BTO Podcast Episode #098 Quantified Performance with Ash, Lloyd, and Preacher

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in, because episode 98 of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast is a deep dive into the world of Quantified Performance matches. Hosts Chris and Ike bring in the big guns with guests Ash Hess, the mastermind behind the competition series, along with Lloyd and Preacher from Sons of Liberty Gun Works who are the match directors for “A Day at SSD”.

The conversation flows as smoothly as a well-oiled bolt carrier group, covering everything from the evolution of these matches to the nitty-gritty of match gear. Ash walks us through the growth of Quantified Performance, from its humble beginnings to the current 2024 schedule, with 50 events planned for 2025. It’s clear these matches are more than just shooting  targets – they’re about building a community of shooters who are always pushing to improve. 

Everyone breaks down their setups for the upcoming match, discussing the QP competition classes and the pros and cons of each. But as Ash points out, it’s not just about having the fanciest equipment. These competitions are designed to challenge shooters of all levels, with a focus on personal growth and learning from your mistakes.

One of the best parts of the episode is the emphasis on the welcoming nature of Quantified Performance matches. Preacher dispels the myth that you need to be an expert to participate, encouraging newcomers to jump in and give it a shot. As he puts it, “If you’re worried that you’re going to suck, you probably will. We all did. We all had a first match and we all suck.” The fear of embarrassment is real, but as these guys make clear, the community is more interested in helping you improve than judging your performance.

The conversation takes some entertaining turns. From Ash’s cautionary tale about an overly sensitive hunting rifle trigger to discussions about the finer points of match etiquette, there’s never a dull moment. They even dive into some of the upcoming rule changes for 2025, keeping listeners in the loop on the evolving landscape of competitive shooting. It’s clear that these guys are passionate about shooting and even more passionate about growing the community. So if you’ve been on the fence about trying a match you have a few months to gather your equipment and get data because the 2025 season is set to be a blast.

Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself itching to sign up for a competition by the time the episode’s over. After all, as these guys make clear, there’s no better way to improve your shooting than by getting out there and sending it. Remember, as Ash humorously notes, “You beat everybody that didn’t show up.”