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November 2nd, 2020

2020 F-Class National LR Championships — Hail the Champions

Ian Klemm Pat Scully F-Open F-TR Ben Avery 2020 Championship

The 2020 NRA F-Class National Championships are now complete. We hail the new Champions Pat Scully (F-Open), and Ian Klemm (F-TR). We also give congratulations to all the competitors who dueled often-tough conditions at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, with periods of very high winds. CLICK HERE to see all 2020 F-Class Nationals Results for all participants.

F-Open Individual Results | F-Open Team Results | F-TR Individual Results | F-TR Team Results

Top-Ranked Shooters at 2020 NRA F-Class National Championships
F-Open Top Competitors

1. Pat Scully, F-0pen Champion, 1575-73X
2. Keith Glasscock, 1575-60X
3. Tod Hendricks, 1574-83X
4. Eric Wuestenhoefer, 1572-59X
5. Tim Vaught, 1565-76X
6. Patrick Fulghum, 1564-60X
7. Ken Dickerman, 1563-64X, High Senior
8. Bret Solomon, 1562-58X
9. Emil Kovan, 1562-53X
10. Erik Cortina, 1561-70X

Christine Harris, 1543-60X, High Lady
Kaycie Blankenship, 1517-35X, High Junior
Larry Bartholome, 1541-53X, High Gr. Senior

F-TR Top Competitors

1. Ian Klemm, F-TR Champion, 1561-56X
2. Keith Trapp, 1555-47X
3. Brad Sauve, 1553-40X, High Senior
4. Luke Ramsey, 1551-42X
5. Scott Harris, 1551-39X
6. Nancy Tompkins, 1550-44X, High Lady
7. James Crofts, 1546-52X
8. Henry Rockhill, 1543-37X
9. Brian Harder, 1539-37X
10. Nick Abbott, 1535-45X

Morgan Abbott, 1495-34X, High Junior
Raymond Weaver, 1534-30X, High Gr. Senior

Ian Klemm Pat Scully F-Open F-TR Ben Avery 2020 Championship
Pat Scully (right) is 2020 F-Open National Champion while fellow team-mate Tod Hendricks (left) finished third overall, just one point back.

In tough conditions, the top shooters put on impressive performances. Competition was tight and it went down to the wire. After multiple days of shooting, F-Open Champion Pat Scully and runner-up Keith Glasscock ended up tied on points (both scored 1575), but Scully did have a huge edge in X-count with 73X vs. 60X for Keith. In F-TR, LR Champion Ian Klemm posted an impressive 6-point win. Ian also recorded high X-Count (56X) among all F-TR shooters. Phil Kelley posted: “Ian is now only the second 3-Time F-TR National LR Champ and he has won 3 of the last 4 years — an amazing run.” Phil also observed that his fellow Team USA shooters took 7 out of the top 10 F-TR places.

Overall, the “top guns” in both divisions performed amazingly well given some very tough conditions. Forum member ShootDots noted:

“On the last day I was on the line with Keith Glasscock [Second Overall] on my immediate left. I was scoring for Pat Scully [F-Open Champion]. With wind conditions that would make a brass monkey flinch, these two gents made it look easy! I have shot with some REALLY good shooters over the years [but] these two are at a different level altogether!

I do not know Ian Klemm BUT I do know how he shoots! When you are surrounded by the finest, you get a first hand view of what REAL shooting is all about. My hat is off to the winners and to those who came within a hairsbreath of them! A B-I-G hearty CONGRATULATIONS to them!”

Our Forum tech staffer Praveen (who shot F-Open) concurred, praising the top-finishing Open-class competitors, noting that 3rd-place Tod Hendricks amassed an amazing 83 Xs. Praveen posted: “Congratulations… I witnessed some really fine shooting this year while experiencing some very tough wind conditions. Pat, Keith, and Tod — hats off to you. And Tod — so many Xs!” Forum member RonatSpokane also noted Tod’s stunning X-Count: “Sheesh Tod, you’re … bogarting those Xs. With 83 Xs, more than 50% of your shots were under 1/2 MOA. In those kinds of conditions, that’s nothing short of stunning.”

