New competition shooter, need general advice

[Edvard22]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum so I guess I'll start with a little introduction. I'm 17, up in northern Rhode Island and I've been shooting in the junior program at my local range for the past ten or so years. We mostly work on the NRA junior rankings with a little bit of competition within the program. The coaches there are absolutely great with the younger more inexperienced shooters, but the top level shooters are pretty much left to fend for themselves. That being said, I qualified expert a little over a year ago and have completed the first three out of four positions for distinguished expert.

After talking about it for years the coaches have finally arranged a small league between the clubs in the area and I'm really excited to be the captain of our team. If the other clubs are like ours then the competition won't be too stiff, but I'm trying to prepare for everything. I'm using this opportunity as an excuse to get some new equipment, and I was wondering what you guys think are the best investments in terms of bang for your buck. I'm currently using a standard Izhmash Cm-2, a basic Creedmoor cloth jacket, and a champion shooter glove. I'm looking into a better jacket, a riser block for off hand, and a better butt plate. Opinions?

Also any other advice you have regarding making the switch to competition would be greatly appreciated! And thanks for your patience... I get a little wordy..

-Evan

[Thedrifter]

well i hate to see new posters first questions go unanswered so ill step up for this one.

I'm using this opportunity as an excuse to get some new equipment, and I was wondering what you guys think are the best investments in terms of bang for your buck. I'm currently using a standard Izhmash Cm-2, a basic Creedmoor cloth jacket, and a champion shooter glove. I'm looking into a better jacket, a riser block for off hand, and a better butt plate. Opinions?

Also any other advice you have regarding making the switch to competition would be greatly appreciated! And thanks for your patience... I get a little wordy..

-Evan

well first off Evan most of what you are asking can be found using the search option,

Questions, on what target and at what distance are you shooting?

are you shooting with a good ammo?

on the jacket, since you are still 17 and growing i would suggest waiting untill your current jacket is worn out. riserblocks could be helpful.

you mention upgrading the butt plate i would go for that, does your cheekrest have any adjustments?

while these things are nice, Jacket, Glove, Rifles, riserblocks, i dont think they are where you need to spend your money, my personal openion is to make sure you are shooting a good ammo, and find an excellent coach,

it could be a bit of a drive but USA Shooting lists some clubs in connectict that could offer some advanced coaching. keep in mind that this openion comes without knowing the coaches you do have or even how qualified they could be, so there history could be usefull to us here.

http://www.usashooting.org/7-events/locateaclub

hope i helped

[Thedrifter]

Massachusetts has a good selection of USA Shooting clubs also.

[Rover]

For advice on advancing in the sport, I say, "Run with the Big Dogs."

Beating poor competition isn't a thrill and does nothing to push you to excel.

You may get your butt whipped, but shooting against (with) the best is by far the most satisfying and educational.

[Thedrifter]

For advice on advancing in the sport, I say, "Run with the Big Dogs."

Beating poor competition isn't a thrill and does nothing to push you to excel.

You may get your butt whipped, but shooting against (with) the best is by far the most satisfying and educational.

This is also great advice, and I was just thinking, something else that might be worth looking into would be for you to attend the Jr rifle shooting camp that the AMU puts on. I understand it to be very educational.

Wish you the best of luck picking your scores up, and have fun.