Where all all the shooters???

[drags]

Yea I agree, my original question was so so many on this forum and so few actually shooting matches? I think if a lot of guys would give it a try and see how much they could learn and what a friendly group of guys they meet, more would give it a try. About the only shooting game I have not participated in is Fclass. I know out of all the different disciplines I shot, by far the most helpful and friendly have been 95 percent of the benchrest shooters. Yes , there are a few obsessed with winning and records but they are a small minority. I tell groudhog hunters bring your rifle and shoot some ground hog paper matches for a season and you will be amazed at what you did not know, what you will learn, and how it will help your live hunting. Same goes maybe even much more so for big game hunters.

Good post Jeff, but there are not many live groundhog hunters anymore in my area. At one of the clubs that I belong to when groundhog season came along the sight in was almost like the deer season sight in. As far as learning about your rifle's accuracy a fellow asked one of our helpers if he could shoot in one of our shoots he said he had a savage rifle with a (bull) barrel and would we get mad if he beat everybody. He did not shoot very well but he never came back and tried to improve and many other shooters fall in that category. This year I will start my 61st year hunting groundhogs and I plan my travel plans so I can shoot as many matches as possible. If you are in your 60's you are one of the young guys at most of the shoots in our area.
Drags

 

[CaptainMal]

So maybe I should quit and lower the average age of benchrest shooters at Manatee? I was 75 LAST year. Occasionally read comments about the shooters I post pictures of. The comments deal with the average age of some. Well, I am one of the oldest around so if all us older shooters quit, we can do everyone a favor as that would lower the average age of our benchrest shooters. Then benchrest would be more palatable to our younger shooters???

Convoluted logic it is. All of us will get older. The option is not very pleasant. Please don't blame us for having gotten old. We did not do that out of spite or any special desire. It is fun to be able to do things within our abilities. I think our presence should be an encouraging thing to youngsters looking to find something they can do in the future.

Try shooting. It just may be the reason you need to live longer.

 

[will16]

While I am not trying to start an argument, some of your assumptions are not quite correct. Some of what you say is true. If you happen to live in a part of the country where the only game is short range group benchrest or maybe serious long range benchrest, then you are probably correct. However, those who happen to live in the south central US may be within driving distance of a range that holds UBR matches. It started in KY & TN, but has grown into most of the connecting states and has moved north as well. It is certainly not necessary to spend an exorbitant amount of $$ to compete in UBR score matches. Of course, should one choose to go into custom class then that's another conversation. However, it is a proven fact that to compete and win in Modified class does not cost an arm an a leg, it just requires some good judgement as to where you spend your $$. I have won SSOY in Modified Class twice with rifles that I bought for less than $500. I'm pretty sure you can't compete in FTR for that, but then I could be wrong. I'm simply pointing out that a new shooter can compete in a fun benchrest environment without mortgaging the ranch. I looked at your location and it seems you are in MS. Of course, I don't know what part, but you are probably close enough to at least check out what I'm saying. Brock's Gap in Hoover AL holds 100 yard UBR matches on the 3rd Saturday of every month year round. Also, should you or anyone else who wants to give it a try, would be welcome at Dry Branch Rifle Range in Dixon Springs TN. I provide a complete rifle/ammo/bench setup for a first time shooter who is willing to pay the $30 match fee for the day which includes lunch. That's surely affordable for anyone who is even considering competitive shooting.

Rick

I’am specifically talking about mid and long range f-open NRA approved.You’re competition is people shooting wildcats 40lbs custom rifles and 10+ years of reloading experience with $1000 front rests and the like. You have no chance even if you drop $8000 right then you can’t just buy wind reading and reloading experience. Now there are tons of other local stuff to do that’s fun competitive and isn’t so overbearing. But it isn’t NRA approved, so it’s just a starting point. The first post of this thread seems to target BR/f-open type, that is what I’am referring to.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I’am specifically talking about mid and long range f-open NRA approved.You’re competition is people shooting wildcats 40lbs custom rifles and 10+ years of reloading experience with $1000 front rests and the like. You have no chance even if you drop $8000 right then you can’t just buy wind reading and reloading experience. Now there are tons of other local stuff to do that’s fun competitive and isn’t so overbearing. But it isn’t NRA approved, so it’s just a starting point. The first post of this thread seems to target BR/f-open type, that is what I’am referring to.

