This is a take off of the New Class thread that's been going on for a week. I know why I go to matches and it seems like there are several reasons. So let us know your motivations so maybe we can find some key ways to grow. So I'll go first. The most obvious is the social part of the monthly match. Like minded friends are always good. Besides that, I go to monthly matches as a prep for the Big One; either Milnats or the NT. Will I be the only Big bore shooter? Possibly but some others show up and once in awhile it leads to a special match even. Regardless, it is still the best prep I can get overall. Shooting a match is always more educational than just practice at home. There are so many factors that you just have to do it to know why. Plus I can get some expert input on a problem that day. Bad wind call? Mirage? Light changed? Different loading techniques or bullet choices? Stuff you just have a tough time finding out on your own. Even if I'm not really competitive, I learn alot over time and it does get better. Yes I look at other club match results but since they are all on very different conditions, they don't mean as much as my local results. Either one of the Nationals just puts this practice in perspective and then there is shoulder to shoulder competition and results. Even if I'm not on top at the end, it's well worth the effort.
Scott Ingle
