F T/R Competition 2012 F-Class National Championship (Updated-Final)

[gstaylorg]

The first (practice) day for the 2012 F-Class National Championship at Whittington Center in Raton, NM, is in the books. The temperature early was in the mid/upper 40s, but warmed up to the mid 60s by noon and was very pleasant. The wind...not so pleasant. The practice session was postponed for a short time in the hopes it would die down a little, which it actually did a little bit.

Initially, the wind was from 10:00 ranging from ~8 to 15 mph, with gusts well over 20 mph. I was in the pits for the first two rounds and by the time I got to the line, I clocked it at 12-18 mph, with an average of 14.8, still from 10:00 or so. I got my elevation dialed in, but windage was a little more challenging. All I can say is that if it's like this every day, my scores will be in BIG trouble (LOL). The forecast is for the wind to calm down a bit the next couple days, so hopefully it will be manageable.

Here are some pics I took today. The first is of the sun coming up over the 1000 yd range early in the morning. The second is from shortly before the practice began. The third is from just after the session ended. Notice the flags in pics 2 and 3, and notice the lovely dust devil dead center in picture 3, as well.

I will continue this thread during the competition and as pics and the scores as the FCNC goes along. Enjoy!

<span style="font-weight: bold">Day 1</span>

The first day of competition started a little chilly, but with almost no wind at all. At most we had 1-2 mph winds through (I believe) all 4 relays. Due to the number of competitors, squadding was done in 4 relays, with two persons manning each target in the pits. This approach worked very well IMO.

By the time the second match started, the wind picked up to between 6-8 mph or so from SE to S, which was not all that bad velocity-wise, but it lived up to Raton's reputation for being very twitchy, with lots of side-to-side changes. Opinions may vary, but for myself, the flags ended up being a much better indicator than mirage. Conditions for the third match were similar. Some scores definitely took big hits in matches 2 and 3, as you can see below. Here are a couple pics, the first at the line before match 1, the second showing the Flags of various countries represented at the event. It is definitely an international crowd, with at least 7 other nations represented. All in all, a great group.

<span style="font-weight: bold">
Day 1, F-Open:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Day 1, F-T/R:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Day 2</span>

Day 2 started out very like Day one, except a bit warmer. Winds were relatively forgiving, especially for Raton. That is until the third match. The last match of the day, winds were absolutely wicked, ranging from 1-2 mph, up to 10-11 mph, from SE/S. Scores for many dropped predictably. No pics today, just the scores. I was running late this AM and didn't get my Fruity Pebbles, so I didn't get up the energy to take any decent pictures. Which is probably a blessing in disguise because if I had taken any after the third round, much of what you'd have been looking at would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (LOL).

<span style="font-weight: bold">Day 2, F-Open:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Day 2, F-T/R:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">
Day 3 (Team Matches):</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">F-T/R:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">
F-Open:</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">
Final Results</span>

Well, the shooting is over, the scores are in, and the 2012 FCNC is over. The final day of shooting again saw gorgeous weather. The format for the final day was 2 x 20 @ 1000 yd. Conditions for the 1st match for everyone were very favorable, with wind velocity and changes minimal as compared to some of the other matches. By the 2nd matches however, conditions were back to what Raton is known for; very rapid and somewhat unpredictable changes. As a results, many scores dropped in the 2nd of the days matches relative to the first.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
Final Agg. Scores </span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">F-T/R:</span>

National Champion: James Crofts 1272-47X
High Woman: Trudie Fay: 1259-45X
High Junior: Ivan Lamprecht 1241-33X
High Grand Senior: Middleton Tompkins 1194-23X
High Senior: Daniel Pohlabel 1264-42X

<span style="font-weight: bold">F-Open:</span>

National Champion: David Bailey 1283-59X
High Woman: Michelle Gallagher 1274-51X
High Junior: David Jr Vanderwes 1255-34X
High Grand Senior: Danny Biggs 1273-46X
High Senior: Jim Murphy 1282-50X

A hearty congratulations to all the match winners, your achievements were well-earned and well-deserved! Thanks also to everyone that attended the matches, including both the shooters and especially all the folks that worked very hard for this event to run exceptionally well! Just a really great bunch of folks all around.

 

[XTR]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

After practice yesterday in left to right in the morning and right to left winds in the afternoon that at times were worth about 8MOA the NWS says we'll have light winds as much as 5mph this morning becoming calm later in the morning.. There should be some big scores this afternoon if this holds true.

 

[Down South]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After practice yesterday in left to right in the morning and right to left winds in the afternoon that at times were worth about 8MOA the NWS says we'll have light winds as much as 5mph this morning becoming calm later in the morning.. There should be some big scores this afternoon if this holds true.</div></div>

With winds like that you guys are gonna burn it up, good luck!

 

[diego-ted]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Nothing like New Mexico sunrises, sunsets and supapillas! The wind, not so much! LOL

Good luck to all, Pendelton shooters!

 

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Allright Mark Walker! Good luck and fair wind calls to ya and to the rest of the Bayou Rifles shooters that are there..

Joe

 

[XTR]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Looks like tomorrow is going to be the mirror image of today. Today we ended up with winds predominantly from the south that stitched from about 4 o'clock to about 7 o'clock. The switches that were worth about 1.5MOA for a TR gun if you missed it. (read that as an 8)

NWS says winds from the north tomorrow. This is my first time here but thinking about the terrain that may be tricky. There is a hill/mountain to the north so I don't know what that means for wind on the range.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

I think it's hard to say. I'm definitely not the Raton expert, but my guess is that it will be very similar to today, except in the opposite direction as far as adjustments. I rather doubt the mountains will offer much, if any, protection, at least they certainly didn't at practice Monday when they freight trained in from NNE. It should be fun, regardless

.

