Potomac Precision Rifle Match
(Page updated 4/9/2018)
(Match Results
now located HERE)
(2013 and more recent Match results will be located
HERE)
Next
match date - Third Saturday (see below)
(Generally the
third Saturday of each month during the shooting season,
April through October. Note: Send an email to
gary AT marbut DOT com and ask to be on the Rifle Match
email list if you want to receive pre-event
announcements.)
Potomac, Montana
WHEN: Generally,
we
will hold matches during on the third Saturday of each month,
April through October (possibly minus July and August because of
fire season). Start time for the match is 9 AM.
Match registration will be from 9 to 9:30 AM. The
mandatory shooters' briefing/safety meeting will start promptly
at 9:30 AM (PROMPTLY). Only those who have attended the
beginning and all of the meeting will be able to shoot. Send an email to gary AT marbut DOT com
and ask to be on the Rifle Match email list if you want to
receive pre-event announcements and information.
WHAT: This
long-distance
rifle match will have a Hunter Class with about 43 targets from
100 to 350 yards (about), and a Precision Class with about 68
targets between 300 and 1,000 yards (about) (optional new
targets at 1,337). Participants may enter whichever class
they wish - not both classes.
All targets are steel plates, scored hit or miss. Every
shot will be scored. No trophies; no prizes. Just
shooting.
There are eight shooting positions (designated places to shoot
from), with targets at odd but known distances downrange from
each shooting position.
Shooters will be squadded into groups which will rotate from
shooting position to position. Each squad will rotate
after all shooters on the squad have engaged all targets from a
particular position. Squads will include a mix of
Precision Class and Hunter Class shooters.
A time element is incorporated (see below) so that each shooter
will not have unlimited time to engage all targets from each
shooting position. The time element will be set to be
adequate for the usual shooter to engage all targets with a
bolt-action, single-shot rifle, plus one minute of preparation
time beginning when the shooter is called to the line.
WHERE: Case
Ranch (thanks to Glenn and Julie Hacker!!). The match will
be held near Potomac, about 20 miles east of Missoula along
Highway 200. Here is a MapQuest map to the match
location. Take the Bonner exit from I-90.
Here is a Google Earth aerial of the match location - Shooting
Positions marked approximately.
We shoot north across the meadow on the north side of the
highway. Shooters will first assemble for a mandatory
Shooters' Meeting near the (old log) buildings visible at the
east end of the meadow - near Shooting Position 8.
Match Rules, Instructions and Information
1. Safety. Safety is first and absolute. All rifles
will be unloaded at all times except when a shooter is on the
line and actively shooting. All shooters will clear their
rifles under the supervision of a Range Officer after shooting,
and dry-fire on an empty chamber. Notwithstanding that,
all rifles will be treated at all times as if they were
loaded. Muzzle direction will be downrange (North) at any
time a rifle is not being carried in the muzzle-up position.
2. Shooters' meeting. Safety practices for the match will be
discussed further at the mandatory Shooters' Meeting before the
match. Only shooters who have attended the Shooters'
Meeting may participate in the match.
3. Ammunition. No steel-core ammunition is allowed. It
will damage the targets (besides, it's not very accurate
anyway). If you are unsure if your ammo has a steel core,
test it on a magnet. No incendiary or tracer ammo (duhhh).
4. Caliber/velocity restriction. No rifle caliber larger than .34 allowed,
except with special permission. For example, a .444 Marlin
or 45-70 would be allowed, but ask for permission.
Anything chambered to shoot factory ammo over 3,500 FPS
(example: 22.250, .220 Swift) will not be allowed in Hunter
Class. Again, the issue is damage to targets. We
want to be able to shoot this match several times each year
without having the expense and labor of replacing steel targets.
5. Shooting both Hunter and
Precision classes. Not.
This is because of the time it will take to get all shooters
through the match, and as a courtesy to the majority of
shooters.
