Area 52 Offers Multi-Distance Matches with Electronic Targets
Sophisticated electronic scoring systems (with acoustic targets) are used in Olympic and ISSF competition. Many such advanced systems have been installed at shooting ranges in Europe. The U.S. Army has also installed electronic targets at Ft. Benning, Georgia, but that range is restricted to military use except for a few special matches. Right now there’s just one facility with a full electronic target system that offers regular access to civilians, 12 months a year: AREA 52. In West Central Texas, southwest of Abilene, Spindler Arms LLC operates the modern AREA 52 Long Range Shooting facility. AREA 52 offers high-tech acoustic targets at four distances: 300m, 600m, 800m, and 1000 meters. Every shooter has his/her own target monitor for scoring. All target bays are on separate lines of sight, and shooters are spaced on a single line, so there is no conflict between 300m shooters and those shooting the longer distances.
Area 52 has scheduled three major, multi-distance competitions this fall. On October 11, AREA 52 will host a multi-distance Long Range Competition using electronic targets. The Course of Fire consists of 3 sighters and 15 record shots at each of the four metric distances (300m, 600m, 800m, 1000m). The cost is $70 per class. Max caliber is .338 Lapua Magnum. On October 25, the 3-6-8 SniperCup Challenge will be held. Limited to 50 participants, this match involves timed fire at 300, 600, and 800 meters. Thirty (30) record rounds total. There will be separate classes for semi-auto and bolt-action rifles, and the fee is $35 per class. Lastly, on November 1, Area 52 hosts a 4-distance Benchrest event with targets at 300, 600, 800, and 1000 meters. It is unusual for benchresters to be challenged at four distances this far apart, and it will be interesting to see the choice of calibers. Maybe a 6 PPC at 300 and a 300 WSM at 1000? Course of fire includes 3 sighters and 2 x 10 record rounds within 30 minutes at each distance. This is a “group-shooting” match with Score as the tie-breaker. Match fee is $ 79.00 per shooter/class/gun.
To learn more about Area 52 and the upcoming matches, visit SpindlerArms.com, or contact Wilhelm Spindler, AREA 52, 6555 N. State Hwy. 208, Robert Lee, TX 76945, phone: (325) 453-9166, email: info [at] spindlerarms.com.