 

[mjh30]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

gstaylorg, thanks for the scoring update.

 

[9sigman45]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

There was also a Team Match portion the F-Class Nationals. I'm somewhere between Amarillo and Oklahoma City on my 25 hour drive home, so I don't have the scores handy, but here's the top Finishers for F-tr:
1st place was Team Sinclair (Paul, Brad, Derek, Jeff & Ray)
2nd place was North State X-Men (Phil, Joe, Mike, Jim & Radek)
3rd place was Team Savage (Monte, John, Darrel & Stan)

Sorry if I left any names out, it's been a LONG day ;>)

 

[Tactical]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Half way home after driving last nine hours. Rough couple of weeks. Never saw so many weapons and scopes break in two weeks of shooting.
One US Team Member had three triggers break.

Several rifle had barrels shoot out way before they should have ( low round counts)

I started off not being able to read the wind worth a poop,( can you say rusty from laying off for multiple surgeries)but rifles where shooting good. Then I started picking up wind and stock cracked. JB Weld fixed that. Then Trigger malfunctioned ( Thanks Dale for fixing for me) Then my scope broke on last day. But several had far worse luck than me. LOL

Hope everyone gets home safe

Thanks to range staff for making for a couple of great shooting weeks

With that said. Great time with great folks. We have a good US Team and they showed thier worth when several had to work through everything going wrong.

Darrel probably has more to say but he wont be home for a few days.

 

[308RS]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Thanks for keeping us posted with the results! Congrats to everyone!

 

[XTR]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Personally the only real disappointment was crossfire in the last match and it cost me.

I did win the 3d match (TR) on Tuesday. Bringing home a gold from the nationals (with several international teams there) pretty much made the trip for me.

Oh yea, just got home and the wife extended her trip to grandma's so I'm going to go use up the last of my ammo at the Full Bore match in Oak Ridge tomorrow.

 

[Papagrizzly]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship (Updated-Final)

Got back yesterday after a gruelling two weeks of shooting and team matches in Raton.

I was particularly impressed with the Tex Mex group of shooters who shot really well.

Final results as posted on Bald Eagles site:

http://www.baldeaglesrc.org/Resources/Documents/2012%20F-Class%20Nationals%20Final%20Results.pdf

 

[Mark Walker]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WhiskyTangoFoxtrot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Allright Mark Walker! Good luck and fair wind calls to ya and to the rest of the Bayou Rifles shooters that are there..

Joe </div></div>

Thanks Joe! It was a fun week + in Raton! Congrats to my Team Captain David Bailey on the F-Open individual win, and all the other winner as well.

 

[KT35]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

First off I'm not trying to starting anything but I'm curious.

For the US Open Team guys why is it that you guys are required to run the 7 magnums? When the 284 and 280 performs just as well if not better. Plus the barrels last alot longer?

KT

 

[Tactical]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Not an open guy but pm Papagrizzly and he can probably explain. From the TR Perspective uniformity makes sense.

I have to tell you I shot for the Open/TR Combined Team and the Open Team has thier poop together. I look forward to them winning the next Worlds

 

[Papagrizzly]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have to tell you I shot for the Open/TR Combined Team and the Open Team has their poop together. I look forward to them winning the next Worlds </div></div>

Mike - thanks for your compliment. We are working very hard towards that goal.

Head pooper scooper

 

[mattt]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Started to save up funds for next year really want to make it.Hope gas is cheaper !

 

[Killshot44]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Started to save up funds for next year really want to make it.Hope gas is cheaper ! </div></div>

Let's rent a luxe RV and do it right.

I want to shoot the Fullbore Matches the week before the Nationals, too. I'm sure the wife won't mind me being gone for two weeks.

 

[memilanuk]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Which fullbore matches would that be?

Are they holding the 2013 Spirit of America match in early August instead of September as per tradition?

I thought it was FCNC -> FCWC, approx. Aug. 14-27 total for both events.

 

[Papagrizzly]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

The SOA next year will be at its traditional time in Sept.

The August matches are our F-Class nationals followed by the F-Class World Championship.

2013 F-Class Nationals August 18 - 22, 2013

F-Class World Championship August 23 - 27, 2013.

 

[Killshot44]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Sorry, fellas, I wasn't aware the F Nats were in Aug next year... Definitely doing the Spirit of America Matches.

 

[memilanuk]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

If'n I had to choose... I'm guessing F-Class attendance @ SOA might be a little light in 2013, as most people are probably going to opt for FCNC/FCWC over SOA. I enjoy SOA/fullbore, but FCWC only happens once every four years, and it may be a loooooong dang time before its here again.

YMMV,

Monte

 

[Al_Ski]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

Monte we were talking about the FCWC at a match this past Saturday. Is it open registration or by invitation only?

 

[esromvre]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Papagrizzly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The SOA next year will be at its traditional time in Sept.

The August matches are our F-Class nationals followed by the F-Class World Championship.

2013 F-Class Nationals August 18 - 22, 2013

F-Class World Championship August 23 - 27, 2013. </div></div>

I will see you there...

 

[memilanuk]

Re: 2012 F-Class National Championship, Raton, NM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Al_Ski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Monte we were talking about the FCWC at a match this past Saturday. Is it open registration or by invitation only? </div></div>

Honestly... I don't know for sure. I presume its open, as I recall there being at least one Canadian and one American over @ Bisley in 2009 that were 'unaffiliated' with either national team.

Much of the details were handled for us (USA F/TR team) by our team adjutant (thankyouthankyouthankyou!) so hopefully someone else can chime in here on that one.