6. Dividing shooters into Hunter
and Precision classes. It is
our strong bias to allow shooters to choose their class,
regardless of their equipment. We assume shooters know
their ability, and will prefer the more numerous and more
challenging targets of Precision Class if the shooter's gear and
skill are up to the challenge. We want everyone to be able
to shoot and have an interesting and instructive match.
Since there will be no prizes or trophies, any sandbagging will
not matter.
7. Bathrooms. There are none. There are trees near some
shooting positions, behind which a needful shooter may be able
to step for some light stuff. But, we will also be
shooting from less than 100 yards away from Highway 200.
There is a quick stop a mile down the highway from the
match. Buy something to drink there and use their bathroom
if needed.
8. Litter. Absolutely no litter! The generous
private landowner has graciously allowed us to use their land
for this match. The land must be left in impeccable
condition.
9. Modification of shooting
positions. It is okay to pull
tall grass or weeds in the bullet flight path in front of
shooting positions, or to clear obvious sticks and rocks.
Otherwise, no modifications are allowed. This is supposed
to be a field match (Spirit of the Game!)
10. Shooter's shooting position
and gear. Most Precision Class
shooters will shoot prone off of bipods. Most Hunter Class
shooters will shoot over a pack on the ground, but may use
bipods if available. Shooting sticks are allowed, as are
rear sandbags. Adjustable front rests are deemed not
suitable for these field conditions (Spirit of the Game).
Shooting from sitting, kneeling or offhand is allowed, although
most targets should be available from the prone position (we
reserve the right to throw in a target or two that cannot be
seen from prone).
11. Distances to targets. The distances to targets will be known and
marked on shooters' score sheets. This is to save time
ranging targets when a squad arrives at a shooting position - to
make the match run faster. It is assumed that shooters
will need to know exact distances to reliably hit targets.
We will provide that information. Bring your range finder
to double check us if you like.
12. Spotting scopes. Definitely bring spotting scopes.
Spotters will be needed on each squad to spot shooters' hits on
targets.
13. Timing scheme. Here is the scheme we use to incorporate a time
element into the match. Each shooting position will have
six to eight targets downrange (four or five for Hunter
Class). Our current formula is to allow a total time ("par
time") for the shooter to set up and engage all targets that is
equal to four (4) seconds per 100 yards per target, totaled for
all targets from that position, plus an added 60 seconds of
preparation (setup) time. For example, if a target is at
1,000 yards, that will add 40 seconds of shooting time; a target
at 500 yards would add 20 seconds of shooting time. If,
for example, a shooting position had four targets at 1,000 yards
(160 seconds) and five targets at 500 yards (100 seconds), plus
the 60 seconds of prep time, that would allow a total of 320
seconds (5 minutes, 20 seconds) for a shooter to engage all
targets from that shooting position. Thus, when a shooter
is given the start command for that shooting position, the clock
will start, and the last shot must be fired before 320 seconds
have elapsed. Any shots fired (or not fired) after the
time ends will count as missed targets. No other penalty
will be assessed for late shots, such as failure to
engage. The shooting time for each shooting position will
be rounded up to the nearest half-minute and marked on the score
sheets.
14. Match fee. The match fee will be $2.50 per stage for MSSA
members and $4.00 for non-menbers (Hey, you can join MSSA for
$25 - see: http://mtssa.org/membership.phtml.)
MSSA
is the lead organization asserting the rights of gun owners and
hunters in Montana. MSSA has now gotten 68 (yes
"sixty eight") pro-gun and pro-hunting measures through the
Montana Legislature in the past 25 years or so. Some
knowledgeable commentators with a national perspective say that
MSSA is the most effective pro-gun organization in the U.S.,
maybe in the World. Read about some MSSA achievements at:
http://www.mtssa.org/?page_id=2
15. Preregistration. We no longer require
preregistration. We've found
that we can accommodate the number of shooters who show
up. So, just show up in time for registration and the
Shooters' Meeting.
