How do we increase membership today?

starting shooters

Here is how I'm trying at our local club. I took a stack of 100 yard hunter targets and gave them to the range officer at our local range. He sells them for $2.00 a piece and explains how they are to be shot with no time limit.
If a guy can shoot a 50 regardless of his x count and have the range officer sign the target saying it was shot fairly, I pay him $25.00
So far the local club has generated a bit of money and I have yet had to pay out any winners. We are though getting some guys interested in consistency. It won't be long til I can set the hook and get them shooting groups.
 
That's about......

Dave B said:
Here is how I'm trying at our local club. I took a stack of 100 yard hunter targets and gave them to the range officer at our local range. He sells them for $2.00 a piece and explains how they are to be shot with no time limit.
If a guy can shoot a 50 regardless of his x count and have the range officer sign the target saying it was shot fairly, I pay him $25.00
So far the local club has generated a bit of money and I have yet had to pay out any winners. We are though getting some guys interested in consistency. It won't be long til I can set the hook and get them shooting groups.
Click to expand...

the best idea that's been posted. Nice work, Dave. Problem is, around here there ain't a club, just my range and it's not open to the public but anybody really interested can shoot under my supervision (watchful eye).
 
To the Dude that cant seem to figure it out.

Dude,
I don't remember anyone saying that Benchrest was verboten at Camp Perry. And you don't have to be a Psychic to figure it all out, just read some of the post on this forum, both Rim Fire and Center Fire, BR guys just cant seem to get along with each other, why do you think the NBRSA is out West and the IBS is in the East, does anyone really need two "official" CF BR Associations doing just about the same thing ?, same goes for the Rim Fire guys, even worst, hell there are four, five, Six, or maybe more, I'm not sure at this time, "official" 22 BR Associations, if you don't like what is going on in any of them start your own.

Being that you seem to not be able to figure it out let me try to say it in two words,
No Unity. I think someone said at one time, united we stand, divided we fall, or something like that.

In fact it's going on right now, read the post on the Center Fire forum titled "NBRSA stepping on IBS toes". Can you imagine what would happen to Shooting Sports if the NRA was run like BR, or if NRA had West coast branch that was just a little different than there East coast branch, they would never get anything done.
SS
 
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Glen,

I have really enjoyed br at the local club. Should have my official 10.5lb rifle in action soon. I just recently figured out how far I have to go to compete in BR. Thats a bit of a downer, but looking forward to it.
 
I'm sure BR shooting would grow like you wouldn't believe, but that will never happen, please don't ask me why, as my answer, as I see it, would only P**s off a bunch of people.
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So are you saying that it's just a matter of finding someone who could organize it and run the show? Or is it something else?

Please pardon me. I'm a little slow sometimes.
 
Chuck Bogardus said:
So are you saying that it's just a matter of finding someone who could organize it and run the show ? Or is it something else ?
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Chuck,
I don't have all the answers, wish I did, but I don't. IMO at this point it would take a lot more than just "someone who could organize it and run the show" I think it would take a lot of someone's and a good bunch of guys on a BoD's to work toward the betterment of the sport, for all the shooters, not just a bunch of guys that want to be part of a "good old boys club" for the sake of there egos, and I'm not pointing a finger at any one group, one is just as bad as the other, it seems that neither will compromise on anything, that's one of the reasons that there are two C F "official" BR Associations and who knows how many 22 BR Associations.

Be thankful that the C F guys are not as cranky as the R F guys, think how bad it would be if there were five or six "official" C F Associations, now that would really thin out the ranks, then think how organized and nice it would be if there were only one C F Association with one set of common sense rules for everyone, and one R F Association.

Nope, at this point I don't think it can happen, but it would be nice if it did.

Last year NRA held about 10,300 organized sanctioned events all over the U S, granted this was for three different disciplines, Hand Gun, Small Bore Rifle and Hi Power Rifle, but I'll still bet that's more events than all the BR Associations combined, they must be doing something right.
SS
 
Single Shot said:
"It's too bad the NRA has chosen to totally ignore Benchrest competition. How about BR at the Camp Perry National Matches"

I've shot at Camp Perry for many, many, years. Yes it would be nice if BR was part of the Camp Perry Matches, and if that happened I'm sure BR shooting would grow like you wouldn't believe, but that will never happen, please don't ask me why, as my answer, as I see it, would only P**s off a bunch of people.
SS
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Take a close look at the NRA High Power guys and ranges, reallize that F-class, although different from High Power, is shot by the same guys and at the same clubs. F class is little more than Benchrest rifles fired from the ground at reduced sized high power targets. It is the fastest growing precision rifle sport in the world. When these guys get tired of lying on the ground with the mud and the ticks they may move to BR, we need to be ready for their arrival, in fact we should be coaxing them to come over to the greener pastures.

