The 2023 Southwest Nationals (SWN) have concluded. Though there were very challenging wind/weather conditions this year, the 2023 SWN was a very successful mid-range and long-range event. There was some great shooting in F-Open, F-TR, and Sling divisions. We congratulate the 2023 Long-Range SWN Champions: Erik Cortina (F-Open, 1241-60X); Jeremy Newell (F-TR, 1221-49X); and Justin Skaret (Sling, 1233-50X). Notably, Skaret won Sling Division by 11 points — a big margin. SEE ALL 2023 Results.
The 600-yard champions were: Louis Buatt (F-Open, 600-39X), Luke Ramsey (F-TR, 596-31X), and Randy Teissedre (Sling, 597-33X). Buatt shoot a remarkable “clean” 600-yard match, not dropping a single point while amassing 39 “X”s. Superb performance by Louis!
Shown below is F-Open Long-Range (1000-yard) Winner Erik Cortina. Erik’s purple F-Open rifle was chambered for the new wildcat cartridge based on the 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. This drives high-BC 7mm Berger bullets at 2950 fps.
Our friend Gary Eliseo, maker of Competition Machine rifle chassis systems, said this was a tough match this year: “The 2023 SWN is in the books. This year we faced extremely challenging conditions with very strong erratic winds and cold temps but it was great catching up with so many friends from around the country, thank you all….”
The F-Class Worlds will be held in South Africa this year. The 2023 SWN offered good practice conditions for Team USA, which posted: “The USA F-Open team had two very successful days of practice for the upcoming World Championship in South Africa. We were also blessed to have five USA rifle team members in the top 10, with Erik Cortina taking the win and Bill Kolodziej taking silver.”
Here are the Long-Range TOP TEN for each of the three divisions. CLICK HERE for ALL results:
2023 Southwest Nationals Top 10 Long Range Competitors by Division
F-Open Class
Erik Cortina, 1241-60X
William Kolodziej, 1239-60X
Tim Vaught, 1236-59X
Noman Harrold, 1234-63X
Johnny Ingram, 1234-59X
Matthew Basalla, 1234-54X
Ken Dickerman, 1234-49X
Tod Hendricks, 1232-58X
Dan Bramley, 1232-49X
Doug Skogman, 1231-58X
F-TR Class
Jeremy Newell, 1221-49X
Luke Ramsey, 1218-47X
James Crofts, 1217-57X
Mark Fairbairn, 1217-47X
Allen Tampke, 1214-38X
Scott Fulmer, 1213-44X
Jennifer Bondurant, 1213-36X
Randy Littleton, 1211-39X
Alton Johnson, 1210-39X
Greg Barkley, 1206-44X
Sling Class
Justin Skaret, 1233-50X
John Friguglietti, 1222-37X
Amanda Elsenboss, 1220-55X
Curtis Bohlman, 1220-53X
Stephan Bunde, 1218-56X
Justin Utley, 1218-56X
Jon Rhynard, 1218-46X
Kent Shomber, 1217-46X
Joe Blacksmith, 1217-43X
Nate Guernsey, 1216-47X
The SWN was made possible this year through the participation of three dozen sponsors including Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, Applied Ballistics, SEB Rests, Lilja Barrels, F-Class Products, Forster Products, Sightron, PMA Tool, K&M, Creedmoor Sorts, McMillan Stocks, Nancy Tompkins, and many other companies.
Click the links below for full results, including Grand Aggs and day-by-day performances. You can also find further results plus a large collection of photos at SouthwestNationals.net.
The Berger SW Nationals is one of the few American events where sling shooters compete on the same firing line as F-Class competitors (though in separate groups).
Team competitions were closely fought. In the F-TR Division, Team USA Blue (2505-70X) edged Team Texas (2504-76X) to win by one point. In F-0pen, Team Rollin Coal (2558-129X) finished three points ahead of runner-up Team Grizzly (2555-102X). In the Sling Division, U.S. Palma Gold Team (2555-104X) took first-place, ahead of U.S. NRT Gold (2504-104X).
Reading the wind can be challenging at Ben Avery. What’s your wind call here?
Top competitors show focus and concentration in mid-range match 2022.
Stunning F-Open rifle with SEB Mini front rest with Blake Machine accessories.
Working in the pits is part of the Berger SWN experience.
