Looking for a good "first shoot"

fosjam · Post by **fosjam** » Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:51 pm

Hello Everyone,

I've bought a couple of sharps rifles and have been playing around with Black Powder and Smokeless loads for 50-70, 45-70, 40-65, and soon to be 45-90. I'm having fun but still very much a beginner. There's a lot to learn with this whole thing between casting, loading, shooting, scoring, sight adjustments, blow tubes, and all the rest that goes along with it. I've only got a short 200 yard range and am very interested in getting involved in some competition shooting. Its a lot more to learn but I get interested in some of the minutiae. I am looking for a little more of a "loose" competition for my first few. I'm from MN but I'm not opposed to driving. I'm a teacher so I am looking for some matches I could attend and participate in this summer. Any recommendations for a good shoot to attend? I know there are different styles of matches and all. And from what I read, not all of my rifles are legal for competition due to weight. My 45-90 will be a 16 lb barrel. I can borrow my Uncle's LRE in 45-70.

Anyway. If anyone has any recommendations for a good shoot or two to start with I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks!!

James

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:28 pm

Check out the monthly silhouette matches at the Whittington Center. Hugh runs a good match, and is a fine fella of the highest order. I'ld about bet that between him and the other folks that shoot his matches you would get a grand welcome and plenty of good help.

fosjam · Post by **fosjam** » Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:37 pm

Don McDowell wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:28 pm Check out the monthly silhouette matches at the Whittington Center. Hugh runs a good match, and is a fine fella of the highest order. I'ld about bet that between him and the other folks that shoot his matches you would get a grand welcome and plenty of good help.

Who would I contact to set something up? I've wanted to take a trip to Raton for a while anyway.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:42 pm

Go on their web site, and look at the schedule. Hugh's contact info should be there. You can also call the Whittington and they can help you out. It's a great place to spend a few days
https://nrawc.org

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:48 pm

Oh shoot. Are you in Minnesota? if so get ahold of Mike T on this forum he runs some matches at Harris.
There'll be a couple of target rifle matches at Lodi Ws, but those might not be the best place to jump in to get your feet wet.
Beltfed on this forum also does some gong matches in Wisconsin, and that might be a good place to get started.
There's also some informal matches at Rock Island Il, contact Hiwall 55 on those.

fosjam · Post by **fosjam** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 12:01 am

Don McDowell wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:48 pm Oh shoot. Are you in Minnesota? if so get ahold of Mike T on this forum he runs some matches at Harris.
There'll be a couple of target rifle matches at Lodi Ws, but those might not be the best place to jump in to get your feet wet.
Beltfed on this forum also does some gong matches in Wisconsin, and that might be a good place to get started.
There's also some informal matches at Rock Island Il, contact Hiwall 55 on those.

Thanks so much for all the direction! I've interacted a bit with Beltfed and Hiwall on the ASSRA forums. I'll reach out. Thanks! I think Gong Shoots are where I want to start. I'm pretty open to anything really. I'm a blank slate, never done any of it before so I don't know what I like and what I don't.

semtav · Post by **semtav** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 4:23 am

There are a lot of ptetty informal ones in eastern Montana if you dont mind driving all the way across North Dakota.

Old-Win · Post by **Old-Win** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:58 am

Look in Announcements / Upcoming shoots topic and then scroll down about 25 to 30. The Minnesota Harris schedule is posted there. Hope to see you.

beltfed · Post by **beltfed** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:09 am

fosjam,
Yes, I expect to hold both informal Gong and paper 2,3,600yds matches at my club at Wisconsin Rapids
this summer
I am also hoping that Gong matches may be held at the Lincoln Gun Club, Merrill,WI
These are great type matches for entry level shooting and learning BPCR. We all will be
happy to help new shooters however we can
I will announce here when I am able to have schedules set up.
beltfed/arnie

Kurt · Post by **Kurt** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:34 am

There are some great Gong shoots in Montana, the Big Hill starting in first part of June a week later is the Quigley then a week after is the Big Hill again. Your 16# shooter is legal in those shoots also there is Alliance Neb. and the Badlands in ND.
Take a camper or tent and stay awhile. Bring a lot of ammo for the Quigley and Big Hill, a thousand or two

John Bly · Post by **John Bly** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:55 am

I know a BPCR shooter who moved to MN last year and he has come to shoot in Friendship and Kentucky. They are probably the closest silhouette matches to you since the St Louis matches shut down. There are monthly matches in Alma MI but you have a lake between you that you must get around so it is probably farther than Friendship. Get out there and have some fun shooting and get to know some people. You'll find it rewarding. Just remembered there are matches in Effingham IL. Never saw anything posted on them here though.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:03 am

John there are going to be two Silhouette matches in St. Louis this year.
Also saw a flier for some silhouette matches in North Dakota.
They are also having a gong match in Houston, Mo. and monthly silhouette.

bpcr shooter · Post by **bpcr shooter** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 12:36 pm

Well, your always more than welcome to come down to Lodi and shoot!! we have plenty of shooters who will help you out, and if you show up the day before, I or someone can get you some sight settings for the match. I was once told.....best way to learn, DO IT!!

Harrirs, Mn would be a good place as well!!

Arnie's gong shoots are VERY fun and informal, its all braggin rights. We camp out at the club house in town and its a easy 10min drive to the range. Just show up and someone will help you out!! We (BP shooter's) are a very helpful bunch, we welcome any and all new shooters!!

Matt

jackrabbit · Post by **jackrabbit** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:38 pm

Don McDowell wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:03 am John there are going to be two Silhouette matches in St. Louis this year.
Also saw a flier for some silhouette matches in North Dakota.
They are also having a gong match in Houston, Mo. and monthly silhouette.

You have any more info on the matches in North Dakota Don? I had not heard of them.
Thanks,

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:49 pm

Think the flier was either on Ian’s Facebook silhouette page or the ASSRA Facebook page

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