Top Shot in the West -- WildCats winner -- Rea Kemply!

Day Four Results:  WildCats 6400 --  Click  Pict to enlarge

Five Wildcats shot perfect 1600s today, with Six more just one point back scoring 1599s. Nancy Tompkins doubled up on her clean score in Fridays Any sight match to notch an amazing 3200/3200 in the Any Sight Agg. That's the kind of tough competition you find at the Wildcat matches.  Many shooters rose to the occasion of such great conditions to fire personal records over the 4 days of competition. The Battles in every class were closely fought. The coveted Wildcat sweat shirts were on the line. 
More Later-- 
From Rick Curtis: 
   read "Photo Finish at the WildCats"   

Wild Cat Champion-- Rea Kempley   6393-524x

Final Results -  6400 Aggregate Scores 

2011 WildCats 6400 results

 
The folks you meet, and make friends with, at the WildCat Matches in Phoenix, AZ

Fellow WildCats -- Shannon and Dad

Match report from the Expert class to follow shortly.

WildCats Matches Days 2 & 3

  Fair weather held for Day 2 & 3 of the WildCats Sm Bore prone Championships in Phoenix. That means 4 to 8 mph breezes from the SE in the mornings, and steadily moving towards the SW by the last match of the day.  The favored condition was 1 moa right for windage in the morning, ending in about the same to the left by the afternoon.
Stewart Lind and Jim Cobb had been top shooters in my Ex Class in the Day One Iron sight match, and left me in the middle of the pack by days end.  Day two, however was an Any Sight day, and I had been shooting good with the scope in matches over the last two weeks, so I was ready to be a little more competitive in this match. Since the conditions were good, I figured it was my best chance for a class win and the coveted sweatshirt that goes with it.  I had won a WildCat  in sharpshooters class in 2007, but was now an Expert and wins there don't come easily.  Stewart Lind had won it yesterday with a 1592 shooting Irons and I knew that he wasn't going to let the Any sight match go cheap.
  The 50 yd part of the Dewar went well and I got all 200 pts, but so did the others.  The 100yd target went OK with 16 Xs but I lost a pt. for no good reason out the top.  This would haunt me later. 

 

One pt away from a 1600

 Watching the targets in the EX group, I saw that everyone was scoring high.  The 100 yd match saw more wind shifting between 4 and 7 O'clock, but I got the only 400 in my class so I was tied up after 4 targets with Jim Cobb and Stewart.  I was worried about those little 50 m ten rings, but the shots fell well and I again survived to get the only 400 in Experts.  Stewart dropped one pt, so I had a 1pt lead with 40 shots left to go on the 50 yd targets. I was nervous, I hadn't shot many 400s all year and already had 2 today and needed another one to win.
  Stewart Lind would not let go and scored a 400 with 34 big Xs in the match but I was fortunate enough to also shoot the last two targets clean, and win the Class for the day. I had to shoot a 1599 (personal record) to beat Stewart Lind's 1598 and top the Experts.  That's tough competition !! 
Was a 1599 enough to win the match overall today ---  Nope, not even close! Nancy Tompkins shot a perfect 1600-136x to beat Joe Farmer's 1599-141x.  My measly 1599 was good for 6th.
   What a great day!  My best score ever.  A day like today makes up for all those bad days when nothing goes right.  I can't wait for tomorrow.  It's the WildCat matches.  Everybody shoots their best in the wildcats.
   Oh, by the way Day three in the Expert class was Jim Cobb's day and he made the 3rd separate EX class winner in three days running.  Jim shot little but 10s and Xs when the wind finally came to test the shooters.  Last match today was shot in a gusty 12-14 mph breeze out of the SW.  Who's turn to win tomorrow and what kind of a score will be needed?  We'll see?

The Rest of the Story from the Master Class end of the line--
Read Rick Curtis's article on day 2 and 3 -- Click Here  "The Lioness moves in for the kill at the Cat"

1st 3200 Agg results

Day One of the Wildcats Matches

There's no doubt about it --  Lones Wigger is still the best there is.  After the 160 shots for record, Lones leads the Wildcats at the end of  the first day.  Shooting an almost perfect 1599, he out Xed Tarl Kempley and they both went only one pt up on Rea Kempley -- who out Xed everybody with an amazing 136 Xs.

 Down in the Expert class end of the line there were 14 experts in class trying to win a Sweatshirt for the day.  The conditions for the Dewar match was a 4mph,  5 O'clock and I only moved the windage no more that 3 clicks for the 50 yd match and 9clicks on the 100 yd as the light breeze went from 5 o'clock to 8 and back.  The light was good and I started with a 399, and only down one pt to Jim Cobb with his 400 score. In the 100 yd match, I went from 3rd Ex to almost last of the 14 experts with a miserable 390 and was down eleven for the day already.
   I was positioned on the line between Frank Fisher (Wisc) and Shannon Dreaker, a Junior from Colorado, with my friend Doug Frerich one over from Frank.  All our targets looked about the same. Stewart Lind and Jim Cob were running away with the class win.  I had wanted to shoot a 1580 so now eleven down I could only lose 9 more with 2 matches (4 targets) left to go.  The 50 m match saw wind go to the SW and I shot a lot of sighters making sure that it stayed there. Things went better and I lost only 5 pts in the usually difficult 50 m match and now, with a min Left windage on the gun, got all but two pts in the 50 yd match. So I squeeked in just above my goal with a 1582. Last year I shot a 1578 on day one, but last year's 1596 score on Day 2- Any sight match is going to be be very hard to match. 
  On the Master class end of the line the battle for overall lead was just as hot as Rick Curtis describes here:  "The old lion leads the Cat" Click Here 
Now I'll go mount the Scope for tomorrow's Any Sight match --  Day two of the WildCats!

Now it Starts -- Day One of the Wildcats matches

Rick Curtis says "The cat is out of the bag"  He's right, the biggest matches of the month are about to start.  The WildCats Small bore prone Championships day one starts tomorrow.  160 shots for record, Iron sights, in good weather, lots of great competitors.
  This is week 3 of March Madness and there are four 1600s to be shot in the next four days. I can't wait. Maybe I'll shoot that 1580 tomorrow.

New Shooting Blog started by Rick Curtis

Rick Curtis

Top competitor and shooting ace Rick Curtis, Phoenix AZ. is starting a new Blog for the purpose promoting and aiding shooting sports in the SW of the US.  Rick is a former USMC shooting team member, holder of National Records, and these days competing in top level Long Range high power, and Small Bore competition.
  Rick's new Blog is named "Southwest Rifle shooting" and is under construction now.   Click Here to see Ricks emerging Blog
  Southwest Rifle Shooting will feature after match reports, picures, video, match schedules, etc, plus Rick is planing to add video interviews with Top shooters --- maybe I can learn something.
  My hat is off to Rick for taking on this task of promoting shooting sports.  Good Luck.  I'll be tuning in.
Hawkeye

Diamond Back 3200 --Day Two

Virginia Mclemore  continued drilling the 10 and x ring Sunday to take home the championship from this weekends Diamond Back 3200 in Phoenix.  Day two of this meet, saw 4 shooters take advantage of the great March weather in Phoenix, and hold for 1599 scores.  That's right, 4 shooters dropped only 1pt in 160 shots for record.  That's tough competition! Virginia, Nancy Tompkins, Pete Church, and Rick Curtis all shot 1599s. This humble blogger had a good day rounding out the top five with a 1597-124x.
   Virginia started out Day two with only one pt to give, from Saturdays single point win over Nancy Tompkins and Barry Smith. The conditions were great, and she knew her  competition would go for perfect scores today in the light airs.  All four on the leader board cleaned the Dewar match with 34-36Xs. Then the 100 yd match saw a few wind shifts, but all four again scored 400s along with Frank fisher and yours truly.  During the always tough 50m match, only Rick Curtis could post a clean score and the others each lost a point, with Virginia staying one up in the Two day aggregate.  The 50yd match was almost a gimme as 10 folks cleaned with 400s and Virginia showing just how much she wanted to notch this win, and shooting 37-Xs to show just who was the boss of the range today.
  It was a good comeback for Virginia, after a disappointing performance in last weeks metric champs due to a worn out barrel.  This weekend, Virginia was shooting a barrel acquired from German Salazar, and reported to have been tested and indexed by Mike Ross. I think she got her moneys worth!
  Nancy Tompkins gets the Silver Medal only one pt behind for the weekend with a 3196 and Rick Curtis, Liege Harris, Peter Church only a couple pts behind.

Aggregate Results:   
Next Weekend----------On to the Western Wild Cat Matches -- four more days of  top shooting competition, as shooters from around the U.S, and Canada arrive to participate in these historic matches. 
  

Diamong Back 3200 -- Day One - Saturday

Day One is in the Books of the Diamond 3200.  Just Uploaded pictures below.  Great Day even though I didn't make my goal of 1582.  Well any sight day is tomorrow and ...
Day one results:
Virginia Mclemore takes Day One with a almost perfect day, shooting a convincing 1598 with Iron sights.  Hard holders, Nancy Tompkins, and Barry Smith were just behind with 1597s.  Jim Cobb-EX class, shot competitively with the Masters, finishing with a solid Master score if 1594 and of course winning the Ex class for the day.  Mick Walker was returning to earth after his brilliant shooting in the Javelina 6400 metric champ last weekend, and held on to win his SS class, with a 1576.

Virginia Mclemore Iron sight winner - 1598

Another weekend -- another Big Match

I"m ready-- ammo packed, car gassed up. rifle clean, ready for the Diamond Back 3200 prone champ matches at Ben Avery in Phoenix starting tomorrow. Yes! two more days of prone Sm bore outdoor competition.  160 prone shots for record each day. I've got to ave. 197/200 on all 8 targets to hold that 98.5% possible, and shoot in my EX class. I think 1582-108x is going to be my goal. Hard but do-able.  My kind of a weekend !

2nd Weekend -- Small Bore March madness in Phoenix

Coming up is Weekend 2 of the Small Bore Phoenix marathon 4 weeks of matches. This 2nd weekend features  the Diamond Back 3200 -  Conv. outdoor prone for two days.  I think that I am all tuned up after last weekends 4 days of concentrated shooting in The Javelina matches.  This will be the perfect match to make sure that I am as ready to contest the EX class in the Western Wildcats 6400 on Weekend 3.  The NRA targets are a little easier this weekend and I am hoping for 1580s in both matches.  Anything less has no chance to win a sweatshirt in the EX class at the Wildcats.
  Hope to see you all at the Wildcat matches -- week and a half
WildCat match program and entry:   Click Here

Mpls. Rifle Club -- 300 Meter Match This Sunday the 13th

Mpls Rifle Club

Subject: 300 Meter Match This Sunday the 13th
February is a slightly shorter month so the March 300 meter match comes up a little more quickly; 4 weeks to be exact!

     IMPORTANT:  WE ENTER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AT 2AM ON SUNDAY MORNING.  IF YOU DO NOT SET YOUR CLOCK AHEAD BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE NIGHT, YOU WILL BE ONE HOUR LATE!!

 The match begins at 10am but be there early.  The weather is expected to be decent; certainly above freezing, and at this point, no snow.

 Match fee is $15.

 I will not be able to be at the match but George Minerich has agreed to run the match.  You all know George.

Brian D. Shiffman                    shiff004@umn.edu 

Out of Town Match-- Javelina 6400 Sm Bore, Phoenix

Just in-- Nancy Tompkins wins Javelina Metric 6400
Peter Church 2nd place in a tight race for the Championship.    

From Mick Walker:

  "There Were 12 National Records Broken, If you haven't heard Nancy Tompkins and Peter Church re-wrote the NRA record books over the last four days

in the truest test of a rifleman’s skills, in Outdoor Metric Prone. { Quote from a National Champion Himself.}"

 

Complete Results:   Click Here 

From Rick Curtis: 

       "The Javelina Metric 6400 is now in the books and Nancy Tompkins score of 6285-333C beats the old National Record by almost 200 points Pete Church finished in second with a score of 6257-321C and I brought up the rear for the bronze with a 6250-319C."

From Hawkeye:

   It appears that a number of National Records were set by Nancy Tompkins and Peter Church (any others?). The prospect of good weather made this Javelina 6400 the match "to go to", with 4 days of great shooting to practice your skills, match after match.  The shooters shot 160 shots a day, prone, for record, four days running, shooting on tough UIT targets--- four 40 shot matches a day for 4 days. Wind conditions varied from great on Thursday, changed to gusty fishtailing winds Saturday, but then moderated to just "difficult" for Sundays Any sight match. You can see groups shot on target pictures  below.  

  This was an exciting match as we found on my end of the firing line, where everyone was trying to shoot a 190 just to get a Ex score.  I think that Jack Arnold and yours truly may find a an Ex card in the mail by just squeaking in with a 95.1% and now have to live up to that expectation. I was happy to just average 190 on these targets -- now, where am I going to improve my technique 2% better so I could shoot a master score--Hmmm. 

   The chance to shoot 32 record targets helped improve my position, and by the last day, I was making more positive trigger breaks. I even learned how to score with overlays, and got a few tips on sighters from Virgina Mclemore. 

This was a great match, well run, at a high class facility. Thanks to Mick Walker, and others.

 Now, next weekend, on to the Diamond Back 3200 at Ben Avery,  then the Wildcat 6400, the week after, and the month of March capped off with the Regional 3200 means the opportunity to shoot Twelve 1600's here in Phoenix in only one Month! 

It's March Madness ---It's Small Bore heaven!!!

Just In--- Day one and Two pictures from the Javelina 6400 metric championship at  Phoenix Rod and Gun Club, Phoenix, AZ.  Picts to be labeled asap. At this time the 3 top shooters fighting for the lead are Nancy Tompkins, Rick Curtis, and as always, Peter Church.  Wow, these metric targets are tough.  Glad to see that the conditions are just great for shooting the match.  A lot of wind would drive my score even lower. Mick walker is putting on a great match. Sat and Sunday there is supposed to be a full line.

Out of Town Match --AZ Senior Olympics - 500 yd match

From Rick Curtis

Yesterdays Senior Olympics 500 yard match at PRGC was a record for attendance and fun! It didn't look very nice weather wise when I left the house but it turned into a beautiful day. We had a little wind but it was virtually the same all day long. A couple events occurred yesterday that are very well worth mentioning, Dave Fry shot his very first 200, a 200-12X to be exact. Congratulations Dave, that first one is a milestone in any rifleman's career and I'm sure there are many more to come for you!! Frank Fishers 596 included a stellar 200-13X during the second stage, not sure if this was a personal best but a fine score none the less. Jim Evenson continues to shine at 500 with new personal record of 598-27x just getting X'ed out by Pete Church (598-32x) to finish 3rd overall. Highpower prone newcomer Mick Walker finshed the day with a good solid score of 582-17X and it included a personal best of 198-9X also during the second stage, good shooting Mick! Mr Walker is soon to take possession of his new Palma rifle and will be joining us on the long lines soon!!!

 Hope to see everybody out at PRGC this coming Thursday for the first ever Javelina 6400 Metric Championship. This is the first of four straight smallbore matches in the month of March and probably the best shot at some new National Records allong the way.

Rick Curtis                Complete Results:  Click Here
Note: Rick shot an astounding clean score of 600-47x to win this match.  This included a 200-18x on his 2nd string !!

Out of Town matches --PRGC 6400 Metric March 3, 4, 5 & 6 2011.

New National Sm Bore records to be set!

 This Weekend is the Phx Rod and Gun Club's {PRGC} New 6400 Metric March 3, 4, 5 & 6,   2011.

We Have 20 Plus Signed up So Far, It would be very Help Full If you Could Fill out the Attached Sign up form and E-mal it back to me.

This will help For Squadding you all near the People you want to Shoot near and For Classification's Also.

                     Mick W Walker      Cell 602-722-7209         mickeagle7@msn.com

http://www.phoenixrodandgun.org/Divisions/Smallbore/Smallbore.html

                                                                                                          

 

This is the first of Four BIG Sm Bore weekends this month in Phoenix.  There will be 2 ea 3200s and 2ea 6400s.  I got to buy more ammo!!!!!

Can't wait for Spring ?? SW Nationals

The Southwest OTC (Over the Course) Nationals, sponsored by Berger Bullets are to be held the end of March in Phoenix.  Once again, OTC shooters from all over the country will gather March 31st thru April 3 at Ben Avery range a few miles north of Phoenix to compete in the biggest matches this side of Camp Perry.  Warm weather, and glorious sunshine is about 98% guaranteed at this time of the year in AZ. so don't miss this opportunity to shoot for 4 days at one of the top ranges in the country.
 Mar 31 --  600 yd Mid range    
 April 1  --  80 OTC
 April 2  -- 100 OTC (dbl 600)
 April 3  --  50 OTC and Leg match

Match Program and Entry form --  Click Here

Results of 300 Meter MRC Match of Feb. 13th.

Results of 300 Meter MRC Match of Feb. 13th.

Shooting on this match day was pretty good.  The weather was above freezing and the targets worked.  We had a fine turnout of 16 shooters plus a few observers.  To handle the number of shooters we went to a second relay.  The winds were not strong but they were variable and if you did not pay attention it was easy to blow a shot.  As shooting progressed the winds became a bit stronger.  The nature of the firing range with the two side berms creates wind directions that can be confusing; at times the wind flag on the left (West) berm could be pointing East while the flag on the East side of the range (not on the East berm) would be still, or even pointing West.  That makes for tricky wind reading.  I believe we will be putting up some additional flags down range that will make reading the wind much easier.

Even with these challenges, there were people with very consistent scores through the three series of 20 shots that constitute the match.  Some, like Russ Saikel, shot the same for every 20 shot string.  Some were only off one of 2 points per sting.

   The results can be seen at http://www.edfpages.com/mgfc/results.php?match=2 

   One caveat, I did not record the last sting for Tom Loberg.  This was my mistake since I did not go back to the scoreboard after the dust cleared to capture his score.  To ensure that Tom gets a score at this time I filled in the score he had for his first two series which were 196 each.  The last 196 may or may not be his actual result.  So, Tom, can you email me your score for your last 20 shots. 

     I have been trying to work myself into Prone class but have decided that I need practice with sight alignment and sight picture with iron sights, so I shot F-Class in an attempt to remove one large variable and just concentrate on sights.  Well, as you can tell by my score, I am not ready for prime time Prone.   The next match will be in March on Sunday the 13^th.  By then the weather should not be an issue (unless it is too foggy to see the targets).  Hope to see you there.

Brian D. Shiffman  shiff004@umn.edu

Wind Reading Clinic - Apr 16th &17

Elk River Sportsman’s Club Spring Wind Clinic

And Mid-Range Match

The Elk River Sportsman’s Club is proud to host this fantastic event.  The event will consist of (2) 20 shot matches at 300 yards, followed by a delicious lunch.  After the lunch, a wind reading/shooting clinic will be held both in the clubhouse and then at the 600 yard line of the club’s KD Range.  The instructors will be Steve Knutson and Rick Hunt, both coaches for the US National F-Class Team.  This is a rare chance to learn from the best coaches in the country!  The match will continue on the second day with (4) 20 shot matches at 600 yards.....

See Match program and Entry info - Click here

Out of Town Match -- Road Runner Sm Bore matches - Feb 12-13, 2011

Rick Curtis Photo

  There was tough competition this year at the PGRC Road Runner SB matches in Phoenix. 27 shooters shot in often times switchy conditions and still produced excellent scores.  Rick Curtis who shot a 1600-117x on with iron sights Sat, dropped 3 pts in the meter match Sunday and those 3 pts dropped him to 3rd overall in the final standings. Nancy Tompkins  and Peter Church who each had lost only 2 pts on Sat came roaring back on scope day and held for 1600s to take overall 1st and 2nd places.  Other notable scores was Mick Walker - Sharpshooter Class  (and match director) who dropped only 10 pts all weekend on 640 shots for an astounding 3190-227x and shot a perfect 200 -20x in the meter match. I suspect Mick will get his Expert card by the Wildcat matches -- or maybe he will just skip into the Master class (I hope so).
Final results -- Click Here

March in Phoenix is Sm Bore Heaven -- 3 Huge matches!

The WildCat matches are the Biggest Small Bore match west of the Mississippi! But, it's only one of 3 huge Sm bore matches in Phoenix this year.
1. The Javelina metric prone 6400 - New National records will be set at this match.
2. The Diamondback prone 3200
3. The Wildcat prone 6400
 You might as well move there for the month!    Bring lots of ammo!
   March-- when its still a good excuse to get out of the cold northern weather.  Many of the best SB shooters in the U.S. will there. Every SB shooter should shoot this match at least once.

 

Last years Wild Cat matches --  Slide Show Click Here 

March 3-6       Javelina Metric 6400 prone match   -- Bulletin and Entry Click Here

March 12-13   Diamond Back 3200 Prone Regional  Bulletin and Entry - Click here

March 16-20   WildCat Match 6400 Bulletin and Entry -- Click here

Minn Offhand St. Champ set for March 26th

Northwestern Gun Club will host the Off Hand St. Championship on March 26, 2011 at their range near Duluth, Mn.  This is a great range and it will be a great match to start off the 2011 High Power season.  Come on up and let's see who can beat 10Xdex this year.  There will be both a Service Rifle and a Match rifle division.
Click here for event Program  

Pictures from one of last years NWGC matches -- click here


Capt. Bob says:

Time to start loading, spring is on the way!

Bob

Berger SW Long Range Nationals

The Berger SW Long Range nationals was held over 4 days of beautiful weather in Phoenix AZ this past weekend.  Approximatly 160 shooters contested for prizes in matches from 800 yds to 1000 yds.  Bill Lair, Matt Griffin, and Phil Klandrude came down from Mpls. and  all shot well.
Click Here for pictures by Rick Curtis.
More Pictures by Rick Curtis.  Note:  Matt Griffin pic#163   Click Here  
Write up and Results --  Click Here

Minn 2011 Small Bore match Schedule

Click Here for the 2011 Minn Small Bore schedule.

Shooters News -- The Week ahead -- Jan 24, 2011

The Week Ahead -  Shooters News for the MN area  -- Jan 24 th, 2011
 

The Mpls. Rifle Club will host a Saturday winter league match for OTC, MRP & F class shooters, Jan. 29.  Show time is 12:30 pm for first shot at 1:00pm. OTC will shoot a 50 shot NMC all at 300M scaled to represent the standard SR targets.
Because of problems with the electronic targets in the cold weather, the league fee has been changed to $10.00 per match.. Please try to be to the range by 12:30.
Please contact George Minerich if you have any questions at (320) 968-6898 or minerich@clearwire.net  

Out of Town match -

Service rifles from all Eras-- Rio Salado, Mesa AZ, Jan 1
Pictures, videos and Rpt.    Click Here

Is your Spotting Scope Too Good?
Your spotting scope might be costing you points!   It may be too Good!  
How is that possible?  Read article --  Click Here    

Wind reading clinic
From: Scott Olson (Elk river Sportsmans club)
Hello Shooters,

Just got a confirmation from Steve Knutson regarding the wind clinic.  Below is the plan, mark you calendars! Those of you who have not shot in a match before, don't be concerned. This is going to be promoted as sort of a starter match with just a short match on Saturday before the clinic.  Those of you who don't have any interest in competitive shooting but want to learn more about reading the wind and how it effects bullets at longer distances are welcome to attend also.  There will be a separate fee for those who wish to attend

the clinic portion but not participate in the match. 

Steve Knutson is a world class shooter with a lifetime of experience in competitive shooting.  Steve is also a coach for the National US F-class team.  Steve, along with another US F-class coach Rick Hunt, will give insight and tips on how to develop the skills necessary to accurately shoot in the wind.  Heck, they might even give some coaching and tips not related to wind too.  This is a chance to learn from the best coaches this country has to offer!

Elk River Sportman's Club will host a Mid Range Prone/F-class match (approved) for April 16th and 17th, 2011. Shoot a 44 shot match at 300 Saturday morning, then lunch and the classroom portion of the clinic.  Saturday afternoon, following the lunch, we move the clinic to the range at 600 with firing and real world demonstrations when conditions for wind and mirage are best on the range.  Then on Sunday, the 17th, we hold an 88 shot 600 yard match like the old 4-gun 600yds matches of years past.  I'll incorporate the clinic fee, lunch and match fees all into one price. 

 Proposed Match Bulletin (This will be an NRA Approved Match, following all NRA rules) 

 Saturday April 16th:

44 shots at 300 yds.  (2 relays of 2 sighters and 20 shots for record) MRP/F-class

Lunch and classroom clinic. Clinic moves to 600 yard line with firing demonstrations

 Sunday April 17th:

88 shots at 600 yds.  (4 relays of 2 sighters and 20 shots for record) MRP/F-class

Awards Ceremony and Discussion

Drop me a note or call is you have any questions or concerns.  This event may be limited to the first 80 paid competitors based on range capacity.  I will get a bulletin made and sent out in the next week or so. Let your friends who may be interested but I missed in this email know too!

See you in April,---Scott Olson,    President Elk River Sportsman's Club-- pullbanger@aol.com
Thanks Scott

From Bob Peasley

Gents:

I have access to an "adequate supply" of 308  LR and .223 Match ammo.  The supplier and myself wish to promote prone team shooting. Thus we are proposing a Palma or mini Palma team course. Most likely it would be a mini Palma fired at 3, 5 & 600 yards at North Star.

There would most likely be a M1A division if there are enough guys who want to make an M1A team. There would be a 308 bolt gun division and a 223 division. If there are enough there could be a 223 space gun and 223 service rifle division. This will not be your run of the mill shoot any rifle, all star team event.  The intention is to get more guys & gals shooting team prone. 

 How do we do that?

Does FREE AMMO trip your trigger?

So here's the deal.  Each team will be issued 60 rounds per shooter of LC 852LR

or LC .223 match 77. Yep, you will all shoot issue ammo. This will be enough for 10 sighters + 15 at 300 yds + 2 & 15 @ 5 & 600.

As I said the intent is to tweak the interest in Palma shooting but we feel that a "real" Palma course might still be to intimidating for some and the 223 might be "inadequate" for 8, 9 & 1000. With that in mind here are a couple questions for you.

1. Would your serious belly shooters be interested in loaning your 308 or 223 rifle to 1 or 2 of your team mates to be fired under your coaching?  This would be only for a classified shooter who did not have a match type 223 or 308. We want to encourage new belly shooters but NOT right off the turnip truck with ZERO match experience.

2. There will be NO ALL STAR teams. Would you be willing to participate and shoot on a make up team?

I do not have a date in mind as of yet and there are not many available.   I may try to make it the same weekend as the Garand's only MRP funn match which I leaning toward July 2-3.  Both would be $5.00 or $6.00 entry fees and not approved by NRA with a possible cook out on Sat.

There are many other details to work out but before I go to a lot of trouble I'll need to hear from you.

I do not think there is enough ammo to include F class guys in this and most of them are not shooting 308 & 223 anyway.

Feel free to promote this among your fellow club members or anyone who might be willing to give it a try.  HOLDHARD,

Capt. Bob 

Service Rifle Team
From: Kurt Borlaug 
Well boys, the days are getting longer and just a short time to the long drive to Perry. Just wanted to let everyone know that if you are planning to attend Perry and are a likely Infantry match shooter  I have a favor to ask.
  We will be loading the same recipe as last year except we'll be using Hornady 75gr HPBT bullets. Powder is 23.7gr Varget. Those of you who wish to be considered for the IT team please set aside some components and pick up some of the Hornady bullets. If you could have some ready ammo, I am asking that we do some drilling after OTC matches around the state. Likely scenario is that we shoot at 600 or 500 for 20-30 rounds with a mag change. Actual powder choice is up to you for your practice ammo, but the final recipe will be Varget. Reloader 15 is considered nearly identical so that is an option if you already have it. I will supply targets and repair faces for the clubs we practice at.
  We will have another team practice in July and final team selection will be made at that time. I am loading the team ammo in the next week. There will be enough for zeroing and a full run-through during the team practice. 
  Prices on primers have dropped significantly since last year and are looking in good supply. Powder has dropped a bit too. I've seen the Hormady bullets on sale at Natchez and Powder Valley. 200 rounds of your own for IT practice is a reasonable number.
Thanks much and Happy New Year,
 Kurt

More from Kurt
  Gentlemen, I saw a brief hint of sunshine yesterday which means that spring is just around the corner..........sure it is. In any case the subject of how to run our GRRC HP practice schedule has arisen and I wanted to get input on a new format.
Session 1) 30 minutes slow-fire at 200 yards. Stress yourself for a longer period of time than 20 minutes, or use some of the time for sighters in sitting.
Session 2) Rapids at 200 and 300. Relay changes required to eliminate re-pasting of centers. Sighters and two strings at each line
Session3) 600 slow-fire plus Infantry for those interested/required for Perry.
Repeat each session each week. I believe that the focus, especially on offhand will be more beneficial than last years scrambling about from 200-300. Start times will be PROMPTLY at 5:30. We will divide into two groups and will rotate so that light is not monopolized.
Infantry; we will run 50 second exposures and Mn. Team shooters will make mag changes (at least one) during the strings. Time and volunteers allowing, we will run two strings each night. One at 600 and the next at 500. Plan on 40 rounds per session for those IT shooters, above the 600 slow-fire ammo. Short line ammo will probably require about 500 for the season's practice, and 140 for the 600 slow-fire practices.
  Also, with the logging plan going this month and next we should have a bevy of hardware available for the willow reduction. I was told by someone who knows that a Bobcat could set it's bucket down and scrape that stuff right off......I have to believe him as I've seen this guy work with one. I think he could fillet a walleye with a knife attached to his. In any case if there i anyone who could maybe scout out the area with a snowmobile and pack down some trails that would be great. We'll be looking at the later part of January and into February for the logging. We will lay waste to the east and west ends of the north end of KD range. There are several trees that need to come down near Island shed too. I want the bank of scrub between the 200 and 300, east side down also. I will have the plan available during the next GMM mtg.
Thanks, Kurt

