USA Hybrid Class

S

sgeorge

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USARB would like to propose a new rifle class for USA shooters. While USA Sporter was a good idea, it never really caught on. Therefore, we propose replacing it with a new class, USA Hybrid.

USA Hybrid Class
.177, .20 and .22 calibers are allowed.
Up to a maximum of 20 FPE.
Up to a maximum of 15 pounds.
Fore end of stock not to exceed 3 inches in width.
Shooting will be off bags, a bi-pod or a mechanical rest.
International scoring rules will apply.
Target distance will be 25 meters or 50 yards, at the discretion of the match director.
Electronics in the firing control mechanism of the rifle are allowed and need not be integral to the rifle.
Automation of controls to a mechanical front rest is allowed.
Wind Flag/Anemometer data may be transmitted/received by remote devices.

This new class will allow several things to happen.

1. LV and HV will remain international classes and will continue to follow WRABF rules.
2. Those invested in USA Open and USA Unlimited equipment are protected.
3. USA Hybrid will foster cutting edge technology in a common power class.
 
I doubt you will find more self shooting computer gun "shooters" than you have Sporter shooters. What incentive is there to invest in such wizardry when any prospective shooter sees how you left the Sporter Class shooters high and dry do to lack of numbers. They've got to figure they are going to suffer the same fate in a few years.

Eventually, your going to find out that creating and disposing of Classes every few years is counter productive and all the clubs will end up doing their own thing, like the AZ State Match. At that point you are not going to have a unified US BR Association.

Seems to me your driving off more shooters(Sporter Class) than your going to bring in with the Hybrid Class.
 
Thank you for your input.

USA Sporter class was put in place to help bring shooters into benchrest. It was thought that with so many shooting this type of rifle, it would have some impact on attendance on the West coast where these rifles seem to be concentrated.

Now, they may be out there shooting lots of targets but they are not letting it be known, "lack of numbers." The balancing act is trying to have a variety of classes to satisfy everyone and protect existing investments and having too many classes where it dilutes what we are doing and gives the impression you need a specialized rifle for each class.

Tough to drive those off that have not shown up. This new class would still be a great place for those with Sporter type rifles to shoot. Clubs are always going to do their own thing, they know best what their local shooters want.

This class remains a proposal and more input is needed.
 
Why create another class? Unlimited would cover these guns and certainly foster the cutting edge. Why limit the unlimited class? Maybe its just me, but unlimited class exists to push the envelope. I really dont see the point in having this class. Can you shed some light as to why its needed or the motivation to create it?

Shawn
 
Shawn,

Thanks for jumping in.

I agree, this would fit into the USA Unlimited class except for the power level and potential for caliber discrepancy.

You asked why it's needed. Many shooters like the idea of electronics in air rifles but they also want a more level playing field. By leaving LV and HV unchanged and having a comparable power level and weight, the USA Hybrid class is the way we can channel the creativity and technology that could herald a degree of progress never seen before. It keeps all of this stuff in one place while giving these shooters a place to compete.

The motivation to create this class is easy. This class is what seems to answer all of the issues that concern match directors and shooters. Those concerns range from "what is this game going to look like in 10 years" to "what is all this technology going to cost?" The best line came from one of our more experienced shooters, "it's only an unfair advantage if you can't afford it."
 
If I'm reading your response correctly (Many shooters like the idea of electronics in air rifles but they also want a more level playing field.) Shooters want fully electronic adjustable rests, electronic triggers where contact with the gun is not necessary, but would feel that is not fair to compete against someone shooting at 30ftlb with a mechanical trigger and rest??? Really?

If you are trying to create something that isn't quite there yet but want to establish it, go for it. Otherwise encourage the growth in unlimited, see where it goes. I'm all for technology and electronics. Increased competition and participation will do great things for our sport. I don't believe these setups will dominate, many factors play into a X. Outdoors, wind is still a humbling mistress regardless if using a ribbon or electronically monitored and adjusted. An electronic setup will give the operator a better opportunity to win versus a shooter with mechanical setup, but certainly would not guarantee a win.

Shawn
 
Shawn,

We have been trying to promote the USA Unlimited class for several years. After a brief, high degree of interest, this class, like USA Sporter, has not attracted very much attention. USA Open has seen interest and growth, therefore, it is important to protect the investment that shooters have in their equipment. When considering all of these factors, it seemed to be best to create a new class for all things cutting edge.

These things, electronic triggers, automated front rests, wireless anemometers/wind flags feeding data back to hand held devices and the ability to simulate POI, are NOT science fiction. The technology is available now and is just beginning to find it's way into the shooting sports, like electronic scoring.

Please give me your reasoning for keeping USA Sporter class? We are always interested in different perspectives.
 
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The problem with the structure

is one must shoot only one class of rifle for an agg in a match. The Rimfire Orgs have it figured out, why not use their format? Why would one invest in a LV and HV rifle if they can only shoot one of them on a match day? Sporter would go if the format was the same as IR 50/50 or RBA.

I run IR 50/50 matches in Maine, where we have a very low population in a big state. We have good attendance every match. Some folks don't shoot Sporter but do shoot their 10.5 lb rifle in the 10.5, 13.5 and in the 3 unlimited cards in the PM. When one travels long distances, they want to be able to shoot some and get the most bang for their buck. The way the format is now ain't doing that, In my opinion. If we have to turn our backs on the World Org, then we must. They may see the advantage to what we do in the end and join us.

Pete Wass
 
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Pete,

Just as in IR50/50, a shooter can have a LV rifle and shoot in HV and USA Open. These classes are about power levels and weight, similar to your 10.5 and 13.5 pound classes. Now, ARA simplifies that even further with one class with one piece rests allowed.

For now, most feel that being part of an international organization is best. The LV and HV classes will follow the international rules, thus protecting the investment most have in existing equipment.

This new class is where shooters who want to experiment with electronic triggers of various designs, front rests with stepper motors working from a joystick and wireless anemometers feeding information back to handheld and other software devices can gather and compete on comparable power levels. Some of these things will be seen in Arizona at the national championships.

We do agree that fewer classes is better in that there is less to dilute our progress. Those classes that do not gain an audience are under review, Springer, Sporter and Unlimited are examples.

Thanks for your opinions.
 
Youll never convince me Steve

sgeorge said:
Pete,

Just as in IR50/50, a shooter can have a LV rifle and shoot in HV and USA Open. These classes are about power levels and weight, similar to your 10.5 and 13.5 pound classes. Now, ARA simplifies that even further with one class with one piece rests allowed.

For now, most feel that being part of an international organization is best. The LV and HV classes will follow the international rules, thus protecting the investment most have in existing equipment.

This new class is where shooters who want to experiment with electronic triggers of various designs, front rests with stepper motors working from a joystick and wireless anemometers feeding information back to handheld and other software devices can gather and compete on comparable power levels. Some of these things will be seen in Arizona at the national championships.

We do agree that fewer classes is better in that there is less to dilute our progress. Those classes that do not gain an audience are under review, Springer, Sporter and Unlimited are examples.

Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...

I think you are dead wrong on this one. Accordingly, interest and growth will be slow if, in fact, meaningful growth happens. My interest is at an all time low at this point.

Pete
 
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Pete,

Sorry you feel this way. When everyone gets back from the national championship, we will have a better sense regarding interest and growth.
 
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