Carts for the 2014 Nationals at Ben Avery

[Turbulent Turtle]

Last year in Raton, my cart was almost defeated by a 1,200 pound rock behind one of my firing points. Also, the finely sharpened rocks did a number on my wheels and shoes. As the 2014 Nationals approach, I'm thinking about replacing my cart. So I'm wondering about the terrain at Ben Avery. Is it as cart-aggressive as Raton? Do I need something with caterpillar treads or 16 inch wheels?

Any info would be great.

 

[Cochran]

Between firing lines, something with ATV tires, but since the Nats is all at 1k you don't need much. The parking lot, ramps & 1k firing line are pretty smooth. If the steps get installed then most wont bother with carts.

Jeff

 

[Scott Harris]

While I have not been to Raton, I have heard the horror stories. Ben Avery has desert sand with "some" rocks. Any normal cart will work just fine.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Your cart will be just fine in Phoenix, Dennis.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Thanks, Marc.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Thanks, Marc.

You betcha. Parking lot there is easy, range is super nice. Matt does such an awesome job setting things up, it's just a great place to shoot.

Even with the steps I think a cart would still be nice since we move firing points between strings.

 

[painless2]

Can one get buy without a cart? Planning to fly.
Tom

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Can one get buy without a cart? Planning to fly.
Tom

While a cart is not a necessity, one sure comes in handy if you wind up parking a ways from your firing point. Also depending on how far you move between strings.

 

[Down South]

Can one get buy without a cart? Planning to fly.
Tom

No cart, no problem, its not too bad.....We flew in, great place to shoot, have fun!

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I hope they have escalators for those steps; I'm not getting any younger, you know.

 

[Matthew Schwartzkopf]

:-\ :-\Please don't remind me that the Nationals are right around the corner. I have so much to do before October.

On the other hand if everything works as planned the range should be looking amazing

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Ok. We won't remind you. We'll just sneak up on you and surprise you by showing up. With guns.

Now, about the escalators...

 

[Matthew Schwartzkopf]

I can promise you one thing with a 100% guarantee. Escalators will not be put in and I will have my gun.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Just to be clear, you're the one who asked to not be reminded of the impending arrival of scores of people with guns.

Too bad about the escalators. I'll make do without them; I'm building my cart on a Jeep chassis and it will have the engine and the 4X4 drivetrain. I'm debating about the air horn. Anything to surprise Mr. Walker.

I'm looking forward to the event and I'm sure the range will be awesome.

 

[Steve Blair]

Ben Avery is one of the finest shooting facilities in North America. It is entirely possible to do without a cart, but an F-Open shooter (like Tom) would have an easier time with one of those lightweight, folding carts. Mark's point is correct. The firing line is long and we will be changing positions. The ramps are concrete and the firing line is pretty firm desert sand. Any normal cart is fine. Attached is a picture of the friendly and inviting 1000 yard line.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Steve, thank you for the picture; it made everything clear. It does indeed look like my little folding cart that was so abused by the volcanic rocks in Raton last year will be fine this year. It really does look like a superb shooting facility and I'm very much looking forward to it.

Matthew, I like to tease and kid around a little, but rest assured that I completely understand the pressures you are under and I truly appreciate all your efforts. I am confident this will be a great event.