I'm not a golfer but I use it as an analogy pretty often, as it's a popular sport and the games have some things in common.
Benchrest(my example) is a sport where you are playing a PGA tournament every time you show up at a big match. Now, even if you could, how much would it cost to tee off for the green jacket with the best the sport has to offer, in the world? And, even if you just play the nicer semi local courses, what would that cost to do a couple of times a month?
As for equipment, well, most people buy a golf cart. I'd like to have one to take to matches but I can't afford it! Oh, and a quick google search turned up some rough numbers on clubs. A mid level semi custom driver alone can run around $500, not to mention all the irons and putters. Oh, and since I'm probably not very good at it, I probably shouldn't start driving $5 each pro vee 1's all over the rough. All in all, I think the costs are comparable except that I get to shoot against the best in the world for about the same cost as a golfer gets to tee off with his buddy for. As for rests, I've used and owned the higher priced ones but I couldn't tell that, other than some of them look beautiful, I couldn't see a difference in my scores so I currently shoot off of a shadetree top on a rock br base.

Bottom line is, I don't think cost is the driving factor here. You either have it in you to WANT to do it or you don't.

 

[Tim Singleton]

If we are talking specifically about BR, it’s this. There is no way to actually get competitive without dropping a crap load of money on gear that will be totally useless at anything else besides BR, and even then you’re still not going to even be able to come close to the people who have been doing it for 10+ years. BR is just not a good sport to start out on and actually see semi good results until you’re experienced at it. That’s why I’am going to start in midrange F t/r.

Those guys had to put the time and effort in
They didnt show up and win their first match

 

[Greyfox]

I’am specifically talking about mid and long range f-open NRA approved.You’re competition is people shooting wildcats 40lbs custom rifles and 10+ years of reloading experience with $1000 front rests and the like. You have no chance even if you drop $8000 right then you can’t just buy wind reading and reloading experience. Now there are tons of other local stuff to do that’s fun competitive and isn’t so overbearing. But it isn’t NRA approved, so it’s just a starting point. The first post of this thread seems to target BR/f-open type, that is what I’am referring to.

OK, I think it's clear that they shouldn't expect to see you at Brock's Gap. And that's fine. We do agree that what we do isn't for everybody. BTW- I have been competing in UBR since the beginning nine years ago and I have see a rifle weighing mor than 26lbs less than a half dozen times. Some people do use expensive front rests, others not so much. However, from what I've seen here the F class shooters have some pretty pricey stuff as well. But that brings up the rest of your points. I will not dispute that it takes some experience to be a winner, although I'm aware that at least twice that a new shooter has won a match using his mentor's rifle. And you are certainly correct that a newby probably won't have the wind reading skills that it takes to win. But then, who would want to play a game that required no skills and not much in the way of equipment to win? If someone must be a winner from the beginning and can't stand to lose, I agree, this sport is not for them. It's not for everybody. I am a member of the NRA and our club requires NRA membership to be a club member, so we support the NRA. But the NRA does not sanction every form of shooting. Good luck with F Class in MS. I hope you enjoy it and do well.

Rick

 

[will16]

I’am going to be at the MSSA 600yd line this March with my nothing .308 for ftr hopefully. I’am not saying how you all are taking this. What I said is what a lot of people see and they get turned off by it. So they go buy a off the shelf gun and mid grade optic and then go bang steel at the range in a local match. Nothing wrong with it, that’s just where the new shooters are.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I’am specifically talking about mid and long range f-open NRA approved.You’re competition is people shooting wildcats 40lbs custom rifles and 10+ years of reloading experience with $1000 front rests and the like. You have no chance even if you drop $8000 right then you can’t just buy wind reading and reloading experience. Now there are tons of other local stuff to do that’s fun competitive and isn’t so overbearing. But it isn’t NRA approved, so it’s just a starting point. The first post of this thread seems to target BR/f-open type, that is what I’am referring to.

So what's with the NRA approved reference? I am a life member, I have shot various NRA disciplines and competed in and placed in National championships, but not for over 25 years. While I enjoy competing agzinst the big names and even getting a few wins over several I think the NRA focus seemed to go to a few big national events and away from local clubs I enjoyed competing at the local clubs, in my area having more than a few shooters who have done well on the big stage. I tihnk we need to get this big event mind set out, of recruitment efforts. I know if you can compete consistently at the club level in Pa you can compete anywhere, I have done it and I have seen quite a few others.The big equipment big shoot stage is not the way to introduce others to our shooting sports. It can be icing on the cake for some as they progress but some make it seem like if you want to race a motor vehicle you have to start out as a fully sponsored NASCAR driver you first day out. I suppose one reason ( excuse ) is as good as another. So those who dont are the ones who miss out.

