February 6th, 2014

Strong Start for Berger SW Nationals in Phoenix

The Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN) have kicked off at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona. Overall attendance has been impressive for this important shooting event. Approximately 275 shooters have registered. On Wednesday (February 5th) roughly 200 shooters competed in a 600-yard Mid-Range event, with three 20-shot matches. The wind clinic on Tuesday the 4th was also well-attended with 130 or so participants.

Berger 2014 Southwest Nationals

In addition to the rifle competition (continuing through Sunday), there will be other fun events. On Friday, after the 1000-yard match, there will be a SWAP meet.On Saturday, there will be a Banquet dinner at the Ben Avery Indoor Range.

The Mid-Range match was tightly fought. We don’t have official results yet, but we’re told that Jim Murphy was at the top in F-TR, followed by Lige Harris, Gerry Wiens, Grant Ubl, and Eric Stecker.

Next up is a 4-person Team match (800, 900, 1000 yards) starting bright and early on Thursday. AccurateShooter.com will be reporting directly from the match. Watch the Daily Bulletin for photos from the match and interviews with the shooters.

To learn more about the Berger Southwest Nationals, watch this video featuring footage from the 2013 event. Helpful interviews with last year’s competitors provide useful insights into conditions at Ben Avery. One regular shooter at Ben Avery told us: “On a typical day, when the wind builds it is pretty gradual and progressive. But when it starts to die, it can drop off quickly, with a pretty big change from shot to shot.”

Watch Berger SW Nationals Preview Video

Berger SWN Events Schedule (Thursday – Sunday)

    The remaining action starts at 9:00 am each morning, Thursday through Sunday.

  • Thursday, 6 February 2014, 9:00 AM
    4-Man Palma Team Match: 15 shots for record at 800, 900 and 1000 yards.
    (Divisions – Palma, F-Open, F-TR)
    Practice available to those not shooting with a team.
  • Friday, 7 February 2014, 9:00 AM – Start of Grand Agg
    Individual Palma Match: 15 shots for record at 800, 900 and 1000 yards.
    (Divisions – Palma, F-Open, F-TR)
    Swap Meet – after conclusion of fire at 1000-yard line.
  • Saturday, 8 February 2014, 9:00 AM
    Individual 1000 Yard Matches: Two 20-shot matches at 1000 yards. Any Rifle-Iron Sight (Any sight for F-Class shooters). (Divisions – Palma, Any Rifle-Iron Sight, F-Open, F-TR)
    4 Man Team Match: 20 shots at 1000 yards. Any Rifle-Iron Sight (Any sight for F-Class shooters). (Divisions – Palma, Any Rifle-Iron Sight, F-Open, F-TR
  • Sunday, 9 February 2014, 9:00 AM
    Individual 1000 Yard Matches: Two 20 shots matches at 1000 yards. Any Rifle-Any Sight (Any sight for F-Class shooters). (Divisions – Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight, F-Open, F-TR)