Texas State 200/300
You missed a good one Virg.
I got talked into attending this match by a long time Acquaintance of mine, Danny Keeney. Danny built two 30br rifles, just so that he could check em out at this match. I was assigned the duty of shooting one of the rifles. I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse. A free trip and plenty of Gator Ade.:
Danny had preloaded enough ammo for both the 200 and 300 yardages for my rifle and his. One heck of a nice guy.
I recruited another friend from the DFW area,Mike Miller, to come along as a witness to watch what was to occur. Just so happens ,Mike is a new shooter and he has a purpose built score rifle chambered in 30BR. He decided to be a participator rather than a spectator.
We all got up early Saturday morning and drove to the Range at Walker County. I had already shot a group match,200/300yds, at the Walker County Range about three weeks earlier. I didn’t tell my traveling buddies about the Wind and Mirage.
The match kicked off about 9:00Am,at 300yds. The wind was light and switchy, with occasional gusts that were very difficult to read. After the second target, the Mirage totally washed the lines off the target. When you shoot score, you need to be able to see the lines on the target and bullet holes.
I don’t believe anybody shot clean at 300yds. The sighter target was useless because I couldn’t clearly see my bullet holes.
Sometimes I thought I was seeing two bullet holes on the sighter.
Couple that with the floaters that kept getting in the way(Old eyes) and you can imagine how my day went.
The 200yd match that afternoon brought more of the same. Heavy Mirage and light gusty winds.
I could occasionally see a bullet hole, if I strained. I mostly had to rely on a young shooter sitting at the bench next to me,to tell me where I was hitting the target. He had one of those Night Force 36X scopes
I dont shoot many registered score matches. I had one helluva a good time. Owner Larry Deese and Family is doing a great job. The Walker county benchrest Range project is getting off to a great start.
Congratulations to Joe Duke and all the top finishers, as well as those who braved the elements and contributed to making this fun sport possible.
Glenn
