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IN OUR 14th YEAR!

           

 

200-yard Precision Rifle Match

At the Blue & Gray Rifle & Pistol Club

CLICK HERE FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS
(or set your GPS coordinates to
N34.43427, W086.39418)
or

CLICK HERE FOR MAIN CLUB WEBSITE

 

 


  


SATURDAY February 13, 2021

MATCH RULES AND FORMAT
(preliminary - subject to changes)

 

1. WHO CAN SHOOT:  The match is open to all scoped centerfire rifles .35 caliber and below (typically .338 and smaller). You may supplement your rifle's scope with a separate spotting scope if you wish. Rifles with muzzle brakes are allowed but must be declared as such to the Match Director prior to when shooting times are assigned, or there will be a 15 point penalty applied. When practical, shooters with muzzle brakes will be separated from other shooters or at least grouped together at one end of the shooting line.

There will be three separate classes for scoring:

[1] smaller than .30 caliber non-BR (.260, .243, .223, .222, .22-250, 6.5-08, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm, etc.)

[2] .30 caliber non-BR (.308, .30-06, .300 WinMag, .338, etc.)

[3] Benchrest (such as 6 PPC, 6 BR, 6 XC, 6.5-284, 6.5x47, 30 BR, 22 BR, 22 Dasher, etc),

2. RIFLE RESTS. You may use front and/or rear rifle rests during the match. The front and rear rests cannot be attached/connected to each other in any way (no "Lead Sled" types).

ANY form of front rest may be used, including bench-type, but if you use an adjustable bench-type front rest, it must be 3 legged and placed directly on the ground rather than in conjunction with another support platform such as a board or block (or built-in platform). Any form of rear rest is acceptable for this match.

Slings may be used in place of or in combination with any acceptable rests. Using only a sling with a benchrest caliber classes the rifle as non-benchrest.

3. The COURSE OF FIRE is fixed and the total time to engage all stages will be limited.  The total time alloted is 20 MINUTES TO SHOOT 30 SCORED ROUNDS as described below in #6.

4. MISCELLANEOUS

No “sighter shots” or “warm-up shots” are allowed during the match or before the match on match day unless specifically allowed in Rules/Format #6. Otherwise, all shots are for score, with the number of shots at each stage and target strictly limited as stated below in #6.

One penalty point (and any score achieved with the penalty round fired, always presumed to be the "best" shot on the target regardless of where the actual "extra" shot hits) will be deducted for each and every round fired in excess of the mandatory number of rounds to be fired at each stage or target, and/or 5 penalty points for any shot engaging another competitor's target (presumed to be the "worst" shot on the target towards that competitor's scoring if actual crossfire problem shot can not be determined... that competitor can only benefit from the stray shot). It is each shooter's responsibility to identify any crossfires on their target, point them out to adjacent shooters AND the match director at the end of the relay so that they can be marked accordingly on the target sheet for proper score adjustments.

An ACCIDENTAL OR EARLY/LATE DISCHARGE in an unsafe direction will result in disqualification for the day. SAFETY FIRST!! An accidental or early/late discharge in a safe downrange direction results in a 10-point penalty (or a 15-point penalty if you've done it at our matches previously).

5.  All competitors will shoot from a PRONE POSITION; shooting mats are suggested and encouraged.

EXCEPTIONS may be made if you have physical limitations that keep you from being able to shoot prone (or to get back up once you're down there). This has to be a true physical limitation, not just a personal preference! Let the match director know when you pre-register and we'll arrange for you to shoot from one of the 200-yd concrete benches. In such a case, bench-type adjustable rests may NOT be used -- you will be restricted to soft rests or hard rests built into or firmly attached to your rifle (such as bipods or monopods) only. Up to 2 physically-limited shooters can normally be accomodated per match.

