Competition Dynamics News

2024 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 9, 2024

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Team Safari happen again this year!

Top 5 teams–
1. Trostel / Fossen
2. Diaz / Hughes
3. Moyers / Martin
4. Curtis / Macrander
5. Smithers / Peters

PDF OF FULL RESULTS

 

SEEKING RO'S FOR TEAM SAFARI

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 6, 2024

Hi,

We are seeking a few RO’s for the Team Safari coming up Sept 4-8th. Team Safari RO’s should be have already shot the Steel Safari or Team Safari and be familiar with the procedures at geography. Please email me back if you’d like to RO the TS.

 

2024 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 24, 2024

Thanks again to BURRIS for their great support!

RESULTS
1. DeWester/Glodowski
2. Steinforth/Pynch
3. Gheriani/Way
4. Trostel/Cloaninger
5. Gardner/Alcock

FULL RESULTS PDF HERE

We have 2 more matches this year if you want to shoot (and/or hike) more: TEAM SAFARI, SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

If you’d like to take a turn at RO duty, we can use volunteers at any or all of these.

Thanks everyone and see you next time.

 

2024 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 10, 2024

RIFLE/OPEN DIVISION
1. Curtis Winner
2. Tyler Hughes
3. Nick Diaz
4. Connor Dowd
5. Clay Moyers

RIFLE DIV RESULTS

223 CARBINE DIVISION
1. Zach Poe
2. Ben Mann
3. Tod Carroll

223/AR DIV RESULTS

Thanks for coming everyone!

The BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE is coming up in a couple weeks. We still have team slots. We also need some RO’s for BOTC.

Thanks!

 

STEEL SAFARI ALMOST HERE - SLOTS OPEN-- ALSO SEEKING RO'S

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 13, 2024

Hi everyone, the 2024 season is rapidly approaching. The Steel Safari is in just a few weeks. We still have slots available to shoot the Steel Safari, so sign up if you want to shoot this match!

Also, we are seeking Range Officers for the Burris Optics Team Challenge in mid June (June 19-23). Please email us back if you’d like to RO the BOTC!

Thanks!

 

2024 CD MATCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 6, 2024

Online registration for 2024 CD events is open NOW.

http://competition-dynamics.com/

The big change for 2024 is that we shuffled around the Team Safari schedule so it’s now in September, and we moved the SAC a couple of weeks earlier than last year. Also, in order to keep shooting at Blue Steel Ranch, it is imperative that we get high attendance numbers at the Steel Safari and the Team Safari.

2024 EVENT DATES

STEEL SAFARI June 7-9, Logan, NM
BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE June 20-23, Douglas, WY
TEAM SAFARI Sept 5-8, Logan, NM
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Oct 10-13, Benson, AZ

STEEL SAFARI: The Original Hike And Shoot Match. The Steel Safari is the archetypal “hike-and-shoot” long-range rifle match. It tests a wide spectrum of skills involved in getting to a shooting location, identifying targets, and engaging long-range rifle targets with only one shot each. Some of these skills include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills.

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: A hard team match! This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints.

TEAM SAFARI: This is a team “hike-and-shoot” rifle match for long-range rifle, semi-auto “carbine,” and pistols. It will test a 2-man team’s ability to locate, range, and engage practical targetry spread in the terrain using both weapons systems. Some of the skills involved include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills. You can think of the Team Safari as a Team version of the Steel Safari. This match is much easier physically than the TBTC and is more on-par with the Steel Safari.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: The Premier Tactical Adventure Race. You and your partner will undergo tests involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks. Two-man teams will be required to navigate 30-60+ miles on foot to complete the course. Along the way, there will be a series of tasks to accomplish to gain additional points. These tasks may include: shooting problems with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; problem-solving; physical challenges; fieldcraft; communication; target recognition; memory; and other tasks. We are now in our second year at our new Arizona venue — last year it was very challenging and this year we are also moving to the 48-hour format we used in ’21 and ’22.

Please go to the CD web site for match info and registration http://competition-dynamics.com/

We are also looking for RANGE OFFICER volunteers for all of these matches. Please see our Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program and then contact zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer

 

2023 SAC RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 6, 2023

Congrats to everyone for a very successful 2023 SAC! Just doing the preparation and showing up shows a level of dedication and drive that is sorely lacking in the modern world. Actually thriving at the SAC indicates an truly exceptional level of personal and team accomplishment. This year we had zero “rescues” and no significant medical issues– I think our medical staff taped some feet and made sure a few people drank enough water after they went dry on the way back from a mission. This marks a significant improvement in the ability for teams to “take care of themselves” during the race, compared to 5+ years ago. Well done! Thank you all for coming.

The SAC can’t happen without RO’s. Thanks to all the RO’s who came to help: Neil, Walt, Jonathan Thornton, Chris, Seth, Charlie, John Phillips, Mark, Chad, EJ, Aaron, Vinessa, Ben, Tony, and Rick. And of course, Stan. Special thanks to our medical staff: Doc Bruce, Stewart, Monique, and Cheryl. Hunter McWilliams, who had RO’d for us at SS and TS several years, volunteered to be an Assistant Match director at SAC this year. I put a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, with Jimmy being out due to an emergency, and he really stepped up and did a great job. Thanks to our landowners and hosts: Owen, Matt, and Carmen. Having prior year SAC competitors come back and RO in their “off years” is a great help since they “get” what the SAC is and how it works. Thanks again guys.

RESULTS – TOP 5
1. AAL / SIMPKINS
2. WAX / STEPHENS
3. BARTON / HUGHES
4. HOM / HOM
5. FRANTZ / SCARBOROUGH

LINK TO FULL RESULTS: PDF OF FULL RESULTS

For anyone who wants to check out the SPOT tracks, here they are 2023 SPOT TRACKS. I will do some analysis of the leaders for mileage later this week when I catch up.

SPECIAL THANKS TO COMPETITORS

After the normal awards, the competitors and RO’s presented Jimmy (in absentia) and I an award of appreciation for running the SAC for 12 years, which then enabled the community to group up around it. At the first SAC, I don’t think any of us knew what we were getting into– as competitors or as staff. Many of us have made lifelong friends competing in or staffing the SAC. The group of people involved is just so solid. In any case, thank you to Murph, Travis Wills, the Dodds, and all the other competitors and staff who made the award possible. It means a lot to Jimmy and I. Thank you guys. It’s humbling to be a part of a group of such virtuous Americans.

 

SAC TEAMS - SEND SPOT IDSNOW

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 17, 2023

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY THURSDAY OCT 26th

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Click on the SETTINGS AND BILLINGS tab
  4. Scroll down to almost the bottom of the page; find the section named “XML FEED”, and then click “VIEW/EDIT”
  5. If you have more than one, select the specific SPOT device from the list
  6. Make sure the XML feed is ACTIVE by clicking “ACTIVATE”
  7. Click the “VIEW DETAILS” drop-down on the right-hand side — of the specific device you are using (if you have multiple SPOTs registered with them)
  8. Look for the text that appears, “Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB
  9. Save that highlighted part — you have to send that to us.
  10. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  11. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  12. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  13. SEND US THE XML FEED ID from STEP #8, along with your Confirmation Code. Your confirmation code is the 4-digit code you got when you registered for the SAC.

    Note: only send us the email after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    XML ID: Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. As far as we know Spot Gen4’s will work too. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG, SPOT X.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

2023 ACCUFIRE TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 16, 2023

Thanks to ACCUFIRE for being the title sponsor!

TOP 5:
1. ZACH MEYER COLT MEDLEY
2. Mike Dowd Connor Dowd
3. Justin Garay Serge Ducourneau
4. Top Jimmy John Phillips
5. DORGAN TROSTEL NICK MERTZS

FULL RESULTS: PDF of full results

We have one more event this year, the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. If you don’t want to compete, maybe come RO it!

 

Bounding Box SAC 2023

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 6, 2023

Hi, a few of you have asked about the “bounding box” for this year’s race. The race will be entirely within the rectangle defined by these two corners. That is, this box is larger than the race map that you will be issued:

top left corner:
31* 54′ 13″ N 110* 20′ 28″ W

bottom right corner:
31* 45′ 13″ N 110* 11′ 54″ W

 

RO's needed for Sniper Adventure Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 22, 2023

We are currently seeking staff for the Sniper Adventure Challenge (SAC). The SAC is an approximately 36-hour adventure race that involves shooting stage and mental and physical challenges, besides the 40-60 miles of on-foot hand navigation that the competitor teams will attempt.

As a staff member at the SAC, you will be in charge of one or more Shooting Stages or mental/physical “challenge” stages. We also need people to locate and extract teams that have requested aid.

The SAC will be held this year at a large private training facility located near BENSON ARIZONA. The dates are the NOVEMBER 2-4, although you’ll want to arrive about a day ahead of time. We will have a camper / camping area on-site for staff and some facilities, although during the even itself, you’ll probably be stationed “in the field” overnight at least one night.

As a staff member / RO, you’ll get credit for a competitor slot at a future CD match, e.g. Steel Safari, etc. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program and then contact zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer.

These events can’t happen without some RO’s to help out, and the SAC is always a fun time for staff.

Thanks,
Zak & Jimmy

 

2023 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 28, 2023

Thanks again to BURRIS for their great support!

RESULTS
1. TROSTEL / THOMAS
2. PAULSEN / ROTHENBERG
3. GARDNER / ALCOCK
4. JENNIGES / BODEN
5. DEWESTER / GLODOWSKI

FULL RESULTS PDF HERE

We have 3 more matches this year if you want to shoot (and/or hike) more: SAVAGE HUNTER EXTREME, TEAM SAFARI, SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

If you’d like to take a turn at RO duty, we can use volunteers at any or all of these.

The next match on the calendar is the SAVAGE HUNTER EXTREME. It’s a camping-based field match with additional hunting-style challenges in DOUGLAS WY the first week of August.

We are actively looking for RO’s for this match too. Please join us!

Thanks everyone and see you next time.

 

2023 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 5, 2023

RIFLE/OPEN DIVISION
1. Zach Meyer
2. Dorgan Trostel
3. Tyler Hughes
4. Andrew Reinhardt
5. Josh Reeves

RIFLE DIV RESULTS

223 CARBINE DIVISION
1. Mike Dowd
2. Zach Poe
3. Gabriel Najar

223/AR DIV RESULTS

Thanks for coming everyone!

The BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE is coming up in a couple weeks. We still have team slots. We also need some RO’s for BOTC.

Thanks!

 

MATCH HIGHLIGHT: STEEL SAFARI

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 3, 2023

In the mid 1990’s, David Kahn developed the idea of the “Keneyathlon.” There isn’t much history of it publicly available, but as far as I can tell, it sort of fizzled out in the mid to late 90’s. Jeff Cooper discussed it in some of his Commentaries in the mid 90’s. When Dave Wheeler moved to NM in the late 90’s, he adapted the concept to his new property, which he dubbed the “Blue Steel Ranch”, and named it the match the “Steel Safari.” The Steel Safari debuted in 1998. The first time I heard of it was in the early 2000’s.

The concept in those early years was rudimentary but also a type of challenge that didn’t exist anywhere else. The shooter was to follow a hiking trail and periodically come across a shooting station at which he would have a limited amount of time to complete a “hunting-related” shooting challenge. This would involve orienting one’s self to the stage, locating the targets, ranging, and shooting them. At that time, some points were given for locating targets, and additional points for hitting them and only one shot was allowed per target. Stages might have, 1, 2, 3, or more targets. In the early days of the Steel Safari, the hot setup was a Remington 700 with a fresh barrel (300 Win Mag, .35-06, 6.5-06, 308, and 7mm RM were common choices). Scopes were often Leupold Mark 4 with MOA turrets and a mil-dot.

The Steel Safari was an “underground” match, in that you had to know someone who knew Dave to shoot it, in those first years. After the 2007 match, Dave announced that it was the “last Steel Safari” because it was too much for for one man to set up the match (true!). At that point, he handed the match over to us. Dave passed away last year and was truly one of the old-school shooters and gunfighters.

Sometime around 2010, we changed the match format from a two-day format to a three-day format in order to allow more than about 40 shooters. This expansion let us get closer to 90 shooters max, with an average turnout of around 75. The change also allowed us to increase the stage count to over 25 stages. We also standardized the stage descriptions/formats to always have 6 engagement, either a 2×3, or a 1×6 stage setup. Stages remain bind, and the “staging area -> shooting spot” format goes back to how Dave ran it in the early 2000’s.

Over time, as equipment got better and the shooters got better, we’ve continuously expanded the difficulty of the match. At the Steel Safari, you really have to be good at the fundamentals and the subtleties of field rifle shooting. There are no shortcuts– it’s just you, the shooting spot, and the timer– do the best you can. There’s no team to help you, no “wind bitch”, nobody to watch shoot it ahead of you. It’s the pure essence of field rifle shooting.

The 2023 match is coming up in about 8 weeks. Match information and sign-up is here:
STEEL SAFARI 2023

 

2023 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE ! -- ALSO PISTOL RDS IN 2023

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 3, 2023

The 2023 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE will be held NOVEMBER 3-4 at a brand new venue near BENSON, AZ.
Check-in will be on Nov 2 and awards will be on Sunday Nov 5th.
Match details here: 2023 SAC

2023 RULE CHANGE FOR PISTOLS FOR ALL CD MATCHES–
“OPEN” Pistols are allowed. This means your RDS/optics and comps are OK. The only restriction is that the slide must be at least partially contained while holstered and the holster must retain the pistol safely under vigorous movement (SAC has more restrictive holster rules).

 

2023 CD MATCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 6, 2023

Online registration for 2023 CD events is open NOW (mostly).

http://competition-dynamics.com/

To follow up on what was announced at the Safari Special last year, the best chance we have to keep operating at Blue Steel Ranch is to fill the Steel Safari and Team Safari to capacity– so please register and attend if you like shooting at Blue Steel.

We did remove the Safari Special for 2023 because attendance was light and it’s too close to Christmas and SHOT Show.

2023 EVENT DATES

STEEL SAFARI June 2-4, Logan, NM
BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE June 22-25, Douglas, WY
SAVAGE BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER August 3-6, Douglas, WY
TEAM SAFARI Oct 13-15, Logan, NM
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE – TBD – TBD – MATCH PAGE WILL BE PUT UP AS SOON AS THIS IS FINALIZED.

STEEL SAFARI: The Original Hike And Shoot Match. The Steel Safari is the archetypal “hike-and-shoot” long-range rifle match. It tests a wide spectrum of skills involved in getting to a shooting location, identifying targets, and engaging long-range rifle targets with only one shot each. Some of these skills include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills.

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: A hard team match! This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: The Premier Tactical Adventure Race. You and your partner will undergo tests involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks. Two-man teams will be required to navigate 30-60+ miles on foot to complete the course. Along the way, there will be a series of tasks to accomplish to gain additional points. These tasks may include: shooting problems with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; problem-solving; physical challenges; fieldcraft; communication; target recognition; memory; and other tasks. We are moving this match to AZ and are finalizing the details. We are looking at scheduling it for OCT or NOV to help with the heat and reduce conflicts with other matches.

SAVAGE BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER. A CAMP-BASED HUNTING CHALLENGE. NRL HUNTER and COMPETITION DYNAMICS have teamed up to bring you a multi-day backcountry hunting adventure! This match is a test of a two-man team’s ability to complete hunting-related challenges while based at a “spike camp” for three nights. A majority of the challenges will take the form of NRL-Hunter shooting stages. For these, both team members will be using rifles that fall into the same NRL-Hunter equipment division (Light, Heavy, or Factory). There will be other hunting-related shooting challenges using guns provided by the match. There will be hunting/field craft challenges, to specifically include coordinate-based and distance/bearing-based land navigation. We are moving this to DOUGLAS WY so we can have a legitimate backcountry experience.

TEAM SAFARI: This is a team “hike-and-shoot” rifle match for long-range rifle, semi-auto “carbine,” and pistols. It will test a 2-man team’s ability to locate, range, and engage practical targetry spread in the terrain using both weapons systems. Some of the skills involved include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills. You can think of the Team Safari as a Team version of the Steel Safari. This match is much easier physically than the TBTC and is more on-par with the Steel Safari.

Please go to the CD web site for match info and registration http://competition-dynamics.com/

We are also looking for RANGE OFFICER volunteers for all of these matches. Please see our Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program and then contact zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer

 

2023 EVENT DATES UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 31, 2022

Hi everyone,

We are working to get all the dates nailed down and finalized for 2023. By the end of the first week of January, we’ll have the Steel Safari, BOTC, and Team Safari officially announced and open for registration. Expect those dates to be the same as 2022, IE the same week of the same month.

We are still negotiating a new venue for the SAC so the SAC dates and location are not yet finalized. I expect this to be announced in early Feb.

Thanks and see you at SHOT Show!

 

2022 SAFARI SPECIAL RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 12, 2022

Thanks to everyone who came and shot the 2022 “Codgers and Misfits” SAFARI SPECIAL.

Here are the FULL PDF RESULTS

HIGHLIGHTS:

SENIOR DIVISION:
1. STEVE COHEN
2. SCOTT HAWKINS (also HIGH SUPER SENIOR)
3. DAVID STROUD

308 DIVISION:
1. ANDREW WELLS

223 CARBINE:
1. ZACH POE
2. CONNOR DOWD
3. BARON WHEELR

OPEN
1. BRIAN WHALEN
2. BRET FILES
3. MICHAEL ALFIERI

WEIRD AR CALIBERS
1. GABRIEL NAJAR

223 TRAINER
1. CARY OSTRANDER

NIGHT:
1. COLTON LOUREY
2. CONNOR DOWD
3. NICK MERZ

MISSING TROPHIES–

If you were supposed to get a trophy that was missing, please email me directly with your address and I’ll get them re-made and shipped out. I think that’s the top 3 in 223CAR and top 1 in WEIRD AR. Sorry about that!

OTHER NEWS

2023–

The 2023 schedule will be the same as 2022 for STEEL SAFARI and TEAM SAFARI. Jimmy and I are up in the air if we will repeat the SAFARI SPECIAL because attendance was down a bit this year and it’s during a very busy time of the year; however, we do have a lot of fun with it.

We should have the 2023 schedule posted for all matches by the first week in JAN. Like I said, the dates will be the same, adjusted +/- 1 day for the year to year dates/week change. In other words, “Matches same weeks.”

The only exception is that the announcement for 2023 SAC might be delayed because we are moving venue and need to finalize some stuff before we announce.

DAVE WHEELER–

As I announced at the awards meeting, we learned that DAVE WHEELER passed away last week. We do not have any additional information at this time. When we have any information about services, I will post it here to the list.

Dave and his wife Lorraine retired from LAPD and moved to Logan for their “first retirement”, and Dave established the Blue Steel Ranch as his shooting venue in the mid-late 1990’s. Dave was active in SOF, SWPL, the Second Chance matches, and other shooting during the 80’s and 90’s. The BSR was his own private shooting wonderland. He set up the field courses and held the first Steel Safari in 1998. Although the idea of the Keneyathlon predated the Steel Safari, the Keneyathlon fizzled out, while the Steel Safari is the longest running field-style LR match that I am aware of (25 years!!!). The Steel Safari was an “underground” match, in that you had to know someone who knew Dave to shoot it, in those first years. After the 2007 match, Dave announced that it was the “last Steel Safari” because it was too much for for one man to set up the match (true!). At that point, he handed the match over to us. In any case, Dave was a great guy and truly one of the old-school shooters and gunfighters. Rest in Peace, Dave.

 

FINAL CALL FOR SAFARI SPECIAL REGISTRATION

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 29, 2022

If you want to shoot the SAFARI SPECIAL, please sign up ASAP.

SAFARI SPECIAL WEB SITE

2022 SAFARI SPECIAL
December 9-11, 2022 at Logan, NM

THE “CODGERS AND MISFITS” MATCH

The STEEL SAFARI has evolved into an extremely competitive match. We have had a lot of feedback from shooters over 50, whose eyes have changed for the worse, that they simply cannot locate or see the targets. For everyone else, we all have guns that we might like to try competitively, but they simply wouldn’t be competitive against STEEL SAFARI Open-Division Rifles. Thus, we came up with this match at the request of JP Enterprises and others.

 

2022 ACCUFIRE TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 18, 2022

Congrats to Meyer/Medley for pulling off the win!

2022 FULL RESULTS PDF

 

2022 SAC RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 5, 2022

Congrats to all the 2022 SAC competitors!

Here are the results:
2022 RESULTS PDF

TOP 5:
1. AAL / SIMPKINS
2. MURPHY / DANIEL
3. BARTON / HUGHES
4. WAX / CASTRO
5. HOM / HOM

Here is a link to the 2022 SPOT TRACKS

For history, here are the top 5 teams from 2012 to now:

2012 – UTAH
1. HAIZLIP / WILSON
2. MURPHY / DANIEL
3. TUOHY / GROVER
4. MCRAE / MCRAE
5. TOMCZAK / CROFT

2013 – MAYHILL
1. MURPHY / DANIEL
2. HAIZLIP / WILSON
3. METZGER / COLLINS
4. TUOHY / GROVER
5. LEWIS / SMITH

2014 – DOUGLAS
1. FULLER / STEINBACH
2. SWITZER / WILSON
3. URICK / URICK
4. MCRAE / MCRAE
5. MURPHY / DANIEL

2015 – DOUGLAS
1. FRANTZ / DAY
2. MURPHY / DANIEL
3. WILSON / HAIZLIP
4. WILLIAMS / HOM
5. BEAR / ANGELOS

2016 – DOUGLAS
1. FULLER / STEINBACH
2. MCRAE / MCRAE
3. BARTON / DECAPIO
4. BUCK / PROKOP
5. COLE / STEIERT

2017 – Q CREEK
1. MURPHY / DANIEL
2. WAY / JAMES
3. FRANTZ / LELAND
4. FULLER / STEINBACH
5. BARTON / HILMISSON

2018 – Q CREEK
1. MURPHY / DANIEL
2. VERMEULEN / BERGLEE
3. WAY / JAMES
4. SCHELLER / RAPIER
5. FULLER / STEINBACH

2019 – Q CREEK
1. WAY / SMITH
2. DODD / DODD
3. DEVEREAUX / SIPLON
4. HALLING / MAGINN
5. WAX / SPENCER

2020 – DOUGLAS
1. WAX / AAL
2. BARTON / HUGHES
3. HALLING / MAGINN
4. HOM / HOM
5. DACUS / GIBB

2021 – DOUGLAS
1. WAX / AAL
2. DANIEL / MURPHY
3. HUGHES / BARTON
4. DACUS / GIBB
5. DODD / DODD

2022 – DOUGLAS
1. AAL / SIMPKINS
2. MURPHY / DANIEL
3. BARTON / HUGHES
4. WAX / CASTRO
5. HOM / HOM

 

SAC COMPETITOR INFORMATION - 2022

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 23, 2022

This the pre-match competitor information for the 2022 SAC. It comprises two parts, (I) administrative “pre-work” to do before arriving and bring to check-in, and (II) additional match-related information competitors (similar to prior years).

I. ADMINISTRATIVE PRE-WORK

There are some mandatory “To Do” items for ALL COMPETITORS. Go to this link and follow those instructions

http://competition-dynamics.com/sniper-adventure-challenge-2022/virtual-briefing.php

II. COMPETITOR INFORMATION

1. SPOTS- Please turn your SPOT on on Thursday the 1st at approx 3 PM. This way we’ll have time to confirm all SPOTS are operational and tracking by the time the race starts. Teams with non-tracking SPOTS will not be allowed to leave on land-nav missions.

The SPOT tracker links is here: 2022 SPOT TRACKER

If you don’t see your team in the above list, you need to send me your SPOT info per the directions a couple posts below this one.

2. CHECK-IN LOCATION. Check-in and match HQ will be at Travis’s house, 646 Wagonhound Rd. This driveway is opposite the 646 sign that says “Travis Brayden”.

3. PARKING: For check-in only, you may drive down to the house to check-in. For the long-term parking during the race, you must park at the end of driveway on the SE corner of where his driveway meets Wagonhound. Please make sure your vehicles are fully out of both the driveway and the road.

4. Check-in will be available 3-5pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 5:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers (bring pre-signed). We will have a brief break period before the race begins (see point 10 “Muster” below).

5. Please bring a few sheets of paper and a pen appropriate for making field sketches or reports. Some type of waterproof or water resistant paper is recommended (rite in the rain, revlar, terraslate, etc), but not required.

6. You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

7. There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

8. NO FIRES. The requirement for the “signal flares” is waived. You cannot make any fire, not even stoves, jetboils, etc. Everything is too dry. The place will go up due to any flame source. MRE heaters used as-intended are OK.

9. At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before or at muster. Bring your firearms to check-in for TECH INSPECTION. Firearms must be cold/unloaded.

10. Muster at 6:00 PM — THURSDAY, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”) The Muster Line will be in open area by Travis’s house.

11. Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios upon race end, or before awards on Sunday. Please note that if you quit the race early, you may have to wait until staff is available, or until awards Sunday, for the exchange.

12. Awards will be at the check-in location at 10:00 AM Sunday.

13. The Spot Tracker URL is at the top of this message. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Thursday 5pm.

14. REMINDER: BIPODS PERMITTED ON CARBINES. HANDGUNS NO OPTICS.

15. The core staff will be heading up Monday afternoon. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email about twice a day.

16. You will be issued a 1:24000 map for the race course. At check-in, you will need to copy DANGER and/or NOGO boundaries from a master map we have posted.

17. Personal climbing gear is NOT NEEDED this year. Having your own rope and/or friction devices for other types of challenges is up to you.

18. We have revised the equipment list to include TWO (2x) “military style duffel bag” instead of just one. Same as last year.

19. For the “sealed bag” GPS, cell phones, etc, you do NOT need a separate GPS device IF you are bringing a cell phone that has a GPS APP that can report directly in UTM coordinates. (These will be powered off and sealed and only used for emergencies.)

20. REMINDER – No devices that have the capability for 2-way communication of any kind, and no GPS watches. See post below.

If we have any additional competitor notes, they will be published in the same manner as this notice.

 

Re-statement of GPS Rules for SAC

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 18, 2022

No GPS devices are allowed, which includes watches that have GPS hardware, regardless of what software mode they are put into.

 

SAC TEAMS - SEND SPOT IDS NOW

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 18, 2022

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY FRIDAY AUG 26TH

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Click on the SETTINGS AND BILLINGS tab
  4. Scroll down to almost the bottom of the page; find the section named “XML FEED”, and then click “VIEW/EDIT”
  5. If you have more than one, select the specific SPOT device from the list
  6. Make sure the XML feed is ACTIVE by clicking “ACTIVATE”
  7. Click the “VIEW DETAILS” drop-down on the right-hand side — of the specific device you are using (if you have multiple SPOTs registered with them)
  8. Look for the text that appears, “Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB
  9. Save that highlighted part — you have to send that to us.
  10. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  11. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  12. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  13. SEND US THE XML FEED ID from STEP #8, along with your Confirmation Code. Your confirmation code is the 4-digit code you got when you registered for the SAC.

    Note: only send us the email after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    XML ID: Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. As far as we know Spot Gen4’s will work too. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG, SPOT X.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

Seeking 2022 SAC Range Officers

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 31, 2022

CALL FOR PROCTORS / RANGE OFFICERS. We are making a call for SAC Range officers, challenge proctors, and other help. The SAC is a unique volunteer opportunity due to the nature of the event. We need RO’s no later that Thursday Sept 1st, early morning for briefing/training (mid-day Wed Aug 31st is better), and then we’ll all be mostly on-duty until the end of the race. Please email Zak at INFO@COMPETITION-DYNAMICS.COM if you’d like to RO this event. Doing so also qualifies you in our CD RO PROGRAM

The SAC is a 48-hour adventure race with shooting stages and other physical/mental challenges for competitors that will take place Sept 1-3, 2022 in Douglas WY.

If you have already volunteered, please send me a note confirming your attendance.

THANKS

 

2022 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 27, 2022

Thanks again to BURRIS for their great support!

RESULTS
1. Charles Sebastian Thunder, Esq. Dr. Panama Bronson III
2. Chris Way Dave Gheriani
3. Dorgan Trostel Ckye Thomas
4. Andrew Reinhardt Collin Fossen
5. Andrew Wells Jason Mossel

FULL RESULTS PDF HERE

We have 3 more matches this year if you want to shoot (and/or hike) more: SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE, TEAM SAFARI, SAFARI SPECIAL (“CODGERS AND MISFITS”)

If you’d like to take a turn at RO duty, we can use volunteers at any or all of these.

Thanks everyone and see you next time.

 

Seeking a few RO's for the Burris Optics Team Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 9, 2022

The next Competition Dynamics match is the Burris Optics Team Challenge, June 23-26 at Douglas WY.

The BOTC is a very dynamic event, with hour-long stages that include around a mile of movement for rifle and carbine, assault stages for carbines, pistols, and rifles.

We are still looking for a few additional experienced RO’s for the BOTC. We’d need RO’s there by Thursday morning (Wed mid day better) for stage orientation and briefing. RO’s can camp on site at the same location as the core match staff.

Besides being part of a great event and seeing some of the best long-range field shooters, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program.

Please contact me by email if you’re interested.

 

STEEL SAFARI 2022 RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 6, 2022

STEEL SAFARI 2022 – RIFLE/OPEN DIVISION

1. Zach Meyer
2. Dorgan Trostel
3. Collin Fossen
4. Duncan McCockner
5. Clay Moyers

LINK TO FULL RIFLE RESULTS PDF

CARBINE DIVISION
1. Chris Way

LINK TO FULL CARBINE/223 RESULTS PDF

 

MATCH SIGNUP REMINDER

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 25, 2022

CD’s 2022 match season is quickly approaching. If you want to shoot these matches, please sign up ASAP. Knowing ahead of time how many shooters to expect helps us out in match planning. It also reserves your spot in the match.

The Steel Safari is coming up in early June and we have quite a few slots left available. 2022 STEEL SAFARI

The Burris Optics Team Challenge is getting close to our nominal capacity. It’s in mid June in Douglas WY. BOTC 2022

We also have the SAC 2022 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

Our new collaboration with NRL-HUNTER is the BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER, at CAMEO in SEPT. This is a camping-based field match and will be the first of its kind. BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER 2022

We also have the TEAMS SAFARI and SAFARI SPECIAL later in the year.

We are also looking for RANGE OFFICERS at all of these events. Please contact us via email if you’re interested.

 

BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER FOOD AND PACKING NOTES #1

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 25, 2022

Teams will be able to bring either (1) a large military-style duffel bag, OR (2) a cooler, for food or additional gear, ammunition, etc that match staff will throw in a truck and transport to the camp location for you.

