River Bend's 2023 CF BR "Open" Matches - Schedule & Results

Unless nasty weather, high water, the virus, or some other calamity interferes, we're shooting centerfire benchrest "open” matches on the second Sat of each month (as shown below) at River Bend -- starting Jan 14th. Open matches are non-registered; thus, you don’t have to be a member of any club or organization to shoot. Custom, factory, and modified rifles are welcome. Lunch is oftentimes included, and at most (all?) matches the top shooter(s) take home money -- so don't risk leaving money on the table by not being there.

Per Jim Andress, "RBGC monthly matches are open to the public. Matches typically begin at 9:00AM, so arrive early. Cost for non-registered matches is typically $20. Unlimited guns such as railguns, with no restrictions on weight, size, or configuration are not allowed, and front and rear rests must be separate. 'Heavy Bench' class rifles up to 24 pounds are allowed. Calibers up to .338 are allowed, but remember, no brakes of any kind. No 'super guns' (anything designed to deliver a jacketed bullet weighing over 300 grains with a muzzle velocity of 2900 FPS or greater). Ejections cannot reach adjacent benches. Subject to the foregoing, typical LV, HV, and Sporter rifles (as known in the benchrest community) and typical hunting-type rifles are allowed -- and typically represent all the guns at the matches. To be fair, purpose-built Benchrest rifles compete in the custom class, all others in the factory class".

For more information, see https://rbgc.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=265856&module_id=471033 (but ignore the last part of the first sentence in the second paragraph). For directions, see: https://www.google.com/maps/dir///@34.0197376,-84.3317248,13z (put River Bend Gun Club Road, Dawsonville, GA in the “Destination” box).

We will shoot ten, 5-shot targets (with unlimited sighters). Unless noted otherwise below: (a) we will shoot five of those targets at 100 yards, then five at 200 yards – with ample time to reload between targets; and (b) the overall winner will be based on the combined aggregate (Agg).

At the 200 Yard Combined matches all ten targets will be shot at 200 yards; however, we will alternate between Group and Score targets, with each target being the other format from the preceding target – thus, there will be five Group targets and five Score targets, and there will be a Group Agg and a Score Agg. The overall winner will be determined by combining each shooter’s placement in each format and the shooter with the lowest combined placements will be the overall winner (the Group Agg will likely be used as the tie-breaker).

Schedule:
Jan - Group
Feb - Score
Mar - 200 Yard Combined
Apr - Group ("Wilbur Harris Memorial")
May - Score
Jun - Group
Jul - Score
Aug - 200 Yard Combined
Sep - Group ("Brady Knight Memorial")
Oct - Score
Nov - Group
Dec - TBD
 
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Jan Report -- The weather forecast, and the weather, won today -- the match was cancelled. Yesterday, the forecast for today was ~ 30° at the start time, and ~ 14 MPH wind all day; nevertheless, three shooters, and a fair-weather shooter who didn't bring his gun because it was "too cold," showed up before 8:00 to shoot or watch -- and another shooter showed up later, planning to shoot the 200 yd agg. When I pulled in about 7:30 the flag at the gate was stretched out at about 90° and the low-hanging clouds were being pushed along at a steady pace by the wind. Given the thin turn-out and the VERY chilly weather, the match was cancelled.

In spite of the cancellation, the shooters and spectator had an enjoyable time sitting in the heated office discussing whatever needed to be discussed, and those who hung around enjoyed a tasty pot of chili for lunch, courtesy of Bobby Reiber.

One bit of noteworthy news is that there are no registered matches scheduled this year (and that change is reflected in the post above); thus, all of the matches are "open."
 
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Feb Report - We had six shooters today, including one factory rifle.

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match, Scott Dittman for scoring, Bill Dittman for running the computer, Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers (which Bobby cooked on the grill), chips, and cookies), and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day -- chilly and windy, but nice.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 250-21x
2. Roger Avery - 249-22x
3. Bill Dittman - 249-14x

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 250-7x
2. Roger Avery - 245-6x (6 mm)
3. Jim Andress - 241-3x

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 500-28x
2. Roger Avery - 494 -28x
3. Jim Andress - 488-14x

Next month we're shooting ten targets at 200 yards, alternating five group targets and five 100-yard score targets.
 
Mar Report - We had 5 shooters today, including one factory rifle, plus a regular shooter who didn't shoot -- he ran the computer.

We shot a 200-yard, "Tack Driver"-type format (i.e., ten targets, alternating score targets and group targets) at 200 yards, using 100-yard targets.

