Inclement Weather And Competitive Shooting

by
posted on May 21, 2020
weather1.jpg

Above: An early morning thunderstorm delays the 2014 NRA National Smallbore Championships in Bristol, IN. Even with a covered range, heavy rain and lightning will bring any competitive shooting match to a screeching halt.

Rain at Camp Perry
A pistol competitor uses a little ingenuity when scoring a target during a rainy day at the National Matches.

At an outdoor match, shooting generally continues rain or shine. As long as the rain is moderate, the competitors will be required to shoot through it. This holds true for all disciplines. However, if there is lightning or other dangerous factors like high winds, etc., the ranges are closed down.

When the storm is over, they go back on the firing line and continue the match—if there is enough daylight to complete all relays for that particular match. For a really big match like a National Championship, this can be a problem due to the number of days allotted for the phase and the number of relays set up for each day. If, because of a lengthy range closure, all relays cannot complete that particular match in the allotted time, an no extra time is available, that match is cancelled. Any aggregate that may be involved is shortened.

At some ranges, the firing line will be covered and perhaps have drainage capability via a concrete floor. This kind of facility allows shooting to continue relatively unhampered in rain, however should the wind pick up, blowing rain can become a nuisance, and the range may have standing water. So, when heading to a match and the forecast calls for rainy conditions, be sure to plan accordingly with ground cover for prone firing and most important of all—bring proper footwear.

Some companies offer waterproof targets designed especially for use in rainy weather, like Rite in the Rain and Alpha Dynamics.

Finally, be sure to maintain your situational awareness. When you first arrive at an unfamiliar range, take the time to note safe places to go in case of lightning or other dangers. It may just save your life.


See more: 6 Easy Ways To Safeguard Against Weather Calamities At Matches

Latest

Ammo Giftguide 1 Lede
Ammo Giftguide 1 Lede

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Ammunition

Let us help you find the perfect ammunition for the competition shooter in your life.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Shotguns

Our roundup of handpicked shotguns for competition shooting this holiday season.

Family At The Heart Of Competition: Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships

It’s not just the competition that makes the Inland Empire Sectional Championships a must-attend event, it’s also the families that bond through their shared love of action shooting.

Guide To Building Stage Speed

These tips for building stage speed in action shooting will help you rise to the top of the match leaderboard at your next competition.

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.