Your primary match and camping gear must be packed in by you and may NOT be in this duffel/cooler. This includes firearms, enough ammo to shoot one stage, and tent.

The (1) duffel OR (2) cooler may not be so heavy that your weaker team member cannot carry it by himself about 50 feet. If you choose the (2) cooler, it may not be larger than a 40-quart/liter class cooler, and it may not be powered by batteries etc.

You may pack in whatever else you want, in whatever bags or packs that you want, as long as you carry it from the match HQ/check-in area up to the camp location.

It is almost a certainty that there will be a fire ban on open fires. I expect that this will not include enclosed stoves such as Jetboils and Coleman stoves. However, if a fire ban includes those we will let you know as soon as we do.

There is the option of getting a food vendor that comes close to the camp setup area on one or more days (probably a dinner meal). If there is enough demand for this we can probably make it happen.

 

2022 CD MATCH SEASON

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 2, 2022

Online registration for 2022 Competition Dynamics events will open at 7:00 AM MST THURS JAN 6th.

http://competition-dynamics.com/

2022 EVENT DATES

STEEL SAFARI June 3-5, Logan, NM
BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE June 23-26, Douglas, WY
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Sept 1-3, Douglas, WY
SAVAGE BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER Sept 22-25, CAMEO, CO
TEAM SAFARI Oct 14-16, Logan, NM
SAFARI SPECIAL (CODGER MISFITS) Dec 9-11, Logan, NM

STEEL SAFARI: The Original Hike And Shoot Match. The Steel Safari is the archetypal “hike-and-shoot” long-range rifle match. It tests a wide spectrum of skills involved in getting to a shooting location, identifying targets, and engaging long-range rifle targets with only one shot each. Some of these skills include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills.

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: A hard team match! This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: The Premier Tactical Adventure Race. You and your partner will undergo tests involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks. Two-man teams will be required to navigate 30-60+ miles on foot to complete the course. Along the way, there will be a series of tasks to accomplish to gain additional points. These tasks may include: shooting problems with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; problem-solving; physical challenges; fieldcraft; communication; target recognition; memory; and other tasks.

SAVAGE BACKCOUNTRY XTREME HUNTER. A CAMP-BASED HUNTING CHALLENGE. NRL HUNTER and COMPETITION DYNAMICS have teamed up to bring you a multi-day backcountry hunting adventure! This match is a test of a two-man team’s ability to complete hunting-related challenges while based at a “spike camp” for three nights. A majority of the challenges will take the form of NRL-Hunter shooting stages. For these, both team members will be using rifles that fall into the same NRL-Hunter equipment division (Light, Heavy, or Factory). There will be other hunting-related shooting challenges using guns provided by the match. There will be hunting/field craft challenges, to specifically include coordinate-based and distance/bearing-based land navigation.

TEAM SAFARI: This is a team “hike-and-shoot” rifle match for long-range rifle, semi-auto “carbine,” and pistols. It will test a 2-man team’s ability to locate, range, and engage practical targetry spread in the terrain using both weapons systems. Some of the skills involved include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills. You can think of the Team Safari as a Team version of the Steel Safari. This match is much easier physically than the TBTC and is more on-par with the Steel Safari.

THE “CODGERS AND MISFITS” MATCH. The STEEL SAFARI has evolved into an extremely competitive match. We have had a lot of feedback from shooters over 50, whose eyes have changed for the worse, that they simply cannot locate or see the targets. For everyone else, we all have guns that we might like to try competitively, but they simply wouldn’t be competitive against STEEL SAFARI Open-Division Rifles. Thus, we came up with this match at the request of JP Enterprises and others.

Please go to the CD web site for match info and registration http://competition-dynamics.com/

We are also looking for RANGE OFFICER volunteers for all of these matches. Please see our Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program and then contact zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer

 

SAFARI SPECIAL RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 14, 2021

PDF LINK OF SAFARI SPECIAL RESULTS

2022 dates and events will be announced soon.

 

2021 ACCUFIRE TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 19, 2021

Congrats to Williamson/Curtis for pulling off the win!

2021 FULL RESULTS PDF

 

Need a couple RO's for Team Safari

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 30, 2021

We are seeking a few more RO’s for the upcoming TEAAM SAFARI, held in Logan NM at the Blue Steel Ranch, Oct 14-17. Prior competitors in any of our matches are ideal. We are specifically seeking RO’s with “Action Stage”, or 3-Gun, RO experience. As an RO you will be a “LEADER OUT” in the morning (experience with historic field course layout at BSR is a plus) AND/OR you will be an action-stage RO in the afternoons on Friday and Saturday.

We need RO’s there on Thursday, mid day, for RO briefings. RO’s may not shoot the T.S. for score, however, will can give you an opportunity to shoot some of the stages for fun. In addition, our RO program gives you credit for a future match. For reference, here is the CD Range Officer Program.

2021 Team Safari Match Info

If you’d like to help us RO this match, please contact us ASAP at info@competition-dynamics.com

thanks

 

Seeking a few RO's for Team Safari (Oct 14-17)

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 17, 2021

We are seeking a few more RO’s for the upcoming TEAAM SAFARI, held in Logan NM at the Blue Steel Ranch, Oct 14-17. Prior competitors in any of our matches are ideal. We are specifically seeking RO’s with “Action Stage”, or 3-Gun, RO experience. As an RO you will be a “LEADER OUT” in the morning (experience with historic field course layout at BSR is a plus) AND/OR you will be an action-stage RO in the afternoons on Friday and Saturday.

We need RO’s there on Thursday, mid day, for RO briefings. RO’s may not shoot the T.S. for score, however, will can give you an opportunity to shoot some of the stages for fun. In addition, our RO program gives you credit for a future match. For reference, here is the CD Range Officer Program.

2021 Team Safari Match Info

If you’d like to help us RO this match, please contact us ASAP at info@competition-dynamics.com

thanks

 

2021 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGES - RESULTS - AND RETROSPECTIVE

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 6, 2021

Congrats to all the 2021 SAC competitors!

Here are the results:
2021 RESULTS PDF

TOP 5:
1. WAX / AAL
2. DANIEL / MURPHY
3. HUGHES / BARTON
4. DACUS / GIBB
5. DODD / DODD

#1 WAX / AAL returned to win it for the second year in a row.

#2 DANIEL / MURPHY deserve a special call out for penetrating furthest into the land nav missions, as they got about 30% into mission 5, and got the most total checkpoints.

These two teams put forward truly elite levels of performance.

#3, HUGHES / BARTON deserves a call out for getting the most “challenge points.”

Of the 29 teams that started the SAC:
* 26 of them completed at least the first mission.
* 17 of those completed two or more missions.
* 4 of those completed three or more missions.
and
TWO teams completed four missions.

Here is a link to the 2021 SPOT TRACKS

Doing the prep and showing up to this event shows an exceptional level of commitment. Finishing with a strong showing at the SAC demonstrates a level of skill, wit, dedication, and fitness that very few people on the planet strive for, let alone achieve, and you should be proud of yourselves.

For history, here are the top 5 teams from 2012 to now:

2012 – UTAH
1. HAIZLIP / WILSON
2. MURPHY / DANIEL
3. TUOHY / GROVER
4. MCRAE / MCRAE
5. TOMCZAK / CROFT

2013 – MAYHILL
1. MURPHY / DANIEL
2. HAIZLIP / WILSON
3. METZGER / COLLINS
4. TUOHY / GROVER
5. LEWIS / SMITH

2014 – DOUGLAS
1. FULLER / STEINBACH
2. SWITZER / WILSON
3. URICK / URICK
4. MCRAE / MCRAE
5. MURPHY / DANIEL

2015 – DOUGLAS
1. FRANTZ / DAY
2. MURPHY / DANIEL
3. WILSON / HAIZLIP
4. WILLIAMS / HOM
5. BEAR / ANGELOS

2016 – DOUGLAS
1. FULLER / STEINBACH
2. MCRAE / MCRAE
3. BARTON / DECAPIO
4. BUCK / PROKOP
5. COLE / STEIERT

2017 – Q CREEK
1. MURPHY / DANIEL
2. WAY / JAMES
3. FRANTZ / LELAND
4. FULLER / STEINBACH
5. BARTON / HILMISSON

2018 – Q CREEK
1. MURPHY / DANIEL
2. VERMEULEN / BERGLEE
3. WAY / JAMES
4. SCHELLER / RAPIER
5. FULLER / STEINBACH

2019 – Q CREEK
1. WAY / SMITH
2. DODD / DODD
3. DEVEREAUX / SIPLON
4. HALLING / MAGINN
5. WAX / SPENCER

2020 – DOUGLAS
1. WAX / AAL
2. BARTON / HUGHES
3. HALLING / MAGINN
4. HOM / HOM
5. DACUS / GIBB

2021 – DOUGLAS
1. WAX / AAL
2. DANIEL / MURPHY
3. HUGHES / BARTON
4. DACUS / GIBB
5. DODD / DODD

 

SAC COMPETITOR INFORMATION - 2021

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 26, 2021

This the pre-match competitor information for the 2021 SAC. It comprises two parts, (I) administrative “pre-work” to do before arriving and bring to check-in (primarily due to covid), and (II) additional match-related information competitors (similar to prior years).

I. ADMINISTRATIVE PRE-WORK AND COVID NOTES

There are some mandatory “To Do” items for ALL COMPETITORS. Go to this link and follow those instructions

http://competition-dynamics.com/sniper-adventure-challenge-2021/virtual-briefing.php

II. COMPETITOR INFORMATION

1. SPOTS- Please turn your SPOT on on Thursday the 2nd at approx 3 PM. This way we’ll have time to confirm all SPOTS are operational and tracking by the time the race starts. Teams with non-tracking SPOTS will not be allowed to leave on land-nav missions.

The SPOT tracker links is here: 2021 SPOT TRACKER

2. CHECK-IN LOCATION. Check-in and match HQ will be at Travis’s house, 646 Wagonhound Rd. This driveway is opposite the 646 sign that says “Travis Brayden”.

3. PARKING: For check-in only, you may drive down to the house to check-in. For the long-term parking during the race, you must park at the end of driveway on the SE corner of where his driveway meets Wagonhound. Please make sure your vehicles are fully out of both the driveway and the road.

4. Check-in will be available 3-5pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 5:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers (bring pre-signed). We will have a brief break period before the race begins (see point 10 “Muster” below).

5. Please bring a few sheets of paper and a pen appropriate for making field sketches or reports. Some type of waterproof or water resistant paper is recommended (rite in the rain, revlar, terraslate, etc), but not required.

6. You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

7. There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

8. NO FIRES. The requirement for the “signal flares” is waived. You cannot make any fire, not even stoves, jetboils, etc. Everything is too dry. The place will go up due to any flame source. MRE heaters used as-intended are OK.

9. At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before or at muster. Bring your firearms to check-in for TECH INSPECTION. Firearms must be cold/unloaded.

10. Muster at 6:00 PM — THURSDAY, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”) The Muster Line will be in open area by Travis’s house.

11. Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios upon race end, or before awards on Sunday. Please note that if you quit the race early, you may have to wait until staff is available, or until awards Sunday, for the exchange.

12. Awards will be at the check-in location at 10:00 AM Sunday.

13. The Spot Tracker URL is at the top of this message. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Thursday 5pm.

14. REMINDER: BIPODS PERMITTED ON CARBINES. HANDGUNS NO OPTICS.

15. The core staff will be heading up Monday afternoon. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email about twice a day.

16. You will be issued a 1:24000 map for the race course. At check-in, you will need to copy DANGER and/or NOGO boundaries from a master map we have posted.

17. Personal climbing gear is recommended. This comprises a helmet, a few UIAA-rated locking carabiners, a tube-style belay device, and a helmet. We have “some” loaners, but if you have this requirement you might be delayed. You may stash all this gear in your CACHE bag.

18. You need to know how to safely belay your partner using devices from #17.

19. We have revised the equipment list to include TWO (2x) “military style duffel bag” instead of just one.

20. For the “sealed bag” GPS, cell phones, etc, you do NOT need a separate GPS device IF you are bringing a cell phone that has a GPS APP that can report directly in UTM coordinates. )These will be powered off and sealed and only used for emergencies.)

If we have any additional competitor notes, they will be published in the same manner as this notice.

 

SAC TEAMS - SEND SPOT IDS NOW

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 16, 2021

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY FRIDAY AUG 27TH

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Click on the SETTINGS AND BILLINGS tab
  4. Scroll down to almost the bottom of the page; find the section named “XML FEED”, and then click “VIEW/EDIT”
  5. If you have more than one, select the specific SPOT device from the list
  6. Make sure the XML feed is ACTIVE by clicking “ACTIVATE”
  7. Click the “VIEW DETAILS” drop-down on the right-hand side — of the specific device you are using (if you have multiple SPOTs registered with them)
  8. Look for the text that appears, “Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB
  9. Save that highlighted part — you have to send that to us.
  10. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  11. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  12. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  13. SEND US THE XML FEED ID from STEP #8, along with your Confirmation Code. Your confirmation code is the 4-digit code you got when you registered for the SAC.

    Note: only send us the email after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    XML ID: Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. As far as we know Spot Gen4’s will work too. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG, SPOT X.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

SEEKING A FEW MORE RO'S FOR SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 14, 2021

We need a few more Range Officers / Proctors for the upcoming SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. The SAC is a unique volunteer opportunity due to the nature of the event. We need RO’s no later that Thursday early morning for briefing/training, and then we’ll all be mostly on-duty until the end of the race. Please email Zak at INFO@COMPETITION-DYNAMICS.COM if you’d like to RO this event. Doing so also qualifies you in our CD RO PROGRAM

 

SAC 2021 MAP

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 4, 2021

Here is the map link if anyone wants to order their own map to study or pre-mark it, etc. 2021 SAC MAP

During check-in, we will have a master map with private property exclusion boundaries marked (“DO NOT ENTER”) for teams to copy these exclusion zones on their map.

 

2021 SAC A GO! CALL FOR SAC COMPETITORS AND RANGE OFFICERS

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 23, 2021

Reminder, the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE is coming up quick! If you’ve been thinking about competing, or even better, have already been training, but haven’t signed up yet, now is the time!

For match information, CLICK HERE FOR MATCH INFO

It is in DOUGLAS WY this year again and we have access to another large neighboring property so we’ll have fresh terrain. Dates are Sept 2-4, with awards on the morning of the 5th, and check-in during the day on Thursday the 2nd.

Registration is open and slots are available. For online registration, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

CALL FOR PROCTORS / RANGE OFFICERS. We are also making a call for SAC Range officers, challenge proctors, and other help. The SAC is a unique volunteer opportunity due to the nature of the event. We need RO’s no later that Thursday early morning for briefing/training, and then we’ll all be mostly on-duty until the end of the race. Please email Zak at INFO@COMPETITION-DYNAMICS.COM if you’d like to RO this event. Doing so also qualifies you in our CD RO PROGRAM

If you have already volunteered, please send me a note confirming your attendance.

THANKS

 

Long-time CD shooter & RO, Chuck Ward passed away

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 1, 2021

It is with deep sadness that the Colorado shooting community announces the loss of Chuck Ward.

He passed away of natural causes.

Chuck was always at the core of the Colorado 3-Gun and long-range shooting community, although he preferred to stay out of the limelight. He was a plank holder of the NRA Whittington Sporting Rifle Match and he was involved in every 3-Gun, multi-gun, or LR match the “old crew” had going over the last almost 20 years.

Chuck was in the 101st Airborne in the 1980’s.

Rest in peace buddy.

SERVICE DETAILS

TUESDAY JULY 6TH

10:30 AM Sharp, Fort Logan National Cemetery

3698 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver.

DIRECTIONS

Enter via the NORTH GATE on SHERIDAN Proceed EAST to the second right, WYOMING STREET, head SOUTH until you see STAGING AREA B. Park here, on the road.

MAP: https://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/maps/ftlogan888.pdf

Fort Logan is very busy and runs strictly on-time. Be parked and ready to proceed (presumably on foot) to the service tent at 10:15. I suggest planning to arrive at Fort Logan closer to 10:00 AM.

The Fort Logan National Cemetery service will run for approximately 20 minutes.

After services are concluded, friends will be gathering at Monaghan’s Grill & Tavern, 3889 S King St, which is across the street from Ft Logan. Please RSVP to zak@thunderbeastarms.com if you will be attending this gathering, so I can have a head count.

 

2021 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 28, 2021

Here are the results of a challenging and “wet” BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE.

Thanks again to BURRIS for their great support!

RESULTS
1. Trostel / Thomas
2. Fossen / Reinhardt
3. Burt / Valencia
4. Boden / Jenniges
5. Posey / Greytak

FULL RESULTS PDF HERE

We have 3 more matches this year if you want to shoot (and/or hike) more: SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE, TEAM SAFARI, SAFARI SPECIAL (“CODGERS AND MISFITS”)

If you’d like to take a turn at RO duty, we can use volunteers at any or all of these.

Thanks everyone and see you next time.

 

STEEL SAFARI 2021 RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 7, 2021

STEEL SAFARI 2021 – RIFLE/OPEN DIVISION

1. CONNOR DOWD
2. DORGAN TROSTEL
3. JOSH REEVES
4. TYLER HUGHES
5. COLLIN FOSSEN

LINK TO FULL RIFLE RESULTS PDF

CARBINE DIVISION
1. GABRIEL NAJAR

LINK TO FULL CARBINE/223 RESULTS PDF

 

CALL FOR 2021 RANGE OFFICERS

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 5, 2021

Want to be part of a Competition Dynamics event? We are currently seeking Range Officers for our 2021 events. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked.

Take a look at our 2021 schedule for dates and event details, CD Events

Here is our 2021 schedule and what volunteer positions we are still looking for, for each:

STEEL SAFARI June 4-6, Logan, NM
* One additional “Leader Outer” — to lead out the first shooter on Fri, sat, and Sun.

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE June 24-27, Douglas, WY
* We are looking for up to 10 additional general-purpose Range Officers, with some field skills, and basic stage-area monitors.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Sept 2-4, Douglas, WY
* We are looking for up to about 20 general-purpose helpers / range officers. Experience any of the following areas a plus: wilderness medicine / first responder, EMT, M.D., field or tracking skills, action-style shooting Range Officer, Long-range Rifle Range Officer, 4×4 “Runner” / Rescue / Monitor, Mountaineering, Climbing, Escape and Evasion, Water safety / Lifeguard skills, Survival, and similar skillsets.

TEAM SAFARI Oct 15-17, Logan, NM
* We are looking for 3 “Leader Outers” and general-purpose range officers.

SAFARI SPECIAL December 9-12, Logan, NM
* We are looking for 3 “Leader Outers” and general-purpose range officers.

We also always have sponsor “Goodies” for Range Officers.

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

CPRIFLE STEEL SAFARI TRAIN-UP

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 23, 2021

Brian Whalen — Colorado Precision Rifle — will be conducting a Steel Safari “Train Up” class May 21-23 at the Blue Steel Ranch. For more information, go to https://www.cprifle.com/training/level-21-23-may-2021-blue-steel-ranch-logan-nm

 

CD ANNOUNCES NEW DECEMBER MATCH: SAFARI SPECIAL

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 8, 2021

2021 SAFARI SPECIAL
December 9-12 at Logan, NM

THE “CODGERS AND MISFITS” MATCH

The STEEL SAFARI has evolved into an extremely competitive match. We have had a lot of feedback from shooters over 50, whose eyes have changed for the worse, that they simply cannot locate or see the targets. For everyone else, we all have guns that we might like to try competitively, but they simply wouldn’t be competitive against STEEL SAFARI Open-Division Rifles. Thus, we came up with this match at the request of JP Enterprises and others.

The “SAFARI SPECIAL” aka “CODGERS AND MISFITS” match is a version of the STEEL SAFARI with a few small changes to aid shootability for especially SENIOR and SUPER-SENIOR shooters (see DIVISION 1 below).

Targets will be FLAGGED to aid visibility.

We will also have night-vision ONLY side match available to shooters registered in the main match (see below).

SPECIAL DIVISIONS SO FAR:

DIVISION 1 – “SENIOR”
SPECIAL SUBCLASS: “SUPER SENIOR”

DIVISION 2 – “308 ONLY”

DIVISION 3 – “223 CARBINE”

DIVISION 4 – “OPEN RIFLE”

DIVISION 5 – “LIGHT RIFLE”

DIVISION 6 – “WEIRD AR-15 CALIBERS”

DIVISION 7 (ADD-ON) – “NIGHT-VISION FIELD EVENT”

FULL MATCH INFO AND REGISTRATION HERE SAFARI SPECIAL AKA CODGERS AND MISFITS MATCH

 

REGISTRATION FOR 2021 CD EVENTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 5, 2021

Online registration for 2021 Competition Dynamics events will open at 7:00 AM MST Wed JAN 6th.

http://competition-dynamics.com/

2021 EVENT DATES

STEEL SAFARI June 4-6, Logan, NM
BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE June 24-27, Douglas, WY
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Sept 2-4, Douglas, WY
TEAM SAFARI Oct 15-17, Logan, NM

STEEL SAFARI: The Original Hike And Shoot Match. The Steel Safari is the archetypal “hike-and-shoot” long-range rifle match. It tests a wide spectrum of skills involved in getting to a shooting location, identifying targets, and engaging long-range rifle targets with only one shot each. Some of these skills include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills.

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: A hard team match! This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: The Premier Tactical Adventure Race. You and your partner will undergo tests involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks. Two-man teams will be required to navigate 30-60+ miles on foot to complete the course. Along the way, there will be a series of tasks to accomplish to gain additional points. These tasks may include: shooting problems with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; problem-solving; physical challenges; fieldcraft; communication; target recognition; memory; and other tasks.

TEAM SAFARI: This is a team “hike-and-shoot” rifle match for long-range rifle, semi-auto “carbine,” and pistols. It will test a 2-man team’s ability to locate, range, and engage practical targetry spread in the terrain using both weapons systems. Some of the skills involved include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills. You can think of the Team Safari as a Team version of the Steel Safari. This match is much easier physically than the TBTC and is more on-par with the Steel Safari.

Please go to the CD web site for match info and registration http://competition-dynamics.com/

POSSIBLE NEW DECEMBER MATCH
We are looking at running a new match at the Blue Steel Ranch in December 2021. Stay tuned!

 

2021 MATCH SCHEDULE

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 22, 2020

JUNE 3-6: STEEL SAFARI
JUNE 24-27: BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE
SEPT 2-5: SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
OCT 14-17: TEAM SAFARI
DEC ???: MYSTERY MATCH ???

We’ll have the ’21 match web pages up by Jan 4th, and open registration on Jan 6th.

 

TEAM SAFARI 2020 RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 19, 2020

Congrats to the Team Safari champions, Andy Reinhardt and Collin Fossen. Here are the full results
SCORES 2020 PDF

This was the biggest Team Safari to date, thanks to everyone for helping us have a safe and successful match.

We’ll have the 2021 schedule done and posted by mid Dec. Our goal is to keep the same “weekends” year over year, if you need to make early plans now.

 

2020 TEAM SAFARI

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 5, 2020

At the present time, NM guidelines, dictums, orders, etc, permit outdoor activities provided that participants maintain “social distancing” of 6 feet, and we do not congregate in groups larger than 10 people. Thus, the Team Safari will proceed with just a few changes vs. normal.

These changes will not affect the “Spirit of the match” or the shooting challenges, it will mostly be administrative and lessening the amount of interaction between competitors and competitors/staff.

We will be having a MANDATORY ONLINE BRIEFING FOR NEW TEAM SAFARI SHOOTERS – that is, everyone who has NOT SHOT THE TEAM SAFARI BEFORE MUST ATTEND – this Friday Oct 9th at 6:00PM MTN time on GoToMeeting, OR– we have an additional one on Saturday Oct 10th at 6:00PM MTN if you can’t make the first one. The link will be sent out in a separate email.

We will be re-using the Steel Safari ONLINE verbal briefing because it is 98% the same as the Team Safari briefing. We will go over the differences in the online briefings for new shooters.

Match Format Adjustments: We are consolidating the four assault stages in to either 2 long ones, or 2 long ones and 1 standards.

Here are some of the most important things to know NOW:

1. DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE SICK. SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR INCLUDE: Cough, Fever, Body Aches, etc.

2. We will have a temperature-check station on-site on Thursday. People with Temperatures higher than specified by our consulting medical personnel will not be able to compete and will have to leave.

3. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you take your temperature and monitor your health closely leading up to your departure for SS. It would suck to drive the whole way only to show up with symptoms.

4. Everyone on-site will be required to maintain SOCIAL DISTANCING of 6 feet at all times. This is for safety and to prevent us from being shut down in case the guidelines in NM are not relaxed and L.E. stops by. The 6′ rule will be enforced at all times with the exception of people who have traveled together the whole trip, and those people are to not have close contact with others.

5. Check-in will be mostly “virtual” or electronic with minimal interaction on-site. We will provide the waivers for you to complete and deposit on-site.

6. We will not have a regular SHOOTERS MEETING– it will be VIRTUAL. Prior to the SS, Jimmy and I will put together the Match Briefing Packet and a video and/or audio recording of the normal briefing and send these out via email. It will be your responsibility to understand this material. Present questions BEFORE THE MATCH via PHONE or EMAIL. This way we can eliminate more on-site 1:1 interaction.

7. Please limit groupings to 10 people or less at all times to comply with NM orders.

REGISTRATION STATUS.

Registration is now kind of a mess, with everything on hold, checks not cashed immediately due to potential cancellation, etc. Please bear with us to get this straightened out. Here is the current status”

1. Those who currently have a CONFIRMED/PAID status are good to go.

2. Those who have sent funds but have not yet been marked PAID please check with me ASAP to make sure we have not received your funds.

3. At this point, please bring cash if you haven’t paid yet.

4. WE WILL NOT BE DOING ANY ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS. So register online if you want to come.

5. The last day we can receive and log-in payments before we head to the SS site is Friday Oct 9. Let’s get payments squared away ASAP, it’ll make it easier for everyone in the long term.

We are also looking for a couple more “Course Starters”–please contact Jimmy or I if you’re interested. You can’t be a “course starter” and a competitor, though you’ll have plenty of time to shoot for fun on-site as a staff member.

THERE WILL BE MORE INFORMATION COMING – STAY TUNED.

 

SAC KNIFE WINNERS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 7, 2020

Hey, could who-ever picked up the “Dodd Precision Weaponry Knives” at SAC please contact him so he can go over care and warranty and so forth with you? Gary@doddprecisionweaponryllc.com

 

SAC 2020 RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 7, 2020

Congrats to all competitors! Here are the 2020 SAC results 2020 RESULTS PDF.

 

SAC Competitor Information - 2020

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 30, 2020

This the pre-match competitor information for the 2020 SAC. It comprises two parts, (I) administrative “pre-work” to do before arriving and bring to check-in (primarily due to covid), and (II) additional match-related information competitors (similar to prior years).

I. ADMINISTRATIVE PRE-WORK AND COVID NOTES

http://competition-dynamics.com/burris-optics-team-challenge-2020/virtual-briefing.php

There are some mandatory “To Do” items for ALL COMPETITORS. Go to this link and follow those instructions

http://competition-dynamics.com/sniper-adventure-challenge-2020/virtual-briefing.php

II. COMPETITOR INFORMATION

1. SPOTS- The following change is being made due to some changes on the SPOT system side. Please turn your SPOT on on Thursday the 3rd for a few hours in the afternoon, prior to check-in, with TRACK MODE on. This is so that we can verify good tracking data is coming in. Then at check-in, we can make sure everyone is still GTG. Friday morning, make sure they are powered on and TRACKING MODE ON by 6:30 AM. Teams with non-tracking SPOTS will not be allowed to leave on land-nav missions.

The SPOT tracker links is here: 2020 SPOT TRACKER

2. CHECK-IN LOCATION. Check-in and match HQ will be at Travis’s house, 646 Wagonhound Rd. This driveway is opposite the 646 sign that says “Travis Brayden”.

3. PARKING: For check-in, you may drive down to the house to check-in. For the race on Friday morning, you must park at the end of driveway on the SE corner of where his driveway meets Wagonhound. Please make sure your vehicles are fully out of both the driveway and the road.

4. Check-in will be available 5-7pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 7:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers (bring pre-signed).

5. Please bring a few sheets of paper and a pen appropriate for making field sketches or reports. Some type of waterproof or water resistant paper is recommended (rite in the rain, revlar, terraslate, etc), but not required.

6. You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

7. There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

8. NO FIRES. The requirement for the “signal flares” is waived. You cannot make any fire, not even stoves, jetboils, etc. Everything is too dry. The place will go up due to any flame source. MRE heaters used as-intended are OK.

9. At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before 7pm and Friday morning at muster. Bring your firearms to check-in for TECH INSPECTION. Firearms must be cold/unloaded.

10. Muster at 8:00 AM Friday, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”) The Muster Line will be in open area by Travis’s house.

11. Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios upon race end, or before awards on Sunday. Please note that if you quit the race early, you may have to wait until staff is available, or until awards Sunday, for the exchange.

12. Awards will be at the check-in location at 10:00 AM Sunday.

13. The Spot Tracker URL is at the top of this message. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0630.

14. REMINDER: BIPODS PERMITTED ON CARBINES. HANDGUNS NO OPTICS.

15. The core staff will be heading up Tues AM. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email about twice a day.

16. You will be issued a 1:24000 map for the race course. At check-in, you will need to copy DANGER and/or NOGO boundaries from a master map we have posted.

17. Personal climbing gear is strongly recommended. This comprises a helmet, a few UIAA-rated locking carabiners, a tube-style belay device, and a helmet. We have “some” loaners, but if you have this requirement you might be delayed. You may stash all this gear in your CACHE bag.

18. You need to know how to safely belay your partner using devices from #17.

If we have any additional competitor notes, they will be published in the same manner as this notice.

 

SAC COMPETITORS - SEND SPOT IDS NOW

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 22, 2020

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY FRIDAY AUG 28TH

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. This should put you on the “MY DEVICES” page.
  4. Click the “XML FEED” tab, which is at the top.
  5. If you have more than one, select the specific SPOT device from the list
  6. Make sure the XML feed is ACTIVE by clicking “ACTIVATE”
  7. Click the “VIEW DETAILS” drop-down on the right-hand side — of the specific device you are using (if you have multiple SPOTs registered with them)
  8. Look for the text that appears, “Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB
  9. Save that highlighted part — you have to send that to us.
  10. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  11. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  12. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  13. SEND US THE XML FEED ID from STEP #8, along with your Confirmation Code. Your confirmation code is the 4-digit code you got when you registered for the SAC.

