ARA Card Scores

[Zonkers]

Just curious what do you typically see the average scores on ARA card competitively and non competitively? This is where you shoot one shot at each 25 targets on a card for a high score of 2500.

I do not shoot competitively and not sure if I have developed the skill set nor have the right equipment to do so. On average, I typically shoot in the upper 2300 and lower 2400 scores, depending on conditions. Shooting a 2500 has been done and would like to see more.

I probably need to watch a match to learn more.

 

[Sleddog]

If you shoot in the scoring ranges you state, you’ll be competitive. Load up your equipment enter a match & have fun.

 

[gkgeiger]

Factory or Unlimited? Where I shoot you need an agg. of 2350 or better in Factory to be competitive, Unlimited 2100-2300 will get it done.

 

[dusterdave173]

Go to ARA website--look at the top and it will show a banner so you can check state by state and look at scores from all matches--
You can tell if scores are all 2500, 2450. 2400 etc there was no wind
If scores are all 1850-2250 range then you know it was blowing like crazy--

It is easy to follow a shooter or state or club and see how it is going

Shoot a match--then shoot another--keep going --it is a blast and like anything you have ever done the first time is kinda rough but each one gets better --it is easy to get hooked.
You may surprise yourself --sign up and shoot a match --but Have Fun!

 

[houligan]

I'm one who is still trying to figure out how they score a target. My impression is it's scored backwards from what is the usual way of scoring, ie. if the shot touches a ring, it counts as the higher value. If I understand it correctly, if the shot touches a ring, it scores the lower value. That seems counter productive!

 

[gkgeiger]

Not if it touches, if it exits. Look at this. It’s called worst edge.

 

[Hi-NV Shooter]

I'm one who is still trying to figure out how they score a target. My impression is it's scored backwards from what is the usual way of scoring, ie. if the shot touches a ring, it counts as the higher value. If I understand it correctly, if the shot touches a ring, it scores the lower value. That seems counter productive!

ARA UL is when 0.001 can mean in or out on a higher value. so, it can touch a ring but if it is a 0.001 pass the ring outer perimeter you get the lower score.

Lee

 

[Zonkers]

If you shoot in the scoring ranges you state, you’ll be competitive. Load up your equipment enter a match & have fun.

I will admit that I avoid the windy days, so my higher scores are a result of that. I will need to challenge myself and shoot the windy days.

 

[Zonkers]

Go to ARA website--look at the top and it will show a banner so you can check state by state and look at scores from all matches--
You can tell if scores are all 2500, 2450. 2400 etc there was no wind
If scores are all 1850-2250 range then you know it was blowing like crazy--

It is easy to follow a shooter or state or club and see how it is going

Shoot a match--then shoot another--keep going --it is a blast and like anything you have ever done the first time is kinda rough but each one gets better --it is easy to get hooked.
You may surprise yourself --sign up and shoot a match --but Have Fun!

Thanks for the ARA website info. There is a lot there, so I will start digging into that.

 

[WyleWD]

I'm one who is still trying to figure out how they score a target. My impression is it's scored backwards from what is the usual way of scoring, ie. if the shot touches a ring, it counts as the higher value. If I understand it correctly, if the shot touches a ring, it scores the lower value. That seems counter productive!

The local club that holds ARA matches near here started out manually scoring the targets and it was an extremely slow process and required multiple scorers, which is not always a good thing. You've heard the old saying too many cooks spoil the soup..... multiple scorers would be an example. The first few matches we scored manually was a long way from fun.

The club pony'd up and went with the electronic scoring scanner. It's far more efficient and can keep targets posted in a timely fashion. Far, far less protests on scores. JME. WD

 

[dusterdave173]

ARA worst edge scoring sounds tough but it is great when you get used to it--In Factory class ( which is all I am talking about here) it changes the game from X count like many matches to getting in the 10 ring--you can forget about X count just keep it in the 10 and you are golden--That gives you a pretty big space to work with.
If you can keep it to two shots per card outside the 10 then you are nailing a killer 2400--string those together and you will get results--I started striving for just that and it has helped me --keep it to two out and roll...
Folks get all tore up looking for ammo that makes tiny knots, and yep that always looks great but ammo that will keep inside the 10 ring and not toss fliers is the main goal as you get started.
Chrono testing does show you real quick an ammos potential--if it has low SD like 5-8 range you got something you can work with--If 5 or less I set it aside for calm conditions or indoor- where you must be on your Best to place--outdoor the wind is the issue not so much the ammo
I went a long time when I started blaming ammo for all my troubles--when I finally figured out it was me most of the time , and worked to get that all straight and consistent--well then finding winning ammo got easier--Hey I LOVE a killer lot of Center X that just makes the game EASY and seems to smooth out all of your issues --but those lots are few and far between--you have to learn to live with decent lots and then when you get some Killer lots it is like a gift from the shooting gods--
The more matches you attend --the faster you will learn --give yourself at least a full season to turn the corner

 

[epags1]

As said above, scoring is by worst edge and if you are only competing with yourself IMO you still need to buy the ARA plug and have some kind of magnifying glass so you can see if there is blue or not. I was regularly practicing at a local range and was encouraged to shoot at an event there.

Re. skill level: So far I have only shot three ARA events in the past 12 months and try to practice for a couple hours once a week. I have only been shooting benchrest 22lr since about June of 2024

Re. the right equipment: I only had a Savage MKll BTV, a Harris bipod and a Protecktor rear bag.

Re Competetive: Here are my scores for 2025

But like @dusterdave173 said I am in 8th place with a 2331.33 aggregate although I still scored a 2500 card but my aggregate for Xs was zero.

FWIW: I was fortunate enough to practice at a range where there are a number of expert benchrest shooters who were and are willing to give me suggestions on technique and equipment tweeks. At my age (86) and condition (going in for a hip replacement next week) I am not interested in become a National Champion. I just want to contnue to improve.

 

[GAnderson]

Just curious what do you typically see the average scores on ARA card competitively and non competitively? This is where you shoot one shot at each 25 targets on a card for a high score of 2500.

I do not shoot competitively and not sure if I have developed the skill set nor have the right equipment to do so. On average, I typically shoot in the upper 2300 and lower 2400 scores, depending on conditions. Shooting a 2500 has been done and would like to see more.

I probably need to watch a match to learn more.

As has been asked...are you shooting the Unlimited class ARA target or the Factory class ARA target?

Gene