Hmmmmm  Lowest score?  Well, I'm sure there are a few where competitors didn't complete the relay and scored under a hundred.  My personal lowest at Perry was my first year in Vintage with my Krag (2012), when I shot a 215.  My son shot in the 160s his first year shooting the Krag, but that was more his lack of experience.  The trick is to practice in the days leading up to Perry.  Load some dummy rounds (I prefer to use cracked or otherwise worthless brass for this).  Lie on the floor in the prone position, and practice both squeezing off shots and rapid fire with a 5 round reload.  The more confident you can be, the higher your score will reflect. 

As for equipment, a shooting coat, gloves, etc. are nice to have, and absolutely will help in your scores, but just starting out... Well, my son as been shooting for 4 years now with me and he doesn't use them (although he is going to get them prior to next year).  I went 4 years before I got my first coat.  The sling helps too... but you can use the web M1 sling, which you can purchase at the CMP store for $10 a piece.  It really all depends on how much you want to commit at first.  I say... come shoot a match, and if you find you're hooked... THEN go buy the coat, glove, mat, scope, etc.!

Pat, if you do decide to shoot next year, you are absolutely welcome to join my son and our friends!!!  I'm hoping I can get the rest of our motley crew to return for next years matches too (yes Culpeper, I'm looking directly at you!!!).