Getting tutored by Olympic-class experts — now that’s a rare opportunity in the shooting world. ELEY Ltd., makers of precision rimfire ammo, has announced a special contest. Two lucky marksmen (one pistol shooter and one rifle shooter) will win the chance to train with the U.S. National Team at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. All ammunition for the one-day training session (in June, 2015) will be supplied by ELEY. (The winners must supply their own firearm.) The lucky winners will even be able to use the elite Olympic Training Center strength/conditioning facilities.
Training day sessions will be conducted by top coaches/atheletes from the U.S. National squad. Rifle coaches may include: Bryant Wallizer, Thomas Csenge, Michael Liuzza, Justin Tracy (2013 Prone National Champion), Dempster Christenson, Sarah Beard, Sarah Scherer, Emily Holsopple, Amy Sowash, Reya Kempley, and former National Rifle Coach Dave Johnson.
Pistol coaches may include: Keith Sanderson, Nick Mowrer, Jason Turner, Teresa Chambers, Morgan Wallizer (2004 rifle Olympian now training pistol), National Pistol Coach Sergey Luzov.
How to Enter Contest
For more information, or to enter the Training Day Contest, visit ELEY’s Training Contest Page on Facebook. NOTE — the deadline for contest entries is March 16, 2015.
Trijicon is out, and Magpul is in (as lead sponsor), so the much-ballyhooed NRA World Shooting Championship (WSC) will continue — at least for one more season. Held at the Peacemaker Nat’l Training Center in West Virginia, the inaugural 2014 “World Shooting Championship” left some folks shaking their heads after match directors made a few puzzling rule changes on the fly. In addition, it was hard to call last year’s NRA event a true “World Championship”. In 2014, almost all the WSC shooters were American, and, what’s more, a real ISSF World Championship was staged at the very same time last year in Granada, Spain. That important ISSF event in Spain had shooters from 40+ countries and many Olympic medalists.
Nonetheless, we’ll see more WSC action this fall. The 2015 NRA World Shooting Championship will be held September 24 – 26, 2015 at Peacemaker in WV. This will once again be a “big money” event, with a $200,000 prize table and $50,000 in cash awards. With a quarter-million dollars worth of cash and hardware prizes up for grabs, this is probably the richest shooting event in the world. And, as before, the match organizers will provide all the guns and all the ammo.
Competitors at the 2015 NRA World Shooting Championship will compete in three divisions: Pro, Amateur, and Junior. The event will feature twelve (12) stages drawing from a variety of firearm disciplines, such as Cowboy Action, F-Class, and Smallbore standing.
“We’ve created the NRA World Shooting Championship to be the top competitive shooting event in the world,” said NRA General Operations Executive Director Kyle Weaver. “Not only will providing all firearms and ammunition help level the playing field, but it will alleviate competitors needing to buy new equipment and simplify international and domestic travel.”
The 2015 Berger Southwest Nationals are now history. It was a remarkable event, one of the best-run matches in the country. Over 350 shooters enjoyed generally fine conditions, with sunny skies and warm temps. Records were set, and there were some remarkable performances. The talk of the tournament was Derek Rodgers’s stunning F-TR score. Derek served notice that F-TR rifles can run with the F-Open rigs (at least when piloted by a wizard). Rodgers shot superbly to finish at 1234-56X, just two points shy of F-Open winner Bob Sebold, who shot 1236-63X. In fact, Derek’s score would have placed him third overall in the F-Open division, one point behind Christine Harris (1235-45X). In sling division, shooting a Palma rifle, Trudie Fay won with 1242-64X. Two points back (at 1238-66X) was last year’s sling winner Bryan Litz.
Brilliant F-TR performance by Derek Rodgers shocked some F-Open shooters…
F-Open Winner Bob Sebold loved the bling, but for Sling winner Trudie Fay, “Cash was King”.
The Harris Clan — Top Shots
Christine Harris was one of four talented Harris family members shooting at the event. Husband Scott Harris (1220-46X) took second in F-TR, and son Devon Harris (1203-29X) was F-TR High Junior. Twelve-year-old Adrian Harris also shot well, piloting a .223 Rem in F-TR. Adrian did great in the mid-range match, beating most of the adults. Dad Scott Harris says Adrian may have set an Age Group record during the SWN.