NorthStar Rifle Club - High Power Clinic
by Capt Bob Peasley
The North Star Rifle Club winter meeting will most likely be at Gander Mt. Lakeville on Sat. Feb. 5 at 1300. I am planning on another clinic open to all clubs at 0930. Other clubs & non members are invited to attend this clinic. This years very boring but very important topic will be MATCH OPERATIONS. I'll try to cover everything you need to know about being the BIG CHIEF IN CHARGE. Stuff like NRA rules (big subject) NRA programs, courses of fire, range preparation, squadding, types of targets, awards, results bulletins AND more!

Interesting Blog Visits:   
One of the interesting things about running my blog is to see where people are coming from who visit the Blog. Since the first week in Dec. I have been keeping tract of the origin of some of the more interesting places where people who visit this blog are from.

 Click Here 

to see a list from the last month and a half.

Eugene Fachini Has left the Range

Eugene Fachini of Las Vegas, NV (formerly of Chisholm, MN) passed away on January 6 at the age of 80 years old.  Gene was a Distinguished Rifleman and President's 100 member who started shooting with the Minnesota National Guard Team in 1967.  He won the Individual Match Rifle Championship at the National Guard Championship Rifle Matches in Little Rock, AR in 1971.  In 1972 he was a firing member of the Minnesota National Guard Rifle Team that won the National Championship in Little Rock.  During his shooting years he was also an active member of the All Guard Shooting Team.  He attained the rank of Captain and after retiring from the Army National Guard, he moved to Las Vegas.  For a number of years he was an active vendor at gun shows in Nevada and Arizona.

     We are diminished.

Berger Bullets SouthWest Long Range Nationals

Don't Miss it -- the weather is warm:  Click Here

That's all folks
Hawkeye

Interesting Blog visits

One of the interesting things about running this blog is to see where people are coming from who visit this Blog. Since the first week in Dec. I have been keeping tract of the origin of some of the more interesting places where people who visit this blog are from.
 Click Here 
to see a list from the last month and a half.

Eugene Fachini has Left the Range

Eugene Fachini of Las Vegas, NV (formerly of Chisholm, MN) passed away on January 6 at the age of 80 years old.  Gene was a Distinguished Rifleman and President's 100 member who started shooting with the Minnesota National Guard Team in 1967.  He won the Individual Match Rifle Championship at the National Guard Championship Rifle Matches in Little Rock, AR in 1971.  In 1972 he was a firing member of the Minnesota National Guard Rifle Team that won the National Championship in Little Rock.  During his shooting years he was also an active member of the All Guard Shooting Team.  He attained the rank of Captain and after retiring from the Army National Guard, he moved to Las Vegas.  For a number of years he was an active vendor at gun shows in Nevada and Arizona.
     We are diminished.

Out of Town match - Service rifles from all eras-- Rio Salado, Mesa AZ, Jan 11

It was a beautiful day to shoot a Curio and Relics match at Rio Salado Sportsman's club, in mesa AZ.  27 shooters showed up to take advantage of temps in the 60s, light wind, and plenty of Sunshine to have some fun pulling triggers.  Half of the shooters used obsolete military rifles and contested the day on standard SR-1 targets, while the "hot dogs" used AR-15s and M-14s and shot on reduced targets, to practice for the big Washington's Birthday Match coming up next month.  Between 50 and 80 four man teams are expected to enter this match, which will be the 119th continous year this match has been held.
   Click here for Washington's Birthday Match program and entry 
   Ron Foos shooting Sitting Rapid fire Click Here        (video)
  Mike Floyd shooting Prone Rapid fire at Rio Salado Click Here     (video)
 

The winner of the C &R division was Bill Poole shooting a Swedish Mauser and scoring very fine 473.  The winner of the modern service rifle class was the old fart writing this rpt with a respectable 486-18x shot on those pesky reduced targets.
A fun time was had by all !