6. COURSE OF FIRE AND SCORING:

The shooter will engage only the targets on the numbered target stand assigned. The course of fire will consist of all shooters engaging targets at nominal 200-yard distance and as stated below:

Any number of shots may optionally be used as non-scored "sighter" shots, using the small target paster dot in the upper left-hand corner of the target sheet. These must be accomplished AFTER timing starts; no additional time is set aside for "sighters". If a "sighter" inadvertently engages a scored target, it will be counted or penalized, as appropriate. "Fouler" shots intentionally put directly into the berm may be used after timing starts and are not counted as sighters.


EXTRA POINTS OPPORTUNITY: For this match, a 5 point bonus is awarded if you do not use more than THREE sighter shots.


25 scored shots will consist of five shots at each of five “color-splash” targets attached to one target backer/stand for each shooter, 25 shots total in this segment. The shooter may engage the five primary bullseye targets on his/her numbered target stand assigned in any order. Presented will be one 8-inch target (click here for sample), followed by one 6.5-inch target (click here for sample), followed by one 5-inch target (click here for sample), followed by one 4-inch target (click here for sample), followed by a different 4-inch target (click here for sample).

Note: Determination of ring hit and resultant score will be at the sole discretion of the Match Director. Unless stated otherwise, if a bullet hole (not the color splash) breaks past the dividing line into the black (or red) of a higher score ring, that ring is considered hit. Target scoring gauges will be used when scoring shots with questionable placement relative to a target ring. In any case, the Match Director will use consistent methodology when scoring all similar targets of all competitors. The red area on this month's 8-inch target is split into TWO scoring areas. The red center of the 6.5-inch target is only treated as a sighting dot. Likewise, the red center sighting dot appearing on the 5.5-inch target, and the white center sighting dot of the blue 4-inch target do NOT count as "scoring rings". The entire 1-inch red area of the second 4-inch target is its center scoring ring.

Points will be scored as follows (number of rings may vary by target size and type):


- X (inner center red) Ring of 8" target = 10 points, going down one point less each ring as marked on the target (50 points max possible on this target)


- X (center) Ring of 6.5" target = 10 points, going down one point less each ring (50 points max possible on this target)


The other bullseye targets have a 25 point maximum on each one with scoring as follows:

- X (center) Ring = 5 points

- 2nd Ring = 4 points

- 3rd Ring = 3 points

- 4th Ring = 2 points

After you finish your five larger bullseye targets, you will use THREE SHOTS at a 3-inch red and black bullseye target (click here for sample). Scoring is similar to the 4-inch bullseye targets: Hits into the black 1-inch center are worth 5 points each, 2nd ring 4 points, 3rd ring 3 points.

       

typical target backing sheet
for this match

 

In NRA-style silhouette shooting, they use pistols or rifles against steel knock-over targets with certain shapes and sizes at specific distances -- and always freehand. It's a bit like steel plate shooting, but uses animal shaped cut-outs. At this month's match, we're going to get just a small taste of both. We'll have a 3-inch round "plate", and one NRA small scale silhouettes to the right of your numbered target stand. These are made from AR500 ballistic steel, and your target or hunting bullets will splatter without target damage or riccochet problems (steel core or steel jacketed bullets are NOT allowed, which you shouldn't be using as match bullets anyway). Competitors will take one shot at each of the two targets presented (in any sequence).   6mm, .223, .308 and similar centerfire calibers are all able to knock over the targets with a direct hit, and a knockover is worth 10 points per target... a shot producing any other result is worth zero. We aren't going to do it freehand as they do in NRA, but we will be doing this steel target portion of the match in "tactical style", which in this case means while using NO separate rear rest in contact with the ground, or only a shooting-sock/squeeze-sock (see this) for rear support. If you do use a regular rear rest, only 3 points are scored for each of these targets. A 5 point bonus is awarded if you knock over both of these targets.

If you hit the wood blcok under a target, you get a -10 point penalty (don't do it) and no score for the metal targets.

More info about NRA rifle silhouette shooting can be found by clicking here



Total scored rounds needed per competitor is 30  but you may want to bring extra rounds in case you want to use sighters or foulers. Maximum match score possible = 210 points. In the case of a tie in overall match score, the top-score shooter with the smallest 5-shot group from their regular bullseye targets will be considered the winner.

