The Importance of Proper Match Preparation

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or preparing for your first precision rifle match, proper preparation can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a successful one. In the high-pressure environment of competition, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for a forgotten item or dealing with equipment issues that could have been prevented.

This comprehensive checklist is designed to ensure you arrive at your next match fully prepared, confident, and ready to perform at your best. We've broken it down into sections to make it easier to follow and implement in the weeks, days, and hours leading up to your competition.

Two Weeks Before the Match

1. Registration and Logistics

• Confirm registration: Ensure your match registration is complete and payment has been processed
• Book accommodations: Reserve hotel rooms or camping spots if needed
• Plan travel: Map your route, estimate travel time, and plan for fuel stops
• Check match schedule: Note check-in times, safety briefings, and start times
• Review match rules: Understand course of fire, scoring, and any specific equipment restrictions

2. Equipment Check and Maintenance

• Rifle inspection: Check for loose screws, proper torque on action screws, and overall function
• Optics check: Verify zero, check battery levels, and clean lenses
• Ammunition preparation: Load or purchase match ammunition, and test if possible
• Data book update: Ensure your DOPE (Data On Previous Engagements) is current and organized
• Support gear check: Inspect bipods, bags, slings, and other support equipment for wear or damage

"The most important piece of equipment is the one you forgot to bring." — Zander Bolyanatz, PRS Competitor

3. Training Focus

• Position practice: Focus on positions you expect to encounter at the match
• Time pressure drills: Practice under time constraints similar to match conditions
• Environmental training: If possible, train in conditions similar to what you expect at the match
• Mental rehearsal: Visualize successful stage completions and problem-solving scenarios

One Week Before the Match

1. Final Equipment Preparation

• Clean your rifle: Perform a thorough cleaning and function check
• Organize ammunition: Sort by lot numbers if applicable, and pack in a way that's easily accessible
• Check weather forecast: Begin monitoring the weather for match day and prepare accordingly
• Prepare range bag: Start gathering items for your range bag (see detailed list below)

2. Physical Preparation

• Hydration plan: Begin increasing water intake to ensure proper hydration
• Sleep schedule: Start adjusting sleep schedule if the match requires early rising
• Light exercise: Maintain physical activity but avoid strenuous workouts that might cause soreness
• Nutrition planning: Plan meals for match day and the day before

3. Mental Preparation

• Review match format: Understand stage designs, par times, and scoring
• Set realistic goals: Establish personal performance objectives beyond just placement
• Visualize success: Practice mental imagery of successful stage completions
• Prepare contingency plans: Think through potential problems and solutions

The Day Before the Match

1. Final Equipment Check

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you have all necessary equipment packed and ready:

Rifle and Core Equipment:

• Rifle: Primary competition rifle
• Backup rifle: If available and allowed
• Optic: With lens covers and spare battery
• Ammunition: Match ammo plus extra for sighters or re-shoots
• DOPE book/cards: With current data for your rifle/ammunition combination
• Bipod: Properly attached and functioning
• Support bags: Rear bag, barricade bag, and any specialty bags

Tools and Maintenance Items:

• Toolkit: Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, and torque wrench
• Cleaning supplies: Bore snake, solvent, oil, and cleaning rod
• Spare parts: Firing pin, extractor, and other common failure points
• Lens cleaning kit: For optics

Personal Gear:

• Eye protection: Clear and tinted options
• Ear protection: Electronic preferred for communication
• Hat/cap: For sun protection
• Weather-appropriate clothing: Layers and rain gear if needed
• Comfortable footwear: Broken-in and appropriate for terrain
• Kneeling pad: For kneeling positions
• Gloves: Shooting gloves and work gloves

Support Items:

• Range finder: With fresh battery
• Weather meter: For wind, temperature, and density altitude
• Stopwatch/timer: For par time awareness
• Binoculars/spotting scope: For target identification and spotting
• Tripod: For spotting scope or as a shooting support

Comfort and Sustenance:

• Water: More than you think you'll need
• Snacks: High-energy, non-melting options
• Electrolyte supplements: Especially in hot weather
• Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days
• Bug spray: Depending on location
• First aid kit: Including any personal medications
• Folding chair: For rest periods
• Cooler: For drinks and perishable food

2. Final Logistics

• Confirm directions: Double-check the route to the range
• Check in online: If available, complete pre-match check-in
• Prepare vehicle: Fuel up and check tire pressure
• Charge electronics: Ensure phones, rangefinders, and other devices are fully charged
• Print documents: Match confirmation, rules, and any required waivers

3. Personal Preparation

• Hydrate thoroughly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Eat well: Nutritious meal with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Avoid alcohol: Skip alcoholic beverages the night before
• Prepare for early rising: Set multiple alarms if necessary
• Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest

Match Day

1. Morning Routine

• Wake up early: Allow extra time for unexpected delays
• Eat breakfast: Light but substantial meal
• Final gear check: Quick verification that everything is packed
• Weather check: Review forecast one last time and adjust gear if needed
• Depart with buffer time: Leave early to account for traffic or navigation issues

2. At the Range

• Check in promptly: Complete registration and paperwork
• Attend safety briefing: Pay close attention to range-specific rules
• Set up staging area: Organize your gear for easy access
• Confirm zero: If sighter targets are available
• Connect with squadmates: Introduce yourself and build rapport

3. During the Match

• Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day
• Manage energy: Eat small snacks between stages
• Focus on process: Concentrate on executing your plan for each stage
• Reset mentally: Treat each stage as a fresh start
• Help squadmates: Assist with scoring, spotting, and resetting targets

Post-Match

1. Equipment Care

• Clean rifle: At least a basic field cleaning
• Inventory gear: Check for any items left behind
• Note any issues: Document equipment problems for later attention

2. Performance Review

• Record results: Note scores and placements
• Document observations: Write down what worked and what didn't
• Identify improvement areas: Be specific about skills that need work
• Celebrate successes: Acknowledge what went well

Downloadable Checklist

Want to take this checklist with you? Download our printable PDF version that you can use for every match.

Conclusion

Proper match preparation is about eliminating variables and building confidence. When you know you've covered all your bases, you can focus entirely on performance rather than worrying about forgotten gear or unexpected problems.

Remember that even the most experienced competitors use checklists. It's not about experience level—it's about creating systems that ensure consistent preparation every time.

Ready to test your preparation skills? Check out our upcoming matches and put this checklist to work. You might be surprised at how much a systematic approach to match preparation can improve your overall performance and enjoyment.

For more competition tips, don't miss our articles on positional shooting techniques and mental preparation for precision shooting.