The Harris Clan: Scott Harris (2d Place F-TR), Christine (2d Place F-Open), and Adrian (600-yd High Junior)
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
F-OPEN
F-TR
SLING
Bob Sebold – 1236-63X
Christine Harris – 1235-45X HW
Dan Bramley – 1230-54X
David Mann – 1229-57X HSR
William Wittman – 1227-48X
Derek Rodgers – 1234-56X
Scott Harris – 1220-46X
Matt Schwartzkopf – 1216-38X
Jade Delcambre – 1214-44X
Daniel Lentz – 1213-35X
Trudi Fay – 1242-64X P
Bryan Litz – 1238-66X
John Whidden – 1237-76X
Justin Skaret – 1235-63X P
Phil Hayes – 1234-56X
FINAL TEAM RESULTS
F-OPEN
F-TR
SLING
Third Gen. Shooting – 2551-100X
Lapua/Brux – 2544-108X
Spindle Shooters -2544-90X
Team Berger – 2542-92X
U.S. F-TR Team Blue – 2513-67X
Mich. Rifle Team F-TR – 2498-60X
Team Savage – 2492-68X
U.S. F-TR Development -2487-67X
U.S. Nat’l Tompkins – 2563-127X
Team Phoenix -2562 -122X
Team Challenger – 2555-112X
Two Worlds – 2550- 113X
The Guns of the Southwest Nationals
We saw some serious hardware on display at Ben Avery. Here is a beautiful maple-stocked F-Open rig. We believe this belongs to David Mann of Texas. This gun shoots as good as it looks. David Mann scored 1229-57X to finish fourth overall (and High Senior) in F-Open Division.
Click Photo to View Full-screen Version
Stunning Phoenix sunset after Sunday’s awards ceremony…
NOTE: Scores listed may be subject to final correction.
Yesterday was February 14th — Valentine’s Day. While testing a rifle at the range recently, Forum member Ron B. (aka Snakepit) managed a 3-shot group that would definitely make Mr. Cupid proud. Yep, Ron shot a lovely cluster that formed a sweet little heart in the splatter-type target.
That’s nice enough, mind you — but it gets even better. Ron’s three-shot group was shot at SIX HUNDRED yards, making this a Valentine’s Day Masterpiece of precision shooting (and, we have to say it, quite a little bit of luck). Good Shootin’ Snakepit!
600-Yard Heart Shot with a Savage and Factory Ammo!
In our Shooter’s Forum, Ron explained that this group was actually shot with factory ammo… from a Savage no less:
“This will be one that may be hard to believe for some but it is my Savage 12 FTR .308 and I was shooting 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match. The stock has been modified for benchrest shooting with a 3″-wide shoe on the forward stock. I do not shoot this rifle very often as most of my time is spent with my 30″ Brux barreled 6BR working up loads and shooting. That day I had put the scope back on it and was sighting it in at 600 yards and those were my last three shots after my last scope correction and then I was out of ammo. This rifle has always been very accurate. The weather was good, no wind or mirage.”
Today the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Berger Bullets, and Nightforce Optics will officially dedicate a new Multi-purpose Building at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. The building dedication ceremony will be held Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 8:15 a.m. during the Berger Southwest Nationals, one of the most prestigious long-range rifle matches in the nation.
“The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is recognized as one of the nation’s top venues for recreational shooting,” said AZGFD Director Larry Voyles. “With the donation by Berger Bullets of a new multi-purpose building at the 1,000-yard rifle range, and expansion of the parking area paid for by Nightforce, our long range recreational shooters will enjoy the addition of much needed facilities and a better shooting experience at a world-class facility.”
Berger Bullets and Nightforce Optics have together provided Arizona with $420,000 in funding to cover the costs of the new building and adjacent parking facility.
“We’re proud to partner with Arizona Game and Fish Department to improve recreational shooting facilities in Arizona,” said Eric Stecker, President of Berger Bullets. “Arizonans should be proud that their state is actively working to benefit shooting sports enthusiasts.”