Partial results -- Score aggs:
1. Mike Harris - 227-2x (.243)
2. Scott Dittman - 226-4x (.243)
3. Roger Avery - 226-1x (.243)
MIke had the best target -- a 50-1x.

Partial results -- Group aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - .2635
2. Roger Avery - .3604
3. JIm Andress - .5667
Scott had a "screamer" -- .219.

Partial results -- Overall Placement (Group + Score)
1. Scott Dittman - (1+2=3)
2. Roger Avery - (2+3= 5)
3. Mike Harris - (1+4=5)
I think Jim used the group aggs as a tie breaker.

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and providing lunch (burgers, which he cooked on the grill, and chips), Scott Dittman for scoring, Bill Dittman for running the computer, and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day -- a little chilly, but nice.

Next month (second Saturday) we're shooting the Wilbur Harris Memorial match (see http://benchrest.com/showthread.php?105255-Wilbur-Harris-Memorial-Benchrest-Match) -- factory and modified rifles are welcome
 
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Apr Report -- As of yesterday, the weather forecast for today was:

Showers. High near 48. East wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.​

However, that forecast didn't stop six of us from showing up to shoot (although one didn't shoot due to the weather). Other than the wind (which may not have been quite as strong as forecasted), the above forecast was pretty close -- in other words, it was very chilly and rainy, enough so that we decided to quit after having shot the 100 yd. agg. (which was the Roger Avery show).

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match (and letting us shoot for no charge) and scoring, Bill Dittman for running the computer, Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers, which Bobby cooked on the grill, and condiments) -- and Dee for sweets, and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Roger Avery - .1060
2. Jim Andress - .2580
3. Joe Bougard - .2716

Roger won all five targets, and had three "screamers" -- .091, .084, and .082.

Next month we're shooting score at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome. At this time, there's some confusion as to whether we're shooting the first or second Sat of next month; I'll post an update when the confusion is clarified. UPDATE, we're shooting the second Sat -- May 13th.
 
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May Report - We had seven shooters today.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Jack Perry - 250-20x
2. Joe Bougard - 250-19x
3. Jim Andress - 250-17x (6mm)

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Joe Bougard - 247-8x
2. Roger Avery - 247-4x
3. Bill Griffith - 246-6x (6mm)

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Joe Bougard - 497-27x
2. Roger Avery - 497 -21x
3. Jim Andress - 495-22x (6mm)

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and scoring, Bill Dittman for running the computer, Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers (which Bobby cooked on the grill), chips, and condiments), and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

Next month we're shooting group at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome.
 
Jun Report - We had 11 shooters today (the most we've had at a CF BR match this year), including: Phil Ruesseler (shooting a factory rifle in his first benchrest match), and long-absent Miles Gibby -- thanks for shooting with us and come again every chance you get.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Jack Perry - .2060
2. Scott Dittman - .2300
3. Roger Avery - .2342
Jim Andress had small group - .132

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Roger Avery - .2726
2. Scott Dittman - .2846
3. Jim Andress - .3214
Roger had small group - .301

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Roger Avery - .2534
2. Scott Dittman - .2573
3. Jim Andress - .2816

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and scoring; Bill Dittman for running the computer; Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers and dogs, which Bobby cooked on the grill, chips, and condiments) -- and Dee for sweets; all those who helped move target frames; and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

Next month we're shooting score 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome.
 
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Hunter

Screamer Dreamin'
Jul Report - We had eight shooters today, including long-absent Claire Dittman -- thanks for shooting with us and come again every chance you get.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 250-21x (6mm)
2. Jim Andress - 250-19x (6mm)
3. Joe Bougard - 250-19x

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Joe Bougard - 250-7x
2. Roger Avery - 248-7x (6mm)
3. Bill Griffith - 247-4x (6mm)

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Joe Bougard - 500-26x
2. Roger Avery - 498 -22x (6mm)
3. Scott Dittman - 497-25x (6mm)

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and scoring, Bill Dittman for running the computer, Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers (which Bobby cooked on the grill), chips, and condiments), all those who helped move the target frames, and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

The schedule in post # 1 above shows that we're shooting 200 yard combined targets next month; however, that may change -- possibly to 100/200 yard group. I'll update this post when I hear for sure.
 
