Rosswoodford

I did. I actually wish I could shoot that match. I think if you opened your mind to it, you'd probably enjoy it, and find a legitimate challenge in it. As far as the other comments go, if my spitball answer was correct, I apologize. Probably came off like an ass, so that's on me.

Finishing ~60% of the winner and getting a feel for a match flavor other than what you're used to, I guess.

Then don't. I would encourage you to try it though. If your main criteria for whether you will shoot a major match or not is round count, you're missing out on quality matches

Adding targets does not make stages or matches automatically more interesting. There are some excellent small and medium courses with activator sequences, and difficult positioning, among other things, that make those stages interesting. I also shot Illinois, and while it *was* an excellent match(it always is), I was burnt out halfway through through shooting 25+ round field courses ALL DAY. Hats off to them for leaving a ton of options, because the whole match was full of them. If you want 300+ rounds on 10-12 stages, all you get is large field courses and a lack of variety.. That's not representative of the sport as a whole.

Are you wanting a race holster or kydex? If kydex, Red Hill Tactical or GX products will get you taken care of. Red hill has an option for "custom frame" pistol, your athena will likely be that, but maybe ask them first. I've heard excellent things about GX Products but have no first hand experience. If race holster, DAA Alpha X with the PT insert should work, as well as the Racer X, or an Everglades MRH. There are a ton of options for 2011 holsters. Just depends on what your needs are.

I've heard this. This year was my first A3. I didnt hate it. That said, I didnt love it. I'm still uncertain if i plan to shoot it again this year. I came into the technical half on 4 hours of sleep after a 4 hour drive and proceeded to shoot far below where I should have.

Short answer is yes. Most guys shooting Limited even semi seriously are shooting a 2011. 2011s are notorious for liking ammo of a longer OAL than factory. I load my ammo to1 1.2 OAL, I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong) that factory ammo is at 1.135. It's a reliability thing.

It's just the beginning of the season where you're not used to it. Itll be in the negatives soon

This is fair. Lol. Iowa is getting miserable real quick right now.

This was my first year going to multiple majors. (5). I live in Area 3 and attended Area 3 my first time this year. I've obviously heard the stories of the gimmicks at A3 and now experienced them. So now I'll ask: What is everyone's favorite area match and why? I'd love to hit another one this year.

Nah. Absolutely not. It would rarely benefit you anyway. Can you imagine trying that on a hard memory stage that you only get 5 minutes to walk anyway? That sounds horrible lol

I can't think this is just me but I'll ask anyway. For the last 6 months or so I've had a hard time getting ahold of legit quantities of .40. Is this across the board? Why?

I like this topic. Always: Mag brush Spare recoil spring Spare extractor Spare Fiber (multiple sizes) Leatherman multi tool Lighter Lube ( i use lucas oil ) Roll of pasters Obviously Gun, Mags, Eye/Ear Pro, and spare gun if possible

I used to buy magtech 115's for .15-.16 per round. Of all the ammo I was trying at the time, it was the cheapest, and ironically I found it to be very clean. I didnt find it to be terribly snappy compared to other factory ammunition either. I say if its cheap enough, go for it.

Minimum criteria IMO for a level II with a fee of $150 Quality stages and staff Water on all bays Lunch Shirt There are state section matches that go above and beyond what I listed that cost significantly less. The Iowa Section match is an excellent example. I believe it cost $90 and had a climate controlled porta-john trailer, plaques for top finishers, as well as lunch and water. No shirts for competitors, though.