Forum member Carlsbad noted that the final day was very tough: “What a match. Every day had different challenges. The last day was challenging. We had one guy clean the afternoon string on Friday and then shoot 180 in the afternoon string on Sunday. That was tough. I don’t know how guys shot high 190s in those conditions. Congratulations to Ian Klemm and Pat Scully.”

Three National Titles in Four Years for 2020 F-TR Champ Ian Klemm
Ian Klemm F-TR Ben Avery 2020 Championship

Ian Klemm has now won three National F-TR Championships in four years. Ian captured back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, winning at Lodi, WI in 2017, and Raton, NM in 2018. Ian also finished second at the 2019 Nationals. Ian put on another great performance to win in 2020 under very challenging conditions.

Ian Klemm F-TR Ben Avery 2020 Championship

Ian Klemm Pat Scully F-Open F-TR Ben Avery 2020 Championship

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November 1st, 2020

Sunday GunDay: Glen Zediker 1959 – 2020, In Memoriam

Glen Zediker Obituary memorial book writer author reloading AR15

This Sunday we mark the passing of a prolific writer, High Master marksman, good father, respected colleague, and reloading guru. Glen Zediker, author of many leading treatises on reloading, gun maintenance, and shooting skills, passed away on October 1, 2020, one month ago today. We mourn this loss. Glen helped this website with advice many times and Glen’s classic Handloading for Competition remains one of our favorite reloading resources. Glen was a “leading light” in the shooting sports world for decades. His books and technical articles have helped countless shooters and hand-loaders. His knowledge of the AR15 platform was unrivaled. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Glen.

Glen Zediker Obituary memorial book writer author reloading AR15

In 2015 Glen started a series of articles for the Midsouth Shooters Blog, the Reloaders Corner. Here is a section from his introduction to that series:

Glen Zediker — Author and High Master Marksman
Glen posted this in 2015…

Glen Zediker Obituary memorial book writer author reloading AR15“I’ve been ‘at this’ for over 40 years now, and ‘this’ is shooting, handloading, and writing about it for the past 25. My background is competitive shooting, primarily NRA High Power Rifle. From that followed my exploration of handloading and education therein. As an NRA High Power Rifle competitor, I earned a High Master classification, and I did it competing in Service Rifle division.

The whole reason I started writing about all this came about because I couldn’t find anything to read that put the pieces together — all the pieces that all the better shooters knew. I wanted to learn more, and I spent a lot of time and effort doing so. I continually got answers from winners and those who built rifles for winners. Unfortunately, those answers were not the same as I had been reading, and none of the authors of the other material I had read had won any championships. I thought there must be others who would appreciate some short cuts, and that’s how I started my publications career.

I think I’ve helped a few folks along the way.”

From Glen Zediker’s Reloaders Corner
Here is Glen’s advice about loading from his first “Reloaders Corner” Blog article in 2015:

Glen Zediker Obituary memorial book writer author reloading AR15“So, the advice that accompanies this first installment is to consider or reconsider your standards, and your evaluation of what is a good load. When I’m testing I choose the best group out of whatever it was I was testing. However, when it’s decision time, I choose the best, worst group. Let me explain. I really don’t consider what the very best any combination can show me is, but rather what is the worst the combination has shown me. Exceedingly tight groups are all too often a combination of luck and a little more luck. We got lucky in our judgment to choose the combination and the bullet fairy tipped her tiara. The more rounds anyone shoots, the bigger the groups are going to get. That’s just math. However, if three or four 10-shot groups are showing X-Ring accuracy, I’m going to ignore the group measurement, pay more attention to the chronograph, and pay very close attention to any over-pressure indicators. I don’t want to see anything outside a golf-ball sized circle at 300 yards, and I’m hoping to keep it that way.

Speaking of which — years ago, I was a golf pro… a legendary golf instructor, Percy Boomer (real name) had a line, ‘The difference between the amateur and professional is not in the quality of their best shots, but in their worst.’ That’s it. The difference between a good load and one that’s almost a good load is that also. The good load stays tight, throughout. A ‘flyer’ is grounds for disqualification. That’s a shot that strays from the herd. Don’t ignore it.”

