500yd Prone Match -- Rio Salado, Mesa AZ
Had a great day yesterday with friends at the 500 yd prone match at Rio Salado. Things went well and I dropped only one pt in the first two matches. Then front sight came loose in the 2nd string of the last match and I shot a 7 and two 9's for a 5th place over all. ARRRRGH! Thought it was my day. Still---had lots of fun.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Out of Town match -- AZ Long Range Champs
AZ Long Range Championships at Ben Avery
I was a Rio Salado shooting an 80 OTC match with the Service rifle, but for those long rangers looking in to this blog, here is a link to Pictures of these LR champs taken by Rick Curtis who is in 2nd place after the first day of competition.
Click for -- Photos by Rick Curtis
from Rick Curtis
 |
| Photo by Rick Curtis |
Click for -- Photos by Rick Curtis
from Rick Curtis
Day 1 of the Az State Long Range Championships is complete. Eddie Newman is in first place going into tomorrow's anysight match with a 594. I'm in second down three to Eddie. I took a lot of pictures today and hope to have them up in an album later tonight. But first it's time to eat dinner and then reload
Day 2- It was cold and windy today. The match was called due to rain so we only shot two stages today. In the end I came out on top by a point over Eddie Newman and Phil Hayes. Phil produced a brilliant 199 in one of the windiest relays today!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Old Eyes and Iron Sights -- more techniques to see better
Old Eyes and Iron sights Series -- Part 3
Ben Avery Small bore match -- Nov 14
This was my first Small bore match after arriving back in Az for the winter shooting season. I had hoped to score about 1580 which would be about 11 pts above my average for these 1600 pt matches (using iron sights).
I have changed the way I set-up the sights since I had left AZ in May and was looking forward to seeing if this years improved MN summer scores would continue into the fall matches in AZ.
As I posted last spring, I had been having a lot of trouble getting a good sight picture, and good sight alignment now for some years as my eyes have gotten older (68 in Dec). Discussions on this problem with German Salazar, and Mike Toliver convinced me that opening the rear sight aperture, for more light was exactly the wrong thing to do. I had been using a rear aperture setting of 1.6mm to 1.9mm in order (I thought) to see better. The guys convinced me to "turn down" the rear aperture till I could just barely see through it and then pretty much forget about the rear ap, while concentrating on the Front aperture, and getting the shot off as quickly as possible. German S. says that if the Rear Ap is small enough it will be almost impossible to missalign the sights, as your eye must be on the proper axis to even see through the sight. Well, I'm here to tell you that this works for me and my scores have gone up about 10 pts since changing my method.
Some other things have also come into play. I have determined that the proper "sight radius" is also very important for old eyes like mine to be able to see the front sight and bullseye as sharp and clear as possible. I believe that when using a .3 Diopter in the front sight, a sight radius of 32 inches is required to get the your eye into the proper "focal length" for that diopter, and to give you a "exit pupil" (image size) of the maximum size that your eye can use.
So, to make a long story short---I recommend to older shooters, who are having problems seeing the target, and the front sight clearly to:
1. Mount the rear sight or adjust your butt plate so that your eye is very near the rear sight-- taking in the need for a small amt of separation needed due to recoil.
2. Use a very small Rear Aperture .7 to 1.0
3. Use a .3 diopter in the Front sight (none in the rear sight)
4. Set up your sight radius to be about 32 inches
5. Use a 30mm front sight (such as the "Right-Sight" sold by Wayne Forshee ( or any other). This large front sight tube will then just fit properly into view through the rear aperture set at .9mm
6. Adjust the front aperture to approximately 4.2mm to fit properly around the bull
7. Get the shot off quickly -- within 3 sec. -- before the eyes go dim. This requires some creative visulation and anticipation of sight picture before the looking through the sights so you know what you are looking for when you do get on the gun. This also requires you to take up the slack on a two-stage trigger as soon as you start to look through the sights so there is no hesitation in breaking the shot when you "see a 10".
All of this is working for me. My scores have gone up 10 pts over the summer using these techniques. If it works for my old eyes -- It might work for you.
