This weekends match can only be described as “stellar” and “gorgeous”, with
sunny skies and comfortable temps in Arizona’s high country at 7200 feet above
sea level. Temps ranged from 70° up to 79° with humidity averaging in the mid-
30%. Winds, reported by the NWS were from 4 – 6 mph, with gusts of 9 to 16
mph and coming primarily from the east to the SSE. A bit of rain in the days prior
to the match kept the dust down. One correspondent stated, “the Ponderosa
Pines filled the air with a vanilla / butterscotch scent”, while a flock of Pinyon Jays
was observed flying through the area. Their calls sounded as if they were
laughing. Sounds quite tranquil, doesn’t it?

​

Of course, those who came to shoot could care less about that. They were
interested in outshooting their competition! Friday was course set up day, and
Barry did a masterful job of setting up the course, which a number of shooters
commented on how well this was done. This was followed by a silhouette styled
shoot that the troops like to call, “chicken little”. 12 shooters competed in this
with Chrystal and Van tied with a 42 (out of 48?), and mandating a shootoff.
Chrystal handily beat Van with 4/5 compared to Van’s 2/5 at 80 yards. This was
followed by Andrew/39, Cole/38, Steve M/37, Bobby/37, Peykan/35, Steve O/33,
John/32, Louis/28, Mathew/24, and Richard/14

​

The main event was contested on Saturday with 16 shooters competing in 4
classes; Open, Hunter, WFTF, and Freestyle. Pat was the lone Open class shooter
this month, shooting a different gun and scoring a 26. Lauren and Garrett battled
it out in WFTF with Lauren besting Garrett by 1 point; 42 to a 41 out of 48 shots.

In Hunter class, Cole and Kent were at each other’s throats, each scoring a 46 out
of 48. Not sure how that was settled, probably by who missed their first shot.
And in Freestyle, Steve M shot a 44/48 to easily take that division. Here are the
scores and equipment stats. Take note that not all shooters provided all their
data, not wanting to share their “secret recipe”.

Next month is the AZ state PCP state championship on September 18, 19, and 20.  The pistol championship will be on Friday, with the PCP rifle championship on the 19th and 20th.  The Piston state championship was held back in April at Ben Avery shooting facility in Phoenix, and at an elevation (1950 feet above sea level) that is conducive to shooting that powerplant.  The Mormon Lake (7200 feet above sea level) venue, albeit much cooler and picturesque, is not friendly to a piston guns internals, thus we have separated these disciplines.  This has been the third year using this format, and gives the shooters the ability to shoot both Piston and PCP each year, although the September shoot is the one designated as an AAFTA grand prix……..thus far.  Time will tell………

 

As with any venue, not everything goes smoothly all the time.  Although we do have a permit/lease to use the National Forest, not exclusively, for our shoots, the property is still open to other campers at the same time.  At times this can be a bit contentious, but we have found ways to satisfy all parties involved.  This is a big country, with lots of people, who all want to enjoy the outdoors.  We have to use a bit of restraint and common sense when doing this.  All’s well that ends well, and if done properly, we may gain some new members…..

 

With nothing more to report, I shall sign off.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Kauffman

Secretary, Airgunners of Arizona, Inc.

 

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How you leave others after an experience becomes your trademark.