Some Suggestions for Making it Easier to Compete

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This list is in no particular order except for the items with an "A" after the number which means they go with that number. This will be a growing list, so I will add items from time to time.

• 1. Prepare a list of all the items important for a match. Place this list in your gun box and check each item on it the night before a match and if able (within time constraints) before you leave for the match. Make one of the items a pencil and every time you think of another item to add to the list, do so immediately.
  
  
• 2. Have at least three magazines for each gun (speed loaders for revolvers). You don't have to use all three, but have three, just in case. Mark them uniquely. If you have an alibi, set that magazine aside and use your others. Also mark each magazine to show where five rounds sit. This way you can glance at them and see if they're "full."
  
  
• 2A. If you have a magzine which causes trouble, fix it before you store it away. Don't accumulate a bunch of "bad" reserve magazines.
  
  
• 3. If you use ammo from a bulk container, place it in one with rows of five beforehand. The plastic containers with sliding lids are great for this. Now when you dump out ammo, you can be more certain of having five. Be cautious of Eley containers! The first and last rows of five (more so in their older containers) will hold on to the center round.
  
  
• 3A. This is important: Never place unfired rounds from an alibi back into the open holes of this type of container during a match. It will be too easy to dump the five from the next row as normal and inadvertently include a round from the other area. This could cause you to load with six, not notice it, and fire five, leaving a live round in the gun.
  
  
• 4. When you set up your spotting scope, move it down to your number and then back up to your target following the carrier.
  
  
• 5. Have some sort of bag or box to place your empty brass in away from your loaded ammo.
  
  
• 6. If you make sight changes between 50 and 25 yards, while you're shooting at 50, place your adjustment tool in your ammo tray in such a way that you will have to remove it to load for 25 yards.
  
  
• 6A. If you remember your adjustment wasn't made, but the line has been declared safe, place your adjustment tool on top of your magazines. This way you can remember and make the adjustment when called back to the firing line.
  
  
• 7. Repeat the current course to yourself as each is given before the strings, "This will be the Timed Fire Stage..." "Timed fire.. This is Timed Fire..."
  
  
• 8. Shoot or acquire a 10x target, even if you have to shoot it from close in at a practice match. Cut out the center just a little outside the 10-ring. Mount this target in your gunbox where you can glance at it while you're shooting your strings.
  
  
• 8A. If someone comments on how nice your 10x target is, unless pressed, don't go into an explanation about how you didn't (or especially can't) shoot that well. Simply mention how well it helps you visualize what you would like your subconscious to reproduce.
  
  
• 9. If you frequent matches that use the SR1 form, have several in your box already filled out with everything except the location and date. When you arrive at a match just fill in the place and date and you're ready to register.
  
  
• 10. I've been reminded of a good one for number ten (Thanks Grayson). If you mark one end of your staple strip and place it in your stapler so they will be the last ones used, it can be a flag to when you're near empty. I've seen some who actually draw the mark at an angle so that the "flag" grows larger closer to the end. For at least one stapler I had I was able to tape a few extra into the handle for those times when I ran out. At home when I would check my lists before a match, I would also make sure there were some there as I came to the stapler and staples entries on the list.

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