    Note: only send us the email after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    XML ID: Your XML Feed ID: 01Mxu7bdPjdMxqUkUDN93I6QuABFHfjAB

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG, SPOT X.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

SAC MAP PREVIEW

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 17, 2020

Here is the link to the actual map for SAC 2020
LINK TO MYTOPO FOR SAC 2020

Click the “Print Proof View a preview of your printed map” button there for a version you can view online.

This is for reference/study only. We will be providing you a full-size hard-copy version of this map at check-in.

 

SAC: Reminder about GPS-enabled devices

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 10, 2020

This is a reminder that GPS-enabled devices including but not limited to fitness watches, smart watches, are NOT allowed at the SAC.

 

2020 SAC A GO! CALL FOR SAC COMPETITORS ( AND RO'S )

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 14, 2020

The 2020 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE is a GO!

For match information, CLICK HERE FOR MATCH INFO

Registration is open and slots are available. For online registration, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

The 2020 SAC will take place Sept 3-6, with the actual race taking place the 4th-5th.

The SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE (SAC) is an 36-hour ADVENTURE RACE that involves 30-60 miles of land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; physical and mental problem solving; and other related tasks. For 2020 we are back at our DOUGLAS WY location. Centered on the WILLS RANCH, just under Sheep Mountain, this year we have access to new additional adjoining properties for novel land nav problems. Winning the SAC involves earning the most points during the race period– and generally doing more work, hitting more land nav points, completing more challenges, and making good strategic choices is how you gain the most points.

COVID19 NOTES: At this time there are no State of Wyoming COVID19 restrictions that affect an outdoor event of this nature. People with COVID19 symptoms or who are at special risk to respiratory illness should not come.

CALL FOR PROCTORS / RANGE OFFICERS. We are also making a call for SAC Range offices, challenge proctors, and other help. The SAC is a unique volunteer opportunity due to the nature of the event. We need RO’s on Thursday for briefing/training, and then we’ll all be mostly on-duty from Friday AM until the end of race, with some break periods. Please email us for more info.

 

2020 BOTC RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 29, 2020

Thanks for coming!

2020 RESULTS PDF

 

Virtual Match Briefing and Shooters' Meeting for TEAM CHALLENGE

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 17, 2020

We are doing a “Virtual” or “Online” Match Briefing and Shooters’ Meeting for BOTC. All competitors registered to date have received a link to the VIRTUAL BRIEFING page. If you have not received this link, please email me at zak@competition-dynamics.com

 

2020 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 9, 2020

Congrats to all competitors for a safe and fun match. Here are the results:

RIFLE DIVISION
1. Connor Dowd
2. Tyler Hughes
3. Andy Reinhardt

CARBINE DIVISON
1. Mike Dowd

FULL RESULTS PDF RIFLE DIVISION

FULL RESULTS PDF CARBINE DIVISION

 

Virtual Match Briefing and Shooters' Meeting for Steel Safari

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 19, 2020

We are doing a “Virtual” or “Online” Match Briefing and Shooters’ Meeting for Steel Safari. All competitors registered to date have received a link to the VIRTUAL BRIEFING page. If you have not received this link, please email me at zak@competition-dynamics.com

 

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE IS A GO!

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 15, 2020

Good news! The Burris Optics Team Challenge is a GO! We will be following prudent and standard COVID19-prevention guidelines, please see below for the present list of procedural changes and guidelines.

These changes will not affect the “Spirit of the match”. Due to the “close contact” required by our normal Assault Stages, we will be scaling back the Assault Stages to 2 (with increased staff/competitor spacing) and 1 “Standards.” We will also have some “Fun Stages” that will not be scored towards the main match, so you have more shooting available in the afternoons. The morning Field Stages will be the same format that you’re used to at BOTC.

We DO NEED SOME MORE RO’s for BOTC. Please send us an email if you’d like to RO. For this match, being an RO is mainly being a stationary long-range spotter RO on the field stages, or a “sender”, or, in some cases, an Assault Stage RO.

The match is coming up quick — just 3 weeks after Steel Safari, so get your registrations in ASAP.

Here are the COVID19 guidelines:

1. DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE SICK. SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR INCLUDE: Cough, Fever, Body Aches, etc.

2. DO NOT COME IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE IN A HIGHER RISK CATEGORY

3. DO NOT COME IF YOU CANNOT TRAVEL WHILE BEING SAFE AND MINIMIZING EXPOSURE — AIR TRAVEL DISCOURAGED

— People who have ALREADY paid as of this posting but cannot come due to any of these reasons will retain a credit towards a later 2020 CD match or a 2021+ CD match.

4. We will have a temperature-check station on-site on Thursday. People with Temperatures higher than specified by our consulting medical personnel will not be able to compete and will have to leave.

5. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you take your temperature and monitor your health closely leading up to your departure for SS. It would suck to drive the whole way only to show up with symptoms.

6. Everyone on-site will be required to maintain SOCIAL DISTANCING of 6 feet at all times. This is for safety and to prevent us from being shut down in case the guidelines in NM are not relaxed and L.E. stops by. The 6′ rule will be enforced at all times with the exception of people who have traveled together the whole trip, and those people are to not have close contact with others.

7. Check-in will be mostly “virtual” or electronic with minimal interaction on-site. We will provide the waivers for you to complete and deposit on-site.

8. Shooters’ Meeting format: TBD.

9. We will have procedures to limit the handing back and forth of score cards.

10. Masks of some sort will be required when in the common/close parking areas. They will not be required out on the trail but that’s up to you.

11. While on the field trail courses, or in any waiting areas, the 6 foot distancing interval SHALL BE FOLLOWED.

12. Bring your own pens, and hand sanitizer, etc.

13. In the parking lot, maintain more inter-car spacing than usual.

14. NO TOUCHING

15. We reserve the right to make public safety related decisions that affect competitors’ status.

16. There is a prize table but its scope is a little limited due to so many company shutdowns so far in 2020. We are working this hard to get it back up to normal spec.

17. We will have specific CHECK-IN TIMES and ZERO-CHECK times for all registered competitors– this will depend on your shooter # and we’ll let you know what this is a week or so out.

18. We are working on having some virtual/on-line briefings / Q&A sessions, especially for NEW BOTC. Stay tuned.

REGISTRATION STATUS.

Registration is open and being processed. All checks received to date have been deposited and status updated.

1. Those who currently have a CONFIRMED/PAID status and already had your check deposited are good to go.

2. WE WILL NOT BE DOING ANY ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS. So register online if you want to come.

3. The last day we can receive and log-in payments before we head to the SS site is Friday June 19th. Let’s get payments squared away ASAP, it’ll make it easier for everyone in the long term.

THERE WILL BE MORE INFORMATION COMING – STAY TUNED.

 

The 2020 Steel Safari is a GO.

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 9, 2020

At the present time, NM guidelines, dictums, orders, etc, permit outdoor activities provided that participants maintain “social distancing” of 6 feet, and most states’ strict “stay at home” orders have been lifted. Thus, the Steel Safari can continue provided we incorporate some procedural and organizational changes.

These changes will not affect the “Spirit of the match” or the shooting challenges, it will mostly be administrative and lessening the amount of interaction between competitors and competitors/staff.

We will be writing up a detailed list of specific guidelines and procedural changes and sending it out before the match. Here are some of the most important things to know NOW:

1. DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE SICK. SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR INCLUDE: Cough, Fever, Body Aches, etc.

2. DO NOT COME IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE IN A HIGHER RISK CATEGORY

3. DO NOT COME IF YOU CANNOT TRAVEL WHILE BEING SAFE AND MINIMIZING EXPOSURE — AIR TRAVEL DISCOURAGED

— People who have already paid but cannot come due to any of these reasons will retain a credit towards a later 2020 CD match or a 2021+ CD match.

4. We will have a temperature-check station on-site on Thursday. People with Temperatures higher than specified by our consulting medical personnel will not be able to compete and will have to leave.

5. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you take your temperature and monitor your health closely leading up to your departure for SS. It would suck to drive the whole way only to show up with symptoms.

6. Everyone on-site will be required to maintain SOCIAL DISTANCING of 6 feet at all times. This is for safety and to prevent us from being shut down in case the guidelines in NM are not relaxed and L.E. stops by. The 6′ rule will be enforced at all times with the exception of people who have traveled together the whole trip, and those people are to not have close contact with others.

7. Check-in will be mostly “virtual” or electronic with minimal interaction on-site. We will provide the waivers for you to complete and deposit on-site.

8. We will not have a regular SHOOTERS MEETING– it will be VIRTUAL. Prior to the SS, Jimmy and I will put together the Match Briefing Packet and a video and/or audio recording of the normal briefing and send these out via email. It will be your responsibility to understand this material. Present questions BEFORE THE MATCH via PHONE or EMAIL. This way we can eliminate more on-site 1:1 interaction.

9. We will have procedures to limit the handing back and forth of score cards.

10. Masks of some sort will be required when in the FRONT RANGE and parking lot areas. They will not be required out on the trail but that’s up to you.

11. While on the SS trail courses, especially the waiting areas, the 6 foot distancing interval SHALL BE FOLLOWED.

12. Bring your own pens, timers, and hand sanitizer, etc.

13. In the parking lot, maintain more inter-car spacing than usual.

14. NO TOUCHING

15. We reserve the right to make public safety related decisions that affect competitors’ status.

16. There is a prize table but its scope is a little limited due to so many company shutdowns so far in 2020. We are working this hard to get it back up to normal spec.

17. We will extend the trophies to 1-10th place.

18. We will have specific CHECK-IN TIMES and ZERO-CHECK times for all registered competitors– this will depend on your shooter # and we’ll let you know what this is a week or so out.

19. We are working on having some virtual/on-line briefings / Q&A sessions, especially for NEW STEEL SAFARI COMPETITORS. Stay tuned.

REGISTRATION STATUS.

Registration is now kind of a mess, with everything on hold, checks not cashed immediately due to potential cancellation, etc. Please bear with us to get this straightened out. Here is the current status”

1. Those who currently have a CONFIRMED/PAID status and already had your check deposited are good to go.

2. Those of you who submitted a check that was not deposited until now, but recently had a status change from pending/delinquent TO CONFIRMED/PAID will have your check deposited in the next few days. Call me ASAP if you need to withdraw and I should not cash the check. This includes IRVAN, GARAY, WESTHOFF, MCCRAY, VALDETERO, OSTAFF, SHEPHERD, WHITE, RILEY, WELLS, MAY, LONG, JAMARIK, PICKERING.

3. Other than those people in categories #1 and #2 above, no other checks have been received to date.

4. We are still accepting NEW registrations, but ONLY FROM STEEL SAFARI veterans. This is to limit the potential 1:1 interaction at the match. So if you have friends who have shot it and might want to go, please let them know.

5. Please note CD’s new mailing address on the online registration pages.

6. WE WILL NOT BE DOING ANY ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS. So register online if you want to come.

7. The last day we can receive and log-in payments before we head to the SS site is Friday May 29th. Let’s get payments squared away ASAP, it’ll make it easier for everyone in the long term.

We are also looking for a couple more “Course Starters”–please contact Jimmy or I if you’re interested. You can’t be a “course starter” and a competitor, though you’ll have plenty of time to shoot for fun on-site as a staff member.

THERE WILL BE MORE INFORMATION COMING – STAY TUNED.

 

STEEL SAFARI 2020 IS ON!

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 8, 2020

Steel Safari is a GO!

We will update the registration status and have a message detailing the various changes required by the COVID19 situation posted in the next 2 days.

 

STEEL SAFARI COVID19 UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 2, 2020

We are making final inquiries with local authorities and will have an answer with regard to STEEL SAFARI status by SAT MAY 9th.

 

COVID19 IMPACT TO 2020 COMPETITION DYNAMICS SEASON

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 28, 2020

5/19/2020 UPDATE — ALL MATCHES ARE “ON” — WITH A FEW PROCEDURAL CHANGES.

— ORIGINAL POST —

Here is the impact of the COVID19 situation to the 2020 Competition Dynamics season (all four matches):

1. No matches are cancelled or rescheduled “YET.” We will not run a match if the COVID19 situation has not substantially resolved and the “stay at home” orders that are present in many states (including our home state) have been lifted.

2. We will make a final determination for each match NO LATER THAN one month before the match would occur.

3. If a match cannot take place at its normally-scheduled dates, we will attempt to reschedule later in the year, depending on the public health outlook and all other schedule considerations. IE, we will try to reschedule a match if we think it can work.

4. Processing of all registrations is suspended (effective 3-4 weeks ago). That means we will not approve/accept registrations, accept checks, deposit checks already sent, etc until some resolution is in place.

5. We will hold or destroy, at your request, all checks that have been sent/received and NOT YET DEPOSITED. Of those that we logged in but had not yet deposited, I have downgraded your online registration to “SLOT GRANTED”.

6. Of those who sent checks that were deposited and are marked as “CONFIRMED/PAID”, you have several options:

a) wait to see what happens; OR
b) have us write you a check, now or if/when we have to cancel; OR
c) in the case that a match is ultimately cancelled, we can roll your registration into any future CD event (eg, 2021 season)

We are happy to do any of those, or make other reasonable arrangements.

I would ask that you consider option (c) because it would help us cover fixed, sunk losses for 2020, such as insurance, that we can absorb through 2021. If this is the case, we will leave your “CONFIRMED/PAID” registration in place in the 2020 match database and use that as a key to future credit.

Please do not send a request for a refund check UNLESS you can confirm you’re still marked as “CONFIRMED/PAID” — AND — your bank shows the check has cleared. I have been holding checks for the last about 3-4 weeks as the situation has gotten hotter.

Please send refund requests with your name, match name (SS, BOTC, SAC, TS), and registration number.

Thank you and if you have any questions, please contact us.
– Zak & Jimmy

 

2020 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE REGISTRATION OPEN

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 31, 2020

The 2020 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Registration is open! After a good run at the Q-Creek, we have moved the SAC back to DOUGLAS, WY. Still based at the WILLS RANCH, we now have access to a new set of neighboring ranches so we get to land-nav over a lot of new terrain.

Match info and registration at this link: 2020 SAC WEB PAGE.

For those of you not crazy enough to compete in the SAC, please consider acting as match staff. RO’ing the SAC is one of the funnest “staff” activities based on the low density of arrivals (you aren’t just cranking through shooters all day), along with the “adventure style” experience and getting to do a lot of different stuff. Please send us email if you’re interested. CD RO Info

 

REGISTRATION FOR 2020 EVENTS OPENS MONDAY

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 6, 2020

Online registration for 2020 Competition Dynamics events will open at 7:00 AM MST Monday JAN 6th.*

http://competition-dynamics.com/

STEEL SAFARI: The Original Hike And Shoot Match. The Steel Safari is the archetypal “hike-and-shoot” long-range rifle match. It tests a wide spectrum of skills involved in getting to a shooting location, identifying targets, and engaging long-range rifle targets with only one shot each. Some of these skills include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills.

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: A hard team match! This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: It’s an Adventure Race. With Guns. You and your partner will undergo tests involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks. Two-man teams will be required to navigate 30-60+ miles on foot to complete the course. Along the way, there will be a series of tasks to accomplish to gain additional points. These tasks may include: shooting problems with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; problem-solving; physical challenges; fieldcraft; communication; target recognition; memory; and other tasks.

TEAM SAFARI: This is a team “hike-and-shoot” rifle match for long-range rifle, semi-auto “carbine,” and pistols. It will test a 2-man team’s ability to locate, range, and engage practical targetry spread in the terrain using both weapons systems. Some of the skills involved include target recognition, ranging, wind doping, ballistic data management, marksmanship under field conditions, non-standard shooting positions, rudimentary trail skills. You can think of the Team Safari as a Team version of the Steel Safari. This match is much easier physically than the TBTC and is more on-par with the Steel Safari.

* Note that SAC registration will not open until later in January due to a pending venue adjustment.

 

CD 2020 MATCH DATE UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 21, 2019

2020 DATES
STEEL SAFARI: JUNE 5-7
BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: JUNE 25-28
TEAM SAFARI: OCT 16-18
SAC: TBD – see below.

We are working on a venue change for SAC back to the Douglas area. We are trying to get the weekend of SEPT 3-6th, but this is not confirmed yet.

REGISTRATION FOR THE FIRST THREE MATCHES WILL OPEN JAN 6TH. SAC REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN LATE JAN.

 

2020 CD MATCH DATES

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 27, 2019

2020 DATES
STEEL SAFARI: JUNE 5-7
TEAM SAFARI: OCT 16-18

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: Dates pending, still aiming for first weekend of SEPT.
BOTC: Details pending.

 

2019 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 21, 2019

Congrats to all the 2019 Team Safari competitors. Here are the full results 2019 TS RESULTS PDF.

Right now the plan is to have the 2020 schedule be basically identical to the 2019 one, IE, same “weekends” in each month. We will have final dates posted and registration links by mid December.

 

SEEKING A FEW MORE RO'S FOR TEAM SAFARI (OCT 17-20)

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 25, 2019

We are seeking a few more RO’s for the upcoming TEAAM SAFARI, held in Logan NM at the Blue Steel Ranch, Oct 17-20. Prior competitors in any of our matches are ideal. We are specifically seeking RO’s with “Action Stage”, or 3-Gun, RO experience. As an RO you will be a “LEADER OUT” in the morning (experience with historic field course layout at BSR is a plus) AND/OR you will be an action-stage RO in the afternoons on Friday and Saturday.

We need RO’s there on Thursday, mid day, for RO briefings. RO’s may not shoot the T.S. for score, however, will can give you an opportunity to shoot some of the stages for fun. In addition, our RO program gives you credit for a future match. For reference, here is the CD Range Officer Program.

2019 Team Safari Match Info

If you’d like to help us RO this match, please contact us ASAP at info@competition-dynamics.com

thanks

 

2019 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 9, 2019

Congratulations to all SAC competitors! Great job on a very tough race.
2019 SAC RESULTS

TOP 5 TEAMS:
1. Way Smith
2. Dodd Dodd
3. Devereaux Siplon
4. Halling Maginn
5. Wax Spencer

Here is the SPOT plot for the race, SPOT 2019.

Thank you to the staff and RO’s who made the race possible:

Assistant Match Directors: Jimmy and Collin

Medical Staff: Doc Bruce, Chris, Teresa, Jasmine, and Leela.

Host: Tad

RO’s and general staff: Steve, Dave, Doug, Luke, Aaron, Chris, Ken, Shawn, Stan, Alex, Mark, John, Griffin, Yves, Derek, John, and Justin.

The photographer was Oleg Volk, olegvolk@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped!

 

2019 SAC SPOT LINK

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 6, 2019

SAC 2019 SPOT Link
Data will go live as the race starts.

 

SAC Competitor Information

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 2, 2019

FINAL SAC COMPETITOR NOTES

Make sure we have your SPOT data registered with us AND that you have enabled TRACK mode for at least an hour. No team whose SPOT is not tracking will be permitted to do the land nav mission. We are still missing a couple teams’ data. I am not going to track you down, this is your responsibility. If you do NOT see your team name on the tracking web page, we do not have you SPOT 2019

If you plug “Shirley Basin Leo Loop, Hanna, WY” into Google maps, it’ll take you pretty much right to the Q Creek HQ. The UTM coords of the HQ are approx 13T 374250 4674100.

Check-in will be available 5-7pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 7:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers.

On Friday morning, make sure your SPOT is on and tracking by 6:30 AM so that we can verify everyone is online before race start.

Please bring a few sheets of paper and a pen appropriate for making field sketches or reports. Some type of waterproof or water resistant paper is recommended (rite in the rain, revlar, terraslate, etc), but not required.

You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before 7pm and Friday morning at muster. Bring your firearms to check-in for TECH INSPECTION. Firearms must be cold/unloaded.

Muster at 8:00 AM Friday, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”)

Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios upon race end, or before awards on Sunday. Please note that if you quit the race early, you may have to wait until staff is available, or until awards Sunday, for the exchange.

Awards will be at the check-in location at 10:00 AM Sunday.

The Spot Tracker URL is at the top of this message. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0600.

REMINDER: BIPODS PERMITTED ON CARBINES. HANDGUNS NO OPTICS.

The core staff will be heading up Tues AM. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email and voicemail about twice a day and do my best to get back to you.

If we have any additional competitor notes, they will be published in the same manner as this notice.

 

SAC SPOT UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 30, 2019

The following teams have not submitted SPOT data. Please refer to the other post about how to do this. This is due by Friday. No team without an online spot will be allowed to start land nav. 3607, 7416, 8337, 9028

 

SAC SPOT UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 26, 2019

The following teams have submitted SPOT info but do not have any TRACK messages, so please follow that part of the instructions: 2551, 3176, 5842, 7492

The following teams have not submitted SPOT data. Please refer to the other post about how to do this. This is due by Friday. No team without an online spot will be allowed to start land nav. 1133, 2670, 3607, 4144, 6892, 7331, 7416, 7487, 7599, 8337, 9028

 

SAC UPDATE ON MAGAZINE CARRY

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 23, 2019

We have modified the “carry carbine/pistol ammo in magazines” rule for 2019. This is the new rule for 2019:

For the carbine and pistols, each of these weapons must have at least 3 magazines loaded at all times (unless depleted of the rest of your ammo at the end of the event). At least one loaded magazine for each must be accessible without digging into the rucksack.

There is no requirement that “rifle” ammo be stored in magazines.

 

2019 SAC COMPETITOR UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 21, 2019

Please note the following items are STRONGLY SUGGESTED: climbing harness, climbing/bump helmet, a few locking carabiners, misc “personal climbing gear items.” They are on the gear list as “mandatory”; however, they are only “STRONGLY SUGGESTED” that you bring them if you want to attempt the matching challenge(s) and you want to avoid delays involved in waiting for “shared” equipment. We will have a very limited number of “loaner” harnesses and helmets. You will not be required to carry these on your person: We will have you put them in a truck that will run them to the relevant challenge area(s); and a bag for your team’s climbing gear is recommended. Each team member should know how to safely operate a tube/ATC style belay device in all its modes. Munter hitch (HMS, Italian Hitch) belays and Figure-8 devices will not be allowed. Gri-Gri, Cinch/Vergo, or similar devices are not allowed. Just bring an ATC.

ROUND COUNTS!

We will have a lot more shooting at the 2019 SAC, especially on day 1. As such, the following “MINIMUM” round counts are recommended: precision rifle 80; carbine 120; pistol (each) 80. You are free to bring more ammunition as re-engagement on some targets will be permitted.

 

SAC EXTENTS AND MAP SCALE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 13, 2019

The 2018 SAC maps will be 1:30,000 scale. Coordinates will be provided in UTM and the datum is NAD83/WGS84. The bounding box is 13T 0372000 4678000 / 0397000 4662000

 

SAC Competitors - Send us your SPOT ID's now!

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 13, 2019

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY FRIDAY AUG 30th

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Go to the “Share” tab.
  4. Select the SPOT device (if offered to do so)
  5. You need to use or create a “Shared Page” and then click on the name of the shared page, and it will take you to a page with a URL that looks like this:
    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx
    A password is NOT required, but if you have one, send us the password also.

  6. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  7. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  8. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  9. SEND US THE URL from STEP #4, along with your Confirmation Code. Your confirmation code is the 4-digit code you got when you registered for the SAC.

    Note: only send us the URL after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG, SPOT X.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

Seeking a few more SAC RO's

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 13, 2019

We are looking for a few more Range Officers for the 2019 Sniper Adventure Challenge.

Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program.

For the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE, we have a lot of flexibility, with slots for up to 15 general-purpose helpers / range officers. Experience any of the following areas a plus: wilderness medicine / first responder, EMT, M.D., field or tracking skills, action-style shooting Range Officer, Long-range Rifle Range Officer, 4×4 “Runner” / Rescue / Monitor, Mountaineering, Climbing, Escape and Evasion, Water safety / Lifeguard skills, Survival, and similar skill sets.

Dates are Sept 5-7, Medicine Bow, WY

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

2019 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 1, 2019

Congratulations to all BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE competitors. This year’s match was extremely difficult and everyone should be proud to have participated, let alone done well.

TOP 5 TEAMS

1. TROSTEL / THOMAS
2. REINHARDT / WAY
3. REEVES / DETOUR
4. ANGUS / MAHAFFEY
5. MARTINEZ / QUINTANA

FULL RESULTS

LINK TO 2019 SCORES PDF FILE

THANKS

Thanks to BURRIS OPTICS for being the title sponsor for this match. Their level of support is extremely impressive.

Thanks to Travis for letting us use his awesome ranch.

Thanks to Jimmy and Clay for taking on responsibility for major parts of this match.

Thanks to the RO’s! Stan, Dave, Doug, Roger, Luke, Sky, RJ, Eric, Zach, Mario, Mike, Kelly, Shelby, Phil, Tyler, Tom, and Mike.

UPCOMING MATCHES

Our 2019 season still includes the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE (SAC) and the TEAM SAFARI. We still have shooting slots open for both of these. The SAC is particularly fun to “RO” if you’d like to earn credit to shoot another match.

Zak

 

2019 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 10, 2019

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2019 STEEL SAFARI! The STEEL SAFARI is the longest running field-style practical long-range rifle shooting match (that we know of). This year we had the largest Steel Safari and it was the smoothest-running that we can remember.

TOP 5 – RIFLE
1. TYLER HUGHES
2. TATE STREATER
3. DORGAN TROSTEL
4. ANDY REINHARDT
5. CONNOR DOWD

TOP 3 – 223 AR-15
1. JOSH REEVES
2. STEWART OPJORDAN
3. HUGO CANTU

2019 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS – CARBINE – PDF

2019 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS – RIFLE – PDF

Succeeding at the STEEL SAFARI requires an exceptional level of commitment to the science and art of practical rifle shooting. Just showing up is a significant achievement.

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to John Paul of JP Enterprises, the owner of the Blue Steel Ranch. BSR is a great place for training- check out the courses they have available.

THE BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE IS COMING UP IN JUST A FEW WEEKS; A COUPLE SLOTS ARE LEFT!

 

2019 CALL FOR RANGE OFFICERS

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 8, 2019

Want to be part of a Competition Dynamics event? We are currently seeking Range Officers for our 2019 events. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked.

Take a look at our 2019 schedule for dates and event details, CD Events

We are currently “GOOD” on RO’s for Steel Safari. [ June 7-9, Logan, NM ]

For the BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE, we have slots for 6-8 general-purpose Range Officers, with some field skills, and basic stage-area monitors. [ June 27-30, Douglas, WY ]

For the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE, we have a lot of flexibility, with slots for up to 15 general-purpose helpers / range officers. Experience any of the following areas a plus: wilderness medicine / first responder, EMT, M.D., field or tracking skills, action-style shooting Range Officer, Long-range Rifle Range Officer, 4×4 “Runner” / Rescue / Monitor, Mountaineering, Climbing, Escape and Evasion, Water safety / Lifeguard skills, Survival, and similar skillsets. [ Sept 6-8, Medicine Bow, WY ]

For the TEAM SAFARI, we have slots for 6-8 general-purpose Range Officers, with some field skills, and long-range rifle RO’s. [ Oct 18-20, Logan, NM ]

We also always have sponsor “Goodies” for Range Officers.

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

2019 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE Match Highlight

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 10, 2019

LINK TO 2018 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE MATCH WEB SITE

The BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE is the latest incarnation of the TEAM CHALLENGE concept we tried out in 2011: to link together a series of Steel-Safari stages with significant physical movement on foot, all while the team is on the clock. Set a long but challenging maximum time for negotiation of the path and stages, but also give progressive bonuses for finishing early. We also incorporate classic, old-school action-style Multi-Gun engagements into the match.

This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints. The shooting problems are hard.

The average competitor team will be able to make hits on targets at random distance out to 1000 yards on his home known-distance (K.D.) range and will have some experience with shooting positions other than prone. They will be able to communicate with each other reasonably well. They will have some experience shooting action or “assault style” stages also. He has no problem walking 3-4 miles a day on uneven terrain at 90-100 degrees.

The winning team will be able to clean or “almost clean” most UKD, “blind” rifle courses. The team will be very efficient transitioning from movement to shooting, locating, ranging, and engaging targets, and will not waste much communication; they will know what their partner is doing and what information he needs to proceed, and already be “on it.” They will have a level of fitness such that they can move very briskly in field terrain.

The 2019 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE is June 27-30th at our private ranch in Douglas, WY. We have about a dozen team slots left at this time. Register now at http://competition-dynamics.com/burris-optics-team-challenge-2019/

We are also seeking Range Officers for the BOTC. Please contact us for details.

 

2019 STEEL SAFARI Match Highlight

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 25, 2019

LINK TO 2019 STEEL SAFARI MATCH WEB SITE

The Steel Safari is one of the best true field/practical long-range rifle matches in the world. It’s been going on since 1998 and we’ve been running it since 2008. The Steel Safari is one of four core matches of the Competition Dynamics season, and we continue to develop new match concepts. The Steel Safari may be the longest running match of its type. The Steel Safari has helped to shape the concept of what field shooting means and helped to forge the strong tradition of practical shooting that runs deep in the Rocky Mountain shooting community.

The STEEL SAFARI is a truly INDIVIDUAL match, with no teams and no squads, and all stages are “surprise”.

An average competitor will be able to make hits on targets at random distance out to 1000 yards on his home known-distance (K.D.) range and will have some experience with shooting positions other than prone. He has no problem walking 3-4 miles a day on uneven terrain at 90-105 degrees.

The winning competitor will be able to locate steel targets scattered out in natural terrain with ease, usually without using magnified optics. The data for his rifle will be dead on at every range out to 1200 yards. He will have a lot of expertise determining the most stable and efficient shooting position to use when confronted with an awkward field shooting problem. He will have excellent efficiency of motion.

NEW 223/556 AR-15 DIVISION FOR 2019 WITH UNLIMITED ROUNDS FOR ENGAGEMENTS.

The 2019 STEEL SAFARI is June 7-9 at the BLUE STEEL RANCH in Logan, NM. We still have about a dozen slots open. Register now at http://competition-dynamics.com/steel-safari-2019/

 

REGISTRATION FOR 2019 EVENTS OPENS MONDAY

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 7, 2019

Online registration for 2019 Competition Dynamics events will open at 7:00 AM MST Monday Jan 7th.

http://competition-dynamics.com/

 

2019 CD MATCH DATES

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 13, 2018

Here are the dates for the CD 2019 season:

STEEL SAFARI: JUNE 6-9
BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE (BOTC): JUNE 27-30*
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE (SAC): SEPT 5-8
TEAM SAFARI: OCT 17-20

* BOTC dates are not yet confirmed as of Dec 13 and should be considered tentative.

We will open online registration for 2019 events on JAN 7th unless otherwise posted.

The 2019 event web pages will be online the first week of JAN
thanks!

 

2018 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS, and 2019 Schedule

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 23, 2018

Congrats to all the 2018 Team Safari competitors. Here are the full results 2018 TS RESULTS PDF.