 

[dolek]

Still fishing....

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Still fishing....

In a Boat? Another good analogy.

Break
Out
Another
Thousand

I just love when someone comes in, sees a couple of BR rifles and shys away when you tell them what it costs to get into the game. Only a few minutes later, they're telling me about their $40K bass boat that they're pulling with a $70K pickup, parked outside.

 

[will16]

In a Boat? Another good analogy.

Break
Out
Another
Thousand

I just love when someone comes in, sees a couple of BR rifles and shys away when you tell them what it costs to get into the game. Only a few minutes later, they're telling me about their $40K bass boat that they're pulling with a $70K pickup, parked outside.

This is what I’am trying to tell them. People see what it cost and the time, so they go shoot something else.

 

[will16]

Those guys had to put the time and effort in
They didnt show up and win their first match

Nobody is saying anything about that. People would like to be semi competitive without all that time and money so they don’t shoot BR. They bang steel in prs type local matches.

 

[Stan Taylor]

(Well we're are all the Shooters????)
I'm by far in the back of the pack,but I try an support our ranges that spent all the money they spent on a range, to allow me this challenge to shoot against the best an get an occasional win for the day.

While you guys are bickering on this post the last couple hours I have been working on my wind reading skills.
Because when shooting season starts I will be shooting against the best.
If I go half ass tuned I'm gonna be going home scratching my head saying to myself what I'm I doing wrong.
View attachment 1155599

 

[Greyfox]

Nobody is saying anything about that. People would like to be semi competitive without all that time and money so they don’t shoot BR. They bang steel in prs type local matches.

In rereading the first post in the thread I found that JEFFPPC didn't specify what competition, he just wondered why more weren't involved in ANY competition. You are planning to start competing in the matchs that fit your interests. So you aren't really one of those. Maybe you aren't attracted to what a few of us enjoy, but that's not important. You are out there doing it and I think that;s what he was encouraging. More power to you.

Rick

 

[will16]

In rereading the first post in the thread I found that JEFFPPC didn't specify what competition, he just wondered why more weren't involved in ANY competition. You are planning to start competing in the matchs that fit your interests. So you aren't really one of those. Maybe you aren't attracted to what a few of us enjoy, but that's not important. You are out there doing it and I think that;s what he was encouraging. More power to you.

Rick

Ok, it seemed like he was talking about BR f type. Thanks for the support I’ll do my best.

 

[Shooter13]

This is what I’am trying to tell them. People see what it cost and the time, so they go shoot something else.

I agree that it cost to participate any any sport, BR or any other shooting discipline doesn't give out any participation trophies so if that is what they are looking for I not sure where they need to go except maybe kindergarten? I think what Rick is trying to point out you don't have to plop down 3-10 grand to participate, as he stated he did modified with a $500 rifle, yes he had to reload and buy stuff but tell me a sport that doesn't? You can spend a little or a lot, my time on this ol' earth is growing short and I can promise you no one can "take it with them" so I'll enjoy what I can within reason and not put a burden on my family. I serve my God first, family second and then I play.

 

[dmoran]

@Jake300
Above is my LR rifle and rest setup that I used for years in both LR Benchrest and FClass.
Won several matches in both disciplines with it.
Your input to cost of BR do not reflect what I had to spend to be competitive at all.

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[DukeDuke]

best scope for sure!!!
nice cutting board too.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I cant think of a shooting sport you can get into cheaper than factory or custom ubr. Like greyfox said a $500 gun can win. I can bet you can go win a ubr match for under $1500 all in and with time less than $1000. You cant hardly get a good f/tr bipod for that. And ive never had to be an nra member to shoot in any br match in my career. Take a short trip up to TN and meet up with one of the nicest guys in shooting (greyfox) and try out his guest gun. I bet youll change your mind on what you want to shoot

 

[DangerRanger]

I don’t compete, but I do have some interest. I have a 6 month old and barely have time to mow my lawn. I hunt when I can, and target shoot in the mornings or afternoon at my private range. Hopefully one day I’ll get to drive up to hawks ridge and see what it’s about.