SteveT-NV

I did switch from a Z6i to the Z8i, and while I like the extra magnification and am very happy with the scope, I don't think the extra magnification makes that big of a difference. Especially at the ranges that are shot at most 3-Gun Matches. That being said, I would buy it again.

I'm one of those weirdos that Zero at the Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR) for the load I use. This ends up being 265 yds for my preferred load. With this load I'm never greater than or less than 4 inches high or low for any target out to ~315 yds. I like the lighter faster bullets for long range and use a 55 g VMax. This has served me well at RM3G and any other match that pushes the ranges out to 500-600 yds. I use the JBM Ballistics page to figure all of this out. While the manufacturers BDC data will get you close. It really only works well if you use the exact load with the same velocity that they use for their calculations. I wouldn't really consider the BRT reticle a BDC reticle since its markings are Mil based. Steve

I just heard that the match can be shot Thurs, Fri and Sat. Is this true? Due to work obligations I cannot take off major holidays, but I could shoot the match those days. Could I still register and shoot those days? STeve

I've been using it in practice sessions for the last couple months. Pull the trigger! You will not be disappointed. See the above post on my initial impressions. Nothing has changed since that post, other than I like it even more.

Hate to complain, but having this on a Holiday weekend is a bummer for many of us. Family obligations are going to make this tough, may have to miss this one!

I can answer my own question now. I just got this scope a couple days ago and was able to get out and sight it in today. There is no parallax adjustment on this scope, while you may see that mentioned in the scope description on some of the websites, the parallax adjustment is only in some of the scopes in the Z8I lineup. My impressions so far: This scope is awesome! The optics are excellent, just like any other Swarovski product. It is only slightly larger than the Z6I 1-6. It has an excellent field of view, though a little smaller than the 1-6 If you are looking for a new scope, you can't go wrong with this scope. Steve

Is that minimum or recommended? Last year the actual count was ~ 1/2 of that.

It looks like there is a focus/parallax adjustment on this scope? If so, did you get an impression that it would affect transitions between targets at different distances? ie if it's on focus at 200 yds, will it be "blurry" at 600 yds? Or if you are at 1 power shooting close range targets, then go to 8 power for long range? Steve

I pull the rifle up into my shoulder snug, but not trying to force it. If you force the position, the tension can cause more problems. I also prefer my arm out as far as I can on the hand guard. To me the critical thing in off hand is learning to accept the wobble and work with it. If you panic when you see the cross hairs bouncing around, then it will usually just get worse. Everyone has some amount of wobble and the wobble can often change from day to day depending on you. The wobble can sometimes change from side to side, or up to down. Sometimes creating a controlled wobble can be helpful. This can be done in a side to side, up and down, down to up or a figure of eight. Practice breaking the shot just as the cross hairs are coming over the target. When you break the shot will depend on the speed of your wobble and the distance to the target. You absolutely have to practice at different distances to get an idea of when you need to break the shot. Accept the wobble, work with it and the wobble can be your friend! A drill that I like to practice offhand shots is to set up 3 shooting positions ~ 5 yards apart with a MGM Flasher or similar target at ~ 100 yds. From the first position shoot until you get 3 hits, run to the next position repeat and then repeat in the last position. When you get comfortable at 100 yds move the target out. Try and get comfortable out to 175 yds or so. More tips in this thread - http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=201142&hl=%2Boffhand#entry2237085

Thank you! Just downloaded the app. Works great.

Does this Google Maps location look accurate? Looks good with the satellite option displayed, (can see the bays) but would just like to make sure. Google Maps Link https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+East+Idaho+Practical+Shooters,+Inc./@43.5206947,-112.1338465,13z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x53545080f129931f:0x59a968d5dbf89500

The "1st Gen" 3GN Club Series Targets had 2 circles on them, an inner 8" circle and an outer circle (not sure the diameter). These targets did not have a outer perforation on them. The newer targets have a single 8" circle, then a perforation on the outer edge of the square target. Unless things have changed again, any two hits inside that square perforation will neutralize the target. See attached photo

Excellent match, great stages! Thank you to Pete, all of his crew, the RO's and the rest of the match Staff. My wife took some photos of Squad 5 and they are posted at this link - http://rohirrim.smugmug.com/Shooting/USPSA-2015-Multigun-Nationals/ Match video https://youtu.be/zdwb3cRMBx8

The spring and "overloading" the magazine may be part of the problem. But, in my case I don't think it explains the entire problem. I purchased 2 MBX 40 cal, 140 mm mags. I only loaded the mags to full capacity a couple times. The mags did not function reliably from the start. I used them for ~ 500 rounds and was getting a nose dive malfunction every 100-200 rounds. MBX sent me a replacement mag and that mag would not feed reliably either. I'm glad they function well in some guns, but it doesn't seem like that they will function reliably in every gun.