Right now the plan is to have the 2019 schedule be basically identical to the 2018 one, IE, same “weekends” in each month. We will have final dates posted and registration links by early December.

 

SEEKING A FEW MORE RO'S FOR TEAM SAFARI (OCT 18-21)

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 27, 2018

We are seeking a few more RO’s for the upcoming TEAAM SAFARI, held in Logan NM at the Blue Steel Ranch, Oct 18-21. Prior competitors in any of our matches are ideal. As an RO you will be a “LEADER OUT” in the morning (experience with historic field course layout at BSR is a plus) AND/OR you will be an action-stage RO in the afternoons on Friday and Saturday. We need RO’s there on Thursday, mid day, for RO briefings. RO’s may not shoot the T.S. for score, however, will can give you an opportunity to shoot some of the stages for fun. In addition, our RO program gives you credit for a future match. For reference, here is the CD Range Officer Program.

If you’d like to help us RO this match, please contact us ASAP at info@competition-dynamics.com

thanks

 

2018 SAC RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 10, 2018

2018 SAC RESULTS
Congratulations to all SAC competitors! Great job on a very tough race.

 

SAC AWARDS 10 AM SUNDAY

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 8, 2018

The SAC awards will be at HQ1 at 10:00 AM Sunday. Every team will be scored (unless DQ’d for a safety infraction). We will have “preliminary” scores available to be checked at 8:30, with any final corrections due by 9:15.

 

2018 SAC SPOT Link

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 7, 2018

SAC 2018 SPOT Link
Data will go live as the race starts.

 

SAC Competitor Information

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 4, 2018

Make sure we have your SPOT data registered with us AND that you have enabled TRACK mode for at least an hour. No team whose SPOT is not tracking will be permitted to do the land nav mission. We are still missing about 5 teams’ data. I am not going to track you down, this is your responsibility. If you do NOT see your team name on the tracking web page, we do not have you SPOT 2018

If you plug “Shirley Basin Leo Loop, Hanna, WY” into Google maps, it’ll take you pretty much right to the Q Creek HQ. The UTM coords of the HQ are approx 13T 374250 4674100.

Check-in will be available 5-7pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 7:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers.

On Friday morning, make sure your SPOT is on and tracking by 6:30 AM so that we can verify everyone is online before race start.

Please bring a few sheets of paper and a pen appropriate for making field sketches or reports. Some type of waterproof or water resistant paper is recommended (rite in the rain, revlar, terraslate, etc), but not required.

You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before 7pm and Friday morning at muster. Bring your firearms to check-in for TECH INSPECTION. Firearms must be cold/unloaded.

Muster at 8:00 AM Friday, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”)

Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios ONLY on Sunday prior to awards and Saturday upon race completion.

In a few days, we will post the public SPOT TRACKER URL. This is the live map your fans at home can watch. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0700.

REMINDER: BIPODS PERMITTED ON CARBINES. HANDGUNS NO OPTICS.

The core staff will be heading up Tues AM. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email and voicemail about twice a day and do my best to get back to you.

 

SAC TEAMS MISSING SPOT LINKS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 31, 2018

The following team ID’s have not yet submitted their SPOT data per the prior instructions. This is due on AUG 31st. Teams that are not tracking on SPOT will not be allowed to start the race.
2077
3828
4307
4905
6375
6899
6913
7558
9343
3943
5539
1541

Staff will be departing for the venue on Monday Sept 3 and further communications prior to check-in will be difficult.

 

LIST OF TEAMS WITHOUT SPOT DATA

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 28, 2018

The following team ID’s have not yet submitted their SPOT data per the prior instructions. This is due on AUG 31st. Teams that are not tracking on SPOT will not be allowed to start the race.
1259, 2077, 2939, 3229, 3828, 4307, 4905, 5115, 6375, 7284, 7446, 7558, 8730, 9343, 3943, 5539, 1541

 

SAC Competitors - Send us your SPOT ID's now!

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 14, 2018

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY FRIDAY AUG 31st

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Go to the “Share” tab.
  4. You need to use or create a “Shared Page” and then click on the name of the shared page, and it will take you to a page with a URL that looks like this:
    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx
    A password is NOT required, but if you have one, send us the password also.

  5. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  6. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  7. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  8. SEND US THE URL from STEP #4, along with your Confirmation Code. Your confirmation code is the 4-digit code you got when you registered for the SAC.

    Note: only send us the URL after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CLASS: ENDURANCE
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG, SPOT X.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

SAC MAP SCALE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 14, 2018

The 2018 SAC maps will be 1:30,000 scale. Coordinates will be provided in UTM and the datum is NAD83/WGS84.

 

2018 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE UPDATE 1

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 14, 2018

Technical Rock Climbing Back in 2018. You may bring your own gear. Teams to self belay (mostly). Bounding Box.

Race staff scouted the new race area today and here are some updates.

Technical rock climbing will return at the 2018 SAC. Teams may, and are encouraged to, bring their own harnesses, helmets, belay device, shoes, etc. It’s up to you. We have about a dozen loaner harnesses and some helmets and belay devices, but, like last year you might have to wait for a loaner. A team that has their own gear and is ready to go might be able to jump on a route earlier.

Like last year, you will have the opportunity to “stash” your climbing gear after your last climbing challenge, if you want to.

TEAM SELF BELAY

Each team member should know, at least, how to safely belay a climbing using a top rope (TR) setup and an ATC-style belay device. Do your own research on TR safety checks and belay technique. Know how to safely lower. We recommend reviewing the modern P-L-U-S technique. We will have climbing safety officers and some available staff belayers; however, just like equipment, if you can do it yourself, you will probably get through the challenge quicker.

ATC-style devices (including tube-style or belay plates) are preferred for simplicity of safety verification. For approval of others, please send me an email. Munter hitch (HMS, Italian Hitch) belays and Figure-8 devices will not be allowed.

BOUNDING BOX

The race bounding box will be approximately 13T 0374000 4675000 down to 0397000 4662000 (approx 124 square miles)

 

2018 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 25, 2018

Congratulations to all 2018 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE competitors. This year’s match was extremely difficult and everyone should be proud to have participated, let alone done well.

TOP 5 TEAMS

1. HAMILTON / MURPHY
2. TROSTEL / THOMAS
3. REINHARDT / FOSSEN
4. LEIGHTON / DUSART
5. DETOUR / REEVES

FULL RESULTS

LINK TO 2018 SCORES PDF FILE

THANKS

Thanks to BURRIS OPTICS for being the title sponsor for this match. Their level of support is extremely impressive.

Thanks to Travis for letting us use his awesome ranch.

Thanks to Jimmy and Casey for taking on responsibility for major parts of this match.

Thanks to the RO’s! STAN, Shawn, Brian, Doug, Dave, Roger, Mike, Bill, Nick, Mario, Chris, Shawn, Nephi, Jeremy, Shelby, Mark, Dennis, Tino. This year we had a really super solid set of RO’s.

SPONSORS

BURRIS! TITLE SPONSOR!

AA TARGETS, Machinegun Tours, MICROTECH KNIVES, TBAC, PROOF, US Optics, Magpul, XS Sight Systems, Grayboe, Kifaru, Lapua, Sierra, Traust, Nightforce, High Country Precision, Hawkins Precision, STEINER OPTICS!

UPCOMING MATCHES

Our 2018 season still includes the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE and the TEAM SAFARI.

Zak

 

Looking for a few "Action Stage" RO's for Burris Optics Team Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 7, 2018

We are stilling looking for a few “Action Stage” RO’s for the Burris Optics Team Challenge, coming up in a couple weeks. Experience with 3-Gun, IDPA, or USPSA/IPSC “Action” stages is a must. At the BOTC we have afternoon “Assault” stages with up to 120 yards of movement (most are about 30 yards). Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. The BOTC is June 22-24 at our Douglas WY facility; RO’s need to be there no later than 0800 June 21 for briefings. Please email us if you’re interested.

 

ON CHEATING

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 5, 2018

I’ve been the Match Director of 35 major matches over ten years. Over that interval we’ve never had a cheater at one of our matches. Pushing the rules or stage briefings is one thing; falsifying score sheets is another. We caught and stopped a brazen and in my opinion pathetic attempt at cheating at the Steel Safari this year.

I’ve met most of my best friends of adulthood from the practical shooting community. Virtually all of my business partners got introduced at 3-Gun or Long-range shooting matches. The caliber of individual is excellent. If your rifle “goes down” at a match, someone is likely to offer to lend you his $8000+ rifle so you can finish out the day’s shooting. People are honest, straightforward, and honorable.

The essence of practical long-range shooting is one of competition against one’s self and the laws of nature, at the base of it. To cheat in order to gain false fame, or to defraud the system by getting prizes you don’t deserve, is dishonorable and ultimately pointless. Furthermore, it’s unfair to EVERY shooter at the match. It undermines the entire activity. It damages the match, and it damages matches as an activity.

As Match Director, I apologize to every shooter, but especially the new long-range competitors and new Steel Safari competitors, for having an incident that worked to undermine the integrity of the contest and tainted the trust we have in our fellow competitors.

Cheaters are not welcome at CD events.

The shooting community should eject and ostracize known cheaters.

I have a full 8-page post ready to go that contains the evidence of cheating. At this point I don’t see the need to post it and I hope I do not have to.

To clear up a few things: Match staff discovered the cheating and we confronted the competitor with the proof. He did not come to us to confess. His apology before the awards meeting was due to a deal I made with him in which he could keep his proper legitimate score and not get an immediate DQ only if he publicly admitted to cheating and apologized.

I bet you didn’t know CD had a CSI lab and Investigations Division. Don’t cheat. We’ll find out and you’ll be booted from the shooting community.

 

2018 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 4, 2018

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2018 STEEL SAFARI! The STEEL SAFARI is the longest running field-style practical long-range rifle shooting match (that we know of).

TOP 5

1. TATE STREETER
2. CURTIS WINNER
3. ANDY REINHARDT
4. AUSTIN ANGUS
5. WES ROLAN

FULL RESULTS

2018 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS PDF

Succeeding at the STEEL SAFARI requires an exceptional level of commitment to the science and art of practical rifle shooting. Just showing up is a significant achievement.

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to John Paul of JP Enterprises, the owner of the Blue Steel Ranch. BSR is a great place for training- check out the courses they have available.

Thanks to the staff: Jimmy Holdsworth, Casey Schrader, Stan Sanchez, Stewart Opjorden (Traust Shooting Bags). Also thanks to Dino and Aaron who stepped up to help when they didn’t have to.

Also, thanks to our sponsors: Mile High Shooting, AA Targets, Burris, Machinegun Tours, TBAC, JP Enterprises, Proof, US Optics, Huber Concepts, Magpul, XS Sights, Grayboe, Kifaru, Lapua, Sierra, Traust.

NOTE

Those of you at the awards meeting are aware that there was an incidence of cheating at SS this year. I will write up a separate post with details about it, but for now just be aware that the person’s final score was corrected using independent evidence before being finalized and what was posted only reflected true hits.

 

STEEL SAFARI - LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE - FINAL NOTES

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 27, 2018

We have a very limited number of shooter slots available for the Steel Safari, which starts next week. If you want to take one of these slots, please sign up on the web site ASAP and then bring cash or a check to match check-in. STEEL SAFARI LINK

The round count for the match will not exceed 170 rounds; it will nominally be 156. (These are the minimum for prescribed rounds; if we have any unlimited round stages those would be open ended for round count.)

Here is a map to the location of the Steel Safari, MAP TO STEEL SAFARI

Please note that MANDATORY check-in is from 1300-1700 THURSDAY. The front range will be open at this time for zero-check / sight-in, and possibly some sponsor demos. The Shooters’ Meeting will commence right at 1700.

Staff will be on-site (or traveling) starting Monday morning, with limited communications. The best way to get a hold of us is to send an email or send a voicemail; we will get back to you in the evening when we are back out of the field.

 

Seeking Range Officers for 2018 Season

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 12, 2018

Want to be part of a Competition Dynamics event? We are currently seeking Range Officers for our 2018 events. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked.

Take a look at our 2018 schedule for dates and event details, CD Events

For the STEEL SAFARI, we could use 1-2 RO’s with basic field / hiking skills, and good at spotting long-range hits through binoculars. We also have 1-2 slots for basic stage-area monitors.

For the BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE, we have slots for 6-8 general-purpose Range Officers, with some field skills, and basic stage-area monitors.

For the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE, we have a lot of flexibility, with slots for up to 15 general-purpose helpers / range officers. Experience any of the following areas a plus: wilderness medicine / first responder, EMT, M.D., field or tracking skills, action-style shooting Range Officer, Long-range Rifle Range Officer, 4×4 “Runner” / Rescue / Monitor, Mountaineering, Climbing, Escape and Evasion, Water safety / Lifeguard skills, Survival, and similar skillsets.

For the TEAM SAFARI, we have slots for 6-8 general-purpose Range Officers, with some field skills, and long-range rifle RO’s.

We also have some sponsor “Goodies” for Range Officers.

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

Match Highlight: BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 11, 2018


COMPETITION DYNAMICS and BURRIS OPTICS present The
2018 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE
June 22-24 at Douglas, WY

This match is an extreme test of practical field shooting of rifles, carbines, and pistols, and supporting activities. Two-man teams will be required to navigate rugged desert / mountainous terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage challenging rifle targets from compromised shooting positions, communicate with their partner and the range officer (RO), and do it under time constraints.

Some quotes from 2011 competitors:

“Hoser” Freeman – This has got to be one of the funnest and toughest matches I have ever shot. Mike and I finished each field course completely drenched in sweat and heart pounding. Trying to find that wall of how hard to push movement and still being able to settle in to shoot was a great challenge. The night stages were deceptively tough and the assault stages were brutal and fun. The prize table was awesome. Hard to imagine it was all set up well into well after most all companies had done their budgets for the year. Huge thanks to all the companies that supported this match and us shooters. The scoring was perfect. No issues, no drama. I cant wait for next year. Bring it.

Mike Kolar (SRM Match Director) – “I’m really excited about this match — I want to shoot it again right now!”

FCB on SnipersHide.com – “This was by far the best match I’ve ever been to and the best test of a rifleman that I’ve seen.”

Quickdraw40 on SnipersHide.com (Team Pro Plate) – “No square range shooting here folks and you better be in shape. If you have shot Steel Safari, this was like Steel Safari on crack with super cool side matches thrown in for fun. Organized well, no drama, super quick scoring, and an amazing prize table. ”

The rest of the details are available on the web sites:
MATCH WEB SITE

The Competition Dynamics TEAM CHALLENGE has been ongoing since 2011. Over that history it’s had TBAC, USO, and BURRIS as title sponsors, and has hopped venues once. The concept is one we’d been tossing around for some years: Shoot a significant part of a STEEL-SAFARI-like course in a big time block, but do it for points and time together. Then in the afternoons, shoot a whole bunch of hard and fun assault-style courses for a combination of carbine(s), rifle, and pistols. Over the years night stages have been in and out depending on venue and timing.

Accept no substitutes, shoot the original TEAM CHALLENGE.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW

 

STEEL SAFARI ALMOST FULL!

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 13, 2018

The Steel Safari is almost full! We have an extremely limited number of slots left. Sign up immediately if you want to shoot this legendary match.
STEEL SAFARI MATCH INFO AND SIGNUP

 

2018 SCHEDULE POSTED

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 31, 2017

The 2018 Competition Dynamics match schedule is finalized and sign-up will open on Wed Jan 3rd.

STEEL SAFARI – June 1-3.
TEAM CHALLENGE – June 22-24.
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE – Sept 7-9.
TEAM SAFARI – Oct 19-21.

Please visit the Competition Dynamics web site for more details.

 

2018 REGISTRATION UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 29, 2017

Registration for 2018 CD events will open in about 2 weeks. This will allow everyone to get back from traveling. We are just waiting to nail down the TC dates. THANKS!

 

TEAM CHALLENGE "ON" FOR 2018

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 8, 2017

The TEAM CHALLENGE is ON for 2018. We are just working out the dates and some details with BURRIS OPTICS before we announce it officially. Don’t worry, it’s on! It’ll be in the late July to early August timeframe again.

 

2018 STEEL SAFARI and TEAM SAFARI Dates

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 30, 2017

Steel Safari: June 1-3, 2018.
Team Safari: Oct 19-21, 2018.

 

2018 SAC DATES SET

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 24, 2017

SAC 2018: 7-9 SEPT.

 

2017 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 24, 2017

Congrats to all who finished the 2017 TEAM SAFARI. Here are the full results: 2017 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Thanks to all our sponsors and our RO’s for this event.

We are working on our 2018 schedule and should have it finalized in 4-6 weeks. If you have any input about matches or aspects of matches that you like, or the opposite, please let us know so we can incorporate the feedback into our 2018 planning.

 

Seeking a few Range Officers for Team Safari

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 11, 2017

Team Safari is coming up next week! We are looking for a couple more Range Officers. ROs at Team Safari will act as the first-out on the trail each morning and then RO an “action” stage in the afternoon. We’ll need you there Thursday morning and the match work part will be wrapped up by noon on Sunday. RO’ing at a CD event gets you a free entry at a future event, per our RO program. Please contact Zak at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’re interested

 

SAC SPOT ANALYSIS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 12, 2017

The top-3 teams all did 48-54 miles in 29-33 hours. Here’s the initial number crunch based on SPOT data, which should be considered an estimate only since SPOT data transmissions are not consistent.

2 Murphy Daniel 52.27 miles in 32.9 hours 1.59 mph
38 Way James 48.21 miles in 31.9 hours 1.51 mph
33 Frantz Leland 54.59 miles in 29.1 hours 1.88 mph
15 Barton Hilmisson 38.17 miles in 31.2 hours 1.22 mph
24 Oler Brown 40.41 miles in 33.0 hours 1.23 mph
11 Dodd Dodd 39.02 miles in 31.7 hours 1.23 mph
41 Kulin Opjorden 42.28 miles in 31.0 hours 1.36 mph
31 Wilson Haizlip 27.51 miles in 31.7 hours 0.87 mph
4 Locke Trout 37.43 miles in 31.2 hours 1.20 mph
1 Hillbo Caspers 34.55 miles in 32.1 hours 1.08 mph
17 Cole Fry 34.51 miles in 30.1 hours 1.15 mph
9 Meyer Standridge 34.22 miles in 29.6 hours 1.16 mph
40 Cross McConnaughey 31.37 miles in 31.4 hours 1.00 mph
36 Shay DiRezza 34.98 miles in 31.0 hours 1.13 mph
13 Brown Looney 34.51 miles in 32.5 hours 1.06 mph
10 Kajko Detweiler 23.68 miles in 31.7 hours 0.75 mph
25 Wright Morrow 35.13 miles in 29.0 hours 1.21 mph
14 Millette Marion 36.64 miles in 33.8 hours 1.08 mph
27 Bernardoni Keeler 32.04 miles in 23.0 hours 1.39 mph
30 Anderson Ong 27.57 miles in 29.8 hours 0.93 mph
23 Way Way 25.06 miles in 25.8 hours 0.97 mph
18 Wymer DeBonis 19.56 miles in 26.9 hours 0.73 mph
32 Wyatt Kodysh 22.05 miles in 27.7 hours 0.80 mph
6 O'Keefe Steven 21.07 miles in 29.2 hours 0.72 mph
16 Maley Campbell 26.89 miles in 28.8 hours 0.93 mph
12 Gregan Sullivan 13.35 miles in 21.6 hours 0.62 mph
20 Griffiths Gulick 13.96 miles in 14.0 hours 0.99 mph
26 Cisper Higgs 14.40 miles in 12.0 hours 1.20 mph

Teams that are missing had gaps in the SPOT data.

 

2017 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 11, 2017

We congratulate all the competitors of the 2017 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. This was the largest SAC ever, with 42 teams starting. The most impressive part is that ALL 42 teams returned to base under their own power. We also had almost half of the field qualify for SAC Finisher patches. GREAT JOB! We couldn’t be more impressed by the caliber of teams at this year’s SAC. Finishing the SAC is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates a level of skill, wits, and fitness that very few people on the planet strive to, let alone achieve.

PDF FILE OF RESULTS

Top 5:
1. DANIEL / MURPHY
2. WAY / JAMES
3. FRANTZ / LELAND
4. FULLER / STEINBACH
5. BARTON / HILMISSON

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to our new venue, the Q Creek Ranch, and our liaison, Tad Anderson.

Thanks to the main staff, Jimmy and Collin. These guys take on responsibility for major parts of match setup and operations.

Thanks to our Medical staff: Dr. Bruce, Chris, Cheryl, Ken. You do great work!

Thanks to the RO’s: Clay, Scott, Nick, Rocky, Mark, Lorna, Mark, Justin, Tyler, Vernon, Yves, Chris, Alex, Vic, Andy, Ed, Pete, Dylan, Tad, and Stan.

Thanks to our sponsors- TBAC, AA Targets, Armageddon Gear, CZ-USA, Daniel Defense, Falkor Defense, MGTS, Mile High Shooting, Badger Ordnance, Bison Tactical, La Sportiva, Swagger Bipods, US Optics, ZEV, 303 Arms, AttackPAK, Kifaru International, Hill People Gear, Lapua, Nosler, Q Creek, Sierra, The Tactical Medic.

We will follow up with some SPOT analysis data within the next week.

I hope to be able to post some SPOT analysis in the next about week.

Sincerely,
The SAC Staff

 

2017 SAC SPOT TRACKER LINK

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 5, 2017

Here’s the SPOT tracker for the 2017 SAC, 2017 SAC SPOT LINK. Data will become visible starting Friday morning.

 

SAC Competitor Information

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 4, 2017

Make sure we have your SPOT data registered with us AND that you have enabled TRACK mode for at least an hour. No team whose SPOT is not tracking will be permitted to do the land nav mission.

As of now the following teams are not “SPOT complete”: 2271 (no points); 5441 (no track); 5892 (no track); 6328 (not submitted); 8013 (no points); 8181 (no points); 8452 (not submitted); 9256 (not submitted)

If you plug “Shirley Basin Leo Loop, Hanna, WY” into Google maps, it’ll take you pretty much right to the Q Creek HQ. The UTM coords of the HQ are approx 13T 374250 4674100.

Check-in will be available 5-7pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 7:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers.

On Friday morning, make sure your SPOT is on and tracking by 7:00 AM so that we can verify everyone is online before race start.

Please bring a few sheets of paper and a pen appropriate for making field sketches or reports. Some type of waterproof or water resistant paper is recommended (rite in the rain, revlar, terraslate, etc), but not required.

You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before 7pm and Friday morning at muster.

Muster at 8:00 AM Friday, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”)

Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios ONLY on Sunday prior to awards.

In a few days, we will post the public SPOT TRACKER URL. This is the live map your fans at home can watch. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0700.

BIPODS WILL BE PERMITTED ON CARBINES.

The core staff will be heading up Wed AM. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email and voicemail about twice a day and do my best to get back to you.

 

SAC Question on harnesses and helmets

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 2, 2017

We had an email question from a team, Q: “Would you prefer if we brought climbing harnesses and helmets? Also, will we be required to carry them throughout the event if we do?” A: It’s up to you. Our one size fits all units are Trango Cosmic harnesses and Camp Usa “Armor” helmets. We will let you stash them at the climbing complex area, for subsequent use, once you get there the first time.

 

SAC notes on 100' and 25' ropes/cordage

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 1, 2017

There have been some questions about the rope/cordage required for 2017.

The 100′ of rope/cord capable of 100 lbs should be thought of as haul line. You may use “550” cord as long as you are willing to trust it to haul approx 100 lbs of your gear.

The 30′ of cord with a strength at least 10 kN may be static line. It is typically either 7 mm poly/nylon cord or 5.5 mm with a dyneema/spectra core.

 

2017 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 28, 2017

Congratulations to all 2017 BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE competitors. This year’s match was extremely difficult and everyone should be proud to have participated, let alone done well.

RESULTS

LINK TO 2017 SCORES PDF FILE

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to BURRIS OPTICS for being the title sponsor for this match.

Thanks to Travis for letting us use his awesome ranch.

Thanks to Jimmy and Collin for taking on responsibility for major parts of this match.

Thanks for all the RO’s: Keith, Luke, Jeremy, Nick, Mike, Stan, Chris VDW, Bill, Dennis, Andrew, Chris D, George, and Ned. You guys did a great job.

Jimmy will be sending out an email with the contact info for all our sponsors. Please take a few minutes to contact them and thank them for their support.

LOST AND FOUND

We lost several SHOT TIMERS. If you end up with any, please let me know and we’ll get them back eventually. All should be black CED 7000’s and have my name on the back.

I did end up with one “Optical” item. To claim, please identify what you lost.

Sincerely,
Zak

 

SAC Competitors - Send us your SPOT ID's now!

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 28, 2017

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY THURSDAY AUG 31st

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Go to the “Share” tab.
  4. You need to use or create a “Shared Page” and then click on the name of the shared page, and it will take you to a page with a URL that looks like this:
    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx
    A password is NOT required, but if you have one, send us the password also.

  5. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  6. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  7. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  8. SEND US THE URL from STEP #4, along with your Confirmation Code

    Note: only send us the URL after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CLASS: ENDURANCE
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

SAC UPDATES

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 16, 2017

Countdown to SAC– GO!

Here at Competition Dynamics, we’ve been working on the route and challenges for our brand new SAC venue! It’s pretty exciting. Right now we are doing prep for the Burris Optics Team Challenge coming up in about a week, and will be out of touch until it’s done.

During the week of Aug 28th, we’ll send out an email with instructions to send us your SPOT ID’s (please wait), and any other last minute SAC information.

Thanks!

 

SAC GEAR NOTE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 10, 2017

We will have technical rock climbing and related tasks at SAC 2017. You may bring your own harnesses, helmets, etc, if you wish, but we will have serviceable “one size fits most” equipment available on the relevant stages. Please note that we have replaced the tubular nylon on the gear list with several different items.

 

SAC 2017 BOUNDING BOX

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 10, 2017

13T
366000 4681000
390000 4662000
(or close).

 

Seeking a few RO's for the Burris Optics Team Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 9, 2017

The next Competition Dynamics match is the Burris Optics Team Challenge, August 24-27 at Douglas WY.

The BOTC is a very dynamic event, with hour-long stages that include around a mile of movement for rifle and carbine, assault stages for carbines, pistols, and rifles.

We are still looking for a few additional RO’s for the BOTC. We mainly need RO’s who will primarily need to spot and call long-range hits and to be field stage “senders.”

Besides being part of a great event and seeing some of the best long-range field shooters, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program.

Please contact me by email if you’re interested.

 

2017 MAGPUL GOVERNOR'S MATCH RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 7, 2017

Thanks to all the shooters, volunteers, and sponsors who helped to make this event happen. Thanks also to Governor Mead, his staff, and the other state employees who believe in promoting shooting sports in Wyoming. Here are the results in the three divisions:
TACTICAL RESULTS
LIMITED RESULTS
OPEN RESULTS
OVERALL RESULTS
Please take a moment and thank our sponsors; the list is here: MGM SPONSORS

thanks

 

SQUAD REQUESTS CLOSED

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 2, 2017

See everyone in two days.

 

Rorke Denver to speak at Shooter's Meeting

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 30, 2017

Former US Navy SEALs Commander Rorke Denver will be giving a Welcome speech at the Shooters Meeting, Thursday afternoon, at the 2017 Magpul Governor’s Match!

There are still a limited number of match slots available, sign up now!
WEB SITE

 

MAGPUL GOVERNOR'S MATCH COMPETITOR NOTES & SQUADDING

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 24, 2017

With the match coming up in about 10 days, here are some notes about the Magpul Governor’s Match:

1. SQUADDING. Each small group to elect ONE CAPTAIN ONLY. That group captain will collect the names of people who want to be on the same group. Groups should be 6 or fewer people. That group captain ONLY will send ONE EMAIL to info@competition-dynamics.com Make sure the subject is “MGM SQUADDING”. We cannot ensure that all requests will end up on the same squad. We will ignore any names that are not currently signed up. Orphaned group requests (ie, those outside of a captained-group) may be ignored.

2. ROUND COUNTS. 200 rifle, 200 pistol should be more than enough to shoot the match. Bring extra if you tend to shoot extra, or if you will shoot extra in the side matches.

3. SIDE MATCHES. We will have a machinegun side match, a transition side match, a Wyoming 100 side match that will be live during regular match-stage hours. Some “may” be open on Thursday.

4. VENDOR DEMO SHOOTING. There will be some vendor demo shooting on Thursday.

5. “SIGHT IN”. We will gave a relatively short range (ie less than 100 yards) zero-check and function check range available on Thursday for competitors.

6. CHECK-IN / LATE REGISTRATION REMINDER. EVERY SHOOTER MUST BE PRE REGISTERED. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. If you want to shoot this match, make sure you are signed up ASAP. To be signed up means you have a registration confirmation number and the registration is paid on time, and that your online registration shows the CONFIRMED status. If you have a registration in NONPAID or WITHDRAWN status, you are NOT signed up. If your registration is in “Slot Granted – Pending Payment – Delinquent” it means your slot is not guaranteed and you must rectify the payment status ASAP. If you are “Slot Granted – Pending Payment” status, please pay ASAP. If you are not pre-registered, do not plan to “walk-on.” You must be pre-registered per the above criteria to shoot this match.

7. RANGE CLOSED TO COMPETITORS UNTIL THURSDAY 0800.

8. WAIVERS. Everyone on the range will have to sign the CD waiver.

9. WALK THROUGHS. Most stages will be available for walk-throughs starting at 0800 Thursday. During the match times starting 0800 Friday, it is requested that all competitors STAY OFF stages unless your squad is scheduled to be on the stage at that time. Each squad will get an official briefing when it is to report to the stage and a very brief time period for final walk-throughs then (like a combined briefing and walk-through time of about 5 minutes).

10. FOOD VENDOR. We will have a food vendor on site for Breakfast and Lunch Thursday through Sunday. In addition, Monster Energy will be on site with refreshments.

11. REGISTRATION STILL OPEN. We still have a few slots left for this match. Please sign up ASAP.

12. LATE PAYMENTS. We will check the PO Box one final time on Friday July 28th. If your payment is not delivered by then, you must bring it in cash or check format to the match check-in. No competitor will be allowed to check in who is not paid.

Please review the official information on the match web site, MAGPUL GOVERNOR’S MATCH WEB SITE

 

Magpul Governor's Match Late Signup Information

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 1, 2017

The Magpul Governor’s Match is coming up in just under 5 weeks. Here is some important information about sign-up for this match.

EVERY SHOOTER MUST BE PRE REGISTERED. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

If you want to shoot this match, make sure you are signed up ASAP. To be signed up means you have a registration confirmation number and the registration is paid on time, and that your online registration shows the CONFIRMED status.