So what was the result---- I shot a 1581-- Success! Maybe a little benevolent scoring by Ken Nelson helped a bit. OBTW, Ken fired a 200-19x on the last target (50yd) to win the "Rick Curtis, no sighters, challenge match". That's right--200-19x with no sighters! Who says Canuks can't shoot?
Keep em in the middle
Hawkeye
Ben Avery Small bore match -- Nov 14
This was my first Small bore match after arriving back in Az for the winter shooting season. I had hoped to score about 1580 which would be about 11 pts above my average for these 1600 pt matches (using iron sights).
 |
| 100yds 198-10x Wolf ammo $4.50/box |
As I posted last spring, I had been having a lot of trouble getting a good sight picture, and good sight alignment now for some years as my eyes have gotten older (68 in Dec). Discussions on this problem with German Salazar, and Mike Toliver convinced me that opening the rear sight aperture, for more light was exactly the wrong thing to do. I had been using a rear aperture setting of 1.6mm to 1.9mm in order (I thought) to see better. The guys convinced me to "turn down" the rear aperture till I could just barely see through it and then pretty much forget about the rear ap, while concentrating on the Front aperture, and getting the shot off as quickly as possible. German S. says that if the Rear Ap is small enough it will be almost impossible to missalign the sights, as your eye must be on the proper axis to even see through the sight. Well, I'm here to tell you that this works for me and my scores have gone up about 10 pts since changing my method.
Some other things have also come into play. I have determined that the proper "sight radius" is also very important for old eyes like mine to be able to see the front sight and bullseye as sharp and clear as possible. I believe that when using a .3 Diopter in the front sight, a sight radius of 32 inches is required to get the your eye into the proper "focal length" for that diopter, and to give you a "exit pupil" (image size) of the maximum size that your eye can use.
So, to make a long story short---I recommend to older shooters, who are having problems seeing the target, and the front sight clearly to:
1. Mount the rear sight or adjust your butt plate so that your eye is very near the rear sight-- taking in the need for a small amt of separation needed due to recoil.
2. Use a very small Rear Aperture .7 to 1.0
3. Use a .3 diopter in the Front sight (none in the rear sight)
4. Set up your sight radius to be about 32 inches
5. Use a 30mm front sight (such as the "Right-Sight" sold by Wayne Forshee ( or any other). This large front sight tube will then just fit properly into view through the rear aperture set at .9mm
6. Adjust the front aperture to approximately 4.2mm to fit properly around the bull
7. Get the shot off quickly -- within 3 sec. -- before the eyes go dim. This requires some creative visulation and anticipation of sight picture before the looking through the sights so you know what you are looking for when you do get on the gun. This also requires you to take up the slack on a two-stage trigger as soon as you start to look through the sights so there is no hesitation in breaking the shot when you "see a 10".
All of this is working for me. My scores have gone up 10 pts over the summer using these techniques. If it works for my old eyes -- It might work for you.
So what was the result---- I shot a 1581-- Success! Maybe a little benevolent scoring by Ken Nelson helped a bit. OBTW, Ken fired a 200-19x on the last target (50yd) to win the "Rick Curtis, no sighters, challenge match". That's right--200-19x with no sighters! Who says Canuks can't shoot?
Keep em in the middle
Hawkeye
Monday, November 15, 2010
2010 ISSF World Cup Sm bore -- American shooters take medals
USA's Matt Emmons takes gold medal in 50m 3pos. finals. See video Click Here
This video is worth watching. Note the positions, and techniques used by the world champ.
USA's Jamie Beyerle takes bronze in Women's 3P click here for video
Fort Benning, Ga World Cup finals --- Click Here
I am always happy when I can shoot a 10 offhand and these folks are worrying about shooting 10.8's--amazing. Ck their offhand positions---feet are spread wide apart with toes pointed in. It's quite a bit different than what I was taught years ago. Well, It must work as they shoot way better than I do.
This video is worth watching. Note the positions, and techniques used by the world champ.
