the slugs, no problems. I loaded five buckshot, and I fired the first round. The action cycled to the rear but the shell didn't get ejected. The bolt wasn't completely back (about 90%) and the next shell was on the lifter. I had to extract the fired shell by hand (fingernail) and then the next shell fed. This happened with the next three shells. I then decided to run a few birdshot to see if they would hiccup. I loaded five shells and they ran fine. I went back to the slugs and loaded three rounds. They ran fine. I loaded three more buckshot, and low and behold they ran fine. I'm really confused as to why I had the malfunctions, any ideas? The gun is admittedly dirty, you think a good cleaning will solve my problems? Is there anything else I should be looking at? Ammo used: Winchester AA #8 birdshot Fiocchi 1oz Slugs Federal LE 9 pellet 00 Buck (Flight Control wad) Thanks for any help! -Chase

Anybody know if Registration is open after 5pm on Thursday? I believe last year they closed from 5pm to 7pm, but opened back up for a few hours after 7pm. Anybody know? Thanks!

Haha, do you know anything about this "taint" he keeps referring to? Hey now, don't knock the bottom of the pile! My wife is rockin the ladies size small lavender ARFCOM shirt pretty well. I agree, we've got great weather here pretty much year round. Very mild winters the past few years. I'm sure "NOVA" has some local 3 gun we could roll up on.

Couldn't agree more! Haha, I can't speak for Brad but I'm not switching to Pro for this match because then you all wouldn't get to shoot with me...lol. Hollywood said something about taint...do you know what he could be talking about? hahaha

I can't speak for the Pro stages, but my crew and I thought the AM stages were top notch and very professionally ran. I personally witnessed multiple RO's interact with shooters in a more than gracious manner. In fact, I would like to say a special thanks to Kurt Miller for his help on AM Stage 7 on Friday evening. His actions really made an impression on some new shooters and the way he dealt with some of the new shooters was nothing short of first class. It takes a ton of effort and talent to pull off a successful 3 gun event, much less TWO in the same location at the same time! My hats off to everyone involved in making it happen. Sure there were hiccups, but there always are no matter where you go. Sometimes you hear about them, sometimes you don't. I will say though, that if you went and didn't have fun, then it's no one's fault but your own. YMMV, but for me and mine, we'll be back for more! Godspeed, Chase

If I'm driving I always pack at least twice as much as the round count. Never know when you'll have to do a re-shoot or maybe a squad member runs a little short on day two and you can help him out. Also, I always pack an IFAK (individual first aid kit). Ibuprofen is a must have, as well as Imodium, and usually some Mucinex. Godspeed, Chase