If you have a registration in NONPAID or WITHDRAWN status, you are NOT signed up.

If your registration is in “Slot Granted – Pending Payment – Delinquent” it means your slot is not guaranteed and you must rectify the payment status ASAP.

If you are “Slot Granted – Pending Payment” status, please pay ASAP.

If you are not pre-registered, do not plan to “walk-on.”

You must be pre-registered per the above criteria to shoot this match.

 

FAQ #1 for the Magpul Governor's Match

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 30, 2017

1. Is there a Power Factor for pistols? No, there is no power factor requirement for pistols. 9mm/.38 Spl is the minimum caliber and loads should be normal factory power. For rifles, 5.45 & 5.56 are the minimum calibers.

2. Are the stages “combo” stages or are they pistol or rifle only? Plan on 2 single carbine stages, probably a single pistol and the rest combo stages with pistol/carbine, carbine/pistol mixed

3. Will the stages be posted in advance so that shooters can determine their equipment needs? CD does not post stages a head of time, very few matches do this

4. Will there be squadding since there is 3 days of shooting and shooters need to arrange work, travel and lodging plans? Yes there will be squadding. We will send out a squad request solicitation email about 2 weeks out from the event with instructions on how to submit squad requests.

5. Your website says targets to 400-600 yds. Will you post what KIND/SIZE of target that is? There will be a maximum of 1 or 2 stages with targets out beyond 400 yards. These will be reasonably large, e.g. 2-3 MOA or larger. We use AA Targets systems.

6. What kind of targets will be used for rifle? AR 500 reactive steel at safe ranges and paper, on steel spotter will call hits

7. What is the prize table policy? Shooters will walk the prize table in order of finish in their class they chose to shoot in, there will be special awards for LE, MIL, Female and Junior. As of 6/29, the total MSRP value of goods on the prize table was at least $80,000

8. $295 seems kind of steep for a match fee. Major level matches with a prize table valued at roughly $1000 per person average, are about $100 per person per match-day. The MGM is actually a little cheaper per person per day than our other matches.

9. What are the side matches and for what weapons? The Wyoming 100 will be set up for shooters to see where they stand at against everyone else, Machine gun tours will be there with a MG side Match of some sort with a cash prize payback, and there will be some standards-style size stages.

10. Will there be concessions/food on site? Yes, this is being arranged by the Governor’s Office

11. In regards to teams, what are the rules? Teams will (must) be in the same class, shooters can jump from Tactical class to open class and vice versa, but will qualify for the rifle portion easy enough, there must be 5 or more in the same class for the team shoot, if not everyone will be lumped together and scored heads up.

We will post additional FAQ’s as more questions come in.

 

2017 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 5, 2017

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2017 STEEL SAFARI! The STEEL SAFARI is the longest running field-style practical long-range rifle shooting match (that we know of). 2017 also marks the tenth year we’ve run this match since Dave Wheeler gave the reigns over to us.

Succeeding at the STEEL SAFARI requires an exceptional level of commitment to the science and art of practical rifle shooting. Just showing up is a significant achievement. Attendance has been increasing year over year and this year was the largest match to date.

RESULTS
2017 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS PDF

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to John Paul of JP Enterprises, the new owner of the Blue Steel Ranch.

Thanks to the staff: Jimmy Holdsworth, Casey Schrader, Stan Sanchez, Rollie Leighton, Scott Trowbridge, and Scot Hill (Hill People Gear).

Also, thanks to our sponsors: AA Targets, Burris Optics, Falkor Defense, Machinegun Tours, Mile High Shooting Accessories, TBAC, Bison Tactical, JP Enterprises, Swagger, US Optics, LA Sportiva, Nightforce, Proof Research, XS Sights, ZEV Technologies, 303 Arms, AttackPAK, Kifaru, Lapua, Nosler, Sierra, Tactical Brass Recovery, The Tactical Medic, Hill People Gear.

 

FINAL STEEL SAFARI INFORMATION

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 25, 2017

The Steel Safari is upon us! Here are final notes to competitors:

All competitors to bring the following items:

1. A reliable stopwatch. Link to cheap Casio stopwatch

2. A few permanent ink pens. Ultra-fine sharpies are recommended. Link to Ultra-fine sharpies

3. Binoculars for acting as RO.

Round count will be no more than 170 in the match.

Any competitors who are registered but have not had their entry acknowledged as “PAID” by 5/26/2017 need to bring payment to match check-in in the form of cash or a check.

Staff will be heading down Tuesday for final setup. Thus, we will have limited communication between now and match check-in on site. The best way to get a hold of the match director will be email or to leave a voicemail. We will check messages in the evening.

This year will be the biggest Steel Safari ever! Each year we’ve been letting in a few more competitors and the timing has more or less stayed on track. What this means, though, is that it’s even more critical to not waste time while on the course– that means no idle chit-chat before or after shooting a stage.

The front range will be open to competitors for zero check / sight-in Thursday from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Mandatory check-in/sign-in will be held during this time. All competitors must be checked-in by 5:00 PM. We will have a tech inspection during check-in. At 5:00 PM, there will be a mandatory shooters’ meeting at the front range.

For directions, please refer to this map, Map to BSR.

Park only in the new parking lot located to the west of the main front range shooting area.

The range will be closed the week of the match, until 1:00 PM Thursday.

 

Magpul Governor's Match Coming Up!

Posted By: Jimmy Holdsworth on May 25, 2017

A little more than two months from now, Competition Dynamics will be administering one of the biggest action shooting events in the state of Wyoming to date.

The Magpul Governor’s Match, will take place August 3rd-6th 2017 at the Otto Road Range, 10 minutes from Cheyenne, Wyoming. This event will be a 2-gun format: pistol and carbine (ie, semi-automatic rifle). The stages will be scenario based “run and gun” type shooting.

Governor Mead will be present and onsite for this event. With many other local agencies involved, it promises to be “the event of the summer” with all the stops pulled out. With this event the state is promoting shooting sports within the Wyoming, and is making a huge push to get shooters, as well as shooting industry types more involved within the state.

Notable generous local Gold sponsors for this event include, Magpul, Thunder Beast Arms, Gunwerks, and Hi Viz Sight Systems. These sponsors are thriving in Wyoming and are supporting the event in massive way. Plus there are many other sponsors involved in supporting and sponsoring the event along the Colorado front range as well.

Prize donations are in upwards of $100,000, plus there is a special prize donated by the state that is worth around $20,000, a fully inclusive Elk hunt. This special prize, a “commissioner tag”, and if chosen must be donated to the winners charity of choice, examples would be Rocky Mountain 3-Gun, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NRA and so on.

There are still limited slots available, and you can sign up at http://competition-dynamics.com/

Match information, as well as the complete rule set can be found at www.competition-dynamics.com.

We hope see everyone here for this historic event. And keep an eye out as the time gets closer for updates.

Carbine targets will be mostly within 80 yards, with a few targets out to 400-600 yards.

Round count will not exceed 200 rifle / 200 pistol.

 

Hotels:

The Historic Plains Hotel (307) 638-3311
Little America (307) 775-8400
The  Radisson (307)  638-4466
TownePlace  Suites (307) 634-0400
Fairfield Inn and Suites (307) 634-0401
Mention you’re shooting the Magpul Governor’s Match for the discount.

 

Seeking Range Officers for 2017 Season

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 3, 2017

Want to be part of a Competition Dynamics event? We are currently seeking Range Officers for our 2017 events. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked.

We are looking for some RO’s for these events:

MAGPUL WYOMING GOVERNOR’S MATCH, Aug 3-6, Cheyenne, WY

BURRIS OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE: Aug 24-27, Douglas, WY

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: Sept 8-10, Medicine Bow, WY

TEAM SAFARI: Oct 20-22, Logan, NM

For more information about any of these matches, please refer to the main Competition Dynamics web page

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

Gmail eating Emails - Please Retry

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 12, 2017

Hi,

We just found out that Gmail had been classifying a disproportionately large number of legitimate incoming emails as “SPAM”. If you’ve sent us an email in the last month and haven’t heard back, please try again, or just give us a call.

thanks

 

Magpul Governor's Match FAQ - Scoring and Hits

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 28, 2017

Since the MGM has a bunch of new-to-action-shooting competitors, we’re going to flesh out some commonly asked questions and answers.

How does scoring work?

Each stage will be scored “time plus penalties”. Time plus penalties means you take your raw time, add the seconds prescribed by the briefing packet per penalty type for each penalty incurred to get your net stage time. The fastest net time per division gets 100 stage points, everyone else gets a fraction of that based on his time divided into their time.

What are penalties?

Penalties include: failure to neutralize (FTN), un-hit, no-shoot, and procedural. FTN’s are +5 seconds, the rest are all +20 seconds, each occurance.

What hits are required on a paper target to neutralize?

Unless otherwise briefed, paper targets will require 1 A zone, 2 C zone or better, or 4 D zone to neutralize.

What is the penalty for Failure to Engage (FTE) ?

There is no separate FTE penalty. An FTE’d target would fall under UNHIT.

 

NEW 2017 SAC VENUE! HALF-MILLION ACRES

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 24, 2017

The 2017 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE will be held on private ranch lands totaling over 850 square miles, north of Medicine Bow and south of Casper, about 80 miles south-west of the ’16 site.

We are very excited for the opportunity to move the SAC to new venue! Although we loved running the SAC at our Douglas shooting site, we’ve “used it up” with regard to land nav problems. Dealing with the unknown is a key part of the concept of the SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. This new site will give us practically limitless options for land-nav and also offers new sets of geographic features and microterrain to deal with. Up until this point, the largest SAC site was the Felix Canyon Ranch (2013). This new site encompasses almost four times more area.

A very limited amount of lodging will be available on-site through the Q-Creek lodge. Public camping is available on BLM nearby. Hotel lodging is available in Casper and Medicine Bow.

Additional details are posted on the SAC web site, 2017 SAC. Registration is open now.

 

RESURGENCE: 3-GUN REBOOTED

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 3, 2017

JP ENTERPRISES and COMPETITION DYNAMICS present RESURGENCE, a Tactical 3-Gun Match that captures the full spirit and flavor of the legendary SOF 3-Gun matches.

We’ve brought back the spirit of the original Outlaw 3-Gun with tactical, semi-surprise stages. Our ruleset has evolved for modern 3-Gun and tactical rifles, but a secondary rifle optic or 26-inch shotgun tube won’t give you a win at this match– it’s all about shooting fundamentals, situational awareness, and thinking on your feet.

 

Registration Status

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 22, 2016

As of 12/22, your online registration status should be up to date. We will not be receiving mail or updating registrations until 1/1/2017. All match web sites will still be accepting registrations through this time period, and we will be approving registrations as they come in; we just will not be posting any confirmed/paid statuses.

Thank you and Merry Christmas to all!

 

2017 MATCH REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 1, 2016

Registration for all six of our 2017 major events is open now!

There was a problem this morning with the Team Challenge registration– it’s fixed and that’s open now too!

CD WEB SITE

STEEL SAFARI – June 2-4, Logan, NM
MAGPUL WYOMING GOVERNOR’S MATCH – Aug 3-6, Cheyenne, WY
TEAM CHALLENGE – Aug 24-27, Douglas, WY
DARRIN FINK MEMORIAL SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE – Sept 8-10, Douglas, WY
TEAM SAFARI – Oct 20-22, Logan, NM

 

2017 SCHEDULE POSTED!

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 16, 2016

We’re excited to have six major events scheduled in 2017! This includes one all-new match, the 2017 MAGPUL WYOMING GOVERNOR’S MATCH, a “2-gun” match for semi-automatic rifle and pistol held in Cheyenne.

The Steel Safari, Team Challenge, Sniper Adventure Challenge, and Team Safari are also on the calendar.

Jimmy Holdsworth will be returning as the Match Director for Resurgence. He is also taking the lead at the MAGPUL WYOMING GOVERNOR’S MATCH.

Please visit the Competition Dynamics web site for more details.

Registration for most of these opens December 1st.

 

2017 Schedule Almost Finalized!

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 8, 2016

I know a lot of you are anxious to get 2017 scheduled out. We’ve just waiting on a couple confirmations before we publicize our 2017 schedule. Thank you!

 

2016 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS!

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 25, 2016

Congrats to all who finished the 2016 TEAM SAFARI. Here are the full results: 2016 TEAM SAFARI RESULTS

Thanks to all our sponsors and our RO’s for this event.

We are working on our 2017 schedule and should have it finalized in 4-6 weeks. If you have any input about matches or aspects of matches that you like, or the opposite, please let us know so we can incorporate the feedback into our 2017 planning.

 

Seeking a few more RO's for Team Safari

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 3, 2016

The Team Safari is coming up in a few weeks and we’re still looking for a few RO’s.

The Team Safari is a team event made up of two parts, (1) a hike-and-shoot part, and (2) four 3-gun style stages for combinations of pistol (2x), rifle, and carbine. We are seeking several additional RO’s for the 3-gun style stages.

Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program.

TEAM SAFARI INFO

Please contact me by email if you’re interested.

The TS is near full, so if you want to register as a competitor, please do so soon!

 

2016 RESURGENCE 3-GUN RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 27, 2016

CLASSIC DIVISION RESULTS

MODERN DIVISION RESULTS

Thanks to all competitors, JP Enterprises, E Miller, K Miller, S Trowbridge, C Fossen, S Hawkins, B Hawkins, A Samuel, W Garfield, C van der Walt, J Macgregor, G Johnson, D Johnson.

 

Match Season Update

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 7, 2016

Slots are still available in our two remaining matches for this year.
RESURGENCE is an old-school 3-Gun match, Sept 22-25.
TEAM SAFARI is a hike-and-shoot long-range field match for teams of two shooting rifle and carbine.
Sign up now!

 

2016 DARRIN FINK MEMORIAL SAC RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 6, 2016

Congratulations to all competitors who attempted the 2016 Darrin Fink Memorial Sniper Adventure Challenge. Just showing up to the SAC shows an exceptional level of commitment. Finishing the SAC is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates a level of skill, wits, and fitness that very few people on the planet strive to, let alone achieve.

PDF FILE OF RESULTS

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to the landowners, Travis, Dana, the State of Wyoming, and Lyndon Fink (and Darrin, in spirit). They own this awesome venue and are kind enough to let us run events here.

Thanks to the main staff, Jimmy, Casey. These guys take on responsibility for major parts of match setup and operations.

Thanks to the RO’s: Stan, Sutherland, Zach, Brett, Scot, Rocky, Nick, Murph, Jason, Mario, Ned, Vernon, Keith, Darin T., Ed, Cheryl, Ron, Bill, Chris, Nico, and the crew from Focuss Group Special thanks to Scot for bringing a big crew and doing a fantastic job on Comms.

Thanks to the medical staff: Dr. Bruce, Kyle, Dr. Keith, Chris, and Nick. The SAC could not happen without having you on-hand ready to handle medical issues. You do a great job.

Thanks to our sponsors- TBAC, AA Target, Alexander Arms, Burris, Con-X, Focuss, Hill People Gear, La Sportiva, Machinegun Tours, US Optics, Badger Ordnance, XS Sights, Hornady, 303 Arms, AttackPak, Bison Tactical, Lapua, Sierra, Tactical Medical Solutions, The Tactical Medic, VTAC, ZEV. We will follow up with some SPOT analysis data within the next week.

Thanks to Austin Angus (AA Targets) for building us Darrin’s memorial plaque. Thanks to Travis Wills for hosting the BBQ.

Sincerely,
The SAC Staff

 

SAC Update

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 5, 2016

Thanks to everyone for a great SAC this year. Staff is just returning home and we’ll get results and other information online as soon as we can.

 

2016 SAC SPOT TRACKER LINK

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 1, 2016

Here’s the SPOT tracker for the 2016 SAC, 2016 SAC SPOT LINK. Data will become visible starting tomorrow morning.

 

DARRIN FINK MEMORIAL BBQ & SHOOT SUNDAY NOON

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 31, 2016

Here’s an update on CD’s Memorial BBQ & Shoot honoring Darrin Fink. It is open to any shooters or friends of Darrin who want to come.

We will start the Memorial BBQ at Noon Sunday, with food starting on the grill at that time.

At about 2-4 PM, we will open the “DRM” Rifle Stages for open (supervised) shooting. If you plan to shoot some DRM stages, please don’t consume alcohol until after you’ve finished shooting and are back at the BBQ area.

From 4pm onward, it’s refreshment time.

We’ll have the BBQ at the SAC HQ, which will be at Travis’s place.

See you this weekend.

 

2016 JP Enterprises Resurgence 3-Gun Tactical Match Details!

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 29, 2016

This is the official competitor final match letter for the “Resurgence” on September 22-25 2016 at the JP Enterprises Blue Steel Ranch in Logan, New Mexico.

Competition Dynamics in cooperation with JP Enterprises is bringing you the Resurgence, a “throw back” match from the old “SOF “days. The full flavor of the stages will be present as they were in the past, no walk troughs, and no gaming. Straight up tactical style shooting, with an emphasis on marksmaship, the use of your weapons, and weapon manipulations.

Historically the stages were somewhat physical; forward movement was always encouraged or even forced in some cases. There will be emphasis on use of cover, shooting from behind cover, and moving to cover in a safe manner. There will be some communication between the RO and shooter regarding moving. You might hear “take cover”, or “move to cover.”

All the stage descriptions will be read Wednesday September 21st at 1700. This is where questions will be answered pertaining to the stage procedure. Please bring something comfortable to sit on; the meeting could last up to 1.5-2 hours. During this forum please ask questions, for there will be no time to do this on the line.

Day(s) of shooting, the shooter will be called up example; shooter 1, squad 1, and so on and so forth. Please note the shooters will be held inside or behind a specified holding area.

This match promises to be action packed, and very dynamic. You will not be let down.

The property on the BSR is made of rolling hills in the high desert New Mexico. Temps will range from mid 80’s to low 40’s at night. There are “port-a-potties” onsite, and there will be a few locations with water available. You will be doing some walking/hiking to and from the stages.

Also, right now we are planning on using the range to its full capabilities. For us to do this and guarantee the best shooting ever, parts of the range will be closed. We are doing this to provide the best possible experience for you as the shooter.

Shooting kit:
I would include all and everything you will need for the day, you will know where and what you are shooting the night before, so please pack accordingly. Your kit might include, ammo, guns, magazines, snacks, sunscreen, water and anything else you man need for this adventure. Your vehicle may be a few thousand yards away, so try not to forget anything.

Ammo:
This is what I would bring
200 rifle/carbine
200 pistol
100 Buckshot (00/4buck)
50 slugs
This is if you want to sight in, and if your team make the team shoot Sunday.

Lodging:
There is decent lodging in Logan, New Mexico. There are 4 locations there and 2 restuaraunts (Subway and the Annex) Also, there is Ute lake for those bringing RV’s or campers.

Tucumcarri, New Mexico is 20 minutes from the range, where there is everything one needs from a modern south western city on route 66.

Team shoot: Qualification and Squading
Please send me an email with the 4 persons you want to shoot with, and have someone within your squad be the captain. Please have him/person (TEAM CAPTAIN ONLY) send us the complete squading list of persons on the squad. For this match there will be 2, 4 person teams, or people on a squad, totaling a complete 8 person squad. The team shoot is $25 per person, which we will collect on the day of sign in.

Jimmy@competition-dynamics.com

Schedule:
Wednesday 21 September-check, zero, shooter meeting at 1700
Thursday 22 September-Shoot
Friday 21 September-Shoot
Saturday 22 September-Shoot, Industry demos, side shoots PM
Sunday Team Shoot AM, awards following for those who qualify

There will be some side shoots going on for benefits, and there will be monies and prizes to be won. This can be done when there is a break between stages will go on during all “shoot” days.

We look forward to seeing everyone on the range, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Jimmy Holdsworth
Match Director
jimmy@competition-dynamics.com

 

2016 SAC INFO FOR COMPETITORS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 29, 2016

Here are some last-minute notes for SAC competitors:

1. You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

2. There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

3. Check-in will be available 5-7pm THURSDAY ONLY. Check-in is required prior to 7:00 PM THURSDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers and get a wrist band.

4. At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures and scoring. Read how scoring works. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered Thursday before 7pm and Friday morning at muster.

5. Muster at 8:00 AM Friday, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”)

6. The parking location will be at 646 Wagon Hound Rd, Douglas Wy. Park on the south side of Wagon Hound Rd right across from the Wills Ranch sign (it says “Travis & Brayden”), on the E and W side of the driveway. Once the event begins you will not be permitted access to your vehicles until you finish or quit.

7. For check-in on Thursday ONLY, you may drive up to the check-in area. It is the yard surrounded by the houses and barns. 461220 4721283

8. Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $100 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio. Radio deposits will be exchanged for radios ONLY on Sunday prior to awards.

9. No team will be allowed to start the race without a SPOT registered with us and functioning in TRACK mode as of Friday morning 8:00 AM. Teams without a working spot will not be permitted to continue on any land nav Missions.

10. On Friday, turn on your SPOT trackers and activate TRACK mode at 7:30 AM. This will give us plenty of time to get a few points from all teams’ SPOTS to ensure everyone is tracking.

11. In a few days, we will post the public SPOT TRACKER URL. This is the live map your fans at home can watch. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0700.

12. We will have match T-shirts available for $20 cash (please bring exact change) at check-in, first come first serve on available sizes.

13. BIPODS WILL BE PERMITTED ON CARBINES.

15. The core staff will be heading up to Douglas Wed AM. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email and voicemail about twice a day and do my best to get back to you.

16. SPOT issues will be VERY difficult to resolve once on-site. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE YOUR TEAM ONLINE.

 

MATCH HOTEL

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 25, 2016

The SLEEP INN in Douglas has a “CD Match Rate” of $79 + tax for any remaining matches in Douglas this year.

 

WE MOURN LOSS OF DARRIN FINK

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 22, 2016

We are heartbroken to convey the news of Darrin Fink’s passing. Darrin was a dear friend of all of us here at CD and his death diminishes the shooting community as a whole. His generosity was unmatched. We considered him a brother.

Darrin loved the concept and challenges of the SAC and the upcoming SAC will be renamed to the “DARRIN FINK MEMORIAL SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE.”

CD will be holding a Memorial BBQ for Darrin on Sunday Sept 4th, starting just after noon. This is right after the SAC awards and is open to any shooters or friends of Darrin who want to come and share memories. We will be grilling and will have refreshments, but please bring anything special you’d like to. Overnight camping will be available on an ad-hoc basis if anyone wants to crash for the night and drive home safely on Monday.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been arranged by the family. We will follow up to this post when more information is available.

 

RESURGENCE OPEN CLASS ADDITIONALLY AVAILABLE

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 16, 2016

In addition to “Classic/SOF Irons” and “Classic/SOF Optics”, we will also run an OPEN division where any modern-open-class firearms may be used. Major/minor scoring will still apply

 

SAC Competitors - Send us your SPOT ID's now!

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 10, 2016

ACTION REQUIRED FOR SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY AUGUST 22

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Go to the “Share” tab.
  4. You need to use or create a “Shared Page” and then click on the name of the shared page, and it will take you to a page with a URL that looks like this:
    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx
    A password is NOT required, but if you have one, send us the password also.

  5. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  6. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  7. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  8. SEND US THE URL from STEP #4, along with your Confirmation Code

    Note: only send us the URL after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CLASS: ENDURANCE
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG.

REMINDER – TEAMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPART THE RACE WITHOUT A TRACKING SPOT. “I.T.” PROBLEMS WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE ONCE ON SITE

 

Last-minute AUGUST Burris Douglas "Local" Rifle Match Info

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 10, 2016

The pre-registration deadline has passed, but we will still be allowing on-site registrations at the August Burris Douglas Local Rifle Match coming up this weekend.

CHECK-IN AND ZERO-CHECK WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 4:00 PM UNTIL 6:00 PM SATURDAY.

Late check-in will be 7:00 to 7:30 AM Sunday morning.

There will be no SAC-LITE challenge this month.

LOCATION / PARKING

The match is held at our Douglas shooting facility. This is a private ranch, so please follow directions, take care of the property, and be respectful so we can continue to shoot here.

To get to the parking area for this match, plug the “virtual address” 598 Wagon Hound Rd. (Douglas) into Google Maps. On Google Maps, this is coincident with an intersection of a driveway with Wagon Hound Rd. Turn north at this intersection onto the driveway. Proceed to the top of the hill. You will find a parking area marked with yellow ribbon starting at the telephone pole at the top of the hill.

Park ONLY longitudinally (that is, parallel to the road) on the SOUTH side of the road (that’ll be your left). Pull off the road so traffic can pass but do not go more than 6 feet off the side of the road. Do NOT drive or turn around in the grass.

SHOOTERS MEETING

We will have a shooters meeting at 7:30 AM Sunday. It is mandatory.

 

2016 SAC MAP EXTENTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 3, 2016

The entirety of the SAC “should” be contained within the rectangle defined by a NW corner at 454000 4727000 and a SE corner at 469000 4714000

 

USOTC Demo Day

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 2, 2016

During Thursday, the US OPTICS Demo Day, teams that have checked in will have the opportunity to shoot Assault 7 & 8. Be sure to attend the demo day for some great US OPTICS demos and additional chances to win US Optics scopes.

 

AUGUST BURRIS DRM REGISTRATION STATUS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 2, 2016

Pre-registration for the August Burris Douglas “Local” Rifle Match is closed. However, we are still accepting on-site signups up to 50 shooters and at this time, as far as we know, there are slots available.

Remember, for the Burris “Local” DRM series, you can pre-register up to 2 weeks before the match, and prepay, and this guarantees you a slot. There is on-site late signup available until we hit the max match capacity.

 

Final USOTC Info

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 30, 2016

The match is held at our Douglas shooting facility. This is a private ranch, so please follow directions, take care of the property, and be respectful so we can continue to shoot here.

To get to the parking area for this match, plug the “virtual address” 440 Wagon Hound Rd. (Douglas) into Google Maps. On Google Maps, this is coincident with a minor intersection with a short drive south down into a pasture area. Park here. This will be the check-in and demo area.

THURSDAY SCHEDULE
0800-1700 US OPTICS LIVE FIRE DEMOS, SIDE MATCHES, ZERO CHECK, and CHECK-IN
1700-1800 MANDATORY SHOOTERS’ MEETING
SHOOTERS MUST CHECK IN BEFORE 1700 THURSDAY.

Staff will be heading down Saturday for final setup. Thus, we will have limited communication between now and match check-in on site. The best way to get a hold of the match director will be email or to leave a voicemail. We will check messages in the evening.

 

Last-minute JULY Burris Douglas "Local" Rifle Match Info

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 18, 2016

The pre-registration deadline has passed, but we will still be allowing on-site registrations at the July Burris Douglas Local Rifle Match coming up this weekend.

Just a reminder SAC-Lite competitors for the Bike Combat Biathlon, be checked in and ready for briefing at 3:30 PM Saturday

 

July Burris DRM News! (Including July Off-Road Bike "Tactical" Biathlon)

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 7, 2016

The first Burris Douglas Douglas Rifle Match was a success. Even with 50 competitors, we finished on time overall everyone kept moving pretty good. We had a lot of new shooters, or new shooters to this format, and CD staff was very pleased how quickly everyone picked up on the “flow” of the match. Now that the majority of the competitors have a BDRM under their belt, the July and August matches will go smoother.

We have a few suggestions to keep the DRM moving smoothly, and these are to be considered rules for the remaining BDRM matches in 2016:

1. No PDA’s, phones, iPads, etc, “on the line” for your dope. Your dope should be written down on something else. The reason for this is simply to reduce the “fiddling around with devices” time. CD staff strongly recommends having something like a laminated notecard that is tied to your scope or affixed to your rifle in another way.

2. Spotting scopes are banned. For spotting, bring a set of binoculars with magnification not exceeding about 10x. Hand-held binoculars are the best way to “dynamically” spot a shooter who is engaging a field of targets. The reason for this is simply to reduce the time it takes the squad to get “set up” on a stage.

3. Do not bring shooting mats, pads, etc, along on the course.

4. Once you are done shooting, “unload and show clear” your rifle, have the RO check it, and then get off the line so the next shooter can go.

5. Remember, there is no “checking out” the shooting positions (ie, no “walkthroughs”)

6. As a field match, there is a physical aspect to this match. Make sure you are able to walk several miles throughout the day, and be sure to drink enough water. The “ferry service” from station 10 will not be a regular occurrence– it may only be available when we have a very large number of shooters.

Congratulations to the 4 competitors who did the SAC-Lite challenge. In June we did a “hike and shoot” challenge that involved approx 700 meters of hiking up a steep hill interspersed with a shooting challenge.

For July, the SAC-Lite challenge will be a Bike Biathlon. We are pleased that bike-industry professional Ned Kajko will be assisting with the route and trail setup. Thanks Ned! There will be an off-road bike loop that will be alternated hare-scramble style with a shooting challenge, with some penalty for misses (last time it was burpees). A mountain bike will be the intended type of bike, however, it will be possible on cyclocross or fat bikes as well. During the bike portion, competitors must wear a bike-appropriate helmet. During the shooting parts, eye and earpro are required. Please give me a heads-up by email if you are planning to participate in the July Bike Biathlon.

The July Sac-Lite will be briefed at approx 3:30PM

 

US Optics Team Challenge Updates

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 22, 2016

The U.S. Optics Team Challenge is coming up quick!

USO has a special promotional deal, anyone who registers prior to July 1, 2016 will go into a drawing to win a U.S Optics ER-25 scope. Drawing will take place July 1, 2016. Winner will be notified via phone and/or email provided during registration process. The prize will be mailed to the winner prior to the beginning of the competition.

There have been a few questions about the USOTC, specifically if a team needs to bring two carbines– the answer is NO, you only need one “rifle”, one “carbine”, and two pistols. Also, the USOTC will not have night stages.

 

June Burris DRM Results

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 20, 2016

Thanks to Burris for sponsoring our local Burris Douglas Rifle Match series this summer in Wyoming!

Here are the results of the June Burris DRM:

CARBINE DIVISION
39 Jessie
35 Martin
21 Barton
20 Harding
16 Bernard

RIFLE DIVISION
49 DeCapio
46 Arrants
42 Leighton
41 Reinhardt
40 Glodowski
39 Cohen
38 Wood
35 Sanchez
34 Claypool Foley
32 Ramsden
31 Fossen
30 Mayfield Mathes
29 Mann
27 Kelley Evert
26 Burrus
25 Sullivant Palu
24 Arrants RJ
23 Shwen Bull Lynch Johnson Mann
22 Glasgow
21 Pratt
19 Schuett Pomery DeWester
17 Nowak Feinberg Halverson
16 White Hatley
15 Frank Wood
9 Glodowski
5 Lawley Vest

RUCK BIATHLON (start time 4:45)
1. DeCapio 5:24:30
2. Brent 5:30:55
3. Dane 5:33:50
4. Fred 5:49:22

 

2016 US OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 14, 2016

Anyone who registers prior to July 1, 2016 will go into a drawing to win a U.S Optics ER-25 scope. Drawing will take place July 1, 2016. Winner will be notified via phone and/or email provided during registration process. The prize will be mailed to the winner prior to the beginning of the competition.