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Aug Report - The above schedule shows that we were to shoot a "combined" match today; however, due to an apparent lack of much interest in that format we shot group today. We had eight shooters, including: Larry Rainwater (shooting his second benchrest match), and Bill Von Minden (who drove down from NC and shot his first club match at River Bend) -- thank you both for shooting with us and come again every chance you get.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Jim Andress - .1994
2. Jack Perry - .2622
3. Scott Dittman - .2894
Bill Von Minden had small group (a screamer) - .088

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Bill Von Minden - .2533
2. Jim Andress - .2671
3. Greg Ellis - .3333
Jack Perry had small group - .347

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Jim Andress - .2333
2. Bill Von Minden - .2784
3. Greg Ellis - .3272

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match; Scott Dittman for scoring; Bill Dittman for running the computer; Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers, which Bobby cooked on the grill, chips, and condiments) -- and Dee for sweets; all those who helped move target frames; and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

Next month we're shooting group at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome (subject to the second paragraph in post # 1 above).
 
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Sep Report - Today was the Brady Knight Memorial match; however, it was not a registered match -- nevertheless, that didn't stop five of us from showing up to enjoy a nice day at the range (although one didn't shoot). Roger Avery left after the 100 yard agg. to attend his 50th wedding anniversary party -- congratulatons Roger and Phyllis. :)

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - .2454
2. Jim Andress - .2462
Jim had the two smallest groups - .143 & .149

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. JIm Andress - .3571
2. Scott Dittman - .3910
Jim had the two smallest groups - .542 & .590

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Jim Andress - .3027
2. Scott Dittman - .3182

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match; Scott Dittman for scoring; Bill Dittman for running the computer; Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers, which Bobby cooked on the grill, chips, and condiments) -- and Dee for sweets; all those who helped move target frames; and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

Next month we're shooting score at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome (subject to the second paragraph in post # 1 above).
 
Oct Report - We had seven souls show today (although one didn't shoot), including one factory-class shooter.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 250-20x
2. Joe Bougard - 250-20x
3. Jim Andress - 250-17x (6mm)

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 248-12x
2. Roger Avery - 247-10x (6mm)
3. Jim Andress - 247-5x (6mm)

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Scott Dittman - 498-32x
2. Jim Andress - 497 -22x (6mm)
3. Joe Bougard - 496-25x

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and scoring, Bill Dittman for running the computer, Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (burgers (which Bobby cooked on the grill, chips, and condiments) -- and Dee for sweets; all those who helped move the target frames, and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

Next month we're shooting groups at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome (subject to the second paragraph in post # 1 above).
 
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Nov Report - The weather forecast for today was rain and low- to mid-50s; however, that didn't stop six of us from showing up (although one didn't shoot), including one factory-class shooter. There was light rain when I arrived and during the first two or three targets, then the wind got up enough to make it very chilly -- fortunately, the heaters in the office worked.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Roger Avery - .1520
2. Jim Andress - .1892
3. Scott Dittman - .2376
Jim had the smallest group - .065

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Jim Andress - ..2526
2. Zane Athey - .2973
3. Roger Avery - .3019
Jim had the smallest group - .247

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Jim Andress - .2209
2. Roger Avery - .2270
3. Zane Athey - .2732

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and scoring; Bill Dittman for running the computer; Jim for providing lunch (burgers, which Jim cooked on the grill, chips, and condiments) -- and Dee for cookies; all those who helped move target frames; and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day; chilly, but nice.

Next month we're shooting score at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome (subject to the second paragraph in post # 1 above).
 
Dec Report - The weather forecast for today was a repeat of last month, i.e., rain and low- to mid-50s; however, that didn't stop six of us from showing up (although one didn't shoot), including James Garrett (a regular BR shooter on the RF circuit who has not shot CF BR in over 20 years) and one factory-class shooter. James, thanks for shooting with us and come again every chance you get. The weather forecast was pretty accurate today; fortunately, the rain was just intermittent and the wind was pretty calm.

Partial results -- 100 yard aggs:
1. Roger Avery - 250-20x
2. Scott Dittman - 250-16x
3. Jim Andress - 249-18x (6mm)

Partial results -- 200 yard aggs:
1. Roger Avery - 250-6x
2. Jim Andress - 249-4x (6mm)
3. Scott Dittman - 248-10x

Partial results -- Grand Aggs:
1. Roger Avery - 500-26x
2. Scott Dittman - 498 -26x
3. Jim Andress - 498-22x (6mm)

Thanks to: Jim Andress for running the match and scoring; Bill Dittman for running the computer; Jim and Bobby Reiber for providing lunch (brisket which Jim cooked, and beans which Bobby cooked, hamburger buns and condiments) -- and Dee for sweets; all those who helped move the target frames; and all the shooters for being there -- also thanks to RBGC for providing this venue for us to shoot. It was a nice day.

Next month we're shooting groups at 100 and 200 yards; factory and modified rifles are welcome (subject to the second paragraph in post # 1 above).
 
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