USA's Jamie Beyerle takes bronze in Women's 3P click here for video
Fort Benning, Ga World Cup finals --- Click Here
I am always happy when I can shoot a 10 offhand and these folks are worrying about shooting 10.8's--amazing. Ck their offhand positions---feet are spread wide apart with toes pointed in. It's quite a bit different than what I was taught years ago. Well, It must work as they shoot way better than I do.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
300 meter Match cancelled
The 300 Meter Match scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 14, is hereby cancelled. The weather has created too many problems and potentially dangerous situations to have people out on the road and probably getting stuck at the range.
The range roads will not be plowed in time for the match and at the moment the conditions of those roads is quite nasty. George was at the smallbore range this morning and got stuck to the point of needing a contractor’s Caterpillar to make a trail. He reports that under the snow it is ice.
The match will not be postponed, it will be cancelled.
The next match will be Sunday Dec 12.
Sorry…..
Brian D. Shiffman
The range roads will not be plowed in time for the match and at the moment the conditions of those roads is quite nasty. George was at the smallbore range this morning and got stuck to the point of needing a contractor’s Caterpillar to make a trail. He reports that under the snow it is ice.
The match will not be postponed, it will be cancelled.
The next match will be Sunday Dec 12.
Sorry…..
Brian D. Shiffman
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Week Ahead -- Shooters News Nov 11th
Don't winterize those rifles yet!
300 meter match -- Nov 14 at MRC
From Brian Shiffman of Minneapolis Rifle Club
It is hard to believe, but the November 2010 MRC 300 meter match is this Sunday. It feels more like September. BUT, don't let your guard down. Winter IS coming, and by my faithful fuzzy caterpillar, it will be one we will remember for cold and snow.
The weekend weather is expected to be chilly with a high on Sunday about 40 but no snow!! And, or course, with our heated shooting house, life is good.
The match begins at 10AM which means you had better be there early to set up and take care of administrative details. And, you also want to leave time for chatting. The match is open to all who want to participate with a couple of exceptions regarding equipment: no muzzle brakes and only full metal jacket or identified match bullets. No expanding or fragmenting bullets.
We will have four classes available for shooters: 3-position, F-class, Prone and Offhand.
Fee for the match is $15
I hope to see you at the range.
US Developement team competes in Australia
Stacey Tamulinas -Local shooter and Adjutant for the US Development Team of the US Palma team has recently returned from Australia where he participated international matches with the team. Stacey was kind enough to send us this report and a few pictures from that event.
From Stacey :
Do you come from the land down under?
October 3rd I left for Australia, part of an expeditionary team to learn as much as we could about the Belmont Ranges near Brisbane, AU. This was in preparation for the World Championships in 2011. We took part in 10 days of individual and team matches that tested the skills of the shooters and coaches.
The individual matches consisted of the Natives Rifle Club 2 day match, the NRAA(National Rifle Association of Australia) 2-day President's Match and the 3-day Queen's Match. The team competitions were the Provincial Team Match, the NRAA President's Team and the NRAA Mini Palma Team Match.
The first 3 days in OZ were perfect weather, bright sunshine and warm mild breezes. The next four days would be quite different and quite challenging. First shooting day of practice and zero check day had intermittent light rain. First day of the Native's, shooting at 300, 500 & 600 yards with intermittent heavy rain but all matches completed. Took 2nd at 500 yrds. The heaviest rain in OZ history taking place the next day. 800 and 900 yd canceled. Tried to shoot 1000 yds after lunch. Winds at 11 o'clock, 10-15 mph with gusts to 20. The first two relays made it through when conditions turned ugly. See attached photos. Without being able to see the number boards most people gave up. Norm Anderson was last up and toughed- it- out.
The first day of the President's we went to 300 yrds. More heavy rain. Parking areas are turning into bogs. We were told to report to 1000 yds to fire two strings. See attached photo. Fortunately, the first day of the President's was canceled. Spent the afternoon drying equipment and taking care of export forms. Weather conditions improved greatly for the second day of the President's as did the scores. American, Trudie Fay, came in 3rd for the President's Aggregate All of the scores for the individual or team matches can be seen at http://www.nraa.com.au/results/data/natl/2010/results.php
The Queen's Matches had much nicer conditions but the wind still was not that cooperative. Noma Mayo was in 5th in the Aggregate after the second day. The next morning I looked at the weather forecast for the last day, 35 km/hr. Bryan Litz had lost 8 points and down in 60th place. His comment: Bring it! People were getting blown off the target and scores were falling quickly. Bryan shot a 48.5V at 900 and 46.2V at 1000. Under the prevailing conditions, fantastic scores. Good enough to be the first American ever to win the Queen's prize. (see attached photo) The Aussies were impressed enough to name a hamburger after him (see attached photo) the next day. Sales were brisk.