Sponsor Demo Day will feature prizes and giveaways for participating in the demo event
on the registration day.

First time Competition Dynamics competitors will receive a 40% off certificate to one of
the U.S. Optics Academy courses.

All competitors will receive a 30% off certificate for a U.S Optics scope of their
choice.

CLICK HERE FOR MATCH AND REGISTRATION INFO

 

BURRIS DOUGLAS RIFLE MATCH INFO

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 12, 2016

CD staff were up in Douglas today setting up the course for this summer’s Burris Douglas Local Rifle match series. Here are the final details:

LOCATION / PARKING

The match is held at our Douglas shooting facility. This is a private ranch, so please follow directions, take care of the property, and be respectful so we can continue to shoot here.

To get to the parking area for this match, plug the “virtual address” 598 Wagon Hound Rd. (Douglas) into Google Maps. On Google Maps, this is coincident with an intersection of a driveway with Wagon Hound Rd. Turn north at this intersection onto the driveway. Proceed to the top of the hill. You will find a parking area marked with yellow ribbon starting at the telephone pole at the top of the hill.

Park ONLY longitudinally (that is, parallel to the road) on the SOUTH side of the road (that’ll be your left). Pull off the road so traffic can pass but do not go more than 6 feet off the side of the road. Do NOT drive or turn around in the grass.

REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN

This match is full and closed to new entrants at this time. All competitors shall sign in before shooting the match. Only registered competitors will be admitted during sign-in. There will be a waiver to sign and you’ll get a score sheet. Check-in will be available from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Saturday, and 7:00 to 7:30 AM Sunday morning.

ZERO-CHECK RANGE

A zero-check range will be available ONLY from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Saturday. You will be able to set your own targets at 100 yards. We might have a couple steel targets at further distance for data confirmation, but no promises on what ranges they will be. There will be absolutely no shooting after 6:00 PM Saturday or before the match starts on Sunday, and there is no zero-checking once the match starts.

SHOOTERS MEETING

We will have a shooters meeting at 7:30 AM Sunday. It is mandatory.

STAGES

We are planning on 60 target engagements spread over 10 stages. Each stage will have either 5 or 10 targets to engage.

SQUADDING

Shooters will self squad into 10 squads with no more than 5 shooters per squad and no less than 4. We will randomly squad shooters if this cannot be accomplished without supervision.

TARGET DOWN PROCEDURE

The same procedure will be in place for targets that break or are down during the match as at the Steel Safari.

RANGE CARDS

We will have a range card for each stage that lists the ranges of all targets on the stage.

STAGE PROCEDURE

It is imperative that squads and shooters do not waste time while “on station” or between stages. There are no individual “walk throughs” of stages. Upon arrival at a stage, the squad will orient itself towards the target array and spend not more than 2 minutes for the first shooter to locate the targets. He will proceed to shoot. Shooters who have not yet ID’d all the targets should use this time to locate the targets. Squads shall not hold up shooting because some of their members are confused about target location. If a shooter is ready, he goes.

Each shooter shall get no more than 4 minutes from the start to shoot the stage. Start position is standing port arms at the shooting position, NO GEAR PRE-STAGED.

It is our expectation that an average shooter should be able to engage the 5 target stages in approx 150 seconds.

While a shooter is on the clock, there will be no feedback given with regard to miss locations. You can tell him “HIT” or “MISS” only. The RO “may” help the shooter orient to the next target in the array, and may tell him the next target distance. No wind calls or drop data may be given to the shooter.

RIFLE division gets one short per target. CARBINE division gets up to two shots per target in order to score up to one hit.

SQUAD CAPTAINS

We recommend that squad captains self identify so that a staff member can preview the stages with them on Saturday afternoon. This will ensure that one squad member can locate all the targets prior to the match start.

SCORES

Turn in scoresheets when you finish the match. Once the scoresheets are all turned in, staff will total and sort the scores, and then announce winners, in addition to doing any prize giveaways (must be present to win).

MINI SAC CHALLENGE

For those of you interested in competing in the MINI SAC side match on Saturday, here are the details. This month’s challenge is a 35-pound, approx 1km ruck march biathlon. With a rucksack that weighs at least 35 pounds, you will hike/jog/run an approx 1 km course. Your unloaded rifle must be carried. When back, you will have 8 rounds to engage 5 targets. Any un-hit targets after your up to 8 rounds incur 10 burpees per unhit target. This circuit will be repeated 4 times to complete the event. Entry fee is $20. Register for this at sign-in before 4PM on Saturday. We will start at 4.

 

2016 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 6, 2016

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2016 STEEL SAFARI! The STEEL SAFARI is the longest running field-style practical long-range rifle shooting match (that we know of).

Succeeding at the STEEL SAFARI requires an exceptional level of commitment to the science and art of practical rifle shooting. Just showing up is a significant achievement. Attendance has been increasing year over year and this year was the largest match to date.

RESULTS
2016 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS PDF

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to John Paul of JP Enterprises, the new owner of the Blue Steel Ranch.

Thanks to the staff: Jimmy Holdsworth, Stan Sanchez, and Paul Scott.

Also, thanks to our sponsors: US Optics, TBAC, AA Targets, Burris, Alexander Arms, Machinegun Tours, Contingency-X, JP Enterprises, Mile High Shooting, Hornady, XS Sights, 303 Arms, AttackPak, Bison Tactical, Kifaru, Lapua, La Sportiva, Sierra, Subway of Logan, The Tactical Medic, and Viking Tactics, Special thanks to Bill Alexander for bringing the 17’s and running that stage.

 

FINAL STEEL SAFARI INFORMATION

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 27, 2016

The Steel Safari is upon us! Here are final notes to competitors:

All competitors to bring the following items:

1. A reliable stopwatch. Link to cheap Casio stopwatch

2. A few permanent ink pens. Ultra-fine sharpies are recommended. Link to Ultra-fine sharpies

3. Binoculars for acting as RO.

Any competitors who are registered but have not had their entry acknowledged as “PAID” by 5/27/2016 need to bring payment to match check-in in the form of cash or a check.

Staff will be heading down Monday for final setup. Thus, we will have limited communication between now and match check-in on site. The best way to get a hold of the match director will be email or to leave a voicemail. We will check messages in the evening.

This year will be the biggest Steel Safari ever! Each year we’ve been letting in a few more competitors and the timing has more or less stayed on track. What this means, though, is that it’s even more critical to not waste time while on the course– that means no idle chit-chat before or after shooting a stage.

The front range will be open to competitors for zero check / sight-in Thursday from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Mandatory check-in/sign-in will be held during this time. All competitors must be checked-in by 5:00 PM. We will have a tech inspection during check-in. At 5:00 PM, there will be a mandatory shooters’ meeting at the front range.

For directions, please refer to this map, Map to BSR. Park only in the new parking lot located to the west of the main front range shooting area.

The range will be closed the week of the match, until 1:00 PM Thursday.

 

RESURGENCE rules updates for RIFLE and SHOTGUN

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 25, 2016

We have two rules updates for RESURGENCE in order that fewer people would need major equipment changes to shoot this match.

1. RIFLES in the Optics class may have more than one optic, IE, an “Open” Rifle optic configuration

2. SHOTGUNS have no limit on barrel length. Tube magazine length is limited to no longer than 23.5″ past the front edge of the receiver.

Please review the rules here RESURGENCE RULES

 

SAC Questions

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 30, 2016

I recently got these questions from a 2016 competitor,

What is the average distance between waypoints and what scale map will you be using? Thanks for the help.

You can probably deduce some of that from these maps
http://competition-dynamics.com/spot2015/
http://competition-dynamics.com/spot2014/
http://competition-dynamics.com/spot2013/

Also this post,
https://www.facebook.com/competitiondynamics/photos/a.360380924017112.93245.301615916560280/944929788895553/?type=3&theater

The map scale is still not finalized due to expansion of the target area

 

CD Upgrades Field Communications for 2016

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 26, 2016

For 2016 we’re happy to announce a significant upgrade in our field communications capabilities. Working with Kent at Tactical Repeater, we’ve put together a digital (DMR) based repeater system that will give us superior coverage, signal strength, bandwidth, and flexibility compared to our old radio system.

Read More  

Match Status Update - STEEL SAFARI FULL

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 20, 2016

Hello everyone,

The Steel Safari has been a very popular match for the last ten years; it has sold out every year since 2008. This year is no exception and we currently have just over a dozen on the wait list.

Those of you who missed the window of opportunity to get into the Steel Safari, or are on the wait list, please take a moment to consider the TEAM SAFARI. The TEAM SAFARI is just like the Steel Safari (and uses a very similar course), the only difference is that you shoot it with a partner. The TEAM SAFARI currently has plenty of open slots, so give it shot!

STEEL SAFARI WAIT LIST INCENTIVE – For a limited time, anybody who is on the Steel Safari wait list (as of 4/19) will get a $50 discount on the TEAM SAFARI match fee if they relinquish their Steel Safari wait list position and sign up for the Team Safari.

 

Flares requirement update for SAC

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 7, 2016

Our favorite pen flare, Tru-Flare, seems to be extremely hard to find, and it’s possible the company is out of business (their website has been down for some time).

If you cannot find another pen-style aerial flare to satisfy the required gear list, we are going to permit the substitution of an aerial marine or other style flare system as long it will achieve an altitude of at least 200 feet and have a burn time of at least 4 seconds.

 

2016 Liberty Forge Classes

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 18, 2016

Our friends over at LIBERTY FORGE are hosting some exciting classes in 2016, including: Extreme Close Quarters Concepts (ECQC) from Shivworks; Immediate Action Jiu Jitsu and Pugulism with Cecil Burch; and 5 Day Tactical Tracker course with John Hurth of Tyr Group. Please read this article for more information!

Read More  

La Sportiva to be OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR Sponsor for 2016

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 19, 2016

LA SPORTIVA

We are pleased to announce that La Sportiva is the OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR Sponsor of the 2016 COMPETITION DYNAMICS season!

La Sportiva, with US operations based in Boulder, Colorado, is a global manufacturer of premier outdoor gear and is best known for their world-class mountaineering, hiking, and trail-running footwear. Their Nepal EVO boot is probably the most-recognized modern mountaineering boot in the world and you’d be hard pressed to find a Crossfit Gym around the country in which there aren’t a few people wearing their Crosslites.

Speaking personally, I have been spending my own money on La Sportiva mountaineering boots and trail-running shoes since the late 2000’s. They are simply my “go-to” footwear for active endeavors.

LA SPORTIVA


La Sportiva will be sponsoring our prize tables throughout the 2016 season as well as offering a very special discount package for 2016 COMPETITION DYNAMICS Range Officers.

 

Seeking Range Officers for 2016 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 14, 2016

Want to be part of a Competition Dynamics event? We are currently seeking Range Officers for some of our 2016 events. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked. For 2016, we will have an extra incentive for RO’s: access to fantastic “Pro Pricing” from Burris: a big discount on most Burris Optics.

Here are the events we still have RO slots available for this year:

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: Sept 2-4, Douglas, WY

The SAC is a “Tactical Adventure Race” that involves a lot of land navigation on foot (no GPS allowed) during day and night, practical shooting problems, fieldcraft, problem solving, physical and mental challenges, and other related tasks. The dates are Sept 2-4th. Range Officers at the SAC will either run shooting stages or be a “judge” at a mental/physical/field challenge stage, as well as “Race Support” functions like helping with competitor aid and recovery of stuck teams. This event is extremely physical. Being an RO is an opportunity to be a part of the event even if competing in it is beyond one’s ability. If you have medical expertise we have a medical team to put you on.

TEAM SAFARI: Oct 21-23, Logan, NM

The Team Safari can be thought of as a Steel Safari for teams. We need a small number of additional RO’s to run a couple assault-style stages.

For more information about any of these matches, please refer to the main Competition Dynamics web page

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

2016 "LOCAL" DOUGLAS RIFLE MATCHES (DRM)

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 31, 2016

We are pleased to announce a series of “LOCAL” matches at our Douglas location this summer. For several years, people have asked if we could run monthly or “local” matches at Douglas. When we asked on Facebook and elsewhere about a month ago, we had roughly 50 shooters respond, “Yes! If you run it we will come!”. There were some details to sort out, but now it’s all set.

We will hold three “Douglas Rifle Matches” (DRM) this summer. Matches are on Sundays, and the dates are June 19, July 24, and August 14.

The format of the match will be roughly similar to the NRAWC Sporting Rifle Match. In other words, there will be small squads. The targets will not be surprise; each squad will have a short amount of time to locate and range them. The stages will be spread out over a hiking course, but hiking will not be “on the clock.” We will have approx 60 targets/engagements. There will be an “Open” rifle division, and a short-action semi-auto (ie AR-15) division.

Austin Angus, of AA Targets, will be the Guest Match Director for the DRM matches this summer. Thanks for stepping up Austin!

On the day before (Saturday), we will have check-in, a zero-check range of some sort (with a few KD style targets). Late check-in will be available Sunday the morning of each match.

In addition, on Saturday there will be two other optional activities.

(1) “SAC-Lite Challenge.” Back in 2012 we ran a “Combat Biathlon” at Douglas. That kind of challenge is something we always wanted to try, and, other than the big Sniper Adventure Challenge match, we haven’t been able to run local events that incorporated a physical challenge. So each Saturday, instead of shooting the zero-check/KD range, for a nominal additional fee, you can compete in a rotating SAC-Lite Challenge. Examples might include a Combat Biathlon (Run), Mountain-Bike-and-Shoot, or other physical exertion fused with a shooting challenge. We will have details about the SAC-Lite challenge offered each month about 4 weeks before each event. If you have an idea you want us to try, please email us. Pre-registration for the SAC-Lite challenge is not required, however, we would appreciate an RSVP.

(2) Colorado Precision Rifle Train-Up. Brian Whalen will be running a field-shooting clinic on Saturday. This is an opportunity to get some expert instruction on the exact type of shooting we’ll have in the match, at an affordable price. Brian will have more details about this closer to the match dates.

We are using CD’s normal pre-registration and pre-payment system for these local matches. This means match slots are pre-allocated to those who have pre-registered and pre-paid. Last-minute on-site signup will be more expensive ($100 vs. $80) and will be on a slots-available basis only. In other words, if you do not pre-register, we might not have a slot if you show up the day of.

If your payment is not received by its due date, your pre-registration will expire. You may re-apply if time allows or show up at pay the “day of” price.

The way the timing will work for pre-registration and pre-payment will be that the online registration window will close about 15 days before the match date. This permits the usual CD payment window of 14 days so funds will arrive no later than the Friday preceding the match. If your funds don’t show up by then, you’ll pay the $100 “day of” price. For the Douglas Rifle Matches, please note that there are no refunds once you pay.

A “SEASON PASS” is available for all three 2016 DOUGLAS RIFLE MATCHES at a discounted rate. If you participate in the SEASON PASS, you will end up paying a total of $210 for the 3 matches, or only $70 per match. Please see the match web site for details on exactly how to buy a SEASON PASS.

For full details about registration, please consult the DRM web pages, as found on the main Competition Dynamics web site
JUNE MATCH
JULY MATCH
AUGUST MATCH
These pages will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Registration will open Feb 1st!

For these local matches to continue, we need at least a dozen shooters at each match. We will start with a cap of 36 and adjust it upward if we need to.

 

2016 Competition Dynamics Registration Status

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 26, 2016

Ok everyone, here’s the post-SHOT-Show registration update:

STEEL SAFARI – full with waiting list (about a dozen)
SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE – still has slots open
US OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE – still has slots open
RESURGENCE 3-GUN – Filling up fast, register soon!
TEAM SAFARI – still has open slots

I would urge anyone who wants to shoot these matches to sign up ASAP. Generally there is a cheaper price if you register more than 2 months before the event. It also helps us tailor the match logistics to the number of people attending if we have an accurate count sooner.

For those of you who like the Steel Safari, the Team Safari is just the same format but with a partner shooting a carbine.

The US OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE will be similar to the TBTC of prior years, but with input for some of the stages from our friends at the US Optics, including Jim Gilliland and Jason Kyle.

 

Staff availability SHOT Show week

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 14, 2016

We’ll be at the SHOT Show next week (Jan 17-23), so no registration deposits will be handled that week. If you have a payment that either goes delinquent or is due soon, just keep in mind we won’t be processing any more incoming match payments until Jan 24th.

If you’d like to connect with us at SHOT, Jimmy and Zak will be there, and good places to find us are the Thunder Beast Arms booth (8407) or the JP Enterprises booth (6113). Make sure you stop by the JP booth to for early registration for RESURGENCE. (Open online registration will start Friday Jan 22)

 

RESURGENCE Registration Announcement

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 13, 2016

“Nine months from now you will be in the Southwest. You will be short on breath, covered in dirt, reaching for magazines that aren’t there, and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself in to. You will finish the stage and wonder how other shooters did, and then think: “I am at RESURGENCE!”

You’ve heard the rumors about the old SOF matches – the pinnacle of 3-Gun before it was cool, where camo was still welcome, and it didn’t feel like you were at a NASCAR race. Where the FAL was competitive next to the AUG and the Galil, and stone cold shooting skill, not magazine capacity or shotshell loading speed races ruled the day.

RESURGENCE will be a straight-up hard shooting match where the man with the best marksmanship, weapons handling, and ability to think on his feet will rule the day.

EARLY REGISTRATION AT THE SHOT SHOW

Come to the JP Enterprises Booth (6113) to register early

Here you will be able to submit your email address on our iPad to obtain a registration code, which you can complete immediately on your phone, tablet, and/or laptop. Your registration is not complete until you’ve filled out all your info and submitted it.

For questions at the SHOT Show, please find Jimmy Holdsworth, Zak Smith, or Eric Miller. The TBAC (8407) and JP (6113) booths are good places to find us.

Open online registration will start on the Friday of SHOT Show (Jan 22nd) at 0800 MST and will be roughly first come first served, subject to availability of match slots and uncontrollable email delivery delays. http://resurgence3gun.com/ then follow the REGISTER link.

 

Registrations over the Holidays

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 30, 2015

For those of you wondering why your payments sent in the last couple weeks haven’t been updated, it’s due to the Holidays. We’ll process all of these next week and get everyone’s status up to date. Nobody will lose their spot before 1/6/2016

 

RESURGENCE DATES CHANGED TO SEPT 22-25, 2016

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 18, 2015

After consulting with JP Enterprises, who is hosting the match at the Blue Steel Ranch, we have moved the RESURGENCE dates to SEPT 22-25 in order to avoid conflict with the NRA World Championship.

As a reminder, registration will open Monday January 25, but early registration will be available at the SHOT Show (the week prior).

 

Team Safari Trailer

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 16, 2015

Contingency-X’s trailer for the TEAM SAFARI

 

Video - Team Safari - Team Reinhardt/Metzger

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 16, 2015

Contingency-X filmed our Team Safari back in October. Here’s footage of team Reinhardt/Metzger

 

Video - Team Safari - Team Devine/Long

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 16, 2015

Contingency-X filmed our Team Safari back in October. Here’s footage of team Devine/Long

 

Video - Team Safari - Team Rolan/Winner

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 16, 2015

Contingency-X filmed our Team Safari back in October. Here’s footage of team Rolan/Winner

 

TEAM SAFARI 2016 ON THE SCHEDULE!

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 9, 2015

The TEAM SAFARI is back for 2016!

This is a team version of the “Steel Safari” with a few pistol/carbine stages thrown in for fun.

Registration is open now

TEAM SAFARI 2016 MATCH WEB SITE

 

RESURGENCE TACTICAL 3-GUN ANNOUNCED!

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 2, 2015

We are pleased to be able to announce the 2016 RESURGENCE TACTICAL 3-GUN, SEPT 16-17-18 – LOGAN NM.

3-Gun has strayed too far from its roots. It’s time for a reboot. So we got together a bunch of guys who shot and administered the old SOF matches. It’s all authentic, from the original rule set to the semi-surprise stages in open terrain. This match is being brought to 3-Gunners, law enforcement, and military shooters by SOF 3-Gun veterans. Link to RESURGENCE 3-GUN SITE

 

2016 SCHEDULE

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 2, 2015

Thanks to everyone for a great 2015 season! We know everyone is trying to set their competition schedules for 2016, so here are some advance dates for the 2016 COMPETITION DYNAMICS events:

JUNE 3-4-5 – LOGAN NM – STEEL SAFARI
Self explanatory. This is the canonical hike and shoot practical rifle match.

AUGUST 5-6-7 – DOUGLAS WY – US OPTICS TEAM CHALLENGE
For 2016, we are switching it up and running a 2-man Team Challenge for US OPTICS! If you loved the 2015 TBTC, you’ll want to shoot this one. It combines the funnest stage concepts we’ve all shot with the unique Competition Dynamics match flavor. We’ve put together a match that combines hike-and-shoot field shooting with precisions rifle and semi-automatic carbines; timed “3-Gun style” shooting with rifle, carbine, and pistols; and features some US Optics stage guns.

SEPT 2-3-4 – DOUGLAS WY – SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
The SAC is a Tactical Adventure Race involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks. For 2016, we are keeping the SAC in Douglas WY; however, we have negotiated access to additional neighboring properties. Thus, the vast majority of the land nav problems for 2016 will be on property that no SAC competitor has ever set foot on.

SEPT 16-17-18 – LOGAN NM – RESURGENCE TACTICAL 3-GUN
3-Gun has strayed too far from its roots. It’s time for a reboot. So we got together a bunch of guys who shot and administered the old SOF matches. COMPETITION DYNAMICS presents RESURGENCE, a Tactical 3-Gun Match that captures the full spirit and flavor of the legendary SOF 3-Gun matches. It’s all authentic, from the original rule set to the semi-surprise stages in open terrain. This match is being brought to 3-Gunners, law enforcement, and military shooters by SOF 3-Gun veterans. Link to RESURGENCE 3-GUN SITE

Registration for the first 3 matches will open on Dec 5th.

For RESURGENCE, early registration will be available AT SHOT SHOW (booth TBD) and normal registration will open Jan 25th.

Visit The COMPETITION DYNAMICS Web Site for full match details and to register online (once open).

 

2016 PREVIEW

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 18, 2015

Rest assured, we are working hard to nail down dates for our matches in 2016!

Here are preliminary dates for some of the matches we have planned for 2016:

June 3-5, 2016: Steel Safari
Sept 2-4, 2016: Sniper Adventure Challenge
Sept 16-18, 2016: New Match “R” (details forthcoming)

There will be at least one additional CD match in 2016 besides these three. Its details are still being worked on.

Thanks

 

2015 TEAM SAFARI MATCH RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 26, 2015

Congratulations to all 2015 TEAM SAFARI competitors. We had a good match and there was a lot of good shooting out there.

RESULTS

LINK TO 2015 SCORES PDF FILE

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to JP for letting us use the Blue Steel Ranch.

Thanks the staff: Jimmy, Casey, Eric, Chuck, Fred, and Bill.

Special thanks to USO and Alexander Arms for the stage guns.

Jimmy will be sending out an email with the contact info for all our sponsors. Please take a few minutes to contact them and thank them for their support.

Sincerely,
Zak

 

TEAM SAFARI LAST MINUTE NEWS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 18, 2015

Here are some last minute updates for Team Safari competitors:

1. Check-in and the zero-check range will be open from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Thursday. During this time (and this time only), you may check zero. You can set your own paper out at approx 100 yards (we will not have target stands – bring them if you need your own). There may be a few steel targets available to shoot with rifle. Please do not show up early. Some sponsor demo rifles will be available during this time.

2. For directions, please refer to this map, Map to BSR. Please park in the new parking lot – NOT ON THE ROAD.

3. The sight-in/zero-check range will be at the front range. You will pass this on the way to the parking lot. YOU MUST CHECK IN BEFORE SHOOTING AT THE SIGHT-IN RANGE.

4. You must be checked in by 5:00 PM Thursday. The shooters meeting will start immediately at 5:00 PM at the front range. It is mandatory. It shouldn’t take longer than about a half hour, not counting questions.

5. There will be a tech inspection during check-in. This will include a check of mechanical safeties and a drop test of approx one foot (vertical rifle onto butt pad), and basic safeties check for pistols.

6. Just to recap, the TS will have 3 FIELD STAGES (hike-and-shoot for rifle and carbine). There will be 4 ASSAULT stages (timed, up to all 4 guns); and 1 NIGHT STAGE (we provide all illumination).

7. The “minimum” round count for RIFLE is approx 180. Carbine 200; however, that is assuming you hit everything first round with carbine, which is pretty unlikely. Multiply that accordingly. Minimum for pistol will be about 40 per each but add the same multiplier for misses.

8. You will receive a briefing packet at check-in that contains full information about scoring, schedule, etc.

9. Most of the match staff will be traveling to Logan on Monday. Communications once we get to Logan is very spotty. We will get back to you in the evenings if possible.

10. Over the course of a day, you will need to walk several miles. You will have to walk up to about three quarters mile to get to the start of each field course. Each field course is approx 0.75 – 1.5 miles in length. Then you will have to walk from the end of the field course back to your vehicle.

11. Reminder- carbines MAY HAVE bipods and brakes larger than 1×3″ are now permitted. Still one optic per carbine only. No optics or comps on pistols.

If you have any questions, please get them to me ASAP, as my communications will be severely limited starting Tuesday afternoon.

 

AA Targets deal for Team Safari Competitors!

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 8, 2015

AA TARGETS is offering 2015 TEAM SAFARI competitors 25% off any of their targets. In addition, Austin can deliver targets to the TEAM SAFARI to save on shipping.

Since its inception, COMPETITION DYNAMICS has worked with AA TARGETS for high quality, robust, portable, and compact targetry systems for its rifle matches. In our opinion, these are the best target systems out there for field use.

Contact AA TARGETS to get in on this exclusive deal!

 

Team Safari News!

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 29, 2015

The TEAM SAFARI is coming up in about three weeks. The match is filling nicely with 38 teams currently registered. Even better news is that we still have about a dozen team slots left, so if you’re not already coming, find a partner and get registered online ASAP!

The format of the TEAM SAFARI combines aspects of several of our other matches that shooters have loved. The morning stages will be of the “hike and shoot” type, just like the Steel Safari. The only difference is that you get to shoot with a partner! Just like the Steel Safari, movement on the course is “off the clock”, but you’ll get a fixed time limit to locate-range-engage both your targets once you get to a stage.

Next, we have the afternoon “assault/mid-range” stages. These will be run like 3-Gun stages and scored by time and hits. We’ve upped the number of these from two (as published) to a minimum of four!

Finally, we have added a night stage. For the night stage, all you have to do is bring your normal gear. No additional lighting will be permitted and active night vision is not allowed.

Another change is that the “CARBINE” MAY USE A BIPOD.

There will be pick-up guns provided by both US Optics and Alexander Arms. Yes, you’ll get to shoot the “Ulfberht” .338 Lapua Magnum semi-auto.

In addition, Contingency X will covering the event with video, including drone footage.

If this sounds awesome, get registered now!

We will be sending out another email approximately one week before the event with any last-minute match notes or schedule updates.

Thanks!

 

Leaders SPOT Analysis

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 7, 2015

Here are some quick and dirty stats from the top 5 teams,
#1 – 36 miles
#2 – 48 miles
#3 – 34 miles
#4 – 31 miles
#5 – 28 miles

This is approximate due to errors inherent in the SPOT tracking systems, but it gives an idea of the overall mileage.

 

2015 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 6, 2015

Congratulations to all competitors who attempted the 2015 Sniper Adventure Challenge. Just showing up to the SAC shows an exceptional level of commitment. Finishing the SAC is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates a level of skill, wits, and fitness that very few people on the planet strive to, let alone achieve. The top 3 places were separated by less than 150 points over about 4400 points.

OVERAL, TOP 5
1. Frantz Day (Official “Finish”)
2. Murphy Daniel (Official “Finish”)
3. Wilson Haizlip (Official “Finish”)
4. Williams Hom
5. Bear Angelos

FULL RESULTS

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to the landowners, Travis and Darrin. They own this awesome venue and are kind enough to let us run events here.

Thanks to the main staff, Jimmy, Casey. These guys take on responsibility for major parts of match setup and operations.

Thanks to the RO’s: Scot Hill, Rocky, Ned, Scott T., Garrett, Summer, Joe, Mike, Fred, Alex, Shawn, Stewart, Chris, Aaron, Clay, Stan, Josh, Bill Alexander, and James. Special thanks to Scot for bringing a crew of 6 and doing a fantastic job on Comms. Having you up on the mountain allowed us to contact competitors virtually everywhere on the course. Great job everyone. Without RO’s these events can’t happen.

Thanks to the medical staff: Dr. Bruce, Kyle, and Dr. Keith. The SAC could not happen without having you on-hand ready to handle medical issues. You do a great job.

US Optics (Josh) and Alexander Arms (Bill and James) brought you the pick-up gun stage (P1-4). Big thanks to them for coming out and bringing equipment and ammo for us to shoot!

Thanks to ZEV Technologies for some of the airsoft equipment we used on the rescue stage.

Thanks to our sponsors- Thunder Beast Arms Corporation, AA Targets, Daniel Defense, US Optics, Burris, Direct Action, Hornady, Magpul, Armageddon Gear, Mike High Shooting, Point Blank, Lapua, AttackPak, Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, Sierra Bullets, Surefire, The Tactical Medic, Viking Tactics, Warrior Kit, and ZEV Technologies. Please let them know you appreciate their support.

Special thanks to the Douglas Sheriff’s Office for releasing Team 25 without too much hassle.

Also, thanks to the local volunteer fire department for their quick reaction and service.

We will follow up with some SPOT analysis data within the next week.

Sincerely,
Zak

 

2015 SAC LIVE TRACKING MAP LINK

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 1, 2015

We will have live tracking of teams during the SAC. Here is the link: 2015 SAC LIVE MAP

Teams will muster at 8:30 AM on Friday and that’s when you’ll see points start to appear.

 

Reminder - no competitor camping on-site

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 30, 2015

As a reminder, there is no competitor camping/lodging on-site for the SAC.

If you choose to sleep while “on the clock” on Friday night, you may, of course, sleep where-ever you want to on the course, that is safe. In addition, if you are too exhausted on Saturday night to go anywhere, you are welcome to sleep. However, there is no “proper camping” on site for competitors.