Fireworks and Firepower
After the National Anthem and an address by AZGFD Commission Chairman Robert Mansell, there will be a fireworks display, and an aerial display by vintage World War II aircraft.
Ben Avery 1000-Yard Range To Be Named the Middleton Tompkins Range
During the Saturday ceremony, Ben Avery’s 1,000-yard shooting range will be dedicated to U.S. Air Force Veteran and World Champion rifle shooter Middleton “Mid” Tompkins. Tompkins has dedicated his life to shooting sports. His success as a shooter is matched only by his contribution to the shooting sports in his role as a member of the NRA Board of Directors and director of the matches held at the 1,000-yard rifle range since Ben Avery opened in 1957.
Mid Tompkins Inteview
In the video above, Mid talks candidly about his storied career as a shooter and a shooting coach. He explains what it takes to win, and offers advice on how new shooters can improve their skill sets. Mid also offers invaluable advice on how to dope the wind at Ben Avery. Mid also offers some thoughts on the advancements in rifle hardware and bullet design.
The International Benchrest Shooters (IBS) just secured a great alliance with long-range shooters out West in Big Sky Country. The Montana NW 1000-Yard Benchrest Club (www.Montana1000yd.com) is now officially affiliated with the IBS. This is an exciting development. Many world records have been set at the Deep Creek Range near Missoula, Montana, “home base” for the Montana NW Club. Deep Creek enjoys some of the best conditions a long-range shooter could ask for. This is definitely the place to bring that “hummer” barrel if you want to shoot small.
Here is a report from Montana NW Club member Alex Wheeler:
“The decision was made this year to join the IBS and hopefully grow our matches. We have been affiliated with the Original Pennsylvania 1000-yard Benchrest Club (Williamsport, PA) for almost twenty years. Now our Montana-based shooting club enters a new era as an IBS-affiliated operation.
The Deep Creek range is a great place to shoot. Conditions are generally excellent, and the setting is beautiful. The firing line is a raised berm with covered concrete benches. We have full pits and a scoring shed to properly handle the targets. We typically start at 8:00 am to take full advantage of the calm conditions. Many visitors enjoy camping near the range during match weekends. Facilities include water, electric, and restrooms. There are also many hotels in the area.
The group that shoots here regularly are some of the most skilled and serious shooters in the country, but you could not ask for a friendlier group. They seem to always be thinking of ways to shoot smaller and better their equipment. We hope to see some new faces and see the IBS start to make more of a presence in the western states. See you at the first match in March!”
The AccurateShooter.com Shooters’ Forum hit another membership milestone. We’ve surpassed 27,000 registered members. Now we hope to reach 30,000 members in the next few months. If you have considered joining our Forum, but haven’t done so yet, there’s no better time than now. As a Forum member, you’ll be part of an active community of serious shooters. You can get valuable advice on shooting and reloading from top shooters such as National Champions Larry Bartholome, Sam Hall, and Derek Rodgers. As well, many top tool-makers and barrel-makers visit the Forum regularly, such as Dave Kiff (PT&G), Frank Green (Bartlein Barrels), and John Perkins (21st Century Shooting).
If you haven’t sampled our Forum yet, cruise over to Forum.AccurateShooter.com and check it out. You’ll find a wealth of information shared by thousands of knowledgeable members, including many National Champions and record-holders. The boards are tightly moderated to prevent the ego battles common to some other internet forums. Our Shooters’ Forum maintains a high “signal to noise ratio”, with courteous and respectful exchange of ideas. To join the Forum, simply click the “Register” link and follow the prompts. There is no fee to join.
FREE Classifieds for Forum Members
Along with our informational Forum areas, we offer FREE CLASSIFIEDS for all registered forum members. You’ll find some great values in the Classifieds, and we provide a feedback system for buyers and sellers. Published feedback helps you buy and sell with greater confidence.
