Others EBR (2024) bound- what do I need to know?

[wolfmangreg]

Cashed in my HAM points for a guaranteed spot at EBR 2024- BIG thanks to @hameditor & @AirgunsofAZ! Know it's waayyy early, but already sketching up some plans for the trip & event. In pencil of course- dates aren't even set !

Soliciting advice from those who have attended past EBRs- particularly those who travelled to do so, but any & all advice/warnings/anecdotes are welcome. What to bring/not bring, airgun related travel tips, hotels to avoid etc. Anything you think might be helpful to a first timer.

Will be my first time flying with an airgun. Have read up on the regs, but still going to contact TSA and or the airline when it's time to book a flight, to make sure all the T's are crossed & I's dotted. Looking into TSA approved cases, since nothing I currently own will work.

As of now, only planning to compete in Extreme Field Target. AOA/EBR got in touch with me shortly after claiming the spot, & said they'll reach out again shortly before open registration to confirm event slots. So, plenty of time to think on that.

Definitely plan to attend all four days, whether competing or not. Much as I love EFT & shooting in general, meeting some of the forum friends I've made is what I look forward to the most.

 

[GHairgunner]

Welcome to EBR! If you can come in a few days early it is always great to get practice at the range and learn the wind of AZ. The 50, 75 and 100 range can change with the wind. Always practice shooting over the bumps on the left side of the range they can make the best question their abilities. Prepare for hot!!! Once in a while its not but I go down from Utah and that time of year I do my final practices in ski gear to turn up the body temp.

Think about shipping your gun to AOA instead of traveling with it.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[hameditor]

In my experience the biggest essential is a hat. One that covers the back of your neck, that is. The AZ sun can be really fierce, especially for those of us - like me - who live in colder climes and are not used to it.

Agreed with the advice to arrive a few days early and ship your gun to AoA. After all, you can't go to EBR and not visit the AoA store.

I'm sure that many others will have great suggestions.

Look forward to seeing you there

 

[wolfmangreg]

Thanks guys! Shipping to AOA sounds like a good plan, absolutely intending to go there while in town. Assuming I'd need to call AOA & arrange for them to receive? How do you go about shipping it back home?

 

[Ezana4CE]

Think about shipping your gun to AOA instead of traveling with it.

Good luck and have fun!

@wolfmangreg Uh oh, sounds like a setup! They know us air gunners can't resist a good deal on quality airguns. Bring a full wallet and an excuse for the wife. In all seriousness, sounds like good times. Do you know which events you'd like to compete in? Do you intend to compete in Sportsman or Pro class?

 

[wolfmangreg]

@wolfmangreg Uh oh, sounds like a setup! They know us air gunners can't resist a good deal on quality airguns.

 

[wolfmangreg]

@Ezana4CE - Just the Extreme Field Target event for now, though I have quite a while to change my mind & add something.
Best I can tell, the EFT event isn't split into Pro/Sportsman... appears to be split by caliber. 22 & under in Sniper class, 25 & up Extreme class. Will in all likelihood be shooting a .30 Cricket 2 Tac.

 

[hameditor]

Thanks guys! Shipping to AOA sounds like a good plan, absolutely intending to go there while in town. Assuming I'd need to call AOA & arrange for them to receive? How do you go about shipping it back home?

The AoA folk will be able to help you arrange this. I think you will just need to tell them in advance.

 

[MountainSportAirguns]

I would suggest as others to show a few days early and get some practice in. My suggestion is to try everything first go around and learn what events you really want to focus on for next year. My favorite part of the EBR is to see every brand and almost every skill level participating together. Prepare for some very hot weather although we have seen rain on numerous years of the event. The main thing is to just use it as a learning experience, have fun and meet new people. Shipping the gun to AOA would be good, just keep in mind they are buried with work around that time. It takes all hands on deck to orchestrate such a large event where people from all over the world attend. Btw the Extreme Field Target is my favorite, steel scramble is challenging as well.

 

[wolfmangreg]

I would suggest as others to show a few days early and get some practice in. My suggestion is to try everything first go around and learn what events you really want to focus on for next year. My favorite part of the EBR is to see every brand and almost every skill level participating together. Prepare for some very hot weather although we have seen rain on numerous years of the event. The main thing is to just use it as a learning experience, have fun and meet new people. Shipping the gun to AOA would be good, just keep in mind they are buried with work around that time. It takes all hands on deck to orchestrate such a large event where people from all over the world attend. Btw the Extreme Field Target is my favorite, steel scramble is challenging as well.

Had forgotten about Steel Scramble, thanks for bringing it up. Might have to add that one, looks fun!
Need to look into bag/bipod options for the PRS portion. What little bench shooting I do is from a Caldwell Stinger or Rock Jr. with a rolled up towel for a rear rest- don't think either of those would work too well for PRS type shooting .

Appreciate all the input!

 

[Solo1]

Best thing i would suggest is practice shooting in wind that you would usually stay home in

 

[wolfmangreg]

Welcome to EBR! If you can come in a few days early it is always great to get practice at the range and learn the wind of AZ. The 50, 75 and 100 range can change with the wind. Always practice shooting over the bumps on the left side of the range they can make the best question their abilities. Prepare for hot!!!

I presume the range is open to the public (or at least EBR participants) the Mon-Tue-Wed prior to official events?

You got me thinking about the temperature (& maybe pressure due to altitude change, have to check on the difference) change. Kentucky isn't cold in early October, but it's going to be significantly warmer in Arizona. Good idea to bring a chronograph to check velocity change & adjust as necessary?

 

[Centercut]

@Ezana4CE - Just the Extreme Field Target event for now, though I have quite a while to change my mind & add something.
Best I can tell, the EFT event isn't split into Pro/Sportsman... appears to be split by caliber. 22 & under in Sniper class, 25 & up Extreme class. Will in all likelihood be shooting a .30 Cricket 2 Tac.

You should also shoot the Main Event if you’re coming all that way. Shoot Sportsman 75 yard qualifiers and if you make the finals it’s 100 yards. The .30 Cricket TAC is perfect for both that and EFT. Derrick Wall @zx10wall shot his .30 Cricket TAC to 4th place Pro at 100Y last year.

 

[wolfmangreg]

You should also shoot the Main Event if you’re coming all that way. Shoot Sportsman 75 yard qualifiers and if you make the finals it’s 100 yards. The .30 Cricket TAC is perfect for both that and EFT. Derrick Wall @zx10wall shot his .30 Cricket TAC to 4th place Pro at 100Y last year.

All valid points for sure. Definitely leaning toward more than one event.

Need to sort what equipment to bring & what to leave behind. Know air is provided, & imagine if you need an allen wrench it won't be a problem to find one. Normally tote my rifle, pellets, rangefinder etc. as shown below at a match, but not sure I want to pack that carrier- maybe roll up a thin soft case instead.

 

[Solo1]

Don’t forget your styx if shooting xft!

 

[Solo1]

Also you might want a seat that adjusts in height so you can get comfortable at the bench

 

[wolfmangreg]

The Trigger Stick & tool in the photo will be making the trip. Leaning toward a cheap, thin soft case to carry between stages.

For those that have been- is the practice rage open on the Mon-Tue-Wed prior to competition? Definitely want to get some practice in local conditions & verify dope after the long trip.

 

[Centercut]

Another way to get in early is to finish top 5 in any of the EFT Grand Prix events. Florida-Oregon-Texas-Arizona-Utah. Top 5 or top 20% of the number of shooters completing both days, whichever is greater.