The 2008 MGM Ironman: Lessons Learned
The Ironman was once again held in Parma, ID at the Parma Rod and
Gun Club, perhaps the only range in the country where this unique
match could be held. Put on by Mike Gibson of MGM Targets this is a
very different type of competition! Considered a multigun match, you will need at least a carbine, handgun and shotgun. A sniper/long range rifle is optional, as one is provided on one stage. Two submachine guns are provided in other stages. Yep, you’ll shoot at least 6 guns by match’s end, providing you don’t break anything!
Most shooters use an AR based platform for their carbine with
at least one scope. You will see a lot of Leupolds, Trijicons,
Miopta's, and a few of the Millet's and Burris 1-4's. The carbine needs to be capable of hitting the target anywhere from 5 out to 450 yards, where a 12” plate is used. I use the JP CTR-02 with an 18" barrel and a Trijicon TA-11. A Harris Bipod (three different lengths) and Larue bi-pod mount for my bipod system.
On the shotgun side, you will need to know your slug impacts to 100
yards and how your choke/combo performs out to 25 yards. I
use the Bennelli M1 Super 90 customized by Bevin Grams. (congrats to Bevin for shooting his first IronMan!) The problem with the gun is that they are no longer manufactured by Bennelli. They have moved on to the M2 platform that I don't like as much mainly due to its plastic trigger group.
You will want to know your POI (point of impact) out to 50
yards with your handgun, if not 75, in 5 yard increments. Knowing what
kind of group size you can shoot under stress and with fatigue is also
helpful. Sprinting 100 yards, followed by 20 pushups, and shooting a 20 round group at 20 yards is one way to measure this. Most people only work on
5 shot groups as relaxed as possible which isn't a realistic comparison to the
events you’re going to be shooting.
Pacing yourself according to the demands of a stage is critical to finishing well. Sometimes a fast shuffle or quick jog is significantly better than an all out run,
especially on the long stages. Time yourself on 5 50 yard movements
each way and see what kind of a difference there is. Take note of both fatigue and how that fatigue effects your shooting ability.
Proper breathing is one of the most under utilized techniques in the practical shooting community. The biggest mistake made is that shooters use the inhale, exhale, shoot at the natural respiratory pause technique of position based accuracy shooting. For fast paced and dynamic shooting, this just doesn’t work.
Most shooters only breathe when running to the next position and hold their breath while shooting. This is a fantastic way to cause oxygen deprivation. When you are doing anything on a stage, air should be moving in and out. I can't stress the importance of
this. In through the nose and out through the mouth if you can for
critical shots while using the Approach Shooting Technique.
Learn AST – please review Practical Shooting Volume 6 – The AR-15 for
more info. The great part is that it can be applied also with a pistol
and shotgun depending on the fatigue level/difficulty of the shot.
Matt
Thanks to http://jprifles.com http://laruetactical.com http://atlantaarmsandammo.com http://trijicon.com http://gramseng.com http://www.mattmclearn.com http://3gungear.com http://corbon.com