Hundreds of Competitors from the USA and 8 Other Countries
Along with top American F-Class and sling shooters, the Southwest Nationals attracts competitors from around the world. Last year, on Day 1 of the 2022 SW Nationals, Nancy Tompkins posted: “We started the day off with National anthems for Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the USA.”
Photo by Nancy Tompkins near Ben Avery Shooting Facility in 2022. Nancy posted: “Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and shooters who have traveled from all over… to make this match so special.”
See you next year!
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Any republication on a different website is unauthorized.
FREE Firearm Rentals and Limited FREE Ammo
Today, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 is a great time to visit a shooting range. Today is the second Annual Second Amendment Day (“2A Day”), a time to celebrate America’s Second Amendment freedoms and have fun hitting targets at the range. In observance of 2A Day, Brownells and Smith & Wesson will sponsor free firearm rentals and limited free ammo at 48 Range USA locations and other participating ranges. To learn more about 2A Day range events, giveaways, and more visit www.brownells.com/2ADAY.
Additional opportunities to celebrate and show support include joining organizations that promote Second Amendment rights on national and state levels or by sharing a photo or video post on social media using the hashtag “#2ADay” to help spread awareness.
Second Amendment Day Official Target (Download for FREE)
“February 22nd is a day we, as a nation, can recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board at Brownells. “I hope Americans from all walks of life visit the range on this one day – 2/22 … and safely exercise their Second Amendment right, which is the underpinning of safety and security in America.”
Shooting can be a frustrating sport at times, prompting shooters to say some funny things in the heat of the moment. Here’s a collection of humorous range ripostes, supplied by Shooters’ Forum members (who are listed after each quote). Enjoy.
“I paid to use all of the target and I’m getting value for money on all of the real estate!” (Macropod)
“At 65 years of age, 1000-yard benchrest is better than sex, because a relay lasts 10 minutes!” (The Viper)
“How did I do?” “Well the gun went off and nobody got hurt, we can build on that….” (Mr. Majestic)
“Treat that trigger likes it’s your first date, not like you’ve been married to it for 20 years.” (Jet)
“It’s a good thing broad sides of barns aren’t at many shooting ranges.” (Rocky F.)
Target photo by Forum member RyanJay11.
“It was an 0.2″ group! Well, err, except for that flyer….” (Dsandfort)
“It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian.” (Rocky F.)
“I can’t understand it. That load worked good in my other barrel”. (Hogpatrol)
“You bakin a biscuit?” Said to me as I was sitting at the bench ready to shoot with a cartridge in the chamber of a hot gun, taking longer than necessary. (Ebb)
“Shooting groups is easy. Just put the last three between the first two.” (Uthink)
Shooter 1: “Hey you cross-fired on my target!”
Shooter 2: “Well you cross-fired on mine first!”
Shooter 1: “Yeah but you could have at least shot an X like I did on yours.” (At Raton — Rocky F.)
“I had a bughole going and my second shot dropped straight down!” (JDMock)
“The nut came loose on the end of my stock.” (TXDan)
“That’s a pretty eight.” (REastman quoting James Crofts)
“I almost shot a record.” (Jay Christopherson)
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other website is allowed.
February 22, 2023 is National 2nd Amendment Day. Next week, on Wednesday the 22nd, head to the range to celebrate 2A Day! RSVP at a participating ranges for free range time. And ask a participating range about free firearm rental or limited free ammo. Or head to the range of your choice to celebrate this important American freedom — the right to keep and bear arms.
“February 22nd is a day we, as a nation, can recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board at Brownells. “I hope Americans from all walks of life visit the range on this one day – 2/22 … and safely exercise their Second Amendment right, which is the underpinning of safety and security in America.”
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) encourages American gun owners to celebrate the second annual “National 2nd Amendment Day” established by Brownells. Participating gun ranges include all Range USA locations, plus individual gun ranges located in Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, and Virginia,
Too far away from a participating range? Use this NSSF Where-to-Shoot link to find a range near you and go celebrate your rights and freedoms!
Second Amendment Day Official Target (Download for FREE)
Go to the Range to Celebrate Our Second Amendment Rights
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb observed: “For tens of millions of Americans, visiting a gun range is an important part of their lifestyle. It is an opportunity to gather with friends, improve their skills and reinforce all of the gun safety lessons they’ve learned and practiced over the years. Shooting ranges provide a friendly environment, opportunities to meet new people and the chance to spend quality recreational time doing something they enjoy.”
