Are we too competitive ?

[Bill K]

I shoot 98 % of the time by myself at the local range or a couple spots I have to do so. I shoot for fun and on paper and varmints, along with testing new loads and enjoy it that way.
The only competition I have shot since the late 70's now is the once a year shoot on 204Ruger and it is a fun shoot, no money etc involved.
But if someone wants to shoot the tourny's have at it, for whatever reason they do so for.

 

[Krogen]

I am an engineer. Accordingly, if it has a knob, lever or button, I'll mess with it. I like messing with toys. Call me an adult child if you like. My purest form of competition is Bullseye Pistol, but it's a game. I don't go home disgusted when I don't win. When I do win, it doesn't go to my head. It's still just a game. The toys I buy are for my own enjoyment. I don't have (many) delusions they enhance my competitiveness. As long as there's food on the table, the roof doesn't leak and the bills are paid, let's all have some fun.

 

[Texas Solo]

When I started F Class about 10 years ago, everyone shot factory varmint rifles, basically. Now all I see is $2000+ scopes, $800 barrels, $300 triggers, $2000 stocks, $1500+ bipods, etc etc.

I do the best I can with what I can afford. If I can outshoot the rifle, I'll make a change. But I don't spend money just to keep up with the neighbors.

I asked a buddy why he doesn't shoot matches anymore. He said because there's too much money on the firing line. He's right.

 

[JFrank]

Many would be surprised at how basic the gear is that many tournament winning SR  Benchrest competitors use. (Benchrest with a capital 'B')

Good shootin' -Al

A friend and member who has passed away now once told me when I was trying different things and ‘of course I’m still learning every day, that it would be best to just get decent equipment and learn how to use it.

I thought that was good advice.

 

[Doug Casner]

Are those guys getting paid? I do what some others have said. I go out behind the house and shoot for fun. If I shoot a small group it makes my day, hell my week. You can make a job out of anything. Doug This is accurateshooter not benchrest central.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

I pride myself for bringing the cheapest stuff to the line and I would say I enjoy as much or more than anyone, because there is no pressure to win. my goal is just be competitive and enjoy the day with friends, I’m happy just to set back and watch the big dogs duke it out

 

[David Milisock]

Benchrest shooting has become a very technical and expensive activity…if you need to be competitive. At Manatee a shooter recently spent $14,000 for a new rifle build. Many others have done similar.

Now the best bullets are close to a $1 a piece with primers at a dime each and powders over $50 a pound. Add on the huge match fees - close to or at $300 for a weekend shoot and all the betting and other expenses.

Competition shooting is extremely expensive and time consuming. The reloading equipment for precision is outrageously expensive and the time and skill neded to do it all adds to the issue.

Makes you long for and enjoy the times when you take a 22 rim fire and go shoot some cans.

I don't long for those days I still live them!

 

[Blackthorn]

I am a tinkerer plain and simple. I can’t help myself. I built my own rifle. I tinker with it all the time playing with improvements and dealing with the disappointments.
My reloading the same. I tinker and play with loads, powders, primers, and cases. It infatuates me sometimes. It is fun and relaxing.
I consider myself a student of the rifle. Learning is my passion. When I stop learning it will be time for me to move on to something else.

 

[Doug Casner]

Theres room on here for everbody. I wont say nothing about the .250 you shot with all the new stuff if you dont make fun of the 4in. group I shot with a lyman peep and a pre64 . Doug

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Your just following the wrong people and reading the wrong posts. Its still very common to win matches with basic equipment. The only thing you have to spend good money on for long range is a good scale. I keep saying what holds most guys back is tune. You can load the most consistent ammo but if its the wrong load its not going to shoot. But you cant sell "tune".

 

[Will Henry]

Kind of subjective, I suppose. I figure if it stops being fun, you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Myself,I went back to shooting sling, as I feel more connected to the rifle, and enjoy it much more.

I did the same and enjoy it a lot more. WH

 

[M-61]

I figure if it stops being fun, you are putting too much pressure on yoursel

Yes, but it also stops being a hobby. When a hobby puts pressure on you or becomes too expensive it’s time to switch.
I did it with racing sailboats in the Atlantic. Became an obsession, and then the cost became way to prohibitive. Never thought I could find something else but I did. The time may come again but I only shoot against myself. So far I haven’t thrown a rifle down range!

