I've been to two. The first one was a disaster (regarding how well I did). The second one was a complete 180, and resulted in me qualifying. What was the difference between the two? Simple: preparation. The first time I came in with a rifle that I had never shot further than 100 yards, 3 different ammunition loadings, and no baseline other than a 100 yard zero.
The second time I came with a rifle I'd shot a number of times in varying conditions further than 100 yards with the single and same ammunition load, and verified dope to 600.
There's a lot going on at a KD that isn't going on during a reduced range shoot, and while it's possible to figure all of that stuff out on the fly, it's incredibly more difficult and in my case resulted in chasing what my rifle could do, should do, rather than concentrating on my steady hold factors.
So, "yeah, duh!" you're thinking. Not everyone has access to a range, or tools that make getting that data easier like spotting scopes or chronograph, etc, and so the KD for a lot of people, is their first opportunity to stretch their rifles legs.
So that's the point of the post. I do, and I want to help some fellow riflemen succeed at their next, or first KD.
I'm in Black River Falls, and have a 600 yard range at my disposal, complete with true scale steel KD targets. I have an excellent spotting scope, Labradar chronograph, Strelok Pro ballistic calculator, everything we need to get baseline data and good dope verified so that at the KD you can concentrate on shooting to the best of your ability.
So this is an open invitation to any fellow riflemen. And we can do it however you want - if you'd like some help from me figuring that stuff out for your setup, or if you'd just like a couple hours on a 600 yard range but you want to figure it out on your own, or anything in between. Just hit me up with a message or reply in this thread. I'm available pretty much any weekend and even some Fridays with enough notice, and I really don't need much arm twisting to go shoot.
Great post. Wish you weren't so far away or I'd take
You up on the help. We're in Texas
Ditto. I'm in MD, but love to see the willingness of this community to help others improve their rifleman skills!
Such a fantastic offer, and serious seventh stepping. Huzzah! Alas, although I work for a company headquatered in Wisconsin, I hardly ever get up there.
The real reason I am commenting is your avatar. I about wet my britches laughing at that thing. Congratulations, you are King of the Internet for the day :bow: