Out of town match -- Palma -- Phoenix Jan 30, 2010

Ben Avery Palma match
20 some shooters having fun at long range. Wind up and down from 3 to 11 Moa, sunny and Partly cloudy, mid 60s temp. all in all a very nice day to pull some triggers.

I took a $245 hit at Rio Salado range last week. It just goes to show you how important it is to pick up your brass!

Winter Training --"Dry firing to distraction"

If you suffer from WSW syndrome (winter shooting withdrawal). Try this. http://proneinthewilderness.blogspot.com/ (and click the diary entry) from our Canadian friend. Training is important. Don't just while the winter away watching TV waiting for spring. Remember also that in Proneshooting ---NPA is everything!

Arizona Nat. Guard --- 2010 Combat Arms Challenge

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of volunteering to help work a stage at the AZ Nat. Guard Combat Arms Challenge. This was a biathlon style event stressing physical fitness, and military combat skills. Teams of 2 Guard members were required to complete 10 stage events such as the M-16 event, claymore mine deployment, shotgun stage, obstacle course, long range rifle (squad designated marksman), M-67 Grenade throwing, M-9 pistol shooting, Close quarters Battle match, all the while being on the clock from start to finish, and having to run, walk, between stages a total of 3 to 5 miles depending on how many penalty laps (100 yds) at each stage were earned by missing a target. The stage I worked was the M-16/A4 rifle shoot, and teams had to assume the position and each would fire at 5 orange steel plates 12" square at 100 to 200 yds. These were tough targets (see pics), and most teams ended up runing a few penalty laps.
I was impressed by the skill, fitness and attitude of these young Guardsmen, and Women. Our country is in good hands! Ooh rah!

Out of town Match -- Jan 10th, 2010

Rio Salado -- Curio and Relics match -- Mesa, AZ
54 deg and windy for the 1st Relay. Gradually warmed up to about 70 deg and breezy by end of the match. 24 happy shooters.

Out of town Match -- Ben Avery - Jan 9th, 2010

Small Bore 1600 match -- Ben Avery, Phoenix AZ - 68 deg, light west breeze -- Great Day to welcome John Andres back for the winter season.

600 yd Match -- Ben Avery, Phoenix -- Jan 02, 2010

Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club

"I don't even know where to begin with this report - it was the biggest club match in many years (53 shooters), we had perfect conditions and everything ran smoothly. Thanks to a great deal of help from all the competitors who volunteered to raise flags, run the line, build targets, put up additional number boards and more we had a timely and professional match. I can't list everyone who worked because so many pitched in, but you have our sincere appreciation.

Steve Cunico has acclimated to Phoenix quite quickly and shot a perfect 600-34X, making no mistakes to win what was a close and tough match. Steve is one of the top prone shooters in the country and we're all very happy to have him in Phoenix now; hopefully he'll make it full-time here soon. Mike Dal Santo was close behind at 598-44X and you really have to notice that 200-18X that Mike shot on his third string. Mike says his 6BR has over 6000 rounds through the barrel and is still shooting as good as ever. Tom Albanito was the high service rifle shooter, Ken Nelson first Master, Jack Arnold first Expert, Jack Greenleaf first Sharpshooter and Doug Popadince first Marksman (and that card won't last too long now). Johm Lowther just got an Expert classification and shot his personal best score to break it in.

Greg Swanson fired his first F-Class match with a beautifully stocked Barnard by Doan Trevor and took home the top spot. Charles Gooding, in just his second match took second place, Rick Curtis and Steve Lockwood were close behind for thrid and fourth. Michelle Gallagher won the F-TR with a very strong score and Chuck May shooting his .223 Savage just rebarelled by Norm Darnell was second with Bill Berta third."----German Salazar

Complete Results: http://www.scribd.com/doc/24708783/Desert-Sharpshooters-Rifle-Club