[optactical]

It was a great competition, indeed. I placed 8th, my partner 7th out of 32 competitors. My buddy was in the running for 3rd up until the last day, that damn 600m shooting event with the barrel 24 inches off the ground got him, plus I had a bad day on the second day which didn't help our score. My moment in the sun was hitting 3 of 10 at 600 seated unsupported, it was some sort of act of god, considering the sling I used was from Wal-Mart and my reticle was dancing a jig on the target which was half an FBI silhouette.

It was definitely an eye opener as to new training to do, and some new equipment to either purchase, scrounge or fabricate from existing stuff we have, some of it very rudimentary, but definitely useful (ahem, shooting tripods).

Basically most events put us on the clock, and incorporated multiple skills, to include known distance, unknown distance, stalking, holds and of course night fires. I won't go any further unless cleared to post my informal AAR, just think test days in SOTIC on steroids.

The weather was the real problem, and atomospheric effects were rampant. Our guns were doped on steel (not the best idea, but you go with what you got) at an altitude of 2400 ft MSL at about 50-70 degrees, we then shot again at 400 ft MSL at about 80 degrees, and the competition was at about 200(?) ft MSL and ranged from 40-70 degrees. Next time I am bringing my Kestrel, and a better rangefinder, that is for sure.

I'd like to thank the commitee again for putting on the event, providing ammo for us folks who are stationed very far away and definitely a big thanks to the SFA Chapter from Fayetteville for the use of the team house for the closing ceremony.