The number of women target shooters, hunters, and gun owners has increased dramatically since the start of the new millennium. Consider this, women now comprise 19% of hunters. That’s an 85% increase since 2001. Women are also more important as a purchasing segment of the the shooting market. Women gun owners spend nearly $1300.00 per year on guns and shooting accessories, $870 of that on firearm purchases. That number has gun-makers paying attention — even if some of you guys spend more than that each year just on powder!
Jessie Duff, sponsored by Taurus and Weatherby
Women are definitely becoming a more important segment of the hunting/shooting world. This is a good thing. The larger the “fan base” for the shooting sports, the less political pressure there will be to close ranges and restrict the activities of target shooters and hunters.
Click either image to see a full-size “Girl Power” Infographic.
It’s almost time for the Berger SW Nationals. Phil Kelley says he’s ready for this view…
February in Phoenix… For many of us February is all about the Berger Southwest Nationals, which kicks off Tuesday, February 10th with a Shooting Clinic and runs through Sunday, February 15th. This prestigious match, hosted at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, draws top F-Class and sling shooters from around the country. One of those F-Class shooters, Phil Kelley, posted the above photo, saying he’s ready to make the trek from his North Carolina home to Arizona. Good luck to Phil and all the competitors. A record number of shooters should be on the firing line this year.
Tuesday, 10 February 2015, 9:00 AM
Shooting Clinic: Instruction in both classroom and live-fire settings. Lunch provided.
Wednesday, 11 February 2015, 9:00 AM
Mid-Range Match: Three 20-shot matches at 600 yards.
Thursday, 12 February 2015, 9:00 AM
4-Man Palma Team Match: 15 shots for record at 800, 900 and 1000 yards.
Note – Practice available for those not shooting with a team.
Friday, 13 February 2015, 9:00 AM – Start of Long-Range Grand Agg
Individual Palma Match: 15 shots for record at 800, 900, and 1000 yards. Swap Meet at 1000-yard line after conclusion of match.
Saturday, 14 February 2015, 8:30 AM
Individual 1000-Yard Matches: Two 20-shot matches at 1000 yards. Banquet Dinner at Indoor Range, at approximately 5:00 pm.
Sunday, 15 February 2015, 9:00 AM
Individual 1000 Yard Matches: Two 20-shot matches at 1000 yards. Awards Ceremony at the Indoor Range.
What lives in the Alabama backwoods and has 54 sets of ears? The answer is the new, $20 million-dollar CMP Marksmanship Park in Talladega. This new facility, set to open in May, boasts electronic Kongsberg Target Systems (KTS) at 200, 300, and 600 yards. All totaled, there are 54 Kongsberg target units, each with its own acoustic sensors — the “ears” as it were. Each KTS target has a set of acoustic sensors (very precise microphones) that plot the shot location using sound triangulation. Shot locations are accurate within a fraction of a millimeter. What’s more, because electronic targets do not expand or shrink with humidity levels, as paper does, scoring should be more consistent match to match.
Monitors Display Score and Shot Location Instantly Each target connects to a monitor that displays the hit locations to the shooter. Easy push-button controls allow the shooter to cycle through hits and options without having to change positions. The monitors employ non-glare glass protected by an aluminum frame that acts as a shade. This ensures good visibility for the shooter.
Engineered in Norway, Kongsberg target systems do more than just display shot locations to competitors. The system automatically calculate scores, and every target is networked to a central, “command” computer. This can provide updated competitor rankings, and can even display the results to event spectators on large view screens. See how it works in this animated demo video from Kongsberg:
Yesterday was February 14th — Valentine’s Day. While testing a rifle at the range recently, Forum member Ron B. (aka Snakepit) managed a 3-shot group that would definitely make Mr. Cupid proud. Yep, Ron shot a lovely cluster that formed a sweet little heart in the splatter-type target.
Berger Bullets and Nightforce Optics have together provided Arizona with $420,000 in funding to cover the costs of the new building and adjacent parking facility.
Ben Avery 1000-Yard Range To Be Named
Each target connects to a monitor that displays the hit locations to the shooter. Easy push-button controls allow the shooter to cycle through hits and options without having to change positions. The monitors employ non-glare glass protected by an aluminum frame that acts as a shade. This ensures good visibility for the shooter.