7. UPON COMPETITOR COMPLETION OF SHOOTING THE COURSE OF FIRE & AFTER THE MATCH DIRECTOR CALLS THE RANGE “COLD/SAFE”, ALL COMPETITORS IN THAT GROUP ARE REQUIRED TO GO TO THE BERM, COLLECT THEIR OWN TARGETS AND SET UP TARGETS FOR THE NEXT GROUP OF COMPETITORS. 

Up to TEN (but usually limited to SIX) shooters will simultaneously shoot the entire match course of fire from the prone position line. When the match director gives the command, competitors will go downrange to the berm to collect their targets and set up the targets for the next group of competitors. Each shooter is required to write his or her name (and caliber or slot/group number, if shooting multiple slots) on their target sheet. You must also write whether you went "tactical" during the Top Shot segment, and the results of your metal targets (tactical rest, one metal hit, both metal targets hit, wood hit, etc). If you don't including the appropriate notes for your Top Shot segment, it will be scored as non-tactical and/or -10 (don't expect the match director to remember what you did).

8. HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE MATCH:

Competitors will register for the match by email to the match director Mike Charness, mcharness@comcast.net after match announcement, and no later than 4pm on the Thursday prior to the match. Earliest registrations get priority as far as scheduled shoot times (usually first groups of the day unless you request otherwise). Limited walk-on registration may be accomodated on a space available basis, either as fill-in for no-shows or cancellations, or if there is room in the last scheduled group of the day. If you have questions, Mike can also be reached by phone at 256.509.8115.


Each competitor can shoot as many as three slots. If you shoot the same rifle more than once -- even if you use different ammo --, only your FIRST slot will be considered for prize eligibility. To maintain full eligibility for prizes for multiple slots, each slot must be with a different rifle .

All competitors will each pay to the match director a match fee of $15.00 for the first shooting slot. If you wish to shoot additional slots, add $5 for a second caliber slot for a total of $20 for two, and add $5 for a third caliber slot, totaling $25 for three no later than at the time the shooter signs in prior to shooting the match, to cover the cost of targets, supplies and any prizes/awards. The first shooting slot is discounted down to $10 if you live an hour or more from the range or as a senior citizen discount if you are age 60+ and retired (notify Match Director at sign-in). Prepayment is optional... but it is preferred so we don't have to deal with it on match day. If you do wait and pay on match day, please try to bring the exact amount due as the Match Director can't guarantee the ability to make change depending on how others have paid. Pre-payment can be made via mail or PayPal, and should be received no later than the Thursday before match day. If you prepay but then have to cancel before the Thursday before match day when the schedule goes out and target sheets are made up, you're entitled to a refund or credit towards a future match. Even if you do not prepay but cancel after the schedule goes out or just "don't show", there will be a $5 materials fee per slot for the target sheet(s) that were made up for you -- even if the match was otherwise free -- unless we have a late sign-up that uses your slot(s). Pre-payment is NOT optional if you've been a no-show more than once.

NOTE: If you have an equipment failure during the match and are unable to finish the target set, let the Match Director know immediately following "RANGE IS CLEAR" command and if you paid a match fee of more than $5 for the set, the overage will be refunded to you on the spot and you can take your incomplete target sheet home. The $5 "retained" is merely to cover the supplies used for your target sheet.

Any accumulated surplus will be periodically turned over to the Blue & Gray Rifle & Pistol Club.

9. SCHEDULING:

The match director will schedule in advance the time of day that each shooter will commence the course of fire and shoot the match, and distribute the schedule to all participants the Thursday night prior to match day via group email.   These will be at fixed 45 MINUTE INTERVALS STARTING AT 9:15am.

 

Competitor "shoot times" will be scheduled on a first come first served basis by the Match Director (preference is given to those whose registrations were received first -- which generally means an earlier shoot time on match day unless you state otherwise).