Our efforts in the team matches were mostly successful. The Blue and Red and US teams placed first and second in the Chairman's Team Challenge.(see attached photo). We also won the big Mini Palma Match against some very competitive teams from Australia and New Zealand. The Australians were mostly supportive and congratulated us. A few were overheard saying some of their best shooters were competing in the Commonwealth Games in India. Hmmmm. I'll be watching next year when a couple of Gallaghers and Reeve show up.
Things to consider before you travel to OZ with your firearm. You will need to obtain a licence and a permit to possess a firearm. If you do not have these when you arrive, you will not be taking your rifle with you. Also, each state requires their own license and permit. Therefore, you will need additional permits even if you are only changing planes in another AU state. After you arrive, you will need to file paperwork to take your rifle back home with you. The Australians, it seems have taken the inconvenience of traveling with a firearm to a whole new level. My friends in OZ assure me that US Customs, TSA and Homeland .Security have made bringing a rifle to the US, equally as difficult. Fair enough!
Other interesting (strange) things to know about shooting in OZ. Mechanical wind reading devices will be confiscated if used on the Belmont Ranges. They have lots of range flags and a wind sock instead. The Australians can only use Sierra 2155 and 2156 155 gn bullets or 2 styles of OZ home grown bullets. If they are found using anything else (eg Berger Fullbore) they will be banned from competition for a year. Only one powder can be used, locally made Varget. Foreign competitors are exempt from the ammunition restrictions.
Firing points are perfectly groomed, smooth and level. They will sometimes mow the lines just before they are used. They look great but lots of lawn clippings floating around. Your firing point is to the left of the marker. Hey, they drive on the wrong side of the road too. Bolts must be removed at all times except when you bring your rifle to the firing line. This is fine for making everything safe, not so good for keeping things (lawn clippings) out of your receiver.
Being a fan of the AU band, Men at Work, I had long wondered about Vegemite Sandwiches. While visiting a small zoo in Brisbane, I asked the guy behind the lunch counter about the stuff. After we had received our order, he was kind enough to deliver one to our table at no charge. It would be best described as a salty yeast paste on white Wonder Bread. Interesting, but I wouldn't pay for one.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to OZ I made several friends and it truly was an adventure. The National Team coaches and shooters were great to shoot with. I'm sure the Belmont Ranges will offer more challenges next year. The National Development Team will be condensed to The Palma Team and we will be ready.
Best regards,
Stacey Tamulinas
Thanks Stacey for that Report and the pictures, but next time take more pictures.
Winter Shooting Clinic -- Feb 5th
From Capt. Bob Peasley
Nov. 4, 10
Greetings Minn. HP shooters:
The North Star Rifle Club winter meeting will most likely be at Gander Mt. Lakeville on Sat. Feb. 5 at 1300 hrs. I am planning on another clinic open to all clubs at 1000 hrs. 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! As always this will be an open event with questions from you and hopefully answers from me. All the clubs are needing more BIG CHIEFS IN CHARGE because the current chiefs are all aging and it's time to pass on some wisdom & knowledge to the next generation. Also as always North Star will provide a Pizza lunch about 1145 as we wrap up the discussion. A donation of 2 bucks a slice will be requested. Feel EL-FREEBO to print this and post it at your local club house or out house.
Now............... on to deer season!
HOLDHARD,
Capt. Bob
History Lesson (s)-- a little extra for your winter reading list
History Lesson (s)-- a little extra for your winter reading list
I like to read history and get a better perspective of why things are the way they are and how they got that way.
From our resident Serbian shooter -- Elliot Zunich, who visited "the old country" this fall.
"a shory History of Kosovo"----An interesting and lengthy read from Colorado State.
