Don’t know where everybody was, but they should have been at the range for the match because it was beautiful. We did have an experienced newbie, Joe Sturiale, come out and join us. Joe had a couple of large caliber rifled muskets that he wanted to re-educate himself about. Based on the tight groups he was getting and the grin on his face I think he was a success. Welcome, Joe!! Come join us often!!
Pete Hanson also rejoined the group. We haven’t seen Pete since the DEEP FREEZE of February 2018. Welcome back, Pete.
John Marhefka advised the group that our Director of Tardiness, Dwight Hlustick, is recovering well and may return to the matches in October …… coming late of course.
In the pre-match meeting the group asked me to talk to Bill Frerking, the IWL Director for the Rifle/Pistol Range, about restoring our original shooting time. 1) Based on the range log book, since May 2014 there are more muzzleloaders on hand than modern shooters coming in between 12 and 2 PM. 2) Even with the reduced number of targets and shots it is difficult to complete a match (i.e. I haven’t shot an Individual Score Match in a couple of years with admin and RO duties). 3) Anyone traveling any distance is getting up mighty early.
Another topic would be BRML making and maintaining their own target frames. This had been done successfully before. Space is available for storage and it would resolve a number of mistaken impressions.
The Schutzenmeister must have some evil target twist in mind for a future match. His target selection was decidedly easy. At 25 yards the first target was the Groundhog for 3 shots. John Marhefka took First Place with a 29XX. A score of 28 wasentered by both Mike Rodzianko and Frank Niccoli. Then
Pete Salvano came in Fourth with 25.
Next was Yeti/Big Foot/Sasquatch for 3 shots. A score of 30 by JP Sherkus took First Place. Right behind at 29 was Pete Salvano for Second Place. Third went to John Marhefka with 28 and Bob Drake shot 26 for Fourth.
Then for 5 shots came the Soccer Ball. JP Sherkus didn’t get 100 like he did in May 2018, but he did score 95 for First Place. John Marhefka did well with 77 and Second Place. Third Place went to Pete Salvano with 75 and Pete Hansen got Fourth Place with 60.
At 50 yards the first target was the large Turkey Head for 5 shots. A score of 48 claimed First place for John Marhefka. Pete Salvano was chasing with a 41X for Second Place. Then a 40 by Mike Rodzianko took Third Place and Fourth Place went to Doug Crowe with 34.
The final target was the X with Zero’s in the Arms that seem to attract lead roundballs. JP Sherkus must have bismuth balls because he shot 30X for First Place. John Marhefka must have square balls because his Second Place score was 25!!. Then came Bob Drake and Pete Hansen with 24 for Third and Fourth.It was TIGHT in the Pistol Competition. The 50 yard targets were turned in first with Mike Rodzianko scoring 45X, John Mahefka with 45X and JP Sherkus with 45. WOW!!!
At 25 yards Mike Rodzianko turned in a 45 For 90X total. And JP Sherkus turned in a 45X for 90X. Oh, Oh. But Mike had a hit closer to the X than JP. Then John Marhefka turned in a 48X for a 93XX total and First Place. Mike Rodzianko was Second Place and JP Sherkus took Third Place. John Marhefka was also the TOP Rifle Shot with 207XX points. JP Sherkus was next with 204X. Then Pete Salvano with180X and Pete Hansen with 161. They were followed by Mike Rodzianko with 128, Frank Niccoli at 122, Doug Crowe with 119, Bob Drake 112, Joe Sturiale at 92 and Art Twichell at 69.
The next match will be October 20, 2019. It will be an Aggregate 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 muzzleloader (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.
Keep yer powder dry.
Tony