I'm probably in the minority in that, while I had a lot of fun, I was a little disappointed in the stages. Some of them seemed a little "simple". A few observations/opinions: Stage 1 was almost the same stage in that bay 2 years ago, switching out shotgun for rifle. Stages 10 and 11 were nothing more than 3 shooting boxes with some targets thrown out in front of them. Both of those areas are pretty big, seems like they would be perfect for setting up some stages with some movement in them. I don't really care if there is one gun or all three guns on a stage, I do like to see lots of options on a stage. i.e - Do I shoot that target from here, or there or ?? Target variety was good Round count was good Overall the match was fun and I could tell that a tremendous amount of work was done both before and during the match. Thank you to all the staff for your work. Respectfully, Steve

+ 2 But to be fair it doesn't matter what your power factor is when your name is steve ting... And here I thought you were a nice guy!

I'm not sure I agree with this. Before I tried the MBX mags I had over 14,000 rounds through my Brazos Custom without a malfunction. I think that most would agree that this is a well tuned gun. I case gauge and have run the same OAL and the same powder for those 14,000 rounds. I bought 2 MBX mags and they will have a "nose dive" malfunction every 100-200 rounds. The only difference here is the mags. I've not changed my reloading practice and my gun ran just fine before those mags and as long as I run my "other" tuned mags the gun runs fine. I'm not saying that the MBX mags are bad, they just don't run well in my gun. Edit to add- FWIW - Gun is a Brazos Custom, 40 cal, 6 in with a Bar-Sto Barrel. I should have left things alone, but the the thought of getting 21 rounds in the mag, instead of 20 was too temping! MBX was kind enough to replace one of the mags, but unfortunately, that one didn't work either. Respectfully, Steve

I have a Eberlestock Gunslinger 2 and it accommodates an AR very well. The photos of the two packs look similar, but you may have to call to get dimensions.

Looks awesome! I want one too!

My job and the support of my wife are my sponsors!

+ 2

Thanks for the video! Those stages looked fun as heck!!! What was the longest rifle shot? 325 yds was the longest rifle target. Their was also the dreaded 150 yard slug shot. Donavon Montross was the CRO on that stage ( and I believe the designer of that stage), he said that ~ 80% of the shooters were able to make that shot, many on their first attempt.

I agree with Chuck, this match was not anything like Hard as Hell. This match was more physical than last years West Regional Match, but not even close to Hard as Hell. 3GN listened to all the complaining last year and really changed things for the better. The stages were great! Most were 90 second plus, challenging both mentally and physically, and really fun. My understanding is that the Regional Matches will each take on a "local" approach, so each match will be different. Thank you to all the Sponsors (esp Barnes), 3GN, Ken Nelson and the rest of the staff at SUPS - you guys put on a GREAT Match! Some video of 6 of the 8 stages.

Sad to hear this. This match is one of my favorites. The stages have always been awesome! I hope you will be back in 2016! Steve

This method gives me a little pause. While the shooter "knows" their isn't a round in the chamber, the method has the potential to violate at least two of the laws of safe gun handling. Rule : Treat every gun as if it is loaded. - When you pull the trigger to get a round on the lifter, you are treating the gun as if it is unloaded. Rule: Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. - If you are pulling the trigger in a rush to get the gun loaded, are you ready to fire and are you sure the gun is pointed in a safe direction? I know these are technicalities, but if you train to pull the trigger while you are not truly ready to fire, then this could lead to an AD under pressure. I prefer to quad load four, use my forefinger to hit the shell release button, then rack the slide. For me, using the forefinger is a little more reliable than using my thumb. I don't think you lose much, if any time when doing this.