 

2015 SAC INFO FOR COMPETITORS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 30, 2015

Here are some last-minute notes for SAC competitors:

1. You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. There is a lot of natural water on the course and you will need to be able to use it.

2. There is no place to check zero or sight in once on site. Show up ready to shoot for score.

3. Check-in will be available 4-7pm THURSDAY and 7:30 – 8:00 AM FRIDAY. Check-in is required prior to 8:00 AM FRIDAY if you want to race. All competitors and guests on-site must sign waivers and get a wrist band.

4. At check-in, you will get a race packet that outlines the procedures

5. Muster at 8:00 AM Friday, ready to race. (All firearms to be “cold.”)

6. The parking location will be at 646 Wagon Hound Rd, Douglas Wy. Park on the south side of Wagon Hound Rd right across from the Wills Ranch sign (it says “Travis & Brayden”), on the E and W side of the driveway. Once the event begins you will not be permitted access to your vehicles until you finish or quit.

7. For check-in on Thursday ONLY, you may drive up to the check-in area. It is the yard surrounded by the houses and barns. 461220 4721283 If you are checking in on Friday 0730-0800, you must park off the road as detailed in the prior point.

8. Remember, you will need to bring a check or cash for $130 (exact change please) for your radio deposit. This will be returned when you turn in your (working) radio.

9. No team will be allowed to start the event without a SPOT registered with us and functioning in TRACK mode.

10. On Friday, turn on your SPOT trackers and activate TRACK mode at 7:30 AM. This will give us plenty of time to get a few points from all teams’ SPOTS to ensure everyone is tracking.

11. In a few days, we will post the public SPOT TRACKER URL. This is the live map your fans at home can watch. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0700.

12. We will have match T-shirts available for $15 cash (please bring exact change) at check-in, first come first serve on available sizes. (We also have some older CD shirts available.)

13. There will be a bonfire* and social gathering at the check-in location after the race concludes on Saturday night. All are welcome, bring your own comestibles. (* fire conditions permitting)

14. BIPODS WILL BE PERMITTED ON CARBINES.

15. The core staff will be heading up to Douglas Monday or Tuesday. Once we are on-site, communications are very difficult. I will check my email and voicemail about twice a day and do my best to get back to you.

16. SPOT issues will be VERY difficult to resolve once on-site. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE YOUR TEAM ONLINE. THE FOLLOWING TEAMS ARE NOT TRACKING YET: #3272 Jones Pruitt; #8413 Younts Moore; #2804 Hasser Brinkmeyer; #1732 Switzer Primiano; #1067 Castell Vermeulen

 

Preparing for SAC: Fluids, electrolytes, calories

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 25, 2015

Doc Bruce sent us this short guide on fluids, electrolytes, calories as it relates to the SAC:

Here is a basic primer on how to stay out of trouble. If you get behind on fluids, electrolytes, or calories during a very long term strenuous activity, especially in hot weather, you will get nauseated and weak, lose hunger and thirst drivem and it will be very difficult to get out of the hole. You may have to go sit under a tree for 2 or 3 hours, trying to make up your deficits. You won’t want to be out of action for that long. Also, depending on weather conditions and just how sick you feel, you may not be able to recover enough to continue. Happens every year at this event.

You need a plan. Any plan is better than no plan.

1) Drink at least a few sips every 15 to 20 mins. Keep ahead of the curve. Drinking about 1/2 straight water and 1/2 some sort of electrolyte solution (Gatorade, Powerade, etc), seems to work for most people. You must drink BEFORE you feel thirst to stay ahead.

2) You will probably benefit from taking electrolyte caps or simple salt tabs every 2 hours or so. IF you present enough electrolytes and fluids to your kidneys, they will take what they need and piss out the excess. If they don’t have enough to work with, Mr. Nausea comes on board. For the first 8 to 10 hours, a goal of peeing every hour or 2 is good, but don’t worry if you can’t keep up that frequency as you get further into the event. You WILL get a bit behind at times, but should be able to catch up, IF you keep in mind your plan. Remind each other.

3) Eat BEFORE you feel hungry. When you get hypoglycemia, the nausea, poor appetite and weakness, make it hard to eat. Also, hypoglycemia makes us stupid and hard to remember our plan. You all have your preferred trail food, the trick is to actually consume enough of it. Energy gels can’t really sustain your for long periods alone, BUT can be extremely helpful in getting out of a minor hole, so you can feel well enough to get real food in. The gels can actually reverse hypoglycemia in literally 2 to 5 minutes. Cliff shot blocks are very convenient and less messy than gels.

4) If and WHEN the med support team gets a call about somebody who feels like crap, nauseated, weak, dizzy, rapid pulse, we will assess you and probably give some IV fluid, stuff some energy gel in your face. In 15 or 20 mins you will feel like continuing on. We will pat you on the butt, give you a stern warning about following your plan better, and send you on the way. The majority of people we treat are able to continue.

5) The above are the basics for those who need them. Over the years of doing Med support for this event, we have noticed that the experienced teams never get into trouble. Also, we have noticed that one highly skilled and experienced adventure racers team NEVER looks physically stressed. We won’t name names on this one.

 

SAC Competitors - Send us your SPOT ID's now!

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 11, 2015

ACTION REQUIRED FOR 2015 SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY AUGUST 21

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Go to the “Share” tab.
  4. You need to use or create a “Shared Page” and then click on the name of the shared page, and it will take you to a page with a URL that looks like this:
    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx
    A password is NOT required, but if you have one, send us the password also.

  5. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  6. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  7. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  8. SEND US THE URL from STEP #4, along with your Confirmation Code

    Note: only send us the URL after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CLASS: ENDURANCE
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG.

 

TBTC Sponsor Contacts

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 11, 2015

Please thank the following sponsors for their support of the 2015 TBTC!

Thunder Beast Arms info@thunderbeastarms.com
AA Targets sales@aatargets.com
US Optics jason.kyle@usoptics.com
Direct Action a.gates@directactiongear.com
F&D Defense brian@fd-defense.com
Hornady nemery@hornady.com
Burris skleighton@burrisoptics.com
Steiner Optics dphillips@steiner-optics.com
Machine Gun Tours alan@machineguntours.com
Magpul ccarroll@magpul.com
Point Blank Body Armor rwills@pbearmor.com
Warne Scope Mounts leilani@warnescopemounts.com
Lapua abraverman@lapua.us
Attack Pak pak@attackpak.com
Colorado Precision Rifle brian@cprifle.com
Mystery Ranch kent@mysteryranchusa.com
Sierra carroll@sierrabullets.com
Viking Tactics kyle@vikingtactics.com
Warrior Kit diana@warriorkit.com
The Tactical Medic shawn@thetacticalmedic.com
Zev Technologies dave@zevtechnologies.com
Surefire garin@surefire.com

Please remember to thank these sponsors for the their donations, without their support we would not be able to offer amazing prize tales.

– Jimmy

 

2015 THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 10, 2015

Congratulations to all 2015 THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE competitors. This year’s match was extremely difficult and everyone should be proud to have participated.

RESULTS

LINK TO 2015 SCORES PDF FILE

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to Darrin and Travis for letting us use their awesome ranches.

Thanks to Jimmy, Casey, and Jeff for taking on responsibility for major parts of this match.

Thanks for all the RO’s: Yves, Keith, Shawn, Bret, Jake, Kyle, Steve, Ann, Joe, Mike, Zion, David, Josh (USO), Brian, Nathan, Josh, and Jake H. Without RO’s matches like this couldn’t happen and these guys did a great job.

Thanks to the medical volunteers, especially Doc Bruce and Kyle Hill for their continued support.

Jimmy will be sending out an email with the contact info for all our sponsors. Please take a few minutes to contact them and thank them for their support.

Sincerely,
Zak

 

TBAC TEAM CHALLENGE NEWS

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 3, 2015

Here are some last minute updates for Thunder Beast Team Challenge competitors:

1. Check-in and the zero-check range will be open from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Thursday. During this time (and this time only), you may check zero. You can set your own paper out at approx 100 yards (we will not have target stands – bring them if you need your own). There may be a few steel targets available to shoot with rifle. Please do not show up early.

2. The Check-in location will be at the Wills Ranch, at 646 Wagon Hound Road. If you take Esterbrook south along the west side of I-25, you will eventually pass a small electrical substation on the right hand side. 200 yards after this is the right turn onto Wagon Hound Road. Follow this until you see a sign on the right that says “Wills Ranch – Travis, Brayden.” Turn left here onto his driveway and follow it into the ranch/barn area.

3. The sight-in/zero-check range will be at the “virtual address” 440 Wagon Hound Rd. You will pass this on the way to the check-in location (646). YOU MUST CHECK IN BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE ZERO CHECK RANGE.

4. You must be checked in by 5:00 PM Thursday. The shooters meeting will start immediately at 5:00 PM at the Wills Ranch check-in area. It is mandatory. It shouldn’t take longer than about a half hour, not counting questions.

5. Like last year, there will be a tech inspection during check-in. This will include a check of mechanical safeties and a drop test of approx one foot (vertical rifle onto butt pad), and basic safeties check for pistols.

6. Just to recap, the TBTC will have 3 FIELD STAGES (hour long, rifle + carbine). Right now we are planning on at least 6 ASSAULT stages (timed, 2 carbines + 2 pistols); and 2 NIGHT STAGES (we provide all illumination).

7. The “minimum” round count for RIFLE is approx 110. Carbines (combined) 200; however, that is assuming you hit everything first round with carbine, which is pretty unlikely. Multiply that accordingly. Minimum for pistol will be about 30 per each but add the same multiplier for misses.

8. You will receive a briefing packet at check-in that contains full information about scoring, schedule, etc.

9. Most of the match staff will be traveling to Douglas early this coming weekend, so communications the week of the match will be sporadic. We will get back to you in the evenings if possible.

10. Over the course of a day, you will need to walk several miles. You will have to walk up to a half mile to get to the start of each field course. Each field course is approx 0.75 – 1.5 miles in length. Then you will have to walk from the end of the field course back to your vehicle. Most of the afternoon assault stages are pretty close to the road.

If you have any questions, please get them to me ASAP, as my communications will be severely limited starting Tuesday afternoon.

 

Burris Teams Up To Help Competition Dynamics ROs

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 30, 2015

Burris Optics has teamed up with Competition Dynamics to offer the ROs an incredible incentive for helping out for the 2015 Competition Dynamics season. This exclusive partnership is amazing, and offers ROs exclusive offerings in the already outstanding Burris Optics line. Without these guys and gals, Competition Dynamics would not be able to run top-tier national-level practical field matches. If you are thinking of being an RO and need some Burris product as well as doing awesome stuff, we would love to have you. Special thanks to Burris for the support they have given us through the years.

 

Keepers Concealment & Shivworks ECQC

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on July 13, 2015

This blog post reviews the Keepers Concealment “The Keeper” AIWB holster while used at Shivworks Extreme Close Quarters Concepts coursework.

Read More  

2015 TBTC T-Shirt Order Due

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 23, 2015

It’s time to get the t-shirt order in for the 2015 Thunder Beast Team Challenge. T-shirts will be $12 for the first one and $15 for extras.

They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side.

Shirts will be brought to the match to be picked up at check-in, and you can pay us there.

Please send the sizes and quantity you want to info@competition-dynamics.com no later than Monday June 29th.

 

Thunder Beast Team Challenge Coming Up - Still Need a Few RO's

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 17, 2015

With the Steel Safari in the books, the next Competition Dynamics match is the Thunder Beast Team Challenge, August 7-9 at Douglas WY.

The TBTC is a very dynamic event, with hour-long stages that include around a mile of movement for rifle and carbine, assault stages for carbines, pistols, and rifles, and night stages too!

We are still looking for a few additional RO’s for the TBTC. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program.

Please contact me by email if you’re interested.

The TBTC is near full, so if you want to register as a competitor, please do so soon!

 

2015 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 8, 2015

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2015 STEEL SAFARI! The STEEL SAFARI is the longest running field-style practical long-range rifle shooting match (that we know of).

Succeeding at the STEEL SAFARI requires an exceptional level of commitment to the science and art of practical rifle shooting. Just showing up is a significant achievement. Attendance has been increasing year over year and this year was the largest match to date.

RESULTS
2015 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS PDF

Top 3-
1. John Griswold
2. Wes Rolan
3. Curtis Winner

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to John Paul of JP Enterprises, the new owner of the Blue Steel Ranch.

Thanks to the staff: Jimmy Holdsworth, Casey Schrader, and Jeff Hamilton.

Also, thanks to our sponsors: US Optics, TBAC, AA Targets, Burris, Direct Action, Hornady, JP Enterprises, Magpul, Mile High Shooting, Point Blank, Lapua, Air Armor, Armageddon Gear, AttackPak, Colorado Precision Rifle, Exos Defense, Kifaru, Sierra, Surefire, The Tactical Medic, Viking Tactics, Warrior Kit, and ZEV. Special thanks to Josh from USO for the USO side-match and helping us out get people kicked out to the field stages on time.

MATCH DIRECTOR’S NOTE

We had a really smooth Steel Safari, with minimal back ups. I think N and W got backed up a little bit on the first stage and then mostly cleared up. I saw good and safe gun-handling. Good job everyone!

Stage SOUTH-1 was thrown out because it was discovered that some shooters were not following the standard field stage stage procedure on its second position (the orange/green dot on the IPSC target). The stage procedure at every field stage in the Steel Safari is identical so that there is no question as to what the correct procedure is. There is no room for RO’s to adapt, change, or compromise the shooting positions (or any other match rules).

To be perfectly clear, it is the position of CD staff that shooters who knowingly used a position at the IPSC plate in which they could not touch the actual spot by hand were cheating. The RO’s who permitted prone position enabled that cheating. Thus, our hand was forced and we had to throw out the entire stage.

Nobody wants stages to be thrown out: you guys get less things to shoot for score, and it’s wasted effort for us to set up something we have to throw out later.

Thanks and we’ll see you again soon!

 

Last-minute Steel Safari Update

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 31, 2015

The Steel Safari is upon us! Staff will be heading down Monday for final setup. Thus, we will have limited communication between now and match check-in on site. The best way to get a hold of the match director will be email or to leave a voicemail. We will check messages in the evening.

The front range will be open to competitors for zero check / sight-in Thursday from noon until 4pm. Mandatory check-in/sign-in will be from 1pm until 4pm. We will have a tech inspection during check-in. At 4pm, there will be a mandatory shooters’ meeting at the front range.

For directions, please refer to this map, Map to BSR. Please park along the road next to the front range, and do not block the gate area.

The range will be closed the week of the match, until noon Thursday.

As of this writing, Budget Inn has a few openings in Logan. It’s the closest hotel!

 

2015 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE - REGISTRATION UPDATE

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 27, 2015

This is a post for potential 2015 SAC competitors and current SAC registrants.

The current number of SAC registrations is not great and we would appreciate it if you would register early and not wait until later in the year. By doing this we get a much better idea of how much creativity we can put into the event based on the number of teams.

We love the SAC and work on it essentially year round. It takes more planning, staffing, and logistical support than our other events. We know that for you SAC regulars the SAC is not an event, it’s a lifestyle. We view it the same way and want to continue to offer it, but won’t be able to without adequate registrations. We need another half dozen entries for the 2015 event to be a “go.”

As a result, we would appreciate it if you could do two things:

1) register now if you are planning on doing the 2015 SAC;

2) get another team to register ASAP.

Good luck with your 2015 SAC preparations,

Jeff and Zak

 

2015 Steel Safari T-shirt Order Due

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 27, 2015

It’s time to get the t-shirt order in for the 2015 Steel Safari. T-shirts will be $12 for the first one and $15 for extras.

They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side.

Shirts will be brought to the match to be picked up at check-in, and you can pay us there.

Please send the sizes and quantity you want to info@competition-dynamics.com no later than Saturday May 1st.

 

Match Slots Update

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 25, 2015

This year, like last, Competition Dynamics is running four major matches: Steel Safari; Thunder Beast Team Challenge; Sniper Adventure Challenge; and Team Safari.

Right now the Steel Safari is full with a waiting list of about a dozen. We have slots reserved for 1 or 2 remaining Gold-level sponsors.

If you really wanted to shoot the Steel Safari but didn’t sign up early enough, please direct your attention to the Team Safari, which will be held at the same venue (Logan NM) but in late October. TEAM SAFARI WEB SITE. The Team Safari can be thought of as a Steel Safari match but for teams comprising a rifle shooter and a carbine (semi-auto) shooter. It is a hike-and-shoot format with very similar challenges and timing, but just for teams We will also have a couple stages for pistol/multigun at the Team Safari. We have plenty of slots left for the T.S.

We also have the THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE and slots are still available. It will be held in Douglas WY on August 7-9th. This is the same venue as the Sniper Adventure Challenge, a couple of private ranches combining to about 17,000 acres. The TBTC is an extravaganza of multi-gun challenges, for pistols, carbines, and long-range rifle.

The SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE is our premier tactical adventure race, including land navigation, fieldcraft, problem solving, cryptography, etc. Slots are still available!

In addition, we still have RO slots left available for the SAC and TBTC. Volunteering to be an RO gets you a free entry into another of our matches, even if we are otherwise sold out.

 

Gauging Interest: Small Unit Tactics in WY July 2015

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on March 15, 2015

Competition Dynamics is interested in bringing John Hurth, 23 year SF veteran and President of the Tyr Group LLC to the Rocky Mountain region in July to teach Small Unit Tactics: Rural Reconnaissance and Surveillance. At this point we are gauging interest in this course (limited to 10 students). If you are interested, email Jeff@Competition-Dynamics.com

What: Small Unit Tactics: Rural Reconnaissance and Surveillance 102 Course (this is a non-shooting class, it’s about tactics)
When: 22-26 July 2015
Where: 17K acre private ranch near Douglas, WY (location will be provided to registrants)
Who: This course is open to any US Citizen legally capable of owning a firearm. This course is limited to 10 students.
Cost: $645, plus $20 daily “range” fee: total is $745
Registration: [Link to follow]

Note: This is an “in the field” course so you won’t need to pay for a motel room unless you don’t want to stay in the field. There will be fresh water available at the ranch and we are about 20 minutes from town so you can resupply if needed.

Rural Reconnaissance and Surveillance 102 Course

The 5-Day Rural Reconnaissance and Surveillance 102 Course is designed to teach individuals basic patrolling and Reconnaissance and Surveillance techniques that begin at the individual level and progresses to conducting a reconnaissance and surveillance mission as a member of a team. Students who complete the course will be presented with a certificate of completion. (This class is a 50+ hour week course.)

Program of Instruction
Principles of Patrolling
Mission Planning and Preparation
Duties, Responsibilities, and Actions Within a Patrol
Hand and Arm Signals
Movement Formations
Movement Techniques
Crossing Danger Areas
Immediate Action Drills
Designation and Occupation of Rally Points
Leaders Reconnaissance
Link Up Procedures
Mission Support Site Occupation and Activities
Area Reconnaissance
Short-Range Observation and Surveillance
Long-Range Observation and Surveillance
Zone Reconnaissance
Surveillance Site
Fixed Observation and Surveillance Sites

Required Items List:

This is a basic list. Remember you will be out in a field environment for the full 5 days.
– Serviceable Uniform
– Serviceable Boots (Can be Tactical or Hiking, but must be broken in)
– Load Bearing Equipment – Individual Weapon/Rifle (If you don’t have a rifle, please let us know)
– Assault Pack with a 3 Liter Hydration System
– Binoculars or other optical device
– GPS/Lensatic Compass
– Knife
– Watch
– Flashlight with Colored Lenses
– Poncho (optional)
– 30 Feet of 550 Cord
– Pencil and Paper
– Gloves
– Camouflage Stick, Compact or Cream
– Seasonally Appropriate Hat, Outerwear and Underwear.
– Good Quality Insect Repellant With DEET (Spring, Summer and Fall)
**Enough Food and Water for the Entire Time in the Field.
**Must Be in Good Physical Condition and Able to Walk 4-12 Miles Per Day for 5 Continuous Days Over Rugged Terrain.

 

Seeking Range Officers for 2015 Season

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 26, 2015

Want to be part of a Competition Dynamics event? We are currently seeking Range Officers for our 2011 events. Here’s an overview of our Range Officer (RO) Program. Besides being part of a world-class event and seeing some of the best shooters shoot the events, you can earn a free competitor slot for any of our matches — even if the regular slots are booked.

We still need RO’s for these events:

THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE: Aug 7-9, Douglas, WY

Range Officers MAY shoot the match “for score.” The match directors will RO the RO’s through any “blind” stages to ensure that all competitors have the same surprises and challenges. RO “Shoot Through” will take place on August 5-6, directly prior to the main match. We are also accepting RO’s who do not need/want to shoot the match.

SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: Sept 4-6, Douglas, WY

The SAC is a “Tactical Adventure Race” that involves a lot of land navigation on foot (no GPS allowed) during day and night, practical shooting problems, fieldcraft, problem solving, physical and mental challenges, and other related tasks. The dates are Sept 4-6th. Range Officers at the SAC will either run shooting stages or be a “judge” at a mental/physical/field challenge stage. This event is extremely physical. Being an RO is an opportunity to be a part of the event even if competing in it is beyond one’s ability. If you have medical expertise we have a medical team to put you on.

TEAM SAFARI: Oct 23-25, Logan, NM

The Team Safari can be thought of as a Steel Safari for teams. We need a few additional RO’s to run a couple assault-style stages.

For more information about any of these matches, please refer to the main Competition Dynamics web page

Please contact me at zak@competition-dynamics.com if you’d like to volunteer!

 

Run The Bolt Podcast Interview

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 15, 2015

Travis Derouin, one of our loyal Canadian competitors, interviewed Zak about CD matches and the 2015 season. Click here for the Run The Bolt Podcast

 

SHOT Show, Sponsors, and Steel Safari wait list movement

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 17, 2015

Hello everyone! Much of the CD crew is headed to the SHOT Show this coming week. If you’ll be there, please track us down. Ray and Zak will be mostly in the Thunder Beast Arms Corp booth (#8407), while Jeff Hamilton, Jimmy Holdsworth, and Clay will be at large.

If your company is interested in sponsoring some or all of our events, please talk to Jimmy Holdsworth or Jeff Hamilton.

Our response time to email will be slower than normal next week with the show and travel.

In addition, there has been some movement on the Steel Safari wait list. If you wanted to get into the Steel Safari, there is still a good chance– get on the wait list ASAP!

We still have slots open for the Thunder Beast Team Challenge, Sniper Adventure Challenge, and Team Safari.

 

Registration Status now Up To Date

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 2, 2015

As of 3pm today, we’ve processed all the registrations that came in over the holidays. If your registration status page still shows anything other than “Confirmed / Paid” it means we have not received your check yet.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

TEAM SAFARI DATES SET - OCT 23-25, 2015

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 15, 2014

The dates for the TEAM SAFARI at the Blue Steel Ranch in Logan NM have been set. It will be October 23-25. These dates avoid conflict with the Blue Ridge Multigun for those of you who also want to shoot that.

Match info at the MATCH WEB SITE. Registration for the TS’15 will open Monday January 5, 2015 at 7:00 AM MST and will take place online, TEAM SAFARI REGISTRATION

 

Registration Opens Dec 5th

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 23, 2014

Registration for the Steel Safari, Thunder Beast Team Challenge, and Sniper Adventure Challenge will open Dec 5th.

Navigate to the COMPETITION DYNAMICS website and appropriate match to register.

The Team Safari registration will open in early January.

 

UPDATE ON 2015 SCHEDULE

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 17, 2014

There will be a fourth CD match in 2015! We will have a “Team Safari” in mid October (dates TDB) at the Blue Steel Ranch (Logan NM). Think of it as a Team “Steel Safari” with a couple extra stages thrown in for fun. Details will be forthcoming.

The THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE (TBTC) will be our August dates in Douglas, WY. It will be very similar in challenges to prior TBTC matches but will take advantage of the space and geography we have available at Douglas.

We will post a 2015 summary as soon as the “Team Safari” dates in October are finalized.

 

2015 SCHEDULE

Posted By: Zak Smith on November 17, 2014

Thanks to everyone for a great 2014 season! We know everyone is trying to set their competition schedules for 2015, so here are some advance dates for the 2015 COMPETITION DYNAMICS events:

JUNE 5-6-7 – LOGAN NM – STEEL SAFARI
We will be running the STEEL SAFARI using the same 3-day, 3-course format as last year.

AUGUST 7-8-9 – DOUGLAS WY – THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE
For 2015 we are moving the TBTC to Douglas WY. The overall match and challenge will be similar to prior years, but we will be taking advantage of the geography and area that our Douglas venue offers.

SEPT 4-5-6 – DOUGLAS WY – SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
The SAC is a Tactical Adventure Race involving: land navigation; practical shooting with long-range rifle, carbine, and pistols; fieldcraft; problem solving; and other related tasks.

MID OCTOBER (DATES TBD) – LOGAN NM – “TEAM SAFARI”
Think of it as a Team “Steel Safari” with a couple extra stages thrown in for fun. Details will be forthcoming.

We plan to open registration on Friday Dec 5th for at least the first three matches.

 

SAC SHIRTS AVAILABLE

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 27, 2014

The second run of 2014 SAC t-shirts is ready. They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side.

We have a limited number of 2014 SAC t-shirts and when they are gone there won’t be any more. To check availability and order, please send email to ann@competition-dynamics.com. The price is $10 each and s/h will be $6 for the first and $1 extra per shirt after that.

We also have a very limited number of 2014 SAC hoodies. These are medium heavy and look really good, with the same white and black SAC logo on the front and the Orange CD logo on the back. Price for these is $30 plus $7 shipping (can be combined with t-shirt order). Please contact Ann for these.

 

2014 THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 20, 2014

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2014 THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE. Succeeding at the TBTC requires an exceptional level of skill in long-range rifle and carbine shooting, along with a high level of fitness. The top 30% of the teams were separated by less than 300 points (the value of one Field Stage).

RESULTS

LINK TO 2014 TBTC SCORES PDF

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to John Paul of JP Enterprises, the new owner of the Blue Steel Ranch.

Thanks to the staff: Jimmy, Casey, Jeff, and Ann. These guys (and gal) take on responsibility for major parts of match setup and operations

Thanks to all the RO’s: Grant, John, Zion, Ken, Clay, Shawn, Steve, and Stan. Competitors ran 3 Field Stages — these guys ran about 12. The TBTC is pretty hard on RO’s and these guys did a great job.

Thanks to the medical volunteers, especially Doc Bruce for his continued support.

Also, thanks to our sponsors, TBAC, AA Targets, EXOS Defense, JP Enterprises, Surefire, Armageddon Gear, Deliberate Dynamics, Blackhawk, Burris/Steiner, Hornady, Magpul, OpticsPlanet, US Optics, ZEV Technologies, Reaper Innovative Precision, Kifaru Tactical, Lapua, Odin Works, and Sierra. Ann will be sending out an additional email to competitors with the “thank-you” contacts for them.

Sincerely,
Zak and Jeff

 

TEAM CHALLENGE COMPETITOR NEWS

Posted By: Zak Smith on October 6, 2014

Here are some last minute updates for Thunder Beast Team Challenge competitors:

1. Check-in/Zero-check will be from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Thursday. During this time (and this time only), you may check zero on the front range. You can set your own paper out between 50-300 yards. There may be a few steel targets available to shoot with rifle. Please do not show up early.

2. You must be checked in by 5:00 PM Thursday. The shooters meeting will start immediately at 5:00 PM. It is mandatory. It shouldn’t take longer than about a half hour, not counting questions.

3. Like last year, there will be a tech inspection during check-in. This will include a check of mechanical safeties and a drop test of approx one foot (vertical rifle onto butt pad).

4. Recap of changes for this year. This is restated from the 2014 match description so everyone knows what to expect. The “gully assault” stages are gone and are replaced with what we are calling “mid range assault courses.” These mid-range courses will be shot by both team members at the same time using two carbines, and will have targets for both members from approx 100 yards out to approx 450 yards. We will also have some pistol-only stages for both team members. In both cases, these stages will be scored using “time plus penalties” scoring (3-Gun style). In total, we expect to have 3 field courses (rifle + carbine), approx 4 mid-range assault courses (two carbines, pistol possible), 1-2 pistol stages, and two night stages. We will have stage scores “weighted” similar to last year: field 200 points, mid-range assault and pistol 100 points each, and night 50 points each.

5. For the night stages, we will supply any permitted lighting equipment. Night vision is not permitted.

6. You will receive a briefing packet at check-in that contains full information about scoring, schedule, etc.

7. Most of the match staff will be traveling to Logan late this coming weekend, so communications the week of the match will be sporadic. We will get back to you in the evenings if possible.

8. Please park by the front range along the road, only. No camping is available on site– there is camping near Ute Lake.

9. Over the course of a day, you will need to walk several miles. You will have to walk up to a mile to get to the start of each field course. Each field course is approx 0.75 – 1.25 miles in length. Then you will have to walk from the end of the field course back to the front range. You will also have to walk to each of the mid-range assault courses, which will be scattered around the field area. You should plan to be self sufficient from before your allotted field course time through the return to your vehicle, and then during the afternoon while shooting approx 3 mid-range assault courses or pistol stages. You will have a break before returning for your scheduled night-shoot stage each of Friday and Saturday nights.

 

2014 TBTC T-Shirt Order Due

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 24, 2014

It’s time to get the t-shirt order in for the 2014 Thunder Beast Team Challenge. T-shirts will be $10 for the first one and $15 for extras.

They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side.

Shirts will be brought to the match to be picked up at check-in, and you can pay us there.

Please send the sizes and quantity you want to info@competition-dynamics.com no later than Sunday Sept 28th.

 

SEEKING RANGE OFFICERS FOR TEAM CHALLENGE

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 9, 2014

We are seeking Range Officers for the THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE, which takes place October 17-19th at the Blue Steel Ranch in Logan, NM.

Range Officers MAY shoot the match “for score.” The match directors will RO the RO’s through any “blind” stages to ensure that all competitors have the same surprises and challenges. RO “Shoot Through” will take place on October 15-16, directly prior to the main match. We are also accepting RO’s who do not need/want to shoot the match. For reference, here is the CD Range Officer Program.

The THUNDER BEAST TEAM CHALLENGE is a match for two-man teams shooting one long-range rifle, two mid range carbines, and two pistols. It has 3x, one-hour long field stages that involve one to one-and-a-half miles of movement interspersed with carbine and rifle shooting at UKD targets spread out in the field. Then there are mid-range (50-500 yard) carbine assault stages, some pistol stages, and then two night stages.

If you’d like to help us RO this match, please contact us ASAP at info@competition-dynamics.com

thanks

 

SUBMIT ORDERS FOR ADDITIONAL SAC SHIRTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 8, 2014

We are going to do a second run of 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge t-shirts.