Glen Dwight Zediker Obituary

June 17, 1959 – October 1, 2020

Glen Dwight Zediker, died on October 1, 2020, at home in Oxford, Mississippi, with his sons at his side.

Glen was born on June 17, in Rifle, Colorado, to Lloyd and Marie Zediker (both deceased) of Grand Valley (now Parachute), Colorado. He attended K-12 in Grand Valley, studied at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. in English.

Glen spent most of his professional career combining his expertise in target shooting with his skill at writing. He became an NRA High Master known for pinpoint accuracy. He wrote and published several books on target shooting and reloading which are highly respected in the precision shooting community.

Glen Zediker Obituary memorial book writer author reloading AR15

Glen spent many years in Mississippi and embraced southern culture from the food to Faulkner, but at his core, he remained a Westerner. He loved nothing more than riding over red dirt hills and hiking in the Southwest.

Glen’s two sons, Matthew and Charlie, were the center of his life. In addition to his sons, he is survived by his sister, Diane Zediker-Pastore (Victor) and his former wife, Kris Kunkler Zediker. See more life history and photos on Glen’s Memorial tribute site.

Glen Zediker Obituary memorial book writer author reloading AR15

Read Glen Zediker’s Articles on Reloading and Gun Tech
If you haven’t read any of Glen’s works, you will find a selection of shorter articles on the Midsouth Shooters Blog. This is a good way to sample the scope of Glen’s knowledge of reloading, AR15 technical matters, and service rifle shooting. We’ve enjoyed reading Glen’s articles and we know you will too.

In addition, Glen’s website, Zediker.com, has 20 older articles which you can read in PDF format for free. You can find these at Zediker.com/articles/articles.html. Here are three examples:



By Glen Zediker. Folks who read Handloading For Competition know most of this material, but here it is encapsulated for those who want. It’s the run down on how to load at the range, on the spot, and radically improve your success in working up an ammo recipe.


By Glen Zediker. A lot has changed since the original MKII, but then some things really haven’t. There are new triggers on the market and this article will run down what they are and what I think of them. Drop-ins, pins, and lock-time get their spaces too.
Zediker AR Maintenance

By Glen Zediker. There are three articles on this topic that are separated into barrel cleaning, cleaning and lubrication of the rest of the rifle, and a full component on how to run an AR15 as well as store it unharmed.

Royalties from Glen Zediker’s Books go to his surviving sons/family members. Consider purchasing one now:


NOTE: Most of these books are also available from Midsouth Shooters, some at lower cost.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Competition, News, Reloading, Shooting Skills 3 Comments »
October 31st, 2020

Handgun Pumpkin-Carving with Hickok45 — Happy Halloween

hickok45 youtube pumpkin video model 29 revolver sig M17

Happy Halloween
Hickok45 Carves Pumpkins with Handguns

To celebrate Halloween, here’s an example of master wheelgun marksmanship. Popular YouTube host Hickok45 skillfully creates a smiling face on a pumpkin using a S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum revolver. This is the classic blued, double-action revolver popularized by Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. This has become a tradition for Hickok 45 — every year he puts a face on a pumpkin using a different firearm, typically a pistol, but he’s used a couple rifles as well. The latest pumpkin-carving effort, in October 2020, was done with a SIG M17 pistol. SEE PUMPKIN Shooting Playlist. Happy Halloween to all our readers.

Want to see more? Hickok45 has also carved pumpkins with a dozen firearms. Here is a pumpkin carved with a genuine, WWI-era Colt 1911 carried by an American soldier in the Pacific theater.

And here is a rather grim-looking face applied using the .40 SW Glock 23.

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October 29th, 2020

Report: Wicked Conditions at Mid-Range F-Class Nationals

F-Class Nationals Championship ben avery arizona 600-yard mid-range

Mid-Range Competitors Battle Tough Conditions at Ben Avery
Report by F-Class John (competing at the Nationals)
The Mid-Range Nationals at Ben Avery in Arizona have been completed, and many competitors are breathing a sigh of relief. Winds were howling and conditions were VERY tough. We congratulate all the competitors who battled the high winds. This year all shooting at the Mid-Range Nationals was done at 600 yards (the simplified course of fire was adopted in 2019). I think I can safely say everyone is excited and ready to move on to Long-Range portion of the championships.

