Practical Shooting After Dark EP 166

Published on October 28, 2021
Duration: 33:47

This episode of Practical Shooting After Dark features Ben Stoeger, Kim, and Matt Hopkins discussing the Carry Optics Nationals at CMP Talladega. They delve into stage design variety, controversial stage elements like mandatory reloads and weight carries, and issues with shooting in the dark due to scheduling delays. The discussion also covers RO efficiency, scoring accuracy, and the upcoming USPSA national events and their locations.

Quick Summary

The USPSA Carry Optics Nationals at CMP Talladega faced challenges including controversial stage designs, a mandatory weekend reload stage contributing to DQs, and shooting in the dark due to scheduling delays. Stage design varied significantly by zone, and RO efficiency was highlighted, with one crew setting a high standard. Future nationals are planned for Talladega and Colorado.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Guests
  2. 00:51Nationals Venue & Stage Count
  3. 01:43Stage Design Variety & Heat Factor
  4. 03:13Non-Standard Stage Challenges
  5. 04:50Weekend Reload Stage & DQs
  6. 06:03Shooting in the Dark Incident
  7. 09:04Match Improvements: Porta-Potties & Food
  8. 10:24Drop Turner Activation Issues
  9. 15:05Scoring Anomaly on Tough Swinger
  10. 17:56Exceptional RO Crew Performance
  11. 21:00USPSA Member Meeting & Staff Presence
  12. 25:44Upcoming Nationals Locations & Dates
  13. 29:14Colorado Nationals Weather Concerns
  14. 30:509 AM Start Law & Time Zone Issues
  15. 32:07Match Live Streams
  16. 33:07Conclusion & Contact Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main challenges at the USPSA Carry Optics Nationals?

Key challenges included controversial stage designs like mandatory reloads during movement, a stage requiring a 20lb carry, and significant issues with shooting in the dark due to scheduling delays. Inconsistent drop turner activation timing and scoring errors also presented problems for competitors.

How did stage design vary at the Carry Optics Nationals?

The stages were designed by three different individuals, creating distinct zones with unique 'flavors.' These ranged from hypothetical and technical stages to more standard field courses, offering a wide variety of challenges and heat factors for competitors.

What were the notable improvements and issues at the CMP Talladega venue for the Nationals?

Improvements included more women's porta-potties and a nicer venue for the awards ceremony at the Speedway. However, the CMP range itself is considered inadequate for hosting nationals due to the limited number of bays for handgun events.

What is the future of USPSA national events and their locations?

USPSA will host six national events. Carry Optics Nationals will be in Talladega in September 2024, while Limited Open, PCC, and Production Nationals will be in Colorado in October 2024. The Colorado match is expected to be a 4-day event with more stages.

What caused the shooting in the dark incident at the Nationals?

The shooting in the dark occurred on day one due to backups on a double bay, causing a squad to shoot an extra stage after sunset. This extended shooting beyond the scheduled time and into darkness, which was deemed unfair and outside the matchbook's parameters.

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