Traveller

Thank you for the great feedback. I am rethinking my list and Hope to get orders placed later today. You've all given me a lot to think about. I didn't know about one either until I read the DPMS Panther 3G1 thread in this forum where the OP describes the stock block as having a top rail an yet low profile enough that the FF handguard could go over it. Thanks.

I have started to cobble together parts for a 3-gun rifle. I am a 3-gun newbie but have a few local matches I wouldnt mind getting involved with. Therefore my approach is to use some parts I had laying around and buy what I need to build a decent starter rifle for the sport. I will likely only shoot it in occasional local matches (short distances) for some time so I am trying to keep this reasonably low cost. Below is what I have and what I am thinking - please comment and make recommendations: Parts I have: *DPMS lower and parts *DPMS low-pro upper (slick side) *RRA chrome BCG *ARFX skeleton stock *Hogue grip *White Oak Armament 18" SPR barrel(rifle length gas, 1:7 twist) Parts I need to order and am looking for advise: *handguard = JP/VTAC modular -or- DPMS vented free float (is the VTAC really worth more than twice the money?) *gas block = adjustable or not? I have never had an adjustable gas block so not sure how valuable this is?? If adjustable I'll do the JP with top rail, otherwise some non adjustable low-pro with top rail. *trigger = JP or Geissele 3-gun trigger? *comp = JP Cooley, Nordic Corvette, Miculek, others??? I have no idea what would work best here. I am going to skip thinking about optics until after I get the gun done... Thanks!

At 200 rounds a month it is probably not worth it. It will save you maybe 15 - 20 minutes a month. With that said, I have had a LnL for 3 years and just added a case feeder last month. I love it and have doubled my loading speed. If you are looking for a reason to buy a new toy then go buy it - you will love it. If you are going to start competing or shooting more then go buy it - you will love it. Ahh heck... Just go buy it - you will love it.

Glad you had fun; it was a great match (even if my shooting was not). Now get your gear ready and show up for the next regular IDPA match on 9/12. You do not need to be a member at south Kent or IDPA to shoot the matches.

Again, Greg is right on. I'd add that IDPA and USPSA are similar in that both have multiple stages you work through, each with multiple targets. IDPA tends to require the use of cover (shoot from behind or around cover) and therefore the stage is a little more spelled out for you (start here and shoot these targets, then go there and then shoot those targets, then go there and shoot those). USPSA does not require the use of cover so the stages tend to be more flexible in how you shoot them (start here then shoot them how and where you want). Usually higher round counts for USPSA. Both are fun and it is fairly easy to do both as many of us do. Both can greatly improve you gun handling skills. Mags: Idpa=3, Uspsa=4-5+

Neil yes - I shoot at South Kent often and Greg is right on. Great IDPA and USPSA groups - well run matches and well attended. We expanded the competition bays this year and now have approx 15 bays in the new section plus the original 6 bays. Definately stop by the state match this weekend and look around.

Welcome Neil! I didn't see your name on last weekends match results at South Kent; where do you shoot?

Great looking place - we live in West Michigan but my wife is from Grosse Ile and her parents still live there (summers only) and her sister and her family are on the island as well. We get over there all the time - it is a neat community. I think you will like it. Plus it's refreshing to see anyone actually moving TO Michigan these days!

This is a good topic, and one that we (I) probably don't spend enough thought / time on. Before finding this game, I was an avid golfer and one of the biggest issues I'd see a player make at any level was getting wrapped up in cycle of analyzing -> correcting --> analyzing --> correcting on the course. All that this mental "noise" accomplished was to distract from the goal of putting a good swing on the ball. Practice and drill-type thoughts are for the range (driving range or shooting range). By the time you get to a match you apply the skills you have ingrained. The advice in golf is "If you didn't bring it with you, you won't find it here". Applys to a match as well.