The Top 10 in each division are listed below. New F-Open Mid-range Champion Tim Vaught put together a very impressive performance, dropping just 14 points in very challenging conditions.

F-Class Nationals Championship ben avery arizona 600-yard mid-range

The fact that F-Open winner Tim Vaught dropped just 14 points across nine 20-shot relays is INSANE given the incredibly tough conditions. He deserved his title without a doubt. F-TR Mid-Range Champion Andrew Cyr also had an impressive performance, winning by 9 points over a very tough field, including past National F-TR Champions and Nancy Tompkins, past NRA High Power and Long Range Champion.

The F-TR division was won by Andrew Cyr. His gunsmith, Bryan Blake, said this rig has some unusual features, including barrel twist rate. Stay tuned for a full tech report…
F-Class Nationals Championship ben avery arizona 600-yard mid-range

Challenging Conditions at F-Class Mid-Range Nationals
Conditions were pretty incredible and by no means typical for Ben Avery for the Mid-Range portion of the USA F-Class National Championships. We started on Sunday with dead calm conditions on relay one and by the end of shooting, it was challenging but certainly not anything outside the normal for most of the people. We woke up Monday to crazy strong winds that just tore apart those who were ‘lucky enough’ to be on the first relay and it throughout the day it went from horrible to manageable and it was just dumb luck if your relay got hit or spared. The uncharacteristically strong winds met us Tuesday morning again for the final day of Mid-Range.

Video has highlights from three days of Mid-Range competition.

Before the first relay I measured gusts that were almost 24 mph with the constant wind hovering in the high teens. It calmed down from there but still remained very challenging until the end. Overall it was quite the fight for first with Tim Vaught earning the F-Open win with Dan Bramley and Tod Hendricks taking a respective second and third place out of a field of 66 High Masters and 13 Masters. These guys all shot superbly in some of the most challenging conditions ever witnessed at the Ben Avery range in Arizona. Mighty impressive…

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October 28th, 2020

CMP Western Games 2021 will Include Rifle AND Pistol Matches

CMP Western Games Phoenix Ben Avery 2021

Even while other major matches (such as the 2021 SWN) have been cancelled, the 2021 CMP Western Games could be bigger than ever. Next year’s Western Games, held March 12-21, 2021 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona will include pistol matches for the first time. That should attract more competitors, so register early. Western Games online registration opens on November 1, 2020.

CMP Western Games ENTRY FORM | CMP Western Games INFORMATION

CMP Western Games PROGRAM | CMP Western Games SCHEDULE

CMP Western Games Phoenix Ben Avery 2021

NEW in 2021: The CMP will be holding pistol matches during the 2021 Western CMP Games. There will be a Pistol Marksmanship 101, plus an M9 EIC Match, CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol Match .22 Rimfire Pistol EIDC Match, Military/Police Service Pistol Match and 1911 As-Issued Pistol Match.

CMP Western Games 2021

RETURNING EVENTS: The Western CMP Games include the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military, Modern Military, Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, and Vintage Sniper Match. There will also be a Rifle Marksmanship 101 with M16 EIC Match. Other clinics include the GSM New Shooter Clinic and the M1 Maintenance Clinic.

CMP Western Games 2021

CMP Western Games 2021

Additionally, the CMP HP Rifle Matches will include a Team CMP Clinic with live-fire, plus 4-Man Team Match, EIC Rifle Match and three days of 80-shot events.

Competitor in M1 Carbine Match at CMP Western Games
CMP Western Games 2021

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October 27th, 2020

Train for F-Class with Reduced-Size Target Centers

F-Class Target center NRA training reduced size
Ben Avery Match Photo by Sherri Jo Gallagher.