16. Squads. Shooters will be divided into squads of five
shooters per squad, the optimum number we calculate to allow one
person to shoot, one or two to spot, one to serve as range
officer and scorekeeper, and one to fiddle, eat and
kibitz. With eight shooting positions and a shotgun start
(one squad per shooting position), we should be able to
accommodate as many as 40 shooters. Keeping the squad size
down will make the match run faster and let everyone get home
sooner. We deliberately mix Hunter Class and Precision
Class shooters on each squad, both to keep all squads moving
through the match at a similar pace, AND to provide Hunter Class
shooters with the very educational exposure to the more
knowledgeable and more well-equipped Precision Class shooters.
17. Squad leaders. One experienced shooter will be chosen by the
Match Director to lead each squad, primarily to stay on top of
safety procedures, but also run the timer and to keep the squad
shooting and moving. That squad leader will also be the
designated range safety officer (Range Officer or "RO") for the
squad, a position someone else on the squad will assume when the
squad leader shoots.
18. Targets.
All
targets are rectangular steel plates, hung from frames with
rubber belting. There are three sizes of targets, large
(12" X 24"), medium (9" X 20") and small (7" X 18"). Some
are hung in the landscape orientation (horizontal) and some in
the portrait orientation (vertical). Most target stands
have more than one size of target.
The targets are used track plates from tracked vehicles.
Here is what the three sizes look like, with a standard paint
can and IPSC target for size comparison:
Yes, we know. They already have holes in them. Some
of the holes will be plugged with the bolts we've used to hang
the plates. Some holes won't be plugged. Don't shoot
the holes is all we can say. They won't score. And,
the plates have those danged insets shaped into one edge.
Oh well, "Spirit of the game." If anyone wishes to provide
us with and mount about two tons of armor plate or better steel,
without holes or insets, we will be glad to shoot at those.
Targets are painted and color-coded for each shooting
position. For example, all targets from this shooting
position are orange.
Targets to be engaged from this shooting position are blue.
All targets for Hunter Class shooters are identified with a
diagonal black stripe.
Targets are all at irregular distances, but these distances will
be marked on a shooter's score sheet. So, the distances
will be known at the match.
Again, most Hunter Class targets will be between 100 and 300
yards (hey, we threw in one long target for Hunter Class -
Rocky's idea - blame him). Precision Class targets will
300 yards and beyond.
About the level of challenge for the
match: Some discussion about
the level of challenge proposed is in order. We've spent a
lot of time and gone through quite a bit of beer talking about
and thinking through the level of challenge to provide. We
would like the match winner in both Hunter and Precision classes
to be able to hit 90-95% of the targets (with no wind), but
never 100%. If somebody gets 100% in this match, we'll
shrink or move the targets for the next match. We'd also
like any entry-level person with a hunting rifle to be able to
hit a lot of the targets in Hunter Class. Philosophically,
we see Hunter Class not so much as a way to prove or vet hunting
skills and equipment (although it may be that), but as an
opportunity to learn and a stepping stone to Precision
Class. Of course, Mother Nature may get involved with wind
and spoil our best-laid level-of-challenge plans. Breaks
of the game - welcome to Montana.
Discussion about match layout, conditions
and timing. Shooters will need
to walk about a mile over the course of the match, over nearly
level ground that is easy walking, most of that less than 200
yards at a time, going from shooting position to position.
Sometime during the match, every shooter will have to walk the
full length of the line of shooting positions, going from
position 8 to position 1, a distance of about 3/4 mile.
Because of match timing issues, it will be difficult to return
to vehicles during the match. A day pack is recommended
for each shooter to carry necessaries. We'd like to get
the match over no later than 5 PM so folks can travel
home. Small squads, a shotgun start and the shooting,
par-time element are all intended to help us move the shooting
along and get done at a reasonable time.
What to bring to the match. There are a number of things that would be good
to bring.
Eye and ear protection mandatory. Of course, eye
protection and ear protection will be required for all shooters
and spectators.
Amplified ear protection. Amplified hearing protection may
help in detecting hits on the steel targets.
Clothing suitable for the weather. We have requested a
sunny, clear, windless match days. But, we live in
Montana. Bring what you will need.
