What a great day for a match. The day started at 77° and 85% humidity but the sky’s were clear and the breeze just enough to clear the smoke. It warmed up to 90° and 52% humidity by the end of the match but the sky’s stayed clear and the breeze favorable. Although, sometimes I did have to wait for JP’s smoke to get away from my target…..
It was reported that our Director of Tardiness, Dwight Hlustick, is doing well in his recovery. There’s a possibility that he’ll show up late for the September match.
A total of 11 shooters showed up for the match so the Schutzenmeister selected a whole series of small and invisible targets for both 25 and 50 yards. It seemed the 50 yard targets were smaller and more invisible than the 25 yard targets.
At 25 yards the first target for 3 shots was the beloved X with the 0 arms that seemed to attract hits. But it didn’t fool Tony Sucher, John Marhefka, JP Sherkus or Matt Shuster who all shot 30X. Sorry guys, I was so in awe of the scores that I didn’t note who got what positions.
Second was the Groundhog Head for 3 shots. John Marhefka and Bob Drake both shot 30 with John a little closer to the X for First Place and Bob in Second. Third belonged to Max Kingsley with 29X and Fourth went to JP Sherkus with 29.
The final target was the Running Deer for 5 shots. John Marhefka shot a very respectable 47 for First Place. JP Sherkus was Second with 42 while Mike Rodzianko took Third also with a 42. Tony Sucher shot 39 for Fourth Place.
At 50 yards the first target was the small Buffalo for 5 shots. First Place went to JP Sherkus with 47. A 39 gave Art Twichell Second Place while Max Kingsley took Third Place with a 34. Matt Shuster also shot 34 but wasn’t as close to the X so he got Fourth Place.
The modified, still invisible Gargoyle was the final target at 50 yards. JP Sherkus shot a 47 for First Place. Good eyes, JP!! John Marhefka shot a 35X for Second Place and Max Kingsley shot 34X for Third Place. Rob Capp rounded out the top four with 34 for Fourth Place.
There were only 2 pistol shooters for this match. At 25 yards JP Sherkus just edged John Marhefka 45 to 43 to take an early lead. At 50 yards John Marhefka was first turning in a consistent score of 41 for a total of 84. But JP Sherkus finished 50 yards with a 44 and a total of 89 for First Place. John Marhefka took Second Place.
The top shooter for the day was JP Sherkus with 195X. John Marhefka was Second with 174XX. Third Place went to Matt Shuster with 156XXX while Tony Sucher took Fourth with 154X. Then came Max Kingsley with 150XXX, Rob Capp with 144. Art Twichell at 139X. Mike Rodzianko, Frank Niccoli, Bob Drake and Richard Drake.
Usually At 25 yards we have one target for 5 shots and two for 3 shots. Then at 50 yards there are one for 5 shots and one for 3 shots. For the July Individual Target Match the two 50 yard targets and one 25 yard target were all 5 shots . I noticed that a couple of people were pushing the time limit to complete the match. For the August Aggregate Match there was again one 25 yard target and both 50 yard targets for 5 shots. While this is only 2 to 6 additional shots there were, again, several individuals (myself included) pushing the time limit to complete the match. I know why it took me longer but how does the group feel about the change? Both times I heard no one say anything, so did anyone actually notice?
The next match will be September 15, 2019. It will be an Individual Score 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.
Tony