The 2020 F-Class National Championships are underway right now at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mid-Range Championship (Oct. 25-28) concludes tomorrow, followed by the Long-Range Championship (Oct. 29 – Nov. 1). Given the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we know many F-Class shooters couldn’t make it to Nationals this year. For them, and other folks who are getting started in the sport, here are some special targets that let you train at your home range, even if it does not have target bays at 600 and 1000 yards. These special 300-yard target centers that let you duplicate the exact MOA size of the official F-Class targets, but at closer range.

2015 F-Class Championship Ben Avery
Here is the sleek, carbon-stocked .308 Win rifle Bryan Litz used to win both the 2015 Mid-Range AND
Long-Range F-TR Championship at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona.

These reduced-size target centers were created by Forum member SleepyGator, an F-Class competitor who needed practice targets he could use at 300 yards. There is an official reduced-distanced standard for 300-yard F-Class matches. This utilizes the NRA No. MR-63FC – F-Class Target Center which is pasted over the MR-63 target. It provides a 1.42″ X-Ring, 2.85″ 10-Ring, and 5.85″ Nine-Ring. (The dimensions of F-Class targets are found in the NRA High Power Rules, Sec. 22, part 4, page 70-71 — see sample below.)

F-Class Reduced Target Centers

CLICK HERE to Download F-Class 300-yard Target Centers (.Zip archive with three targets)

To duplicate the 300-yard target, SleepyGator has prepared a printable version of the MR-63FC Target Center, along with a pair of training targets with two bulls and five bulls. The two-bull and five-bull targets mirror the scoring rings on the MR-63FC, but they display only the innermost three rings and two rings respectively. All three targets are Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files that can be easily printed. You may need to adjust the scale (sizing) on your printer to get the dimensions exactly correct. As noted above, when printed, the 10-Ring on all three targets should measure 2.85″. This should provide some handy practice targets you can use between matches. Thanks to SleepyGator for providing these targets. You can download all three as a .Zip archive. After downloading the .Zip file, just click on the .Zip archive to extract the individual targets.

CLICK HERE to Download NRA High Power Rules with F-Class Target Dimensions

F-Class Target Paste Center

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October 26th, 2020

See Bullet Holes at 500+ with White Background Splatter Targets

shoot-n-c sight-in-target white black halo

Do you have trouble seeing your bullet holes (on paper) when shooting past 400 yards? That’s a common issue even with premium ($1600+) high-magnification scopes. Here’s a target that solves that problem. A hit creates a larger black circle that’s much more visible than a plain bullet hole, making this target ideal for use at longer range (500 yards and beyond).

The 12″ square Birchwood Casey white background Sight-In Target displays a black “halo” around each hit (like the yellow circle on a conventional Shoot-N-C). Larger than bullet diameter, the “halos” can be easily seen with a high-magnification scope at long range (see video below). The self-adhesive target features four diamonds with contrasting red box centers. For precise aiming, you can position your cross-hairs to align with the corners of the boxes. Or, you can put a target dot sticker in the middle.

This video shows Black Shot Halos on white background:

White splatter targetWhile we envision using this target with optics at long range, Birchwood Casey says that open sights show up well against the white background, making these targets well-suited for indoor ranges or use in low light conditions.

This white background grid target has five aiming points and a 1-inch grid overlay for quick and easy sight adjustments. It comes with target pasters that allow shooters to cover up bullet holes and continue using the target for added value. The White/Black Shoot-N-C 12″ Sight-In Targets come in 5-packs with 75 target pasters for $8.99 from MidwayUSA or $8.09 on Amazon. If you prefer circle targets, there is a larger 17.5″ Shoot-N-C target with one large bull with red diamond center (photo right).