Spotting scopes. Every squad will need one or two spotters
to call hits on targets. It will be a priority for
spotters to be able to see well the target being engaged by the
shooter, AND for the spotter to be able to follow the
time-limited shooter from target to target. Definitely
bring a spotting scope if you have one. (Clue:
Shooters, be sure to inform your spotter of your intended target
engagement order before the clock starts.)
Binoculars. Binoculars will be helpful to locate targets
once you arrive at a shooting position, especially for Precision
Class shooters.
Front rests. Not! Bipods are fine, in either
class. Shooting over a backpack is fine - what most Hunter
Class shooters do. But no mechanical front rests.
Shooting sticks are OK - some Hunter Class targets may not be
visible from prone. Spirit of the game!
Rear bags. If you want to pack it, bring it along.
Some of the precision shooters are experimenting with rear bags
filled with something light, such as popcorn, rice, oatmeal,
plastic beads or whatever.
Family service radios for communication among squads during the
match.
Non-alcoholic liquids to drink. We've asked for warm
weather. We'll see. Bring whatever you want to drink
during the match. Of course, nothing containing alcohol.
Bring your lunch (and maybe cookies to bribe your
spotter). There will be no specific lunch break.
Squad members can stagger eating lunch during the match when not
shooting or spotting. We'll expect this to slow the
progress of the match just a bit between Noon and 1 PM. No
nap time is scheduled for after lunch.
Rangefinder. You are welcome to double-check the ranges to
targets we will print on the score cards. We determined
ranges with both a Leica and Swarovski rangefinders and split
any differences.
Spectators, significant others, gun bearers. OK, bring 'em
on. The same safety will be required for all, including
any gun handling, and eye and ear protection.
Motel reservations in Missoula. Moved to the bottom of this page.
Match Procedures
Shooting position procedure.
Each
shooter will fire from along a line parallel to Highway 200 and
within eight feet east or west (left or right) of the stake
(rebar) which marks that shooting position. This does not
need to be exact, but the firing line is not forward of or to
the rear of the shooting position stake. The shooter must
fire from within eight feet of the stake, left or right, and
within a foot or two of the imaginary line parallel to Highway
200, left or right of the stake. For definition, the bolt
of the shooter's rifle must be on the firing line, plus or minus
two feet.
Starting position. The shooter must begin standing
two paces (about six feet) to the rear of his selected firing
position. The shooter may begin with eye and ear
protection already in place. The shooter's rifle must be
empty of ammunition, bolt forward. The rifle must be held
diagonally across the shooter's torso, at port arms. If
the rifle is equipped with a bipod, the bipod must be in the
folded, carry position. The shooter may pre-set any
required extension on the bipod, as long as it is folded (not
deployed position). If a scope has scope caps, they must
be closed. The shooter may not pre-position any gear at
the shooting position, but must carry whatever the shooter needs
to shoot from the start position to the shooting position (spirit
of the game) (exception - you can throw a shooting mat
down and then back up to the start position to start).
Upon start signal, the shooter may advance the two paces to the
shooting position, set up, and engage appropriate targets
downrange.
Late shots. Shots fired after the par time
expiration may not score as hits, and any targets not engaged
during the par time score as misses. Participants WILL be
allowed to engage remaining targets after par time elapse.
Hey, we're there to shoot. But, overtime hits won't count
and shots not taken before par time elapse will still score as
misses.
Clear rifle at line. Upon completion of the firing
from a shooting position, the shooter must, with rifle muzzle
downrange, demonstrate to the Range Officer that the rifle is
free of ammunition, both magazine and chamber, and then close
the bolt and snap the trigger on an empty chamber.
Detachable magazines must be removed.
Squad procedure upon arrival at a Shooting Position.
