1. What kind of matches and practices does NCPPRC run?
NCPPRC runs 2 kinds of matches. Long range matches include stages from 200 to 1000 yards, and focus primarily on precision shooting. Steel matches include stages at distances up to 550yards, and involve dynamic shooting situations in improvised positions using a variety of props.
Long range matches rotate among 3 different courses of fire (COFs); the long range match COFs are updated annually. Each steel match has a unique COF that is generally published a day or two prior to the match.
Most practices are held on the long range course and include distances from 200 to 1000 yards.
NCPPRC also periodically sponsors a Tactical Bolt Rifle Competition (TBRC). TBRC is a national level invitational precision rifle competition that attracts the top competitors in the country.
Calendars for matches and practices are published annually and can be found on the NCPPRC forum.
2. When and where are practices and matches?
NCPPRC events take place at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, 15501 Meiss Road, Sloughhouse, CA 95683.
Long range matches are held monthly on the Sunday of the first full weekend of the month (e.g., if the first Sunday of the month falls on the 2nd or later, the match is held on the first Sunday; if the first Sunday of the month falls on the 1st, the match is held on the second Sunday).
Steel Matches are held two weeks after the long range match in odd months (i.e., January, March, May, etc.)
Practices are held the Saturday before long range matches, practices may also be held the Fridays before long range matches.
Matches and practices are held rain or shine unless the expected weather creates safety or operational issues.
Long range matches are held on Range 12; steel matches are held on Range 6 (occasionally with stages on other ranges).
To participate in matches or Saturday practices, you will need to sign up on Practiscore (see below). Currently, no signup on Practiscore is needed for Friday practices. Matches and Saturday practices frequently fill to capacity and a wait list is common.
3. What do I need to bring?
For both practices and matches, you should have a centerfire rifle and ammunition capable of shooting 1 MOA (or better) groups on a consistent basis. It should be equipped with a rifle scope with a reticle and adjustments that allow enough elevation adjustment to shoot to 1000 yards. You will also want front and rear support, typically a bipod and rear squeeze bag. Depending on the match and the course of fire, other support bags and support devices may be useful. You will also need an empty chamber indicator (chamber flag) for all practices and matches. Your rifle should be zeroed before attending a practice or match. There are no sight-in prior to any match. While it is possible to sight-in at the first stage of a practice, if you are not able to consistently hit the target you may be removed from the practice.
Semi-automatic rifles may be used at long range practices provided that all safety protocols are followed. Semi-automatic rifles are not permitted for steel matches. If you plan to use a semi-automatic rifle at a long range match, please contact the Match Director prior to the match.
You should have at least a basic knowledge of the ballistics for the rifle and ammunition you will be using, including estimated elevation settings for the distances you expect to shoot. For the long range practices and matches, you should have DOPE for your rifle and ammunition out to 1000 yards; for steel matches, you should have DOPE to 550 yards. For matches, it is useful to have a copy of the COF for reference.
During long range matches, you will walk from the target pits to and between each firing line, carrying all your equipment, and your rifle cannot be cased. A pack or battle belt and a rifle sling make this easier. For practices, you will generally drive to/from the pits and in between firing lines, so your equipment can be carried in your vehicle.
A guide to spotting and scoring targets for long range practices and matches can be found here.
4. How do I become a member of NCPPRC?
NCPPRC voting class membership is by invitation only. In order to become a member, you must be sponsored by someone who has been a voting class member for at least a year, and be voted in by current club members.
In order to be eligible for voting class membership, you must be:
18 or older;
A current member in good standing of the NRA;
A law-abiding United Sates citizen who is legally able to purchase and possess firearms; and
An active participant in NCPPRC events.
If you want to be considered for membership, you should be actively involved, not only as a participant in practices and matches, but also in the activities necessary to run the club. Be actively involved in setting up and cleaning up after the practices and matches, in helping new shooters and in doing range improvements and/or maintenance. Volunteer to help run matches/practices, to staff the training clinics held by the club, and to staff TBRC when it is held. In general, look for ways to contribute to the club.
The process for becoming a member is as follows:
The sponsor will nominate the proposed member at one of the club’s quarterly meetings. The sponsor will provide a brief statement of why the potential member is being nominated for membership.
The potential member will provide a brief statement of why he or she wished to be a member.
Members may ask questions of the sponsor and potential member.
Voting class members present at the meeting will vote on whether to accept the potential member as a voting class member of NCPPRC.
5. How do I sign up for a match or practice?
To participate in matches or Saturday practices, you will need to sign up on Practiscore. Registration for matches and practices is open to members prior to being open to general public. You will need a Practiscore account (free registration is available, go to https://practiscore.com/signup).
To sign up for a match or practice, follow the Practiscore link included in the forum post announcing the match or practice.
Enter the required information (name and contact information).
Scroll down, then Indicate your understanding and acceptance of the required waiver, and then click the “register” button.
Following that, you will still need to select a squad (1) and confirm your squadding choice on the pop-up dialog (2). Following that, you still need to do a final confirmation of your squad selection by clicking the Select Squad button (3).
Once you do that, you will see a final page confirming your contact information and your squad selection. Note: Match Directors will re-arrange squadding as appropriate. Once registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. You should keep this email, because it provides a link to your personnal match management page, where you can make changes to your registration (including withdrawing form the match).
If you later decide to withdraw from the match, you need to go back to Practiscore and click the request to withdraw button. It is also helpful to post that you are withdrawing in the forum thread announcing the match.
IF YOU HAVE 2 NO-SHOWS FROM PRACTICES AND/OR MATCHES WITHOUT HAVING WITHDRAWN, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ATTEND ANY MATCHES OR PRACTICES WITHOUT OBTAINING PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE MATCH DIRECTOR.