High-Viz Option — Yellow on Black Grid with Yellow Halos

If you prefer seeing ultra-high-contrast yellow/green “halos” for your hits, Birchwood Casey also makes adhesive grid targets with five yellow-edged diamonds. Red circles provide precise aiming points in the middle of each box. You can quickly estimate group size or dial-in your zero using the hi-viz yellow 1″ grid lines. These yellow-on-black targets are available in three sizes: 8″ square, 12″ square, and 17.5″ square. These yellow-on-black grid targets start at $4.89 for an 8″ six-pack.

shoot-n-c sight-in-target white black halo

Permalink Gear Review, New Product, Shooting Skills 1 Comment »
October 25th, 2020

Sunday GunDay: Anschutz 1913 Super Match + Precise ALU Stock

Anschutz 1913 rifle smallbore

Report based on Lars Dalseide story in NRAblog

Anschutz smallbore position rifleHigh-Tech Rimfire Rigs
If you watched the smallbore position and prone shooters at the 2016 Brazil Olympic Games, you couldn’t help but notice the exotic rifles competitors were shooting. There were wood stocks, metal stocks, factory-built rifles, and customized specials. One of the more popular smallbore rifles used at the Olympics and World Cup competition has been the Anschütz model 1913 “Super Match”, fitted with the 1918 “Precise” Alumnium stock. Anschutz does have a newer 2013 model, but this 1913 remains quite popular. The Anschütz model 1913 rifle boasts remarkable adjustability to suit the 3-Position game. The wide range of adjustments allow the the rifle to be customized for the shooter, and modified to best suit each position: prone, kneeling/sitting, and standing.

Customizable rifles like this Anschütz 1913 Super Match “can make a real difference in a shooter’s performance,” explained Jessie McClain of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division. “I went from a decent shooter to making the varsity shooting team my freshman year because of the rifle.” A key feature is the fully adjustable stock, which she called the Porsche of the shooting world. Fully adjustable from the butt plate to the check piece to the hand stop and risers and bolt knobs, the aluminum stock is fully customizable to the athlete … which can be a huge advantage. “Every person is different … a customizable rifle fits anyone. A rifle team can purchase four of these and field a shooting team for years.”

Anschutz 1913 rifle smallbore

The Modern Anschütz Position Rifle
Smallbore match rifle makers are using modern materials in response to the need for greater adjustability (and enhanced accuracy). One of the most popular designs is the Anschütz model 1913 position rifle with a “1918 ALU Precise” brushed aluminum stock. This looks like it has been crafted in an aircraft plant.

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

Anschutz 1913 rifle smallbore

The Anschütz 1913 Precise — Prone Shooting with Ace Marksman

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

In this 7-minute video, you can see details of an Anschütz 1913 Super Match Rifle (ALU Precise 1918 stock) for the first two minutes. Then the video shows the rifle being shot from prone, viewed from multiple angles (right, left, overhead, front). Watch at the 5:15 time-mark to see how the marksman steadies his rifle for the shot. This video offers good details of feeding and prone holding.

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

NEXT Generation — the Anschütz Model 2013

This video shows the latest-generation Anschütz model 2013 match rifle with aluminum 2018 stock being used in a benchrest match with riflescope. Note that the 2013 action is slab-sided and silver, rather than cylindrical and blued like the older model 1913. You’ll see good close-ups of the shooter working the action and feeding rounds. Watch closely and you can see the take-up, trigger pull and firing at 00:32 and 00:57 time-marks.

Anschutz 1913 1918 Aluminum precise stock

Story by Lars Dalseide, courtesy the NRA Blog.
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October 24th, 2020

2021 Berger Southwest Nationals Event Has Been Canceled

desert sharpshooters 2021 SWN SW southwest nationals cancellation cancel notice Ben Avery AZ Phoenix F-Class
Berger SWN Photo by Sherri Jo Gallagher.

Bad news folks — one of the very best rifle matches on the planet, the Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN), will NOT be held in 2021. The Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club, organizers of the big match, stated that because of Arizona state health regulations, it would be too difficult to conduct a match this big. An email notice was issued on 10/22/2020 which concluded:

“The Desert Sharpshooters feel that we cannot maintain the integrity of the match while also following all of Ben Avery’s COVID requirements. Additionally, we feel that it is not fair to the shooters and sponsors to hold the match in conditions that will not allow it to be on par with the world class standards we strive for. Therefore … we must announce the cancellation of the 2021 Southwest Nationals.”

desert sharpshooters 2021 SWN SW southwest nationals cancellation cancel notice Ben Avery AZ Phoenix F-Class

Notice from The Desert Sharpshooters

2021 Southwest Nationals Registration Information
The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is owned and operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. As a state owned facility, we must follow all COVID restrictions in place, and it seems that these measures will not be lifted anytime soon. We have been informed that the AZ Governor’s office will not enter into any new phases until there is a vaccine in place.