Upon arrival at a Shooting Position, the squad or squad leader
should determine where in relation to the stake most shooters
wish to shoot from (Positions are generally set to allow the
most convenient shooting from the right or East side of the
stake). The squad leader will then designate a place,
along the firing line, for shooters to ground their rifles, not
blocking the place from which the squad members wish to
shoot. Rifles should be grounded along the firing line
with muzzles downrange. If a shooter does not wish to
ground his rifle, but hold or sling it in a muzzle-up
orientation, that is acceptable. If it is raining,
carrying and holding rifles in a muzzle-down orientation will be
allowed, but only if it is raining.
Once rifles are grounded, the squad should take no more than
five minutes to locate all color-coded targets for that shooting
position and determine a shooting order and who will be
spotting. Each shooter should have some dialog with his or
her designated spotter about intended target engagement order
and feedback information the shooter would like from the
spotter. Upon a shooter's request, it is acceptable for
the spotter, the Range Officer, the scorekeeper, or another
squad member to call off the distances to targets for the
shooter, including while the shooter is shooting. The
Range Officer may coach the shooter about how much time remains
during the shooting string. Once a shooting order is
established (by volunteerism or by shuffling score sheets) and
targets are located, the squad leader may begin to run shooters.
Squad duties.
The Squad Leader will be the Range Officer for every
shooter on the squad but himself. Some other squad member,
a volunteer or someone designated by the squad leader, will
serve as the Range Officer when the squad leader shoots.
The Range Officer will be responsible first for safety
associated with the person shooting. The Range Officer
will also run the clock for each shooter, determine when the par
time is elapsed, and inform the scorekeeper if not all shots are
fired upon expiration of the par time. The Range Officer
will also record hits and misses on the shooter's score sheet,
unless there is another person on the squad available and
willing to keep score.
The spotter only is responsible for determining
hits or misses on targets. More than one spotter may be
used on a squad, depending on availability of spotting scopes
and personnel. If there are two spotters working, and they
disagree about a hit or miss, the Range Officer will break the
tie. Only after the spotter has declared a "hit"
or "miss," the spotter may provide the shooter with any
information the shooter wants about the location of a hit or
miss.
Squad movement. Upon completion of a Shooting
Position, the squad will move to the next higher-numbered
position - the next position to the East. Each squad
finishing Shooting Position 8 will move to Shooting Position
1. All squad movement must be to the rear (South) of the
firing line - through that area between Highway 200 and the
firing line.
====================================================
Match Results
Match results moved HERE
(2013 and more recent Match results will be located
HERE)
Narrative. The September, 2007 match ran well, started on time, and finished at a reasonable hour - about 5 PM. The targets held up well - only one array of two targets was lost during the match. Despite windless, sunny days both before and after the match, winds were gusting up to 20 MPH on the day of the match. Still, everyone had a good time and got in a lot of long-range trigger time. Participants were pleased with the match format and scope. Feedback about the time element invoked was very positive. Few shooters were unable to make all shots during the times alloted per shooting position. All shooters felt at least somewhat pressured by the time constraints applied. If there were any serious complaints about the match (other than the variable winds), the match organizers didn't hear them.
========================================
Motel reservations in Missoula. When we select match dates, we don't check to
see if there are any Little League tournaments in Missoula,
exotic dancer competitions, Kiwanis conventions, or other
gatherings.
On the east end of Missoula, closest to the match location,
there are two motels that are suggested. These are both
just east of the Van Buren Street exit to I-90.
The Thunderbird Motel
1009 E. Broadway
406-543-7251
The Holiday In Express
1021 E. Broadway
406-549-7600
There are a bunch of hotels/motels clustered around the Reserve
Street exit to I-90. These are:
Ruby's Reserve Street Inn
4825 N. Reserve (south of I-90)
406-721-0990
Best Western Grant Creek Inn
5280 Grant Creek Rd (north of I-90)
405-543-0700
Come On Inn
2775 Expo Parkway (north of I-90)
406-829-2000
Motel 6
3035 Expo Parkway (north of I-90)
406-5496665
4-Bs Best Inn
4953 N. Reserve (south of I-90)
406-542-7550
Super 8
4703 N. Reserve (south of I-90)
406-549-1199
There are more motels in Missoula on the south side of the Clark
Fork River but not listed here.