Trends in BPCR Long Range Shooting

[Kenny Wasserburger]

Letter to the Editor: BPCR News

With the demise of the BPTRA last December, a pair of intrepid souls decided to try and save not only the match at Byers Colorado Rifle Club range. (Arguably the finest 1000 yard facility in the Rocky Mountain West.) But also form a loosely organized Federation to promote BPTR shooting matches. Key word Federation, more of that in a moment.

This duo, after some wool gathering enlisted a 3rd member who happens to be our friend and a member of the CRC to be our match Director. He gladly took on this role and met with the CRC board. A plan was formulated and we secured a set of dates to hold a match. On the weekend of April 13-14 this group met at the range. With materials provided by the club and many tools we brought we demoed 8 of the most damaged frames and constructed new ones. Our gesture of sincerity and good will was recognized by the CRC administration and we given the opportunity to secure our original dates in September. That group of individuals included Michael Jackson match Director, Jimbo Terry, Rick Rutter, his friend Randy, and myself Kenny Wasserburger. The drive alone from Gillette Wyoming is just over 400 miles one way.

The birth of the BPTRF: The Black Powder Target Rifle Federation.

Federation: An organization or group within which smaller divisions have some degree of internal autonomy.

The proposed federation would encompass all types of Black Powder matches including, but not limited to Creedmoor, Midrange, the many gong matches held and 22bpcr matches even Bpcr Silhouette. All of the different disciplines would have their own set of rules and requirements. None of which would change, all of these disciplines would simply show support and solidarity with each other. Unlike the NRA or the BPTRA, you run your events as you see fit, there is no governing body no rigid rules to follow. No one is going to tell you how to run your event or match. All like minded individuals and clubs are asked for their support. We are all working together to promote all of the BP shooting disciplines.

However we would like to have various individuals to be Directors, people to offer advice and experiences, to help promote the Sport of black powder target rifle shooting and competition. Coming from the gong and Paper and Bpcr Silhouette match directors also. If we all work together for the common good of BPTR shooting we can accomplish much. There will be no president just a group of directors no one has more say than another.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the matches fired at Creedmoor in 1874. To celebrate this historic event for BPTR shooting of both long range muzzleloader and breach loader rifles. A match is being held Labor Day weekend at the Wasserburger Ranch north of Lusk Wyoming 5 miles off US 85. The match is welcome to all shooters that wish to experience the shooting on an original size 1874 Creedmoor steel target, one shot at a time as was done in 1874. Any safe position is allowed along with traditional cross sticks, or off bench cross sticks, the only caveat is that the rifle must be shot off the shoulder, no rear bag. We are trying to be more inclusive than other matches with our event. Long range muzzle loader rifles are also welcome. The match is capped at 40 shooters and we have 16 paid entries as of 4/19/24. We also have two LR muzzle loading rifles entered already. This will be the premiere BPTR event in the western USA for 2024.


For further information contact me at kwsharps@hotmail.com. The match is an invitational event. You must contact me to receive a entry form.


Thank you for your consideration. And your support.

P.S Updated information can be found on our BP cartridge rifle match dates and information page on Facebook.


Kenny Wasserburger

[Kenny Wasserburger]

Btw this thread is over 20 years old and over 2 million views..


Kenny Wasserburger

[desert deuce]

Ahh, good to see the enthusiasm and progress toward holding a Byers Match Sept 2024. Great news! SEMTAV would approve.

BTW, back on January 5, 2024, I spent considerable time and effort putting together a post on this thread, I would like to remind readers here that it exists in the event that they missed it when or shortly after I posted it.

by desert deuce » Fri Jan 05, 2024 5:28 pm

It is factual information everyone needs to know and understand going forward in order to make informed decisions in this effort.

[semtav]

I was going to mention, in addition to Kenny, Jimbo ,ET AL for all the good work they did getting this back on track, there was one individual who didnt let them give up.

I just didn't want any one to think i appreciate all his work and give him a big head

[JonnyV]

I think Kenny and the boys are on the right track. Going with a decentralized approach will allow max opportunity for local groups to join and be part of things. Down the road, if we reach more of a “critical mass” of participants and events, then there can be discussion of a “governing body”.

In the meantime, everyone can focus on participating in events and slamming the door on any outside attempt to take this over.

[Kenny Wasserburger]

We have just been informed:

That the secret shadowy organization, known as the Wyoming Schützen Union, has thrown in its full support for the BPTRF, and our traditional Creedmoor Match celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Creedmoor.

Decentralized is a good thing, that has been my whole premise all along.

Kenny Wasserburger

[JonnyV]

Excellent news! Printed off entry form and sending it in.

[Kenny Wasserburger]

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The 150th Anniversary of Creedmoor target is finished and painted. Ready for the Labor Day weekend Match.

12x6ft as the original with 36 inch bullseye.

Much thanks to my Father Jim Wasserburger, my Brother Ben Wasserburger, Bryan Youngberg, Jimbo Terry, and lastly a huge thank you to Dave DeJaeger for his helping with final assembly setting the target and drilling the holes for The Beast!

[hmac]

Please send your rules to me.
Thanks
Hank McCleary
Ellensburg WA

[Kenny Wasserburger]

Please send your rules to me.
Thanks
Hank McCleary
Ellensburg WA

Rules?

2 sighters and 10 record shots at 800,900,1000 yards.

Any position sitting, prone, bench with sticks and no rear support except the shooters shoulder. Wrist rests and slings are also permitted.

Shooters will be called by name in turn to fire a shot. Just like the original match.

Bullseye is worth 5 points, outer white 3 points.

No smokeless powder BP only. Cast lead or swagged bullets only no gas checks.

Kenny Wasserburger

[steveu834]

Hope the weather is great for the match. I would like to shoot my trapdoor at that target someday while I can still see the front sight!

[Kenny Wasserburger]

Hope the weather is great for the match. I would like to shoot my trapdoor at that target someday while I can still see the front sight!

Any time my friend you’re always welcome.

Kenny

[JonnyV]

Please send your rules to me.
Thanks
Hank McCleary
Ellensburg WA

Ellensburg huh?!? I’m gonna blow right through your town like a Phantom jet. Yup…I know them stare troopers are out thick as thieves from Cle Elum all the way to the Yakima cutoff and then again from Sprague to the state line. As the song goes…”ain’t no local yokel gonna shut me down”. LOL!!

Nothin gonna keep me from getting to that match!

[R Moritz]

Hello Hank,

So, where do you shoot in Ellensburg? I live in Wenatchee and can shoot 300 yards at the gun club I am a member of. Do you make it to the silhouette matches in Nisqually?

Kenny, good luck with the match. I wish I could be there.

Cheers
Rick Moritz

[22Ballard]

Ray, the highway in question would most likely be the Long Island Expressway (LIE).