Morpheus

Shooters, Here is a reminder that Blue & Gray and Warren County Rifle Clubs will hold Sat/Sun matches the weekend of 2/18-2/19. These are “club†matches and scores will not be sent in to the NRA. These are intended to be early-season “tune-up†matches to try out new loads, rifles, etc. These matches will be held “Weather Permittingâ€. Basically, if the forecast for the day is for a high above 35°F without precipitation, assume the match is on. If the weather looks questionable, watch for an e-mail from me or a website posting the night before to confirm the status. Registration will begin at 8:00am CST and first rounds will go down range at ~9:00am. Cost is $15 per shooter, per day. These matches are open to F-Class, Prone, Palma, and Service Rifle. Please try to be there right at 8:00am so registration and squadding can be completed as quickly as possible. The Saturday 2/18 program is 300, 500, 600 yards, 15 shots at each yard line (45 total), with unlimited sighters. Match is run by B&G (Keith Perry) The Sunday 2/19 program is 2x1000, 20 shots per match (40 total), with unlimited sighters. Match is run by WCRC (John McGuire and crew) Please join us for these matches. We encourage new shooters to attend and we have many willing and able veterans who would be very happy to assist you getting started. We will try to pair rookies with veterans to keep things running smoothly. We were very happy to have 20+ new shooters join us at last month's match. If you have any other questions please let me know and I will try to get you an answer ASAP. Range Location: Arnold Center Rifle Range, near Tullahoma, Tennessee, Arnold Air Force Base (AEDC). Take I-24 to exit 117. Turn toward the Arnold Center and travel about 8.5 miles to a brown sign that says "Arnold Rifle Range". The next road on the right, past the sign is B-5. Turn right onto B-5 and travel 1 mile to the range complex. TNSSA Match Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=tnshootingsportsassociation@gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago&gsessionid=OK Thank you, Jim Sokolowski p.s. - If you would like to be on our distribution list for future matches, please send an e-mail to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com

Shooters, We have three changes to the 2012 AEDC LR/MR shooting schedule to report: 18-Feb-2012: Added a 3,5,600 yard club match. Run by B&G's Keith Perry with 15 shots for record at each yardline (weather permitting) 01-Apr-2012: Cancelled this match due to a National Guard training conflict. Their needs takes precedence over ours. 28-Apr-2012: This match is now "tentative" pending feedback from the National Guard per the above. Please refer to the updated schedule (attached). I will be sending out a reminder note for the 2/18-2/19 weekend matches about two weeks ahead of time, and then Keith and I will make the final determination regarding the weather conditions before the match in order to give everyone enough time to adjust accordingly. Also, don't forget about the TNSSA calendar (has not yet been updated with the above info): https://www.google.c...o&gsessionid=OK A special thanks again to all of our new shooters who joined us last weekend. We hope you had a good time, learned a lot, and will be back for the next match with additional shooters in tow. Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN

Awww, c'mon, Randy! I am an engineer - I can't help myself...

Well, I am glad you had a good time, but next time please don't plan on leaving before the match is finished. Your partner was stuck pulling targets by himself and without a scorer for his last match. This is something that we try to avoid in order to be fair to all the other shooters, especially when we get to the NRA matches later in the season. In general it's best to just plan on being out there the whole day.

I can confirm that we are good to go for tomorrow.

It's not my sight-in session, but I understand registration starts at 8am CST, so I plan on arriving right at that time.

This match on 1/14 is being run by a different group, so I cannot answer your question. Please contact Mark Long. Mark's email address is marklong@tds.net.

This sight-in session on 1/14 is being run by a different group, so I cannot answer all of your questions. Since this is a charity event for junior shooters, I doubt that what he has planned will be able to be personalized for your specific individual needs. Contact Mark Long. Mark's email address is marklong@tds.net.

Here is another idea for potential new long-range shooters: On Saturday 1/14 at 8am CST (also at AEDC) the Highpower club will be holding a squadded sight-in session at 200, 300, and 600 yards as a fundraiser for junior shooters. While not a formal match, shooters will be put into relays and will shoot at each of the three distances. Cost is $20 and proceeds go to fund junior shooting events. If you don't want to make the first big plunge starting all the way out at 1,000 yards on Sunday without zeroes, etc, this would be a great opportunity to get your rifle sighted in at 600 yards, which will go a long way towards getting you on paper at 1,000 yards on 1/15 and/or 2/19.

Here is another idea for potential new long-range shooters: On Saturday 1/14 at 8am CST (also at AEDC) the Highpower club will be holding a squadded sight-in session at 200, 300, and 600 yards as a fundraiser for junior shooters. While not a formal match, shooters will be put into relays and will shoot at each of the three distances. Cost is $20 and proceeds go to fund junior shooting events. If you don't want to make the first big plunge starting all the way out at 1,000 yards on Sunday without zeroes, etc, this would be a great opportunity to get your rifle sighted in at 600 yards, which will go a long way towards getting you on paper at 1,000 yards on 1/15 and/or 2/19.

F-Class and NRA Long/Mid-Range Sling shooting is all prone.

