I'm sure everyone who couldn't attend is anxious to hear about this great event held under the beautiful
Ponderosa pines, pinions, and live oaks overlooked by the highest elevations in Arizona, the San Francisco Peaks.
Needless to say there were no complaints about the weather or the venue from the competitors but there was some
complaining about some shots that were missed!
Instead of talking about the weather we experienced throughout the match I'll summarize it here.
PERFECT! Each day began in the mid 40's and rose to the high 60's each day. We had just enough rain to settle
the dust very early Friday morning but the ground was dry by the start of the match. Breezes varied from 5 to 15
mph breezes with a few gusts from time to time depending on where you were on one of the three courses of fire -
the pistol course, the red rifle course (dense forest), or the white rifle course (open forest).
I also want to mention the other thing that was perfect. Those men who helped set up the match. No matter
what the task they were up to it and jumped on it immediately setting all three courses in just 1 1⁄2 days. To their
credit there were only two cold lines throughout the entire match! Here are the names of those who set up: John W,
Andrew W, Steve M, Barry D, Van T, Kent G, Dan L, Pat C, Larry P.
FRIDAY

Friday was the pistol match which kicked-off at 2 PM. Ten lanes, two targets per lane, two shots per target
for a total of 40 shots set up in a semi-circle facing inward. All lanes were freestyle with the exception of Lane three
which was forced off-hand. Of course this was the lane that gave all of the contestants the most difficulty. It was
especially difficult for those at the top of the scoreboard resulting in the only tie for podium positions of the entire
match, pistol and rifle. Everyone shooting pistol entered in the Hunter Class.
Steve M only missed 1 shot on the off-hand lane taking top honors but Cole R and Tony P tied with scores
of 37 each, both missing multiple shots at the off-hand lane. The tie was settled the following day at a 1” pistol
target at 30 yards, freestyle. Tony P took the first two attempts with success on both. Cole R was next connecting
on the first but missing on the second. So places in the pistol match were finalized.

SATURDAY

The rifle matches kicked-off at 9:30 AM each day with the aforementioned fantastic weather. There were
two courses, red and white, with 13 lanes each, two targets per lane, and competitors shooting each target twice for
52 shots per course. Both courses were set up in a U shape to reduce the distance when traveling from Lane 13 to
Lane 1. This was most appreciated by everyone, especially those more “experienced” shooters!
The red course was set in a more heavily forested area. This produced some unique swirling breezes that
were undetectable and many of the targets were set in the shadows. A few targets went from the forest out into the
edge of a clearing which had even different breezes and lighting. This course also had a bird perched up in a tree
giving shooters an elevated target to address. WFTF, Open, and Unlimited Classes were given an opportunity to
cuss and discuss this course on day 1. I heard quite a lot of discussion that probably shouldn't be repeated but I
also heard a lot of positive comments on how interesting, challenging, well thought-out, and reliable the shooters
thought about the course.
Hunter Class had the privilege of addressing the white course. Either Hunter shooters talk more about the
challenges of the courses they shoot or the target down in the pit generated a lot of discussion. The 2” bass target
was at 53 yards about 30 feet below the shooting position in a materials pit. Sounds easy until you add breezes
from 5-10 mph. It was so interesting that we had one spectator just bring their lawn chair and set it up to watch
competitors moan, groan, or respond with a masked look of confidence when the target actually fell. This course
was set in open forest which required shooters to constantly deal with the periodic 5-15 mph breezes coming from
constantly changing directions. Lighting was much better on this course.
SUNDAY

Well, as I'm sure you have already figured out, the WFTF, Open and Unlimited Classes shot the white
course and the Hunter Class shot the red course Sunday. Guess what! The Hunter Class had the same comments
as the WFTF, Open, and Unlimited Classes had to say about the red course. Although I was on the white course I'm
guessing they used the same adjectives too! And not to be out done the WFTF, Open, and Unlimited Class
shooters had the same colorful comments about the white course, especially the target in the pit. We had the same
spectator at the pit so it must have been entertaining or at least the shooters were entertaining!

SUMMARY

In conclusion and most importantly, no one shot their eye out! Although I heard several of the setup crew
complaining of aches and pains, especially me, and complaints about some sore backs from a few shooters it was
a good, safe event. Something a Match Director is always is thankful to have! Other than a couple of string tangles
and a pellet split challenge during the Pistol match there were no cold lines which is pretty amazing when 72 targets
are used in a match. Great job setup crew! You made me look good and you should be proud!
At the end of the match and after checking and double-checking the score sheets we posted the results of
the two days of the rifle and pistol match.

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2024 Arizona PCP State Champions

by Class in alphabetical order:
• HUNTER – TONY PELLEGRINO
• OPEN – LARRY PIERCY
• PISTOL – STEVE MONTGOMERY
• WFTF – LAUREN PARSONS

In addition to the official AAFTA rifle classes we also had three shooters in the Unlimited Class.

Steve Montgomery was the winner in this category.
A final thank you to all of the shooters who helped tear down the course! As the old saying goes, “Many
hands make easy work.” Thank you, thank you, thank you! You really helped us get the courses pulled.
Respectfully Created & Written,
Larry Piercy
President, Airgunners of Arizona

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CHICKEN LITTLE SILHOUETTE

In order to give shooters something to do after shooting on Friday and Saturday afternoons Kent Gladden
set up a competition called Chicken Little. This game places 5 silhouette targets (1/10 scale ram, turkey, pig,
chicken, and chicken) at 50, 60, 70, and, 80 yards. Competitors have 20 shots to knock down all 20 targets, 5 at
each range. The shooter who knocks down the most targets is declared the winner.