Shooting in the rain

[Bogart]

I'll be joining my first match this weekend, but rain is in the forecast. I'd like to get some tips on what to bring and how to gear up appropriately so I don't get frustrated.

[Sgt]

Go to Walmart and pickup a $6.00 rain poncho. Covers you, your head, and your gunbelt and gear while you wait to shoot. Just remove the poncho while shooting the stage.

Clean your weapon when you get home.

[Joe D]

I just turn the force field up another notch.

[Carlitos]

bring a trash bag to cover your shooting bag. and spare socks/shoes as there may be mud.

I never, ever pick up my brass or any one else's. It all stays where it falls. But if its common at your club, don't expect to find all your brass in the rain.

[eljay45]

Get some waterproofer, I think " Camp Dry" is the name brand. Sold in shoe and or sporting goods department at Walmart. Spray it on your shoes , hat, range bag, pants or anything else your jacket or poncho doesn't cover.

[Hunterjbb]

Shooting in the rain is just plain yucky.. lol..

In addition to the above items.. Something to wipe your glasses with and or possibly some anti fog stuff.

I like to bring a golf umbrella one of the big 62".. covers everything and you can help keep the scorer dry.

Dress in layers. and if you have them wear something that is waterproof on your feet. If your feet get wet and cold you'll be miserable.

Good luck hope it don't rain to hard..

Jeff.

Man.. wish i could post some of the Mid Atlantic section match pictures year before last.. :)

[Bogart]

So if I got a golf umbrella, do I shoot with strong hand only?:supergrin:

I've got some waterproof boots that I could use. Hopefully it'll keep water out. But then again, it all depends on how deep the water and mud is.

I know I will not pick up my brass, but when reloading, normally you drop the mag to the ground. So in the case of wet ground or even worse such as mud, do you do a reload with retention then?

As far as belts, my belts go through the loop of the pants. With my rain gear on, should I bet outside the rain gear? I'm trying to find pictures of matches in the rain but I couldn't find one.

[kjsmith1164]

You don't need anything special for the rain. It don't ever rain on the range. For that matter it don't snow, sleet, or hail either. It's never too hot and never too cold. Never too dry or too muddy and the wind never blows too hard. Any time spent on the range preparing for a life threatening encounter.... is a perfect day.

[Pierre!]

Me?

Stay home and RELOAD! (grin)

Snow I can handle, rain... not to eager to try that out...

[elsolo]

I don't like shooting IPSC in he rain so much because bagged targets suck, they are apain to score and paste.
I really don't mind shooting steel plagte matches in the rain nearly so much. I still lets the mags fall where they may, no reloads with retention just because they'll get muddy instead of dusty. Plastic poncho or PVC rail slicker with a hood and hat for all times except while shooting.

[ryucasta]

IMHO that a Decal Grip is a must for a Glock when shooting in the rain.

http://www.decalgrip.com/sys-tmpl/door/

[jobob]

Decal Grip is good, but this is even better:

http://www.ericwesselman.com/store/Glock.html

[pstew]

Same situation for a year back. I went to Walmart & bought a PLANO box with a tray to carry my gun & ammo in during the match. It's also good to sit on, but will keep your stuff DRY.

A spare rug would be nice to keep in the car that would be completely dry when you are done.