The BIG Threat to Matches.

[JFrank]

Me and couple of guys were talking at the range the other day going to try having some simple “fun” matches. Shoot what you brung for score from benches at 200 yards geared toward new and young shooters. And get ideals on how and which way to move forward.

Great idea’ the fun matches I use to attend in Tacoma are now getting about 50 shooters per month.
Course of fire is 10 shots at 600 yards for score only.
Sporter class is .650 muzzle diameter 12x scope iirc
Varmint class ( limited by stock width and rear angle
Tac
Custom
Benchrest
Entry fee -$20
Pay out for closest to the x per class
Top score per class gets a plaque

 

[Greg@wfcustom]

Me and couple of guys were talking at the range the other day going to try having some simple “fun” matches. Shoot what you brung for score from benches at 200 yards geared toward new and young shooters. And get ideals on how and which way to move forward.

This is one of the reasons we started are “Chabot Special” Group/Score matches. 200 Yds ,few restrictions on rifles (brakes,caliber), everyone hangs there own target, (no target crew), and we draw more people to these then to our registered group matches. Maybe gets the guy with the varmint rifle or tactical rifle to come out and play.
G

 

[CaptainMal]

Manatee is doing fun matches in September and October on the fourth Saturday. 600 yards and you shoot six targets. Then you get your targets to score on your own. Pick your best four targets. Smallest group, highest point today and "Closest to the X".

It is also a great opportunity to teach shooters how to score and measure groups. You would be surprised how many shooters have no clue.

 

[mikecockcroft]

Most benchrest matches, long or short range, don't have any young guys to step up to the plate.

 

[Walt Schmidlin]

Bench Rest, Precision Pistol (formerly 3 gun 2700 Agg), F Class, Palma, Mid Range, Long Range etc. are not easy disciplines. Lots of moving parts, reloading (component selection), ammo testing, equipment selection (sights, barrels, triggers, powder, primers) etc.

Takes time and effort to sort all of these things out, need to find qualified gunsmith and be patient while the work is being done.

Can‘t run to Walmart Friday night, buy a 6.5 Creedmoor and 3-5 boxes of ammo and go to the “match“.

So the gun & run crowd are not really committed to serious precision shooting, prefer “games” events, short commitment of time and feel they paid their match fee which covers everythin, time to go to Starbucks for an $8.00 somethin.

Just my opinion

 

[JFrank]

Most benchrest matches, long or short range, don't have any young guys to step up to the plate.

There are a few that I’ve been around and shoot extremely well.
There is also a financial commitment that goes along with competing at a high level and plenty of hard work to put in to see the rewards.
I would not discourage any one from getting involved with PRS either as those fellas work their ass off as well, it’s just a different than the one I play.
Also look at the product support they receive above the BR crowd, meaning they’re prize tables are very generous with stocks , actions, high dollar scopes just to mention a few things I’ve observed from a distance.

 

[Greyfox]

Jeff,
Thx for the thread and an opportunity to vent and look for answers. I will be 76 in two weeks, have been running IBS & UBR benchrest matches for about 15 years. I also serve as President of our club of about 600 members and do almost all the new member orientations. THis is in addition to operating a small business.
Don't misunderstand I love running the matches, although I have found I am no longer able to both run the match and shoot. Actually, I told the attendees two months ago that October would be my last match and someone would need to step up and pick up the reins. So far, I've had one person talk to me about it and when he understood all that is involved, he declined. I never turn down offers for help and several do help move targe frames etc. I pay an old friend to drive 150 miles to come and run targets. Some are older than me and simply can't and others think that if they pay the match fee, that's enough. I can handle the match with a little help, it's the prep on Friday and unpacking on Sunday that are the burden. I simply can't manage three days every month. Ran yesterday's match, was so busy on Friday I didn't get out to pick up groceries for lunch until 5:00PM. And had to load up everything after that. Was sick in the middle of last night and today can't get off the couch. It's sad, but it is what it is.

Rick
MTSA

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Jeff,
Thx for the thread and an opportunity to vent and look for answers. I will be 76 in two weeks, have been running IBS & UBR benchrest matches for about 15 years. I also serve as President of our club of about 600 members and do almost all the new member orientations. THis is in addition to operating a small business.
Don't misunderstand I love running the matches, although I have found I am no longer able to both run the match and shoot. Actually, I told the attendees two months ago that October would be my last match and someone would need to step up and pick up the reins. So far, I've had one person talk to me about it and when he understood all that is involved, he declined. I never turn down offers for help and several do help move targe frames etc. I pay an old friend to drive 150 miles to come and run targets. Some are older than me and simply can't and others think that if they pay the match fee, that's enough. I can handle the match with a little help, it's the prep on Friday and unpacking on Sunday that are the burden. I simply can't manage three days every month. Ran yesterday's match, was so busy on Friday I didn't get out to pick up groceries for lunch until 5:00PM. And had to load up everything after that. Was sick in the middle of last night and today can't get off the couch. It's sad, but it is what it is.

Rick
MTSA

You have a right to vent. You’re not the only one I’ve heard this same “vent” from I’ve been on both sides of the fence. People that come just to shoot only see the firing line And the awards table and ask who they need to voice a complaint too!

 

[rwj]

You have a right to vent. You’re not the only one I’ve heard this same “vent” from I’ve been on both sides of the fence. People that come just to shoot only see the firing line And the awards table and ask who they need to voice a complaint too!

Ah yes… the “shoot n scoot” participants! As a former USPSA Match Director, any complaint that wasn’t safety related was met with an invitation for them to volunteer at the next match to address/resolve the issue... never happened!

 

[JEFFPPC]

You have a right to vent. You’re not the only one I’ve heard this same “vent” from I’ve been on both sides of the fence. People that come just to shoot only see the firing line And the awards table and ask who they need to voice a complaint too!

I was not venting really but was trying to make fellow shooters realize how tenuous the life of matches is. I have another big problem at matches if we want young people and kids and ladies to get involved. Language......if I need to say more, don't come to the matches I run. It's a family event, not a barroom party.

 

[Downhill]

I took over the CMP and NRA High power matches at our club when the former director got mad and quit. Told the club officers I would do it until we found someone else. Meaning temporarily, as a pipeliner I am on the road most of the time. I did not want to see the programs end but after 12 years I asked and asked for a replacement, no takers. So I shut them down so I could shoot long range. I am frequently asked what happened, when I explain they all get a sheepish look. It is a lot of work with little to no reward. I'm 56, still got several good shooting years in me, when my eyes start to go or in retirement I will once again run matches. But I'm gonna compete while I still can. On a side note I'm not the guy who shows up, shoots the match then hauls ass. I always help set up, tend targets, help with making a match run smoothly and shoot my relay then help with clean up.

 

[boltman13]

All of the matches I am match Director for are non sanctioned. That eleminates a lot of headaches right there. I require every shooter to help set up and tear down and some to help with scoring. With several of my fellow match directors from other Clubs coming to my matches I get a lot of support and reciprecate when I am at their matches. Being retired I find I enjoy the activity, however I do wonder if some of the Matches will die when I do. It won't be because no one knows what to do though.