by Westin Fairbrother

As a relatively new shooter, with only 4 years between my very first match to my most recent, I have learned that there are items you must have and some that are optional. These items could all depend on the weather to the type of environment I am shooting in but can be summarized into the following list.

Working down the list of items from most important to less essential, these are the items that I bring to a match:

Ear Protection

That should go without saying that you will need some form of ear protection across all shooting platforms. Whether that be in the form of over the head earmuffs with noise canceling detection to the more custom molded in earpieces, it is a must when you are around rounds being fired all day. Whichever is most comfortable for you will work best. I use some Howard Leight Honeywell Impact Sport

Ballistic Calculator

I do not go to any match without this, it has all my shooting solutions built in. This takes all environmental information you may need for your exact location, such as wind, station pressure, humidity to give me the most accurate information for each stage. Most new shooters will not have one, but a simple app will suffice. Most shooters will be willing to share windage before each stage. I am currently running a Kestrel 5700 with Hornady 4DOF

Game Changer and Rear Bag

My personal game changer is connected to a plate which allows me to have it connected to the gun for a little more convenience in transitioning from different shooting positions. The rear bag is mostly for any prone positional shooting to help with stability and getting a solid position built. I am using an Area 419 Rail Changer Shmedium from Armageddon Gear paired with an Area 419 Rail Changer plate.

Pump Pillow/Fat Bag

In my opinion, these can be an optional item depending on a personal preference. I use one because of the amount of low positional shooting, as it helps to get my elbow rested on something steady to build a solid shooting position. I like my pump pillow by Armageddon Gear in multi-cam.

Binoculars for Spotting

At any match, you will want to be able to spot what is going on down range, to be able to see what the wind is doing, follow bullet trace, help with calling bullet impacts. You will want a solid 12×50 pair of binoculars, like my Apex Summit 12×50 PRO with the TR2 reticle, or something that gives good field of view and good magnification.

Some people choose a spotting scope over binoculars, but I personally find that I experience eye fatigue from having to constantly keep one eye open/closed. Being able to keep both eyes open is easier in the long run.

Plus having a MIL reticle in my binos is extremely helpful since it allows me to size a target and calculate my wind and error budget for any particular target.

Tripod

You will want a good solid tripod, preferably carbon-fibre because it is lightweight and easier to carry around all day. The FatBoy Elevate 2-Section is great as it deploys very quickly, the controls are at the top since the legs are inverted, is stronger than any other tripod on the market, and is very lightweight.

Other Items

These are some items that are not essential but make life a little easier at a match.

• A data armband to write down your windage and elevation, and painter’s tape is a good pair as it is inexpensive and disposable. You will also want to carry a sharpie or pen/pencil to write down all this info.
• I always carry 3 magazines: one is my primary, a second one is holstered in case I run into any jams or mag feed issues, the third is a backup to my backup.
• I recently picked up a rain cover for my rifle, it is good for keeping dust out of your action/scope and of course keeps the rain out, these are usually inexpensive and can be found online for under $40.
• It is always good to carry extra batteries for your earmuffs and your Kestrel.
• Food/water; I like to pack a lunch and keep some dry snacks in my bag, I also pack some electrolytes as it can be dehydrating being out in the sun all day.