Range to host benchrest / F-class

[StraightPipes]

I have been visiting 6mmbr for some time now. I have to say I have learned quite alot here. In an effort to say thank you, I would like to offer 6mmbr and all of its members access to an existing rifle range that will soon be updated to benchrest and f-class standards. It is the intention of the property owners to invite the IBS and the NBRSA to hold sanctioned short range and long range shoots. NRA F-class matches will be part of the program also.
We are asking for 'input' as to what the organizations and the shooters would like to see. Are there any 'bench' designs, specific shooting station requirements, staging areas for loading, anything at all that you would like to see that you do not have at other ranges. We currently have a 300yard range and a 600 that will soon be improved to 800 yards.
Located in North Central Florida, where we shoot the year round, we would like to focus on 'winter games'. From fall to spring, you see it doesnt snow down here.

Visit the range web site, www.BSFshootingsports.com and tell me what you think. If the amount of interest is out there the range owners Im very sure will go out of there way to make this happen.

 

[Dgd6mm]

When is this going to start taking place? I'm out of O'brien and travel over to the shoots when I can. I've shot Mannatee,Port Malabar and these ranges are set up differently put they function well.The shoots at BSF are very enjoyable and well run. Don't know if there is anything I can do to help but I'd be willing to try, if you'd like send me a message and will see what happens.

 

[StraightPipes]

Donald, thank you for jumping in here. Things will start to happen when our civil engineers break ground. In the meantime, I would like to see the IBS and the NBRSA and their members express some interest in shooting at the BSF. Would these organizations like to add one or more shoots to the winter schedule? Sierra Bullets has expressed some interest in maybe sponsoring a shoot as they travel thru here in the winter.
I have had some 'ice breaking' conversations with Wilbur Harris and with Jeff Stover and with the NRA also. So, lets look at the BSF web site and do some talking and planning.

All this is being done to promote the shooting industry, and to bring shooters, families and friends together that share the common interest. I am a benchrest shooter and will do my best to contribute to the industry.
Again, thank you to 6mmBR for a great site and to all of its members.

 

[StraightPipes]

I have a question. How many shooting stations would be ideal to hold a sanctioned shoot? 15 stations so far, is this enough? How many stations do you think we need to keep things moving and organized?

 

[scout1]

StraightPipes, I have shot out there as well and enjoy the events that Rick and company put on. I would think that with the absence of IBS, NBRSA, NRA / F-class legs stopping in northern Fla it would be a shoe in. We are definetly feeling left out of the game.
Which range would be improved to accomodate the long range. In my opinion I would like to see the main 300 yd range backed up if there is enough room back there. That way tables could be set up under the shop area for reloading stations and such. With bathrooms and concessions right there it seems like a no brainer.
I hope to be able to make a few events this year if everything holds together.

Good luck and keep us in the loop.

Jon Hetzler

 

[jp]

I want to say thanks for the invite, IBS benchrest
Matches out to 800yds, would be outstanding. Love it

JP

 

[StraightPipes]

Scout, JP, thank you.

The BSF 600 yard is scheduled for the improvements. The plan is to push it out to 800yds and build a new row of shooting stations along with a military type target pit at the 800 yard line. Targets at any distance in between will be portable. At first look, 15 stations are doable. If we look at the design properly the geography could hold more than that.

We would like to see IBS, NBRSA and NRA involved in the very near future, and to attract the volume of shooters from these organizations that we see for the State NSCA shotgun shoots.

If you have viewed the BSF site recently, you may notice the 'APPLESEED' project is on the schedule also. I think this project is just fantastic.

We need the support of the organizations mentioned to not only improve our shooting sports industry but to also develope a shooting facility that could become one of the best in the region.

Is the IBS and the NBRSA listening? The NRA is already behind this project.

 

[StraightPipes]

Sounds like I need to build another bench rifle.

Georgia, Alabama, you are local to the BSF. The South East swing for any sanctioned benchrest shooting, we are just about an hours time south of Floridas northern border.

'If we build, will you come'.

 

[WayneShaw]

Sir, The IBS and NBRSA don't run matches at ranges. The range holds matches 'sanctioned' by either IBS or NBRSA. By signing up with one or the other, the range and schedule will be published, and members will then participate. By signing with either one you must agree to adhere to the sanctioning body's rules.

Speaking for IBS, we sanction 100, 200, 300, 600 and 1000 yard matches. The course of fire, rules, etc. can be found on the IBS website. The 100, 200, 300 matches can be either for group or score. The 600 and 1000 matches are shot for both group and score at the same time,meaning each target is scored for both group and score). There are a couple active IBS ranges in Florida now.

Check out the particulars at http://internationalbenchrest.com/, then contact Dick Grosbier should you decide to pursue IBS.

Wayne Shaw

 

[zullo74]

The NRA doesn't run local matches either.

Will there be pits? No pits, why bother?

 

[StraightPipes]

Wayne shaw and zullo74, thankyou for your replies. This is just the kind of info we are looking for.

