Zak Smith

Shooting rifle drills at about 10 and 20 yards. 3 IPSC targets spaced about 2 yards apart. Rifles were: . 16" RRA, irons, MSTN QC . 16" MRP, irons and later M2, Phantom f/h . 17" MSTN, EOThing, MSTN QC, KAC VFG mounted . JP CTR02, TA11, JP BC comp Drill #1: from low ready, on buzzer put one shot into each IPSC head. 1H-1H-1H. Drill #2: from low ready, on buzzer put two shots into each IPSC body. 2B-2B-2B. Drill #3: from low ready, on buzzer put three shots into one IPSC body. 3B. Everything was timed. I did a lot of A/B comparisons to see what was faster and slower. Observations: The presence of a comp did not affect target transition times (Drill #1) In fact, I was getting faster runs with my 16" MRP (with Phantom FH) vs. the 16" RRA, when both had irons. The presence of a comp speeded up Drills #2 and #3, when targets are re-engaged. Sight picture / muzzle movement with the f/h was readily apparent in Drills #2 and #3 vs. a comp. It's faster to acquire a target (actually to analyze the sight picture for acceptability at speed) and track the sight picture with 1X optics vs. irons The TA11 was totally dominated, even with its front lens occluded, by everything else. It's just too slow at these ranges. With the 17" rifle, using the VFG was slower on Drill #1 than controlling the fore-end with my hand at its far front end, pointing with my LH index finger. I attribute this to "natural" pointing ability. The VFG was faster for target re-engagements, most evident in Drill #3. 10 yards or 20 yards didn't make much of a difference, if any The fastest was the 17", using the end of the tube for #1 or #2, and the VFG for #3 Putting the M93 on P2 or P3 and using an aggressive stance was faster than not 1 stage or 2 stage trigger made no difference, except that I was short-stroking the trigger on the 16" RRA for some reason.. it's just another JP SS trigger like most of the rest of them. for gripping the end of the float tube, the thinner PRI tube is easier than the MRP with rail panels It was noticably faster for me to engage the array from right to left. (I shoot right-handed)

WRT the VFG, it was faster for me than grasping the end of a rifle-length tube when stage had more target re-engagement vs. target transitions. Also, I'm pretty sure XM193 will make 170PF from even a 16" barrel.

I posted some things I learned at the range including VFG use here: http://gandrtactical.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1290

Bear-like? Huh? The pictured upper was built by Paul E. @ MSTN for me. It's a 17" (Krieger turned down) with a rifle length gas system and the lightweight PRI tube. I don't believe he opened the gas port over standard rifle diameter, but I could be wrong. More details here http://AR15.Com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=209756

Isn't Taran shooting a rifle shorter than 18" ?

Mine runs perfectly. [ link to LARGER image ]

Anyone know how I can get a copy of the the ITRC episode (DVD preferred)?

I leave IC in my M1S90 for 3Gun, but switch out to F for trap.

Here's a spreadsheet I worked up to compare both wind drift and drop at 800 yards. http://www.demigod.org/~zak/tmp/ballistics.html

If I wanted a 308, I'd probably just buy one of these based on my friend's report. Anyone who wants the 1st hand info, email me and I'll send you his contact info. I'm looking for something in 6.5 or 7mm, however...

The Larue, ARMS with full spacer, GGG cantilever, and Knights Armament cantilever all put it at the same height (which happens to be "lower 1/3rd" co-witness). My best advice having used most of these is to get the Knights (KAC) cantiever if you want it another 2" forward, or use the Larue if straight-up mounting is fine.

A friend of mine has one, used for SWAT duty. He likes it a lot, and it's accurate. Trigger needs adjustment from the factory.

I've never been down to Raton in Jan, but I'd expect it to be like Pueblo, but warmer.. I think we need to set a policy to call the match by either Friday night or early Sat morning. I need to discuss this with Mike and get some communication channels and procedures set up. -z

Part of the motivation for setting this match up was to get a place to practice the long range shooting part of the ITRC. Since the NRA W.C. won't let you show up whenever you want and shoot throughout their countryside, the match provides the logistical (and political) vehicle. It's really a good time, especially if you show up on Saturday afternoon. I hope to see some of you there. -z ETA: more pictures here http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/Pre...ifle-2004.7.11/

Typical gear: Remington 700 in 6.5mm, 7mm, or 30 caliber, with a Leupold or Nightforce scope with the external elevation and windage knobs; bipod; a backpack to carry your ammo, water, a power bar, binoculars, and LRF; shooting sticks. There is no sidearm use prescribed, although you may carry one ostensibly for snakes. There is no set time limit. There are 10 stages, and each stage is 6 shots. We split up into squads of usually 3. The shooting order within the squad changes as you switch stages. When it's your turn, you get into position and engage the targets basically at your leisure, and the other two guys spot & score for you. Once the three shooters are done, everyone packs up their gear and they hike to the next station/stage. We haven't had anyone do anything unsportmanslike with regard to delays, so we have no rule for it. This is a match set up primarily as a forum for long range field-style practice. [ link to LARGER image ] [ link to LARGER image ]

The 2005 schedule is posted on the web page: http://demigod.org/srm The first match of 2005 is JAN 2nd! BE THERE! -z

Armalite, Rock River, and a ton of vendors on AR15.com

OPTICS & OPEN >= 1 optic on handgun or shotgun, or > 1 optic on rifle puts you in open

Here's the picture he asked me to post: [ link to LARGER image ] Do you know the weight of the OLD JP SS carrier? Is the JP buffer identical in weight to a standard carbine buffer?

JP BC MSTN QC Miculek Benny Hill etc...

I understand how current rules apply to 'cans. My point was that IMO nobody should be punted into Open for an otherwise tactical rifle for having an honest to goodness 'can. Same for putting a flashlight or a AN/PEQ-2 on your rifle. Call it the "using real world equipment" clause. -z

You can't look through an Armson OEG either. Or an Aimpoint M2 or ACOG with the front lens closed off. But all of those can effectively be used as sights. Reading the current USPSA rules, I think it comes down to whether or not the device under question is an "aiming device" (as it clearly has lenses AND electronics, 5.1.3.2). I think the answer ought to be "no" for a flashlight. Just like how an honest to goodness sound suppressor on an otherwise "Tactical" should not punt it into open, I don't think devices used as illuminators ought to be considered a 2nd optic by anyone reasonable. -z

Take a look at the Larue Tactical SPR mount, in 30mm or 1"

When I use the JP SS bolt carriers, my bolts are pretty loose, but they always run well. -z

You can buy new AR10 mags from Armalite for around $30, I think.