My First Bullseye Match

Hi Folks,

I am trying to get a concensus here on how I should shoot my first 2700 match at the end of the month.  The question is should I shoot the whole match with my rimfire or go ahead and shoot it with both o guns.  I would like to get your input and reasons why I should do one or the other.  I just got done acquiring all my reloading supplies and gear needed to reload and have had great responses and information on loads, etc as to what to shoot.  FYI,  the rimfire will shoot CCI SV loads.  Both guns have RMR's.  Your kind comments about this decision will greatly be appreciated!

Thanks Much!
Gary

Shoot the 22.  When you get to the “Simulated 900 aggregate” phase of the USMC training guide using the 22, you should be starting groups  and timed fire on the 45.  Then you’ll be ready to shoot the 45 in matches.

Do you already have experience shooting other bullseye matches?

Do you have an accurate, reliable .45 with target sights or a dot and a good trigger?

Will you have a chance to test your reloads at 50 yards?

Have you shot your .45 enough to consistently get all five shots on the paper in a rapid fire string?

If you feel confident with your .45, go for it. But if you want to take your time and just shoot the .22 for now, that's fine too.

It does take time for a novice reloader to learn how to make match grade ammo. Don't rush it or your first 2700 could be a frustrating experience.

My first couple of Bullseye matches were 22 only. I didn’t own a 45 at the time. When I did get a 45 it was not a good gun and I got frustrated with the object during matches. I quickly went back to shooting 22 only until I got a proper bullseye 45. Life was easier and more enjoyable after that. I was glad I shot 22 only first. It allowed me to get accustomed to the game and how it’s played and at the pace it can be run at. 22’s are easy to shoot and the 45 would’ve been distracting.

You will not miss out on a single thing by leaving your .45 at home for your first match.

Just go have a good time, meet new people, and absorb everything going on.

If you set yourself up for a relaxing day of shooting and learning, then you will definitely be back for more. You may actually find, as many have, that they prefer shooting just .22 as they are learning. It is one less ball to juggle.

I put away my .45, actually may never get it back out. At 2700 matches I shoot .22 only. At 1800 matches I shoot .22 and .32. I have no desire to go to Camp Perry, so not shooting a .45 isn't going to affect me in the least bit. I'm in it for enjoyment, and I enjoy my .22 & .32 enough to make me happy.

Well, that settles it, I will shoot the rimfire throughout the 2700 match.  I do have a good 45 that is set up to shoot a competitive group at 25 and 50 and understand why I should shoot the 22 for a number of matches. Thanks so much for the input! It was really appreciated! 

Gary

I have shot in local matches back in my hometown in NJ during the late 1950's. After finishing college work took precedence and I did not participate for quite afew years. Resumed 20 years later and found that my old Hammerli Walther Olympia was abit too heavy. Switched to a Walther GSP and finally a Pardini SP. Shot my best 22 scores with that Pardini for a season average of 848. 

During the 1950's in northern NJ the CF and 45 stages were populated with revolvers with custom hammers., etc. and everything was shot with iron sights. When I returned it was red dot sights which helped a lot. I finally sold off the revolvers and used both a GSP and Pardini in 32 for CF and a Pardini GT45 for the 45 stage. 

A bit more than a decade ago the 45's were becoming a bit too much for me and then I finally sold the 32's. Have not shot bulseye for the last 5+ years as the arthritis in the wrist limits my abilities. I am switching to airguns as an aternative as I still enjoy shooting and the comraderie of the group.

GaryWWhite wrote:Well, that settles it, I will shoot the rimfire throughout the 2700 match.  I do have a good 45 that is set up to shoot a competitive group at 25 and 50 and understand why I should shoot the 22 for a number of matches. Thanks so much for the input! It was really appreciated! 

Gary

I think this is a good idea.  Its your first match, so just learn how that all operates without having to switch guns and the possible frustrations others have mentioned.   There is no shame in shooting 22 across the board and I have seen other shooters plead with the 22 shooter to stay and finish out the match with the 22 rather than leaving after the 900 (i.e. 22 stage).

If you haven't done it before, a 2700 is long and you'll be plenty fatigued just by shooting the 22.  Once you've done a couple, you'll think the 2700 is still long and you'll be fatigued at the end. 

Where are you shooting your first match at?  Pioneer?

Scott