Sometimes we can't see the forest because of the trees. Eventually skill and technology catches up and things that were challenging and competitive become boring. When I started longrange rimfire matches people laughed when I had racks out to 200 yards and it was challenging. Ammo, equipment and skills improve and you need to adapt/change/improve to use what you have to still keep it fun, fresh and competitive. Now there are other matches in the area stretching out to 250, 300 and even 400 yards so I had to be creative to keep shooters happy.
As scores increased it was easy to make or rearrange a few plate racks to keep it challenging and still stay at 197-200 yards. All our local longramge matches are outlaw style steel plate matches which challenge the best with a few harder targets but still let everyone else hit a lot. Might not work for "sanctioned" style matches but when perfect scores start to be the norm then a redo needs to be done or those perfect scorers will eventually get bored and quit or move on.
My range is a small two bench setup in my side yard and last year averaged between 35-45 competitors each month with quite a few driving 2 hrs to compete. With mine even being the shortest longrange rimfire match out of four locally everyone finds it challenging with only one perfect score ever shot but letting everyone feel it's within reach.
Keep a match challenging but not insanely difficult, not overpriced and keeping in fun to come shoot. Shame shooters are so bored with only having 800 yards to use, a little creativity, time spent building target racks from scrap steel and a really fun match Outlaw type match could be set up. Rayners here in Ohio runs a steel plate match with varying distances and varying sized plates with point values based on target size. Let's the shooters choose which plate they wish to shoot with their three shots at each distance.
He starts at 235 and eventually finishes at 1000 yards but he started with only 800 yards as his max. I'll try to find a picture of his distances/sizes/points to share. His matches normally brought 120 plus competitors each month but is down slightly now. Having a match type that is fun and challenging will build a good following.
You get 3 shots at each distance. Up to you how you use them. NO SIGHTERS at any distance, first shot counts. Now he starts on the 1, 2 and 3 stages. 3 squads and they draw on where to start. Your squad may start at the closest or it may start at the farthest first. He used to include the second half and you hoped it wasn't at the 900-1000 stage. 1000 yard cold bore no sighters and only 3 shots. It's really challenging.
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