Your rifle should work. If you shoot out of a sling with a scope that would be NRA Prone Any/Any. If use affix a bipod that would be F-T/R and would use the smaller target. Read up on the websites I posted earlier for some hints and tips. It would be impossible for me to cover everything in a post here. Generally people do not use mil-dot scopes to dope the wind in Long Range matches like this.

You can shoot a .308 or a .223 with a bipod in the F-T/R class. Technically, it is illegal to shoot a rifle with a suppressor in an NRA match, but since this is just a club match on 1/15 it's OK. On the other hand, I can strongly recommend against shooting a round that you know for sure will be subsonic well before it reaches 1,000 yards. This will cause great frustration for the people pulling your target in the pits. The bullets simply go all over the place once they fall well below Mach 1, especially with a .223 in any kind of wind. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I would not want the guys in the pits to have to put up with this if it can be avoided. Remember, this is a competitive environment and there will be people there trying to get the best score possible. We will have current and former state and national champions in attendance. It's a great opportunity for everyone to learn, but a little more serious than just an ordinary day at the range.

Shooters, Happy New Year! Here is a reminder that the Warren County Rifle Club will hold its first Long-Range match of the year on Sunday 1/15/2012. This is a “club” match and scores will not be sent in to the NRA. These are intended to be early-season “tune-up” matches to try out new loads, rifles, etc. This match will be held “Weather Permitting”. Basically, if the forecast for the day is for a high above 35°F without precipitation, assume the match is on. If the weather looks questionable, watch for an e-mail from me or a website posting the night before to confirm the status. Registration will begin at 8:00am CST and first rounds will go down range at ~9:00am. The program is 2x20x1000 with unlimited sighters. Cost is $15 per shooter. These matches are open to F-Class, Prone, Palma, and Service Rifle. Please join us for these matches. We encourage new shooters to attend and we have many willing and able veterans who would be very happy to assist you getting started. If you have any other questions, need directions, etc. please let me know and I will try to get you an answer ASAP. Thank you, Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN p.s. If you would like to be on our e-mail distribution list for this year's matches, please send an e-mail to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com

Here is some more info for newbies: There are three basic phases that make up the block of time granted to you to complete your 20-shot match (usually 30-33 minutes total). Prep time, unlimited sighters, and record shots. During this block of time, each shooter completes the three phases at their own pace and there is no group change from one phase to the next. Each shooter moves from phase to phase whenever they are individually ready, and if a particular shooter finishes all three phases in 15 minutes, then so be it. Note that at some matches, prep time (3 minutes) is a separate coordinated event, but we combine everything into one so the matches move along more quickly. The first phase is known as prep time. This is when you bring your rifle to the line and get everything lined up, but do not fire any shots. Once you have everything all lined up and in place, you move on to the second phase - unlimited sighters. This is when you take your practice shots to get on target. You can get coaching, spotting, or other assistance or feedback during this time. Usually the fellow shooter that you are paired up with as your scorer will help you out here. These shots are usually written down but do not count towards your score. After you have completed unlimited sighters, and any number of people have assisted you in getting on target to your satisfaction, you will then move on to Phase 3 - shooting for record. To begin shooting for record, you need to make the clear and distinct announcement to your scorer that you will now begin shooting for score. Once you begin shooting this uninterrupted string of 20 shots for score (for record), Coaching is no longer allowed. Your shooting partner will record your scores on the scoresheet. Your next 20 shots, no matter what, count for your score. Once you start shooting for record, you can't go back and shoot any more sighter shots. When firing for record (20 shots after unlimited sighters) no one is allowed to give you any advice or feedback. No one can observe the wind for you and/or offer you tips on how to take your next shot. The person scoring for you can only say, "Shot 2 is an X" or words to that effect. They cannot say, "Shot 2 is an 8 at 9 o'clock. Aim a little more to the right because I just observed a wind change." All that being said, your wife is certainly allowed to join you behind the firing line and watch you shoot, she just can't help you at all during shots for record.

At any match, you can use a spotting scope while you are shooting. In F-Class, some do, some don't while shooting. For prone with iron sights, while shooting you generally must use a scope to see where your shots end up. While scoring for your partner, you will need a spotting scope to record the shots of the shooter. If you guys show up for one match it will all make sense very quickly. Just come out and we will take care of you.

Since it would be hard for me to explain everything in a post here, I recommend you check out the links I posted above. A rifle, shooting mat, and bipod are mandatory for F-T/R, along with ear and eye protection, and a spotting scope would be a good idea if you have one so you don't need to borrow someone else's who might need it, but you could in a pinch. You should also determine your approximate 1,000-yard elevation/zero on your scope and make sure it tracks up that high, before attending the match. Also, do yourself a big favor and do not try to shoot 168 grain Sierra MatchKings (factory Federal Gold Medal Match or otherwise) at a 1,000-yard match. These bullets simply were not designed to function at that distance, and will cause you loads of trouble. 175 SMKs would be a much better choice, as would plenty of other bullets. Muzzle brakes are not allowed in F-Class or NRA prone matches. I don't make the rules, but we all have to abide by them until they change.

