How does sponsorship factor into this?
Very strongly, in terms of what general competitors in local PRS-affiliated club matches, and in the championship series matches throughout the year use, based on my experience shooting club matches, and RO-ing club matches and championship series matches both. Nevertheless, the actual championship finale is comprised of very good shooters, and it is unlikely you'll see someone in the finale regularly if their equipment is unreliable.
This prompts questions: Sponsored shooter running heavily discounted or freebie merchandise that is replaced frequently, likely on a 24- to 26-caliber rifle: Do they run that individual scope for several seasons? Do they run it even one whole season? Do you think their match gun is also their practice gun? What does a 'statistic' that you know nothing about really tell you in this context?
