Camp Perry Interview with Matt Avard

How did you know about Perry? Other shooters that had already made the trip.

Why go to Perry? To experience shooting on a larger scale

What did you think about Perry? Extremely well organised and run. Great atmosphere

Do you think you were made welcome?  Why? Yes, the people were friendly and always willing to help out.

What rifle/rifles did you shoot at Perry? Armalite AR-15

What matches did you shoot at Perry? Presidents 100, National Trophy Individual (NTI), Hurst Doubles, National Trophy Teams (NTT), National Trophy Infantry Teams (Rattle Battle), Rumbold, NRA High Power Championships.

Favourite match? Rattle Battle, NTT.

While at Perry, what did you think about the people there (shooters, visitors, staff, services)? Shooters were all friendly and helpful, staff was professional and efficient and the service were excellent (PX, laundry, toilets).

What was the best thing about Perry? Shooting every day for 2 weeks in a well run high quality competition.

What about Perry didn’t you like? Early starts were a bit rough, and having to adjust your body clock to daylight savings as well as jet lag.

What surprised you the most? The number of service personnel (Army, Marines, etc) that took part in the comp.

What disappointed you the most? Rain

Thoughts on CMP? Great concept and variety. No sighters throughout this week so you need a rock solid zero before you start.

Thoughts on NRA? Smaller in attendance than CMP but still a great comp to shoot, consistency is the key to finishing well.

What home comfort did you miss the most? Aussie beer, my own bed

Would you encourage others to go to Perry, and why? Definitely, even if it’s a once in a lifetime experience. The scale of this event is something to see for your self and you will come home a much better shooter.

Advise to those going next time? Make sure you have your equipment organised before you get to the line, they run these shoots to a stopwatch and if you haven’t got it together you will learn the hard way.

Will you be back to Perry? Definitely be back, once you have the bug you can’t shake it.

Those you would like to thank? Mark Westrom from Armalite, Doug Giraud for the scope stand and selling team shirts, Clint, Glen and Walt for ammo, rifles and advice, Kyle and Mike from USMC shooting team for all there help with the Rattle Battle.

Describe your daily shooting experiences:

            - CMP Presidents 100. A learning experience

            - CMP National Trophy Individual. A good day, started to settle in.

            - CMP Hurst Doubles Great day shooting with a partner

            - CMP National Trophy Teams Team shoot was good as you have someone to call wind and give corrections in rapids.

            - CMP National Trophy Infantry Teams (Rattle Battle) A great experience, even if your not there to win its still a heap of fun. 384 rounds in as little as 100 seconds (if you’re a Marine) is unreal.

            - NRA Rumbold Teams Another good team shoot, much the same as NTT

            - NRA Day 1 Rained out, retail therapy on commercial row

            - NRA Day 2 A great day, 80 shot match but was run well were back having a beer by mid afternoon.

            - NRA Day 3 Rain affected day, shooting with water dripping in your rear sight is a challenge.

            - NRA Day 4 Turned out a fine day but shortened due to the threat of rain

How was your overall performance? Very pleased with overall performance, shot better than ever with a few PB’s.

What did you learn? How important it is to have a good position. Wind reading skills improved.