How ever we accomplish our goal, and whomever sanctions or directs the matches will certainly be worked out. Shooting stations and target pits are features that would lend to a well equipped range. We will build these features regardless. Can you gentlemen offer me some creative suggestions as to what you would like to see in a well equipped rifle range? You must have some things that you dont like or find unnecessary at some of the ranges that you shoot at. Any and all comments are welcome.
Im sorry for sounding a bit on the ignorant side of things, but my questions are designed to draw comments, none that will be received as negative.
Again, all of this is in an effort to promote the shooting sports in this country. Building well equipped ranges to start with is a prime example of just how professional we can conduct ourselves in this industry.

Regards

 

[swehrman]

Just a couple of thoughts off the top of my head.

1. Don't limit yourself to just benchrest matches. Build pits and host NRA across-the-course,XTC) matches too. Like previous posters mentioned, the NRA sanctions F-Class, XTC, and long range matches but they don't put on matches. You'll have to have a match director put on the match.

2. Build bathrooms near the pits. The shooting sports can benefit from any type of increased participation and the fairer sex typically finds it easier to use an outhouse rather then squat in the bushes.

-- Scott

 

[zullo74]

Scout, JP, thank you.

The BSF 600 yard is scheduled for the improvements. The plan is to push it out to 800yds and build a new row of shooting stations along with a military type target pit at the 800 yard line. Targets at any distance in between will be portable. At first look, 15 stations are doable. If we look at the design properly the geography could hold more than that.

I don't think you quite grasp how pits are used. The targets are always run from the pits. The firing line moves. You should have a firing line at 100,200,300,600, and 800 yards,if that's as far back as you can get for now). For Palma shooting you need firing lines at 900 and 1000 yards too.

 

[scout1]

StaightPipes,

The farthest fireing line will be covered and everything else will be shot in the elements or under portable shade tents. The 100 - 300 yard range could host the IBS for those distances with minimal problems. You would need to extend the concrete benches of course and put in pits at 100, 200, and 300. Having all of those golf carts for the shotgunners is really going to pay off on the long-range side. I kinda think that the luxury of getting your stuff closer to the line in a motorized golf cart is alot more appealing than carrying it or wheeling it in a pull cart 300 or 400 yards, plus it will help things move a little faster.

With moving the firering line back tward the pistol range and bumping the 600 yard berm back, is 800 yards as much as we can get. I think we will miss the mark with alot of events being shy of 1K

 

[zullo74]

The farthest firring line will be covered and everything else will be shot in the elements or under portable shade tents. The 100 - 300 yard range could host the IBS for those distances with minimal problems. You would need to extend the concrete benches of course and put in pits at 100, 200, and 300.

I do believe that the NRA should be consulted. They have a range development program. Only ONE pit is required on a KD,known distance) range for NRA matches. Putting in pits is a MAJOR undertaking,read:$$$) If IBS matches require shooting all distances from the same line and benches, then the portable targets at shorter distances makes sense.

 

[StraightPipes]

Scout, we have the general layout planned. The pits will be constructed at 800 yards. Shooter stations will be constructed 800 yards from the pits. All other stations and targets in between will be portable.Golf carts, yes, they are quite handy when we run our Tactical games and such. The 300yd range will see some repairs, but it is what it is.

Zullo, We are currently affiliated with the NRA. The range source book and the RTTA from the nra will be consulted in the near future. Weather we host 'high power' or not hasnt been discussed yet. Benchrest and F-class fits easily at this time.
If we want to look at the high power disciplines, I take it that you currently shoot these in our area? Where can you be reached?

What we need are ideas on service areas, loading,ammo) areas, staging areas. What do the established ranges have, the ranges that accamadate matches already and that work well? Name a range, and how is it set up? We know it would be impossable to make everyone happy, but we will give it our best shot.
Camping, motorhome style already exists. The NSCA fills the place up during the state shoot.

 

[StraightPipes]

I would like to clear some things up, lets keep it simple. The civil engineering that will handle the land development is set, the funding for the ' target pits and shooting stations' is set.

I have recently received the names,contacts) that I need for the sanctioning organizations from some members here. Thank-you.
As we continue to plan, can anyone offer up some planning from ranges that currently host 'Benchrest or F-class' matches? What we would like to do is offer the organizational comforts that you wished you had at other ranges.

 

[scout1]

StraightPipes,

Any idea or projections for when construction will be completed barring any setbacks?

 

[Asa_Yam]

Weather we host 'high power' or not hasnt been discussed yet. Benchrest and F-class fits easily at this time.

StraightPipes,

You need to reread the F-Class rules - they're part of the NRA Highpower rulebook.

 

[StraightPipes]

Scout, no dates carved in stone yet. Once we start, everything should be in place so we dont waste time or money.

Yam, Thank you. Once we consult the RTTA from the NRA all the definitions of the rules will be tied into our planning.

These comments are 'good'. With this input it will be hard to miss anything.