Paul
 
Markharp

That is exactly what we are doing. Spending our time, and putting forth an effort, in holding Club Matches that offer any shooter who is willing to show up a chance to shoot in real Benchrest Competition.

This "sport" does take an effort from an individule. While we are just trying to get shooters to come out and participate on a Sunday Morning for a few hours, here is what it takes for many of us to just go to our Region Level matches.
My standard work week is six 10 hour days. On the week end of a match, I will work all day Friday, and try to get on the road by 7:00 pm. I make no less than 4 matches that are at least 8 to 9 hours drive one way. I get there in time to get a few hours sleep, then set up, shoot for two days for the Two Gun Championship, get back on the road, and hope to get a few hours sleep before I am back at my shop, ready to go to work, Monday Morning.
So, I can't muster much sympathy for someone who wants to complain about a 20 minute trip to the range to shoot a club match. They do not have a clue as to how much effort all of us "elitist" in Benchrest put forth to stay competitive.
It seems once again that we have a whole bunch of people who do not participate in Benchrest telling us how we need to fix it........jackie
 
Hey, if you need a volunteer to help with getting something organized for a Camp Perry benchrest setup...

Some of y'all may not know me.

And I can say that some of y'all definitely DO know me. So the match -will- be visible. And I'm going to -expect- that a few benchresters take folks under their wings, and let 'em run a few down the tubes... Sell 'em a pound of powder and a hundred or so bullets - they'll buy 'em.

At any rate, we will get folks considering benchrest. Hell, if Feamster is still talking to any benchresters, get him out there again...

For that matter, ALLOW AR-15-BASED RIFLES as long as the brass doesn't leave the bench and sufficient rules are followed, as per the range, for safety.

Chuck Bogardus
bogie@stickertramp.com
314-920-6860

Now I gotta go finish trying to draw a big yellow butt for someone.
 
Oh yeah... If anyone has the contact info for the Russian folks...

I want to make sure that that young Russian gentleman I met at the Supershoot is learning the sport - If he does not have a rifle by the next time his father brings him over here for a Supershoot, the offer of my rifle, gear and components still stands.
 
Jackie Schmitt

Sorry to hear that life is so difficult for you. I understand that you are an older gentleman and I hope things turn around for you.

I didn’t go back to read my posts, but I am sure that I put something in there about how far away the matches seem to be. Sorry if that upset you. But for clarification, I would not have a problem with a twenty minute drive. It’s just that I have found BR to have a combination of qualities that I find interesting: technology, competition, endless variables, and maybe most importantly, you believe you will always do better if…… It has become a passion and my escape from reality,,, and even displaced golf. You would have to know me to appreciate the gravity of that one. I am sure that my life is not as challenging as yours, but I built a business unit of 5 plants across the country, with over 1,000 employees. Given the collapse of the entire construction and banking sector, I now get to close plants and give pink slips to crying men and single mothers, all the while telling then how good a job they did and how much our company and myself appreciate their past efforts.. Now I find out today, I get to do more of this,,, all in the name of the almighty Quarterly Earnings Statement. Again, others have issues to deal with, life balancing exercises, but I am sure they not close to the persecution you live with daily.

Needless to say, I do extensive travel. Hence my desire to spend at least some time with my two children and wonderful wife.

Now I understood where the big matches were, but was surprised at the lack of other BR matches in the region. Seems to be a few gear heads on this forum so I used the racing analogy with feeder systems. Might not work, may have been tried before, but I don’t think bringing it up would qualify at abrasive unless someone already has some preexisting issue.

As for your final statement about non-BR ppl giving advice and how it annoys you. Be it personal or business, it is often thought to be advantageous to have a third party/outsider, give things a look and offer a few opinions. Again, I don’t know Joe, but this whole thread started with him seeking ideas from others. He didn’t say only “good ideas” or ask that site members still seeking their first registered match abstain from commenting. Actually I think there is an entire industry built around this service and it is called Consultation.

I was raised to work hard, be humble, and to never forget that I can learn something from a priest, a sinner, the most financially successful of people, as well as the person that cleans toilets for a living. In business I surround myself with people that are very different from myself in every way. Yes, it leads to irritation, annoyance, and ego clashing but still gets the best ideas up on the table. I might not be the “newbie” that provides the nugget that Jeff is looking for, but at least I will try to help.

Mark


.
 
Mark

You miss-read that. I did not say life was difficult, I said getting to matches was difficult, and if you wish to pursue Benchrest, you need to be ready to put forth some effort, rather than sit and whine about how those elitist make it too difficult..........jackie
 
Jackie

You seem to have a complex about the elitist thing. Might be wrong, but I don't think I used that word. I just had the misfortune of talking to the wrong people early on. I know I mentioned that somewhere in this thread. When you are new to a subject and don't have the knowledge or vocabulary, some ppl don't handle it well. It's not just this sport. Interpersonal skills are important in all facets of life. Other than you on this thread, I think everyone I have met or conversed with since has been remarkably friendly and supportive. Pretty sure I had that in there too. I think I even commented somewhere about your value on this forum I have not seen you like this at any other time on this forum. Maybe too much travel. If we get enough shooters, maybe you won't have to travel so far all of the time. But now I sound like you, don't even know you, and commenting on your person.
 