In planning for the F-Class Nationals held this month, the Desert Sharpshooters have struggled to put in place measures that follow all of Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s requirements. This is for a match half the size of a traditional Southwest Nationals. While the F-Class Nationals will still be taking place, it will not have the traditional atmosphere that shooters expect from a national championship event. Among other measures, shooters will not be permitted to gather in groups on the range and will be forced to socially distance themselves. This will virtually eliminate the comradery typical of the shooting sports, especially at an international event.

In recent years, the Southwest Nationals has filled all 360 available spots in a matter of minutes after registration opens. In addition, we typically see a waiting list of 100 to 150 shooters hoping to get into the full match. In order to follow COVID measures, we would have to limit entries to 180 available spots. Since this match consists of Sling, F-TR, and F-Open, we would further have to limit each division to 60 shooters.

After much deliberation, the Desert Sharpshooters feel that we cannot maintain the integrity of the match while also following all of Ben Avery’s COVID requirements. Additionally, we feel that it is not fair to the shooters and sponsors to hold the match in conditions that will not allow it to be on par with the world class standards we strive for. Therefore, it is with much sadness that we must announce the cancellation of the 2021 Southwest Nationals.

Kind Regards,
Desert Sharpshooters

Desert sharpshooters | P O Box 11684, Prescott, AZ 86304

desert sharpshooters 2021 SWN SW southwest nationals cancellation cancel notice Ben Avery AZ Phoenix F-Class

If you have never been to the Berger SW Nationals before, this video from the 2016 match provides an aerial view of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, along with images from the firing lines:

Permalink Competition, News, Shooting Skills 4 Comments »
October 23rd, 2020

Aiming in Autumn Range Challenge — 10 Weeks of Prizes

Autumn Range Challenge instagram contest

DOWNLOAD 8 x 11 Autumn Target | DOWNLOAD 11 x 17 Autumn Target

Here’s a great way to have fun at the range, and also get chances to win 10 Weekly prize packages. Just download the printable Autumn target, and showcase your skills. Find participating ranges HERE, or you can go to your favorite local range. There are three different challenge scenarios listed on the target sheet. Shoot indoors or outdoors — 5 yards for pistol, 10 yards for rifle. The point of the Range Challenge is to enjoy yourself and showcase the fun of target shooting.

Ten Weekly #RangeChallenge Rewards Prize Packages Now through December
For the next ten (10) weeks there will be prize packages. The first week closes Sunday, October 27, 2020 — so you can get involved this weekend. The final week 10 concludes December 29, 2020.

CLICK HERE for Range Challenge Rules and Prize List »

How to Enter Weekly #RangeChallenge Rewards Sweepstakes
To enter each weekly contest, simply post a #RangeChallenge photo you took on Instagram. Most entry photos will have the Autumn target in view, but that’s not mandatory. You enter all ten (10) weeks, but can only post a maximum of two (2) entries per week. You much be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Autumn Range Challenge instagram contest

Enter the Weekly Sweepstakes by posting a photo or video to Instagram accompanied with the #RangeChallenge hashtag. You must agree to allow NSSF to share the image via social media and grant the NSSF photo rights. Photos are only eligible for this sweepstakes if they depict proper firearms safety, including but not limited to: fingers off the trigger until actively target shooting, keep muzzles pointed in a safe direction, keep firearms unloaded when not in use, be sure of their target and what is beyond. If any photos illustrate complacency around these core firearms safety rules, they will not be eligible. There is a maximum of two (2) eligible entries per week.

CLICK HERE for All Weekly Prize Lists with photos (PDF) »

Autumn Range Challenge instagram contestAutumn Range Challenge instagram contest

Here is the $477.97 Prize Package for the Final Week 10 in December 2020:
Autumn Range Challenge instagram contest

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