They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side.

Please send the sizes and quantity you want to info@competition-dynamics.com no later than Monday Sept 15th

Shirts (any quantity) are $10 a piece and s/h will be $6 for the first and $1 extra per shirt after that. Once we have your order we’ll just ask you to send a check in.

 

2014 SAC SPOT MAP AND DATA BREAKDOWN

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 8, 2014

Here is the 2014 SAC SPOT MAP. This map contains the SPOT tracking data from all teams during the event. It will be kept online for perusal and analysis.

In addition, we’ve done some analysis on the SPOT data. Keep in mind this analysis is ONLY from the SPOT data itself, so gaps in the reported data will create data that might not match physical reality (for example, if a SPOT tracker got turned off, or a team abandoned the race and went to town before race end).

ENDURANCE – MISSION 2 FINISHERS

23 Fuller Steinbach            2014-09-06      14:07    31.08 total miles in  29.6 hours   1.05 mph
19 Switzer Wilson              2014-09-06      16:16    24.26 total miles in  31.8 hours   0.76 mph
9 Urick Urick                  2014-09-06      12:51    30.26 total miles in  28.4 hours   1.07 mph
3 McRaeMcRae                   2014-09-06      12:44    25.94 total miles in  28.2 hours   0.92 mph
6 Murphy Daniel                2014-09-06      11:15    32.96 total miles in  26.8 hours   1.23 mph
22 ZumMallen Standridge        2014-09-06      15:52    28.49 total miles in  31.4 hours   0.91 mph
7 Shay DiRezza                 2014-09-06      17:04    24.13 total miles in  32.6 hours   0.74 mph
26 Serna Music                 2014-09-06      06:30    20.22 total miles in  22.0 hours   0.92 mph
14 Brink Herd                  2014-09-06      17:15    24.13 total miles in  32.8 hours   0.74 mph
29 Locke Trout                 2014-09-06      16:52    27.99 total miles in  32.4 hours   0.86 mph
8 Worthy Stowers               2014-09-06      16:47    22.82 total miles in  32.3 hours   0.71 mph
31 Robinson Ashley             2014-09-06      17:04    26.76 total miles in  32.6 hours   0.82 mph
21 Neumayer Wu                 2014-09-06      20:37    26.42 total miles in  36.1 hours   0.73 mph

ENDURANCE – REST

17 McRae McRae                 2014-09-06      01:40    18.42 total miles in  17.2 hours   1.07 mph
2 Anderson Wilson              2014-09-06      15:26    26.13 total miles in  30.9 hours   0.84 mph
25 Cochran Stolz               2014-09-06      20:03    28.50 total miles in  35.5 hours   0.80 mph
1 Mathews Mathews              2014-09-06      20:20    28.32 total miles in  35.8 hours   0.79 mph
15 Thornton Garfield           2014-09-06      11:57    23.04 total miles in  27.4 hours   0.84 mph
12 Metzger Collins             2014-09-06      12:11    22.37 total miles in  27.7 hours   0.81 mph
5 Hillbo Caspers               2014-09-06      06:15    20.41 total miles in  21.8 hours   0.94 mph
10 Kunze Valencia              2014-09-06      06:03    18.70 total miles in  21.6 hours   0.87 mph
24 Chacon Morris               2014-09-06      00:43    15.16 total miles in  16.2 hours   0.93 mph
28 Maley Turnbow               2014-09-06      09:49    12.31 total miles in  25.3 hours   0.49 mph
11 Walcik Rogers               2014-09-05      22:08    12.75 total miles in  13.6 hours   0.94 mph
16 Perez Martinez              2014-09-06      18:07    21.71 total miles in  33.6 hours   0.65 mph
20 Asplin Olson                2014-09-05      20:55    12.77 total miles in  12.4 hours   1.03 mph
18 Gorman Arntsen              2014-09-05      22:35    10.28 total miles in  14.1 hours   0.73 mph
27 Reinhardt Bennion           2014-09-06      04:46    14.50 total miles in  20.3 hours   0.72 mph
4 Middleton Weston             2014-09-05      18:15    10.56 total miles in   9.8 hours   1.08 mph
13 Cain Cain                   2014-09-05      20:44    12.03 total miles in  12.2 hours   0.98 mph

SPRINT

51 Braden Bimber               2014-09-05      22:27    14.42 total miles in  13.9 hours   1.03 mph
52 Yanaga Gregory              2014-09-05      21:20     8.89 total miles in  12.8 hours   0.69 mph
53 Quinlan Swerczek            2014-09-05      22:40    10.42 total miles in  14.2 hours   0.74 mph
 

2014 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 8, 2014

Congratulations to all competitors who attempted the 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge. Just showing up to the SAC shows an exceptional level of commitment. Finishing the SAC is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates a level of skill, wits, and fitness that very few people on the planet strive to, let alone achieve. The top 6 places in Endurance were separated by less than 250 points over about 4250 points.

ENDURANCE CLASS
1. Fuller Steinbach
2. Switzer Wilson
3. Urick Urick
4. McRae McRae
5. Murphy Daniel

FULL ENDURANCE CLASS RESULTS

SPRINT CLASS
1. Quinlan Swerczek

FULL SPRINT CLASS RESULTS

MOST TIME ON COURSE AWARD

The landowners insisted on a special award for the team that spent the most time out there enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. Travis and Darrin had a special clock made out of burl that came from Sheep Mountain. Team #21 Neumayer Wu received this award. They spent 6 hours looking for the final MCP’s in order to complete Mission 2 and then return to base (which they did at 22:30, 36 hours from the start).

FEEDBACK

Our goal is to create and run the best events. Please email us with feedback on how you think we can make our future events better.

THANKS

Thanks to the landowners, Travis and Darrin. They own this awesome venue and are kind enough to let us run events here.

Thanks to the staff, Jeff, Ann, Ray, Jimmy, Casey, and Clay. These guys (and gal) take on responsibility for major parts of match setup and operations. Thanks to Jake for his contributions to match ops. Thanks to Curt for his work on comms.

Thanks to the RO’s, Stan, Aaron, Mark, Scot, Alex, Yves, John, Steve, Doug, James, Gary, and Kyle. Special thanks for Kirk and Daniel who made the poncho raft stage safe and extra awesome. Great job everyone. Without RO’s these events can’t happen.

Thanks to the medical staff: Dr. Bruce, Kyle, Paul, Ken, and Erin. The SAC could not happen without having you on-hand ready to handle medical issues. You do a great job.

Special thanks to Cody Carroll, Chaz, and Magpul Dynamics for assistance with pre-running and stage consulting.

Glockworx/ZEV Technologies was the stage sponsor for the Force on Force scenario and provided the “STI” airsoft guns used.

Thanks to our sponsors- Thunder Beast Arms Corporation, Deliberate Dynamics, AA Targets, Exos Defense, XLR Industries, Blackhawk, Burris, Hornady, Hill People Gear, Magpul, OpticsPlanet, US Optics, ZEV Technologies, Mile High Shooting Accessories, Reaper Innovative Precision, AttackPack, Kifaru, Lapua, Sierra. Please let them know you appreciate their support.

Sincerely,
Zak and Jeff

 

SAC "TRACK THEM AT HOME" LIVE MAP

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 2, 2014

Just like last year, we’ll have live tracking of teams during the SAC. Here is the link: 2014 SAC LIVE MAP

Teams will muster at 8:30 AM on Friday and that’s when you’ll see points start to appear.

 

NEWS FOR 2014 SAC COMPETITORS

Posted By: Zak Smith on September 1, 2014

Here are some last-minute notes for SAC competitors:

1. You need to have tested your water purification devices and processes before you show up. A significant portion of “available water” on this course will be from natural sources. Think “expedition style” as opposed to water tanks everywhere. (We will still have some tanks.)

2. Make sure your Poncho/Tarp is up to spec. A proper poncho/tarp can be used to solve a lot of problems.

3. There is no place to check zero or sight in once on sight. Show up ready to shoot for score.

4. Check-in will be available 5-7pm THURSDAY and 7:30 – 8:30 AM FRIDAY. Both Endurance and Sprint divisions will muster at 8:30 AM Friday.

5. The check-in and parking location will be at 646 Wagon Hound Rd, Douglas Wy. Park on the south side of Wagon Hound Rd right across from the Wills Ranch sign (it says “Travis & Brayden”), on the E and W side of the driveway. Once the event begins you will not be permitted access to your vehicles until you finish or quit.

6. You will have to walk to the check-in and muster area. It is the yard surrounded by the houses and barns. 461220 4721283

7. No team will be allowed to start the event without a SPOT registered with us and functioning in TRACK mode.

8. On Friday, turn on your SPOT trackers and activate TRACK mode at 7:30 AM. This will give us plenty of time to get a few points from all teams’ SPOTS to ensure everyone is tracking.

9. In a few days, we will post the public SPOT TRACKER URL. This is the live map your fans at home can watch. No points will be displayed with timestamps before Friday at 0700.

 

Spectators at the SAC

Posted By: Zak Smith on August 22, 2014

We’ve had a few questions come in about whether spectators are welcome at the SAC. Due to the dynamic of the competition and the distances over which the challenges are spread, the event is not exactly “open to the public” for spectators.

We welcome spectators who are associated with a team and people who have a particular interest in the event. If you fall into one of these categories and want to watch parts of the competition, please check-in at 646 Wagon Hound Rd with Race Control to sign a waiver and get information on “where” and “when” you can watch some of the challenges. The best time to do this is prior to the event start time (TBD) on Friday AM.

No aid will be permitted to be given to any team by spectators. Receiving such aid would be a DQ on the grounds of sportsmanship.

 

SAC Competitors - Send us your SPOT ID's now!

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 30, 2014

ACTION REQUIRED FOR 2014 SAC PARTICIPANTS – DUE BY AUGUST 15

Like last year, we are going to use live SPOT tracking of competitors during the Sniper Adventure Challenge for safety, logistics, and spectators.

In order for this to work, we need a link to each team’s “Shared Page” from the SPOT site. Here are the instructions:

  1. One team member please complete and send us the following:
  2. Log into the “My Account” section on findmespot.com
  3. Go to the “Share” tab.
  4. You need to use or create a “Shared Page” and then click on the name of the shared page, and it will take you to a page with a URL that looks like this:
    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx
    A password is NOT required, but if you have one, send us the password also.

  5. Turn on your SPOT tracker, and put it somewhere where it has good GPS reception
  6. Press and hold the “Footprint” button until it blinks with the POWER button/light.
  7. Let the SPOT sit in a good-reception area for 1-2 hours.
  8. SEND US THE URL from STEP #4, along with your Confirmation Code and whether you are in SPRINT or ENDURANCE class.

    Note: only send us the URL after the SPOT has been on and the footprint button/light flashing for 1-2 hours

    For example:

    TEAM: Smith / Sanchez
    CLASS: ENDURANCE
    CONFIRMATION CODE: 1324
    URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ZMcLvSXpEPWpQSrWEziD7p9qj5v39cpx

    SEND TO zak@competition-dynamics.com

These steps will allow us to get everyone’s SPOTs into our tracking system and tested prior to the event so we don’t have last minute technical difficulties.

SPOT II/Gen2 or SPOT III/Gen3 recommended. You need to be able to activate “TRACK MODE” via a button on the device (the “Footprint” icon). Other models may not work well or be compatible with our tracking system. A SPOT that requires another device (such as a phone for bluetooth) is NOT RECOMMENDED. NOT RECOMMENDED: SPOT Trace, SPOT Global Phone, SPOT Connect, SPOT HUG.

 

DDI Lowers Price for SAC Prep Course

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 17, 2014

DDI has lowered the price on their SAC prep course to just $499 for 3 days. Here’s the info:

Deliberate Dynamics (DDI) is offering a Sniper Adventure Challenge (SAC) Prep Class at the SniperCountry facility. Dates are August 8-10th.

DDI teams competed in the 2012 and 2013 SAC events and are ready to share their experiences and help get you ready for the 2014 SAC. Topics will include Land Nav (day and night), Lock and handcuff picking and shimming, Load out and gear selection, Shooter / Spotter verbiage and teamwork, Shooting (finding targets and engaging on the clock, non-standard positions, etc), Diet selection and strategy. They will have longer land nav movements available in the training scenario for those that want it, but nobody will have to do more than they want to.

DDI is offering a 10% discount if you tell them you were referred by Competition Dynamics when you sign up.

Please contact Jim Staley at jim@deliberatedynamics.com for more information or to sign up.

Link to the class:
http://www.deliberatedynamics.com/products/training/desert-tech-precision-rifle.html

Video of DDI classes @ SniperCountry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX_-Qan7Hzs

 

2014 SAC T-Shirt Order Due

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 17, 2014

It’s time to get the t-shirt order in for the 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge. T-shirts will be $10 for the first one and $15 for extras.

They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side.

Shirts will be brought to the match to be picked up at check-in, and you can pay us there.

Please send the sizes and quantity you want to info@competition-dynamics.com no later than Saturday July 27th

The design will have the SAC logo on the front with the sponsors on the back,

 

DDI offering SAC prep class in Utah, early August

Posted By: Zak Smith on July 2, 2014

We are pleased to announce that Deliberate Dynamics (DDI) is offering a Sniper Adventure Challenge (SAC) Prep Class at the SniperCountry facility. Dates are August 8-10th.

DDI teams competed in the 2012 and 2013 SAC events and are ready to share their experiences and help get you ready for the 2014 SAC. Topics will include Land Nav (day and night), Lock and handcuff picking and shimming, Load out and gear selection, Shooter / Spotter verbiage and teamwork, Shooting (finding targets and engaging on the clock, non-standard positions, etc), Diet selection and strategy. They will have longer land nav movements available in the training scenario for those that want it, but nobody will have to do more than they want to.

DDI is offering a 10% discount if you tell them you were referred by Competition Dynamics when you sign up.

Please contact Jim Staley at jim@deliberatedynamics.com for more information or to sign up.

Link to the class:
http://www.deliberatedynamics.com/products/training/desert-tech-precision-rifle.html

Video of DDI classes @ SniperCountry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX_-Qan7Hzs

 

Seeking Range Officers for Sniper Adventure Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 13, 2014

Hi everyone,

We are looking for Range Officers for the 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge [SAC]. The SAC is a “Tactical Adventure Race” that involves a lot of land navigation on foot (no GPS allowed) during day and night, practical shooting problems, fieldcraft, problem solving, physical and mental challenges, and other related tasks. The dates are Sept 5-7th.

Range Officers at the SAC will either run shooting stages or be a “judge” at a mental/physical/field challenge stage.

This event is extremely physical. Being an RO is an opportunity to be a part of the event even if competing in it is beyond one’s ability. If you have medical expertise we have a medical team to put you on.

For more information on Competition Dynamics’ RO program, click here.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email zak@competition-dynamics.com

thanks
Zak

 

2014 STEEL SAFARI RESULTS

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 9, 2014

Congratulations to all the competitors who finished the 2014 STEEL SAFARI. It was a tough match this year. Here are the top 3 places:
1. Rick Camuglia
2. John Griswold
3. James Vick
For the rest of the top 10 and the full results, here is a link to 2014 STEEL SAFARI FULL SCORES (PDF)

 

Live reporting from 2014 Steel Safari

Posted By: Zak Smith on June 6, 2014

The Steel Safari kicks off on Friday morning with the first shooters departing for their field courses at 6 AM. This year we will have some live and near-live video coverage from the event. Please follow the updates on
CD on Facebook and Competition Dynamics Youtube Channel

 

Last-minute Steel Safari notes. Also, wait list movement!

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 31, 2014

STEEL SAFARI NOTES

We’ve revised the sign-in and registration times on Thursday. NEW THURSDAY SCHEDULE. Basically Check-in/sight-in starts at noon. The briefing is now at 4pm. Moving up the schedule will let us get out of there a little bit earlier so everyone can have dinner and get squared away for the first morning of shooting. (If you already have committed to travel plans that don’t get you there in time, please email me ASAP to make arrangements.)

Ray and I are leaving for Logan on Sunday so communications after that time will be difficult. If you leave me a voicemail or send an email, I should be able to respond in the evenings when we get back to town.

Here is an electronic copy of the briefing packet. BRIEFING PACKET PDF

There will be one stage that will be scored based on time (and normalized to 6 points). This is a change from prior years.

There will be a tech inspection of rifles during sign-in to ensure they comply with the rules. This will include a check of mechanical safeties and a drop test of approx one foot (vertical rifle onto butt pad).

WAIT LIST MOVEMENT

As usual, we’ve had a number of last-minute cancellations for the Steel Safari. This means that those of you still on the wait list have a good chance of getting your slot granted (because most people cannot make travel plans this late).

As such, we will be cycling through the remaining slots at an accelerated rate. If you get a “Slot Granted” email please get back to me ASAP whether you can make it or not.

To check your “wait list slot #” at any time, just load the registration/confirmation link from the registration emails.

 

2014 SAC GEAR LIST PUBLISHED

Posted By: Zak Smith on May 17, 2014

The Required Gear List for the 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge is published. It is substantially identical to last year’s list.
These items are mandatory. There are no optional items on this list. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and removal from the course. Inspections can occur at anytime during the race. You may bring any additional items that are not prohibited by the rules. This list is not intended to name everything that will ensure success.
2014 SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE REQUIRED GEAR LIST

 

Patriot Defense 2014 RMSQ AAR

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on May 4, 2014

PD put together a nice AAR on the 2014 RMSQ.  Check it out here:  https://www.patriotdefense.com/rocky-mountain-steel-quest-rmsq/

 

2014 RMSQ Post Match Interview with Kyle Lynch

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on May 4, 2014

Here’s a quick interview with Kyle after the RMSQ.

 

 

2014 Steel Safari T-Shirt Order Due

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 28, 2014

It’s time to get the t-shirt order in for the Steel Safari. T-shirts will be $10 for the first one and $15 for extras.

They are printed on high quality USA-made blanks from American Apparel by local printing company here in Fort Collins. For sizing on American Apparel shirts please check this out,
https://www.americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts
they do run on the “trim fit” side for sure.

Shirts will be brought to the match to be picked up at check-in, and you can pay us there.

Please send the sizes and quantity you want to info@competition-dynamics.com no later than Saturday May 3rd.

The design will be the “Sun Logo” Steel Safari logo on the front

and the match information and sponsors on the back, similar to prior years Steel Safari and TBTC shirts.

 

Travis Derouin's RMSQ Match Report

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 21, 2014

Editor’s Note: Travis wrote this up for a private audience and then we asked if we could publish it here for everyone to read. – Zak

I have just returned from shooting the Rocky Mountain Steel Quest competition held by Competition Dynamics in Douglas, Wyoming. It was a two day event that involved hiking and shooting and it proved to be an amazing experience.

Read More  

First installment of RMSQ photos

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 20, 2014

Here are some photos we took during the RMSQ. More to follow!

RMSQ Photos, Set 1

Here are some photos that Travis Derouin took, Travis Derouin’s Flickr album

If you have photos or video, please send it over!

 

2014 RMSQ-Day 2: cold and snowy

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on April 20, 2014

The weather changed from high 60s F to mid 20s F overnight.  Day 2 of the 2014 RMSQ was not for the faint of heart.  Check it out:

 

2014 RMSQ Rifle Stage Overview

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on April 20, 2014

Before it started snowing last weekend Casey “volunteered” to have a video done of his stage.  This video is annotated and explains the skills involved in shooting a  CD rifle stage.

 

 

 

2014 RMSQ SCORES

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 14, 2014

Congrats to everyone who finished the 2014 Rocky Mountain Steel Quest.

Here are the scores: CARBINE SCORES PDF and RIFLE SCORES PDF

 

Magpul Dynamics' Director of Operations Cody Carroll to Assist with 2014 SAC

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 6, 2014

Magpul Dynamics’ Director of Operations Cody Carroll will assist CD this year with the course design and layout for the 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge. Competition Dynamics, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, promotes extreme world-class long-range and practical shooting competitions and adventure races in the Western United States. The Sniper Adventure Challenge, which debuted in 2012, is a 24-40 hour adventure race in which teams of two solve land navigation problems without the aid of GPS to cover a route of 25-50 miles while completing mental, physical, and marksmanship challenges throughout the event. In addition to helping with the course design, Magpul Dynamics will also pre-run the course in its entirety with two seasoned teams one week prior to the event to allow for minor changes. You can also expect to see plenty of loot on the table from Magpul if you make it to the end.

 

Last-minute RMSQ Notes

Posted By: Zak Smith on April 3, 2014

The Rocky Mountain Steel Quest (RMSQ) is coming up fast. Here are some last minute notes about the match:

Sign-in will be from 10 AM until 4 PM on Friday April 11th. Everyone needs to check in before 4 PM. The mandatory shooters meeting will be at 4:30 PM Friday. The location for sign-in and the sight-in range is right at

440 Wagon Hound Rd.
Douglas, WY

This is not a real address but if you plug it into Google Maps it will put a place marker right at the turn-off.

The best way to get there is to take Esterbrook Rd (94) south from Douglas. Do not take Cold Springs Rd, it will lead you on a wild goose chase.

During sign-in/sight-in Friday, no competitor may go west of the sign-in area (the 440 Wagon Hound location) on the road.

The match is “full” with a wait list, so if you cannot make it please let me know ASAP so we can offer another shooter the opportunity to get in.

This match is run in a similar format the Steel Safari, in which each shooter will act as the RO for the shooter behind him, and then vice versa. We will explain how this works at the shooters meeting.

Please bring a good set of binoculars for this “spotting” activity. Electronically-amplified earmuffs also help.

Make sure your load chronos at less than 3200 fps, especially you guys in the Carbine Division.

The round count for rifle division will be no more than 100 rounds (rifle) in the match itself. 100 rounds for Pistol will be sufficient if you are a decent pistol shooter (bring more if you are going to miss a lot). For carbine division, take the rifle round count (100) and multiply it by the number of extra engagements you think you’ll need to hit the targets.

Just like the Steel Safari, a significant part of the challenge at this match will be target identification and location under time constraints. You’ll have 5 minutes from showing up at the shoot position to locate, range, and engage 6 rifle/carbine targets. There will be some pistol-only stages and some stages will have rifle and pistol targets.

There will be a tech inspection for firearm safety during check-in.

The sight-in range will have “KD” steel out to approx 1000 yards, at uneven intervals.

 

2014 SAC Maps now available from MyTopo

Posted By: Zak Smith on March 27, 2014

Maps of the area for the 2014 SAC are now available for ordering from MyTopo! Here’s the link,
http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?mytopoid=10876850FE8

(The event area is a subset of the area represented on this map.)

 

Steel Safari Wait List Movement

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 19, 2014

We had some movement on the Steel Safari wait list today. The wait list is down to just 1.

This means that if you haven’t signed up and still want a chance to shoot the match, get on the wait list and the probability of your wait list slot getting called is pretty high.

Remember, your match entry fees are due two weeks after we accept your application.

 

2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge Prep.

Posted By: Jeff Hamilton on February 17, 2014

Today, Zak and Jeff went up to work on the 2014 SAC preparations in Douglas, Wyoming. We checked property boundaries, talked to the land owners, and  had some fun.  

 

Sponsored Military Shooter Slot Awarded!

Posted By: Zak Smith on February 15, 2014

An anonymous benefactor has sponsored a Steel Safari entry for an active duty military competitor. We are pleased to announce that this has been awareded to an Army SSG and sniper section leader from Alaska. Here’s what the soldier has to say, “I would like to thank the Sponsor that has allowed me to partake in the 2014 Steel Safari and another thanks to Competition Dynamics for hosting a challenging long range marksmanship competition. I look forward to participating and meeting some of the best shooters in the country.”

 

Thunder Beast Team Challenge registration opens SAT Feb 1st.

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 29, 2014

Just a reminder, registration for the 2014 Thunder Beast Team Challenge opens Saturday Feb. 1st at 7:00 AM (MST). At that time you can register at this link, TBTC Registration

 

Movement on the RMSQ Wait List!

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 27, 2014

The Rocky Mountain Steel Quest (RMSQ), which filled up quickly, had some movement on the waiting list today. I was able to grant a few shooters who were on the waiting list a slot, so if you are still on the waiting list, please do not despair! If you are still interested in shooting the RMSQ, please submit an application and we’ll put you on the list.

Unfortunately, the slots that became available were due to applicants who did not pay their entry fee on time. (Payment is due no later than two weeks after we “approve” your application.) Remember that your match slot for any Competition Dynamics match is not locked in until you follow the registration process, send in payment, and get the “CONFIRMED!” email.

 

Sponsored slot for active duty US Military shooter!

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 22, 2014

We have a benefactor who would like to remain anonymous that is funding a slot for and active Mil shooter in the 2014 Steel Safari! If you are currently in the military and would like to shoot the 2014 Steel Safari post up to FB the following: who you are, what your job in the military is, where you are stationed, and why you would like to shoot the 2014 Steel Safari. We’ll let the benefactor make the final decision but would like input from all the CD community on the merits of the applicants.

POST COMMENTS/APPLICATIONS TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

COMPETITION DYNAMICS ON FACEBOOK

 

Competition Dynamics at the SHOT Show

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 11, 2014

Much of the Competition Dynamics staff will be at the 2014 SHOT Show (Jan 14-17). If you’ll be there, please say hello. Jeff and Ann will be “mobile” around the show talking to our favorite event sponsors. They will be periodically checking in at booth 7206 (Thunder Beast Arms), where Ray and Zak will be stationed for most of the show. It’s hard to keep tabs on Cody, but he’ll probably be in the Magpul booth (10362) from time to time. See you there!

 

REGISTRATION OPENS SUNDAY JAN 5th

Posted By: Zak Smith on January 4, 2014

Registration for the STEEL SAFARI, ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL QUEST, and SNIPER ADVENTURE CHALLENGE will open at 0700 MST. To register, simple go to the match page and click on the REGISTER tab.

Registration for the TBTC will be in early February.

 

Changes for the 2014 Thunder Beast Team Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 30, 2013

NEW FOR 2014: Pistol will be required.

Instead of having 6 close-range assault stages, we are going to replace some of those with mid-range carbine courses of fire held out in the terrain. Those of you who have shot the old Pueblo Rifle (carbine) Match or remember the Point Blank LEO 3-Gun @ Pueblo might get the idea. We are also adding pistol. I promise to make the night stages a little bit easier.

I would like to get some feedback from competitors and people who are interested for 2014. Which of these combinations would you prefer and why?

(1) keep rifle, both carbines, and add 2 pistols
(2) keep rifle, both carbines, and add only 1 pistol (who gets it, rifle or carbine guy)
(3) keep rifle, only one carbine, and 2 pistols
(4) some other combination- explain

We like #1 but worry that it’s too many guns to travel with for people who fly in.

 

The 2014 Steel Safari

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 30, 2013

The Steel Safari has become something of a right of passage for precision rifle matches. The SS is probably the longest continuously running practical field rifle match in existence, having started in 1998, it is arguably one of the most difficult matches if not the most difficult when one considers the overall format, terrain, target size, and target distance. The Steel Safari is unique in that it is truly an individual effort where each competitor carries his or her gear through the desert alone while navigating from field stage to field stage and only sees their RO, or the competitor they RO, for a few minutes at a time. There is no collaboration between competitors or team members as are frequently seen in other precision rifle matches; at the Steel Safari each competitor is truly on their own, all day, every day, for three days.

The stunning beauty of the desert punctuates this solo experience. Competitors arrive at each shooting stage, “blind,” having no knowledge of the target locations or distances, and have five minutes to identify, range and engage reactive steel targets out to distances of up to 1200 yards.

Target arrays are of two varieties: one by six, or two by three. In the one by six configuration the competitor is shown the shooting position and the left and right lateral limit markers by the RO. All six targets are visible while standing above the shooting position between the limit markers. In the two by three configuration, there are two shooting positions and three targets, each of which is engaged once from each shooting position. All of this is done in five minutes total with a single shot per target, no “sighters,” no alibis.

The environment harsh, and temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind is also ever present and often blows in excess of 30 MPH through the rugged escarpment of the Blue Steel Ranch. The wind driven dust of the desert also tests competitors and equipment. Frequently equipment won?t make it through the day and needs to be serviced by the solo competitor. You have to carry all your supplies, so you either fix your gear or your out for the day, or for good unless you can solve your gear issues and get back in the match.

The camaraderie of the Steel Safari is excellent. Many competitors return to the match year after year. This created a problem with long waiting lists and sold out matches until Competition Dynamics changed to a three-day format in 2013. Now the Steel Safari has the ability to accommodate up to 60 shooters, allowing more to participate. The match still fills up, but the waiting list in 2013 did not have 30 people on it.

In the evenings competitors meet at the Annex bar and grill in Logan for dinner and a beer and talk about the day’s shooting, or they meet in one of the restaurants in nearby Tucumcari. Overall, it’s a great community and all are welcome. If you have shot the Steel Safari before we welcome you back and if you are new we look forward to meeting you. This is truly an unique experience that we look forward to sharing with you.

 

New match, the Rocky Mountain Steel Quest

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 15, 2013

We are adding a new match for 2014! We are calling it the Rocky Mountain Steel Quest.

Its format will be identical to the Steel Safari but be located at our Douglas WY venue. This venue is comprised of two adjoining ranches with over 17,000 acres available (including a mountain). As many of you know the terrain there is much different than the terrain down at Blue Steel. We have longer distances available and there are more mountains, for a start.

It will be only two days, Saturday-Sunday, with check-in on Friday. This should make it more low-impact for those that have to travel, and Douglas is only about 225 miles from Denver instead of 375 (Logan). Lodging is available about 10 minutes away in Douglas.

There will be two divisions. We’ll have the regular open rifle division just like Steel Safari. The second division, scored separately, will be for semi-automatic .223/5.56 caliber rifles (“carbines”). The details on carbine scoring are TBD at this time, but they will be able to use multiple rounds to engage targets.

The dates for RMSQ will be April 12-13, 2014. The fee is not set yet but it will be cheaper than the SS, in part because it’s a first-year match and in part because it’s just a 2-day event.

Ever since we saw the Douglas properties we started talked about a “Winter Steel Safari.” Consider this a test run of a match in a season other than summer. In April we could have weather in the 60’s or it could be 30 with some snow. We consider that to be part of the adventure. We’ll start another thread about it soon.

 

New venue for the 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge

Posted By: Zak Smith on December 15, 2013

The 2014 Sniper Adventure Challenge will be held in Douglas WY on Sept 5-7th.
There will be some changes to the structure of the event but the spirit of the overall challenge will stay the same. A primary goal of these changes is to ensure that a majority of the teams get a chance to try all of the challenges/stages, but not decrease the “scale up” performance that the top team demonstrated in 2013.

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