Does your range or shooting club need money to improve facilities? Would you like to train club members as shooting coaches? Well the MidwayUSA Foundation is offering money to help via its Range Development and Coach Training grant programs. In 2022 the MidwayUSA Foundation offered over $1 million in range development grants. For both Range Development and Coach Training, applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online grant application process which opened for applications this month.
Range Development grants allow existing shooting ranges to make improvements/expansions to to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. This grant cycle runs from February 1, 2023 to April 1, 2023 and cash grants will be awarded in June. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Range Development grants will not exceed $75,000 or 50% of the proposed project budget. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Team and agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. Applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online application process. Additional requirements can be found on the MidwayUSA Foundation website.
MidwayUSA Foundation’s Coach Training Grant cycle opened on February 1, 2023 and will run through March 1, 2023 and grants will be awarded in May. The maximum grant payout is $5,000. The funds can be used to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications, including skills training, clinics, or other coach training. Teams or individuals interested in the Coach Training grant program should reach out to their state organization, which must hold an Agency or Donor Designated endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation. CLICK HERE for other requirements.
How these Grant Programs Help the Shooting Sports
Without proper ranges, there could be no shooting sports at all. And qualified coaches are essential for youth marksmanship training. Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds explains: “These programs help put the infrastructure in place to provide qualified coaches and regulation ranges. We want all kids that desire to participate in youth shooting sports to have that opportunity.”
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more INFO, visit Midwayusafoundation.org.
With the Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN) underway this week at Ben Avery outside Phoenix, Arizona, we’ll take a look at F-Class competition. The majority of SWN shooters compete in F-TR and F-Open divisions. On the firing line you’ll see the latest and greatest stocks, actions, optics, bipods (for F-TR), and Front Rests (for F-Open). This article looks at the two F-Class divisions.
A while back, our friend Vince Bottomley in the UK wrote an excellent article for Target Shooter Magazine. Vince offers “solid-gold” advice for new F-TR and F-Open shooters. Vince reviews the cartridge options, and offers suggestions for a shooter’s first (and hopefully affordable) F-Class rifle. Vince also reviews various bipod choices for F-TR and discusses optics options (from $300 to $3000).
Getting Started in F-Class by Vince Bottomley
As membership secretary of a large club, one of the questions I’m frequently asked – “What’s the best way to get started in F-Class?” My club has an F-Class shoot every couple of weeks at ranges from 300 to 1000 yards and, not surprisingly, it’s very popular.
F-TR or Open Class?
From a shaky start way back in 2004, the F-TR Class is now proving as popular as Open Class and, at GBFCA League shoots and club shoots, many shooters choose to start with a 308, shooting off a bi-pod – in other words F-TR. In Open Class, the 7mm WSM soon established itself as the “must have” cartridge – if you wanted to win but, the WSM’s appetite for barrels eventually brought another 7mm cartridge into play – the 284 Winchester. This 50-year-old stalwart was revived a decade or so ago as the 6.5-284 and indeed this cartridge found some favor with F-Class pioneers – before the potency of the WSM was discovered. If you don’t mind shelling out for a couple of barrels per year (barrel life is about 750 rounds with the WSM) go for the 7mm WSM but, if you require a decent round-count, then opt for the .284 Win and learn to read the wind a bit better!
[Editor: In the last couple of years, another option has emerged — the 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. This wildcat 7-6.5 PRC offers a bit more velocity than a .284 Win or its “improved” cousin the .284 Shehane.]
F-Open rifles on the firing line at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Scopes for F-Class
If you will be shooting 1000 yards then I would recommend at least 32 power and preferably a variable – like the 8-32. The cheapest “usable” scope in this range is the Sightron. It’s a great scope for the money and at under $900 (in the USA) it’s half the price of its nearest competitor. It’s also light – at 1.5 lbs – and there are some great reticles for the F-Class shooter – like the LRMOA.
The 2023 Southwest Nationals (SWN) competition kicks off today at the Ben Avery Range outside Phoenix, Arizona. This major F-Class, Palma, and Any Rifle event runs February 15-19, 2023. The match begins with Mid-Range competition starting at 8:30 am on Wednesday, February 15th. There will be a barbeque in the Indoor Range at the completion of firing Saturday (Approx. 5:30 PM) and then there will be an awards ceremony at the completion of firing Sunday. CLICK HERE for SWN 2023 official program.