I am that new shooter you are talking about I have been shooting BR for 14 months. I have shot 1 registered match & 2 club matches at Tomball. From where I am sitting it is about the cost. I personally work evenings & some weekends for the money to shoot. I am unable to travel at this time because I have to use my money for equipment. I shoot every weekend at my local range. The Tomball Club is a closed Club members only. I have been invited out several times as a guest. The intimidation does not bother me. At the Crawfish shoot I chambered & fired a round that did not have any powder in it. The bullet lodged in the barrel. I got up & went to the match director & asked for a seas fire. After clearing the round I heard several shooters grumbling. Offering some help would have would have been a better way to impress me.
1 idea I have is 2 or 3 of the regular BR shooter at your local club load up there stuff & go to another range. I am the only BR shooter at the range I shoot at.
It would also be a great help to me if I could get an experienced shooter to shoot my gun. After a bad day at the range sunday I was about to through in the towel. Maybe another shooter could see something I was doing wrong. I dont expect to be a Hale of Fame shooter. But if I dont see some Improvement I will have to get out.
russell m
 
jackie schmidt said:
To answer your question. I raced APBA Powerboats, (five lap competition) through the '70's. I started racing Drag Bikes in the early 80's, darned near killed myself on a "high gear only" Fuel Harley, then deside to get into Car Showing. I built a really nice '67 Chevelle, showed it for a number of years, but got tired of being "judged" based on some ones opinion. I still have my Chevelle.
I started shooting in the mid nineties, and jumped right into the deep end.
It might seem strange to some, but I am not much of a "gun nut". I own only one other Rifle beside the Rifles I shoot in Competition.
For me, the Rifle is simply the piece of equipment that I use to Compete, no different than the boat, the motorcycle, or the car. I like the idea of accuracy and precision simply for the sake of accuracy and precision.
For me, it is about the Competition..........jackie
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Jackie,

I raced drag bikes for 13 years myself. I raced the AHDRA west coast circuit (Houston Texas to Washington state), starting in the pro-gas class then later moving to top fuel where I spent 4 years competing against the likes of Larry McBride, Mike Romaine, Bill Furr and Tommy Grimes.

Losing close friends and even family to a crash is a way of life when running top fuel dragsters, honestly, I don't know how I made it 4 years in TF without a crash.


Rich
 
russell m said:
It would also be a great help to me if I could get an experienced shooter to shoot my gun. After a bad day at the range sunday I was about to through in the towel. Maybe another shooter could see something I was doing wrong. I dont expect to be a Hale of Fame shooter. But if I dont see some Improvement I will have to get out.
russell m
Click to expand...

I had a similar experience recently with a rifle that would not group and behave. Your assessment of getting another set of hands/eyes on the rifle would have helped save my sanity.

Find a buddy, even if he knows nothing he can help maintain the sanity by noticing little things that matter. Just make sure he has some common sense and believes in range safety.
 
This is just my opinion but here is what I think.
The more WAZOO and LESS practical that the guns and rests become the more shooters are put off by the sport.
Why do you think PRACTICAL shooting matches are so popular??
And lets face it. Bench Rest is NOT an action packed Sport. It is very specialized and takes a certain kind of person to really carry an interest in it for year after year. Especially if they are getting their ass handed to them every month or even if they just can't seem to perform as well as they expect. Some times I don't make a match for months. It may be because I am busy or it may be because laying at home in bed with my wife watching cartoons on sunday morning seems like more fun than shooting a bunch of .3's when I am trying to shoot .1's. Some people can only take so much disappointment in their life and BR just provides to much of that for them.
Ted
 
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Mark

This subject is one of the few sore spots with me.
Benchrest is one shooting sport that refuses to "dumb down" in order to appeal to the masses. Two or three times a year, the Forum gets into a discussion about "what is wrong with Benchrest". Much of the discussion comes from those who do not even compete. And, much of the discussion is centered around making it "easier". Well,if someone wants "easy', they should be doing something else.
Perhaps the problem is not with Benchrest, but with people. The "instant gratification" mindset that seems to permiate much of our society demands that we change because people are not motivated enough to put forth the effort that it takes to excell.
Sorry if I sound crass about this. But I just get tired of having to listen to the whining about what is wrong with Benchrest, coming from those who don't even have a clue as to what we are doing.........jackie
 
Agree w all you said and understand your frustration.I was just suggesting a feeder concept to get exposure and possibly capture some untapped interest.would never promote. watering down registered BR.I tend to be measured and methodical, and this graduated approach fits in my head but may not be the norm.
 
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