Thanks, Elliot. I'll definitely have to read this more closely when I have time (in about 18 years). At a very brief glance, it looks reminiscent of a lot of what I have seen Dr. Srdja Trifkovic write in Chronicles magazine over the last decade and a half. Unfortunately, some of his earlier, prophetic articles don't seem to be readily accessible on-line any more, but the following are a sampling of pieces from the last few years: Of course, he is also the author of the following: He and his colleague, Dr. Thomas Fleming (the editor of Chronicles), were contributors to Kosovo: The Score, published by the Lord Byron Foundation for Balkan Studies and The American Council for Kosovo: http://www.balkanstudies.org/sites/default/files/newsletter/Kosovo%20The%20Score%201999%202009.pdf Dr. Fleming has also published a brief English-language history of Montenegro:\ I have met them both through educational functions of The Rockford Institute, but can't claim any closer relationship than that. Eric |
And:
Now, here I have one for you. -------The best and most interestingly written history of Afghanistan that I have read. The British fought 2 wars there and the Russians fought one. Now we are fighting the 4th Anglo-Afghan war and I'm hoping that the result will not be the same as the last 3.
Click here for link to book.
extra: The Battle for Kabul and the Retreat to Gandamak The 1st Anglo-Afghan war
extra: The Battle for Kabul and the Retreat to Gandamak The 1st Anglo-Afghan war
That's all folks
If you have any shooting news (or rumors and gossip), please send it in to share with all of us.
Hawkeye
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Since 1775 It's been that way.
Happy Marine Corp Birthday to all Marines -- Nov. 10th
November 10th is the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corp.
Marines -- Click here or Click Here or Here
Just remember that if you absolutely, positively, must have something something destroyed overnight --- call the US Marines. They are very good at romping, stomping, death and distruction.
November 10th is the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corp.
Marines -- Click here or Click Here or Here
Just remember that if you absolutely, positively, must have something something destroyed overnight --- call the US Marines. They are very good at romping, stomping, death and distruction."Some people go to bed at night wondering if they have made a difference in this world. The Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan
"If I die in a combat zone, box me up and send me home, pin my medals upon my chest, and tell my mother I did my best" unknown Marine
Semper Fi -- Hawkeye
"If I die in a combat zone, box me up and send me home, pin my medals upon my chest, and tell my mother I did my best" unknown Marine
Semper Fi -- Hawkeye
300 meter match this weekend
Don't winterize those rifles yet! -- Nov 14 at MRC
From Brian Shiffman of Minneapolis Rifle Club
It is hard to believe, but the November 2010 MRC 300 meter match is this Sunday. It feels more like September. BUT, don’t let your guard down. Winter IS coming, and by my faithful fuzzy caterpillar, it will be one we will remember for cold and snow.
The weekend weather is expected to be chilly with a high on Sunday about 40 but no snow!! And, or course, with our heated shooting house, life is good.
The match begins at 10AM which means you had better be there early to set up and take care of administrative details. And, you also want to leave time for chatting. The match is open to all who want to participate with a couple of exceptions regarding equipment: no muzzle brakes and only full metal jacket or identified match bullets. No expanding or fragmenting bullets.
We will have four classes available for shooters: 3-position, F-class, Prone and Offhand.
Fee for the match is $15
I hope to see you at the range.
Brian D. Shiffman shiff004@umn.edu
From Brian Shiffman of Minneapolis Rifle Club
It is hard to believe, but the November 2010 MRC 300 meter match is this Sunday. It feels more like September. BUT, don’t let your guard down. Winter IS coming, and by my faithful fuzzy caterpillar, it will be one we will remember for cold and snow.
The weekend weather is expected to be chilly with a high on Sunday about 40 but no snow!! And, or course, with our heated shooting house, life is good.
The match begins at 10AM which means you had better be there early to set up and take care of administrative details. And, you also want to leave time for chatting. The match is open to all who want to participate with a couple of exceptions regarding equipment: no muzzle brakes and only full metal jacket or identified match bullets. No expanding or fragmenting bullets.
We will have four classes available for shooters: 3-position, F-class, Prone and Offhand.
Fee for the match is $15
I hope to see you at the range.
Brian D. Shiffman shiff004@umn.edu
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