Below is the schedule for the entire 5-day event, one of the biggest mid-range and long-range rifle matches of the year in the United States. There are typically over 300 competitors, the majority shooting F-TR and F-Open. For further information, squadding lists, and daily results, visit: SouthwestNationals.net.
Southwest Nationals 2023 MATCH SCHEDULE
1. Mid-Range Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight Wednesday, 15 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH A: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 600 yards.
MATCH B: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 600 yards.
MATCH C: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 600 yards.
MATCH D: Any rifle-Any sight. Aggregate of Matches A, B and C.
2. Palma 4-Man Team Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight Thursday, 16 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 1: Unlimited sighters and 15 shots for record at 800 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 900 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 1000 yards.
Teams will consist of four firing members, a captain, a coach and an alternate.
3. Palma Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Optic Friday, 17 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 2: Unlimited sighters and 15 shots for record at 800 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 900 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 1000 yards
4. 1000-Yard Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Iron Sight, Optic Saturday, 18 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 3: Any rifle-Iron sight. Any sight for F-Class shooters. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards
MATCH 4: Any rifle-Iron sight. Any sight for F-Class shooters. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
MATCH 5: 4 Man Team Match. Any rifle-Iron sight. Any sight for F-Class shooters. 2 sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
Teams will consist of four firing members, a captain, a coach and an alternate.
MATCH 6: Any rifle-Iron sight Championship: Aggregate of matches #3 and #4.
5. 1000-Yard Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight, Optic Sunday, 19 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 7: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
MATCH 8: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
For the multi-match Aggregate Awards, these are the combined “Match” designations:
MATCH 9: Any rifle-Any sight Championship: Aggregate of matches #7 and #8.
MATCH 10: Team Match Aggregate – #1 and #5. Firing members must shoot both matches.
MATCH 11: 1000 Yard Championship: Aggregate of #6 and #9.
MATCH 12: Southwest Long Range Nationals – Aggregate of #2 and #11.
Valentine’s Day 2023 — Best Wishes
That’s right, today is February 14th — Valentine’s Day. While testing a rifle at the range a few seasons back, 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 heart-shaped, 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.”
Stunners in silver. Above are the NRA Leech Cup (left) and Wimbledon Cup (right).
Shooting Sports USA has a fascinating article about the Perpetual Trophies awarded in national-level NRA matches. The story recounts the history behind the elaborate trophies, some from the 1870s. SSUSA’s Jennifer Pearsall writes: “The pieces of wood, stone and precious metal … are more than just instant recognition of achievement. They are the link of the American shooter’s present to his or her patriotic past. As you read this legacy of the NRA ranges, their founders, and the long list of cups, bowls, and plaques, realize that the history of competitive shooting is undeniably a significant part of the foundation of this country”. Read Full Trophy Story HERE.
The NRA was co-founded by Col. William Church and Gen. George Wood Wingate (ranked Captain at the time). Both Church and Wingate hoped to improved the marksmanship skills of American soldiers. One of the newly-formed NRA’s first actions was to issue: “An Act to Establish a Rifle Range and Promote Skill in Marksmanship”. That led to the opening of the famed Creedmoor Range, with a special inaugural match in June of 1873.
Many of the awards presented in the first NRA matches were cash or firearms. Some of these firearms were heavily embellished works of art. In the very first match, a member of the 22nd New York Regiment took home a gold-mounted Winchester Model 1866 valued at $100 — big money for the time.
In the 1870s shooting competitions were social as well as sporting events. Ladies and gentlemen came to watch and cheer the winners. This illustration, originally from Harpers Weekly, portrays the shooters and the viewing gallery at the 1876 Grand Centennial Championship—the “Palma” Match.
The Leech Cup — A Gift from Ireland
The Leech Cup was created for the first meeting of the American and Irish shooting teams. The elaborate cup was presented by Major Arthur Leech, captain of the the Irish team, to the Amateur Rifle Club of New York. This masterpiece of Irish silversmithing was later given to the NRA in 1901 by the New York Club. Today, the Leech Cup is the oldest trophy offered in overall NRA competitive target shooting, awarded through the National High Power Long Range Championships.
Michelle Gallagher with Leech Cup in 2013.