In order to ensure match safety and due to range limitations we can expect to run no more than one group of shooters every 45 minutes through the match. Therefore, there will be a limit to the number of competitors that can shoot the match.

In the case of high probability of rain, notice will be sent by email the night before the match and the match will be postponed or rescheduled. For those that pre-paid and can not attend the rescheduled date/time, they have a choice of a full refund or to have it held as a credit until their next PR200 match.

10. SAFETY ON THE SHOOTING LINE: SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION AT ALL TIMES DURING THE MATCH.

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SAFE SHOOTING AND AVOID CONGESTION AT THE SHOOTING LINE OF FIRE.   SPECTATORS AND/OR SHOOTERS WHO ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY AFTER THEIR DESIGNATED “SHOOT TIME” WILL BE REQUIRED TO STAND BEHIND SHOOTER AREAS AND/OR CONCRETE PADS. Exceptions may be made for "coaches" of novice or junior shooters only with the specific approval of the Match Director.

11. COMPETITOR ARRIVAL & ARRIVAL TIME:

All shooters are required to arrive no less than 20 minutes prior to their appointed "match shoot time". Upon arrival, each shooter must immediately sign in, filling out full name, whether or not he or she is a member of BGRPC, caliber(s) to be shot, contact info, etc.

All shooters must be ready to bring to their assigned/designated prone shooting area all equipment, including their rifle, no less than 10 minutes before their assigned "shoot time". If everyone in the current shooting group is ready, we may start shooting a few minutes earlier than the published time.

ALL RIFLES WILL HAVE CHAMBER OPEN WITH CHAMBER EMPTY INDICATOR IN THE RIFLE UNTIL THE MATCH DIRECTOR GIVES THE COMMAND TO DO OTHERWISE. LIKEWISE, BOLTS WILL REMAIN PULLED BACK, ALL MAGAZINES OUT OF THE RIFLE, ALL SEMI AUTO CHAMBERS OPEN AND ALL ROUNDS OF AMMO OUT OF ALL FIREARMS - ALL CHAMBERS EMPTY UNTIL THE MATCH DIRECTOR GIVES THE COMMAND TO DO OTHERWISE. (If you do not have an Empty Chamber Flag, they will be available at the range for purchase at $2 each.)

12. Failure of any shooter to be ready to commence fire in accordance with the range officer or match director's direction at the designated "shoot time" will result in disqualification of the shooter and forfeiture of the competitor's opportunity to participate in the match that day unless a later slot becomes avilable.

13. At each “shoot time”, all competitors in the group will shoot the match simultaneously.

14. Match results will be tabulated and announced within 2 days after the day of the match (though normally the afternoon of match day) by email, and be made available for the website and/or newsletter. Any prizes/awards will be available for pickup or will be given at the next match attended.

15. PRIZES/AWARDS: If we have at least 15 slots filled, it will be a "prize" match. Eligible winners will have their pick of a Champion Folding Target Stand, a custom large range/duffel bag embroidered with our PRECISION logo, a Wheeler Trigger Gauge, a 19-in-1 Shooters' Tool by EAGLE, Electronic shooter's earmuffs, a target stapler, a Cabela's Dry Storage Ammo Box, a 4oz bottle of "Shooter's Choice" bore cleaner, a $10 credit towards future match fees, or a PRECISION/TOP SHOT logo cap, t-shirt or polo shirt (depending on style and size availability, currently have several caps and a small mix of L, XL, and XXL shirts). If we have 15 to 19 shooting slots filled, a prize will be awarded to within the largest class only. If we have 20 slots taken, a prize will be awarded in all qualified classes. No shooter is eligible to receive more than one prize per match, even if they choose to compete with multiple rifles, and the prize will pass to the next highest eligible shooter in that second class (a "spread the joy" approach). For a caliber class to be considered for a prize, it must have at least three participants (not just three slots) for score. If two classes have the same number of slots taken, preference is given to the one with the higher number of participants, and if that is the same, then the one with the higher scoring shooter. All prizes are subject to availability.

 



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