Lots of stuff going on today all over the valley that would ultimately involve a number of the usual suspects that would normally attend todays match, so we were not sure who would and who wouldn’t venture out to help thin out the steel hoards that frequent these environs.  Why you ask?  Well, we were also expecting a week bit of rain.  As it turns out, it held off until……well, now, as I write this report.  We are expecting between ¼” and ½”, or more with a thunderstorm, and it looks pretty ominous outside as we speak……  This will continue through tomorrow.  We can use it.

 

The above prompted us to plan accordingly.  We had all the materials to set up a 12-lane course / 24 targets / 48-shot match.  We set up 6 lanes, but were ready to set up more if participation increased.  As things worked out, the 6 lanes for the 12 shooters in attendance worked out just fine, and so did the weather.

 

It was in the low 70° ‘s upon arrival this morning.  The wind/breeze was out of the northeast and the sky was littered with scattered thin, and wispy clouds.  The sun made its presence, and threw a very severe glare upon everything on the range.  The fact that the range faces north, the reflections we got were enough to cause your pupils to pin-point and fry your retina’s.  It t’were BRIGHT!  Over the next two hours, that condition shifted to total cloud cover and dull lighting conditions.  The light breeze that we started with, increased to no more than 10 mph at its worst, but lingered in the 5 – 7 mph range coming from the north and working its way around to the SSE, and was constantly on the move.  Fun stuff!

 

We contested 4 classes today; Open PCP, Open Piston, WFTF, and Hunter PCP, with Hunter being prominent, and Barbara kicking all of our butts by shooting a clean score of 48/48.  I am trying to do my best in piston, but with her as my partner today, she was putting on a frickin’ clinic!  Damn good shooting, and it was not a “gimme” course of fire either.

 

Here are the scores and equipment stats;

After the match, the pit crew did their thing and had the course broken down in no time.  The scores were announced and a little bit of club business discussed.  More on that after the December match, of which an email will go out to club members.

 

With nothing more to do, everyone scattered in different directions to get home, or something to nibble on.  A small group of us opted for the later. 

I just stepped outside to check on weather conditions……and got wet.  We dodged the bullet today and had a great time, with great friends.  Of all the shooting opportunities that I have had over the years, shooting air rifle field target is the best!

 

Respectfully submitted

Mark Kauffman, head scribe / society of scribblers

Airgunners of Arizona, Inc.

 

Everything will kill you……..so choose something fun!