The Wimbledon Cup
The Wimbledon Trophy was a gift from the NRA of Great Britain. It was given, as a gesture of sportsmanship, after the the U.S. Team was denied the ability to compete in England’s Elcho Shield match, then limited to Britain, Scotland, and Ireland. To maintain friendly competitive relations, the British presented the Americans with a large, engraved, lion-footed tankard trophy to be awarded each year to the Champion U.S. long-distance rifleman.
The Palma Team Trophy
Originally named the Centennial Trophy, in honor of the Centennial celebration of the independence of the United States of America, the Palma Trophy was commissioned from Tiffany’s at a cost of $1,500. The trophy was a full-sized replica of a Roman Legion standard, executed in bronze with silver and gold inlay. On the banner of the standard was the legend, “In the name of the United States of America to the Riflemen of the world”. Above the banner was an eagle, bearing in its talons a wreath of palm leaves and a plaque on which was the single word, “PALMA”, the Latin word for palm tree, which was used by the Romans to signify victory, or the ultimate in excellence.
Because the word Palma was so easily seen, the trophy soon became known as the “Palma Trophy”, and by 1878 was referred to officially by that name. The original seven and one-half foot trophy is now lost, having not been seen since at least 1954. Serving in its place is a copy which was commissioned by Dr. Herbert M. Aitken of Eau Claire, WI. The copy was made from the original Tiffany blue-prints at a cost of $32,500. Dr. Aitken has given this copy of the Palma Trophy to the NRA for use in the Palma Match. The trophy is retained by the winning team until the next Palma Match.
In 2008, the Palma Trophy was returned to the NRA, and it was decided that the trophy, once refurbished, will travel to the host nation for the match every four years, then returned to the NRA for safekeeping.
The first competition for the Palma Team was a challenge match for which the British Commonwealth nations were invited. The match was fired in 1876 at the old Creedmoor Range on Long Island as part of the Centennial celebration of the United States. Teams representing Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States took part. The match is currently fired on a four-year interval.
There was an “Arctic Blast” this past weekend in the Northeast USA, with some shockingly low temperatures in New England. Elsewhere in many northern states there is still lots of snow on the ground. That’s problematical if you’re stuck far from home. But if you want to go shooting this weekend, don’t let a little snowfall stand in your way. Heck, just grab your snow shovel and head to the range. Here’s how Forum Member Nick (aka “ChevyTruck 83″) coped with winter’s fury back in 2012. Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a dedicated AccurateShooter Forum member….
From a news report: “North-east arctic blast sets record -108F wind chill on New Hampshire summit. Arctic air in the US north-east on Saturday brought dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills including a record-setting -108F (-78C) on the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire.” Source: TheGuardian.com.
We admire the fortitude of Forum Member Nick who, a few sesons back, braved wintry weather to enjoy a day at the range in his native Pennsylvania. A little snow on the ground couldn’t stop this intrepid shooter, who brought snow shovel and arctic gear to his range session. Folks, here’s a true “hardcore” fan of shooting! Despite the “relentless snow”, Nick reports that “at least it wasn’t windy”. Nick shot a variety of long guns, including his .22 LR rimfires, a .223 Rem, and a .308. Not daunted by the cold, Rick said it was fun to “play like a kid once in a while.” That’s the spirit!
Nick reports: “There was no wind to speak of — just relentless snow. I’ll tell you what — it’s awesome to get out and play like a kid once in a while.”
Nick’s foray into the winter wonderland really puts things in perspective for “fair-weather” shooters. After viewing Nick’s Forum thread about his snowy range session, fellow Forum member DennisH observed: “I will never complain about our super hot sugar cane fields in south Louisiana ever again! We can hold matches 12 months a year. I have NEVER had, owned, or used a snow shovel.”
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Any site republishing this story agrees to pay damages and/or licensing fees.
Valentine’s Day 2023 — Best Wishes
The Palma Team Trophy
We admire the fortitude of Forum Member Nick who, a few sesons back, braved wintry weather to enjoy a day at the range in his native Pennsylvania. A little snow on the ground couldn’t stop this intrepid shooter, who brought snow shovel and arctic gear to his range session. Folks, here’s a true “hardcore” fan of shooting! Despite the “relentless snow”, Nick reports that “at least it wasn’t windy”. Nick shot a variety of long guns, including his .22 LR rimfires, a .223 Rem, and a .308. Not daunted by the cold, Rick said it was fun to “play like a kid once in a while.” That’s the spirit!
