My closest claim to fame in American Marksman is that I was in the squad just behind our region's winner. I got to follow that group around for two days. Our regional winner is an employee at a range, and so were the rest of their squad. You could tell they had access to all the fun and games they wished.
I may or may not share my final outcome, but I will tell you the importance of practice. I did not practice prior to qualifications, and was right in the middle of the pack. Due to more changes I did not touch the guns between qualifications and regionals. I almost didn't go, but my bride and daughter forced me to. No one can guarantee anything they did not accomplish, but I was so close to really shining, I believe just a little dry fire or a few practice days would have fixed the little bumps that cost me.
Alf,
I understand your reasons for not moving on, and with one of yours I probably would have stayed home as well. But, I reaffirmed by pledge of several years ago to go to any match, any time, whenever I get the chance.