 

[K22]

Here's my experience from 30 years of NRA Precision (bullseye) competition and about 5 years of Hunter's Pistol Silhouette competition.

It's a long story but the bottom line is that it eventually became an "equipment race" and it was no longer fun. It transitioned from an enjoyable past time to a stress filled "job like" endeavor and rising costs trying to keep up with the top shooters.

I was forced to give up Precision Pistol in the mid 90's due to an arthritic elbow and while I miss the fellowship with other competitors, I don't miss competing. Also gave up Silhouette due to lack of local events here in eastern PA but I don't miss it.

If you can keep competition in perspective and enjoy it, that's great. I couldn't, I became obsessed with reaching Master which I never did in either discipline. (Reached Distinguish Expert 285x300 in Precision Pistol and AAA in Silhouette 35x40).

These days I enjoy shooting rifle off my cross stick, shooting my open sight revolvers, and hunting varmints and predators. Shooting is fun again.

 

[JFrank]

You are right. currently, without top notch gear you do not have a fighting chance in a match. So, if you just shoot enjoying yourself without a plan for winning that particular match, the arms race does not affect you. It affects people like myself who care about winning. And yes I use SEB gear and my powder charge is precise up to one kernel of powder (0.02gr). However, I do not point bullets yet.

Money can buy a new rifle and top gear but it will not guarantee a win. You have to put in the work, keep learning. In long range as mentioned above tuning is King and you can’t buy that.
Jim

 

[Webster]

Benchrest shooting has become a very technical and expensive activity…if you need to be competitive. At Manatee a shooter recently spent $14,000 for a new rifle build. Many others have done similar.

Now the best bullets are close to a $1 a piece with primers at a dime each and powders over $50 a pound. Add on the huge match fees - close to or at $300 for a weekend shoot and all the betting and other expenses.

Competition shooting is extremely expensive and time consuming. The reloading equipment for precision is outrageously expensive and the time and skill neded to do it all adds to the issue.

Makes you long for and enjoy the times when you take a 22 rim fire and go shoot some cans.

It would be interesting if one of the top short range BR shooters would give us an estimate of their total cost for a year for equipment, fees and travel. Plus an estimate of life time cost. I think a tank of gas on a Saturday to go GH hunting is a big cost. My favorite shot was 80 yards standing at a small GH with a 22 rim fire. I live near Kelby's range. Went to many Super Shoots to watch. Seems like most of the competetors are over 50. Many shooters from Europe. I shoot at the range just because I enjoy the challenge to shoot small..

 

[Highpower-FClass]

I encourage everyone to buy an M1 Garand and start shooting Garand (CMP Games) matches.

Granted, Garands are expensive these days ($1000 and up) but it is one of the disciplines furthest away you can get from being an equipment race. Especially if shooting in the 'as issued' class.

Just you, the Garand with open sights, a sling, coat and glove, and the reassuring thump of the 30-06. One of my favorite rifles and favorite type of competitions. It is a ton of fun.

 

[Rat Rifle]

"Beat Bart"

Oh, good luck with that one Fuj !!!

 

[Jayplace]

Benchrest shooting has become a very technical and expensive activity…if you need to be competitive. At Manatee a shooter recently spent $14,000 for a new rifle build. Many others have done similar.

Now the best bullets are close to a $1 a piece with primers at a dime each and powders over $50 a pound. Add on the huge match fees - close to or at $300 for a weekend shoot and all the betting and other expenses.

Competition shooting is extremely expensive and time consuming. The reloading equipment for precision is outrageously expensive and the time and skill neded to do it all adds to the issue.

Makes you long for and enjoy the times when you take a 22 rim fire and go shoot some cans.

I want to see a picture of that $14,000 Benchrest rifle.
Benchrest rifles are not cheap, but typically they are not engraved.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I want to see a picture of that $14,000 Benchrest rifle.
Benchrest rifles are not cheap, but typically they are not engraved.

I want the guys number too!

 

[Fuj]

Oh, good luck with that one Fuj !!!

We were all sharing a beer and.....Ya' had to be there.....LOL