Since this will be your first time and you'd need to sight in, you should bring at least 20 or so extra rounds beyond what you need for record shots - e.g. 60 shots for a 40-shot match. If you shoot your M1A without a bipod, then technically you'd be shooting prone (with a sling and coat ) and not F-Class. There are plenty of good websites: AccurateShooter.com Sign In - Long-Range Target Shooting etc.

Unfortunately, no. F-Class rules state that rifles are restricted to a bore diameter no larger than .35 caliber, and also this specific range at AEDC does not allow 50 cals. Likewise, muzzle breaks are not allowed, and I doubt that you'd want to shoot a .50 cal 25-30 times in 30 minutes without any kind of muzzle break. If you happen to have a .308 with a bipod, you could compete in F-T/R class like a lot of new competitors do.

You just have to take that big leap, knowing that there will be dozens of people there willing and able to help you. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get consistent access to a local 1,000-yard range for practice, except maybe at Oak Ridge. New people show up and of course have some initial difficulty, but still have a great time. You just need to show up. That's it. The range is a National Guard facility so it's almost impossible to shoot there other than matches. That is why the first one or two matches of the year are practice matches. If you show up for the first time and stink up the place, then you will be exactly like every other shooter out there in their first attempt. People do shoot M1A's, but do yourself a big favor and don't bring 168SMKs, use 175SMKs or something else instead. Or just wait until 4/28 and shoot 300/500/600 on Saturday and 1,000 on Sunday.

Please see updated schedule below (edited 20-Jan-2012). If you want to get on the e-mail distribution list for these matches, please send me a note at jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Shooters, Thank you to those who attended the final WCRC Long-Range match of 2011 at AEDC in Tullahoma, TN this past Sunday. I guess when the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning for high winds in the area, you know you're in for an interesting day. We had a total of 23 competitors, with 19 F-Class and 4 Prone shooters participating. We were also very pleased to see so many new faces and first-timers out there braving what were probably the most difficult wind conditions we experienced this season. Please make a point of joining us for more matches next year. If you survived this past match, it only gets easier from here. For rifle classifications with 5 or more shooters, the top competitors were: F-Open 1. Danny Biggs (386-15x) 2. Jim Sokolowski (383-9x) 3. Randy Graham (369-5x) F-T/R 1. Mike Stutts (352-3x) 2. James Bell (351-5x) 3. T.J. Parker (344-0x) In the next week or so I will send out the WCRC AEDC LR schedule for 2012. Stay tuned. Thanks, Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN

Bump - Remember it's 3x600 Saturday and 2x1000 Sunday.

Shooters, I have an important update regarding the matches at AEDC the weekend of 11/12. The National Guard plans to conduct training on the pop-up range that Saturday and this prevents us from having a 1,000-yard event that day. Fortunately, we were able to switch the 1,000 and 600-yard days so we can still have both events that weekend. The NG will re-route their personnel in such a manner that we can have a 600-yard match that Saturday. This match will be run by Keith Perry from Blue & Gray Rifle Club, and he provided me with additional details to share with you. The 1,000-yard match is now moved to Sunday. Here is the new information: Saturday 11/12: B&G - Three 20-shot 600-yard matches (3x20x600) Registration at 7:30 am CST, firing at ~8:30. Combine prep, unlimited sighters, record shots into one 25-minute block time for each 20-shot match NRA Approved Match director Keith Perry Cost is $20 (assumed, but not confirmed) Sunday 11/13: WCRC - Two 20-shot 1000-yard matches (2x20x1000. These matches typically take longer so can't do 3 this time) Registration at 8:00 am CST, firing at ~9:00 Slight change to program: Combine prep, unlimited sighters, record shots into one 25-minute block time for each 20-shot match to save daylight (same as Saturday) NRA Approved Match run by John McGuire, Jack Dickson, Tim Kreier, Steve Wells, and Jim Sokolowski Cost is $20. All in all, I think this is a good opportunity to get a lot of range time in this late in the season. I hope to see you all out there. Thank you, Jim Sokolowski

Shooters, [see 2nd note below for important changes] Just a reminder that the Warren County Rifle Club will hold its final Long-Range match of the year on Sunday 11/13. This is an NRA-Approved match and scores will be sent in. Registration will begin at 8:00am CST and first rounds will go down range at ~9:00am. The program is 2x20x1000 with unlimited sighters. As much as I would like to make it 3x1000, I just don't think it's possible given that this will be after Daylight Savings Time ends and the basic requirement to have 4 relays with no impact berm. Cost is $20 per shooter. These matches are open to F-Class, Prone, Palma, and Service Rifle. Please join us for these matches. We encourage new shooters to attend and we have many willing and able veterans who would be very happy to assist you getting started. If you have any other questions, need directions, etc. please let me know and I will try to get you an answer ASAP. Also, please note there will also be a 3x600 match the previous day, run by another match director, if you want to spend both days shooting at AEDC. Thank you, Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN p.s. If you would like to be on our e-mail distribution list for next year's matches, please send an e-mail to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com