NEWS AND SHOOT RESULTS
If your firearm fails to fire, remember to hold your position and aim down range. It can go off at any time. Give it a slow count to at least 15 just in case the load is cooking off. Keep the muzzle pointed down range; put the rifle on the bench; pull back the hammer and check the pan or cap to make sure it ignited. Pick the vent or nipple; Prime or cap and try to fire again. Repeat if necessary. Add a little powder into the nipple. If nothing hap-pens or you are unsure, signal the Range Safety Officer for assistance or have another shooter do so.
The sun was bright, the temperatures stayed in the 70’s, there was just enough wind to move the smoke and good company came to shoot.
Tony Sucher got an email from the young man (Justin Burk) who bought his heavy bench rifle and equipment. With one day of practice he participated in the Ohio State Championships and took Second Place. The rifle has a good home.
The first target at 25 yards was the Fleu-De-Lis. Unfortunately I didn’t keep track of the tie-breakers, just the scores. At 47 there was John Marhefka and JP Sherkus. Art Twichell, Mike Kingsley were at 46. Then Mike Rodzianko stood alone at 42 while Frank Niccoli, Al Short and Dwight Hlustick scored 41.
For the 3 Turkey Heads Al Short was alone in First Place with 27, but close behind were Art Twichell at 26 for Second and Mike Rybak in Third with 25. Then we dropped to 23 with John Marhefka, JP Sherkus and Frank Niccoli. Last at 25 yards was the closest to the X Mosquito. With 12 shooters the closest was awarded 12 points, next was 11, next was 10, etc. Measurements were in millimeters. Al Short was First with 7.5mm. Really close was Frank Niccoli at 7.75mm. Then came Mike Rodzianko at 9.75mm and Jim Ellis at 13.00mm.
At 50 yards the first target was the [front] Half Fox that no one seemed to be able to hit. JP Sherkus took First Place with a 30X. Second Place went to Frank Niccoli at 29. A 27 by Dwight Hlustick got Third Place. Kevin Collins took Fourth with 23X.
The Standing Bear was the final target and the NMLRA “Perfect 50” target for the match. No one got a 50 but Kevin Collins shot a 47 and took First Place. An amazing 43X by Art Twichell got him Second Place while Frank Niccoli’s 37XX took Third Place. Dwight Hlustick rounded things out with a 36X and Fourth Place.
There were five shooters in the Pistol Competition, and two ties to break. Kevin Collins and JP Sherkus both shot an 80X for the first tie. Kevin took First Place on a narrow margin with the tie breaker. Third Place belonged to John Marhefka with a total score of 79. Then Mike Rodzianko and Mike Kingsley shot identical scores at 25 AND 50 yards to tie at 78 total. The tie-breaker put Mike Rodzianko in Fourth Place and Mike Kingsley in Fifth Place.
The top shoot for the match with a score of 139XX was Frank Niccoli. JP Sherkus wasn’t far behind with 136X while Al Short came through with a 130. Dwight Hlustick was in the mix with 127 and Kevin Collins scored 126X. Art Twichell also had 126X but Kevin’s Fox Score was better to break the tie. Then came John Marhefka at 122 and Mike Rodzianko at 121. Wrapping up were Mike Kingsley, Mike Rybak, Jim Ellis and Keith Dorset.
In the TOP SHOT 2018 competition JP Sherkus is still ahead in points followed by John Marhefka, Frank Niccoli and then Mike Rodzianko. JP Sherkus has won 3 matches so far this year while John Marhefka has won two. Frank Niccoli and Al Short have both won one.
The next match will be August 19, 2018.
It will be an AGGREGATE Target Competition. You get 3 of each rifle target and, if competing, three of each pistol targets. Score your own, hand in your best. Please, do not stock pile or delay handing in your targets. You have 3 of each. After you shoot your best score of the three and score your own, turn it in so we can keep the score sheet current. All shots are from the free-standing, off-hand position. Shooting begins at 8 AM and ends at 12 PM.
Relays are approximately 20 minutes each. Any safe muzzle loader (flint, cap, firelock, side slapper, under hammer, inline) may be used. Iron sights (open, peep, aperture) only, no scopes or optics permitted. Spotting scopes may be used.
Subject to change without notice – generally there are 5 targets, some requiring 5 shots, some only 3. Expect the unexpected and have a bundle of fun. Usually distances are 25 and 50 yards.
Usually does not mean always. :o) and our Schutzenmeister promises something “interesting”. Cue the evil laughter
Keep yer powder dry.
Tony