How about doing a stage at one of your 22 precision rifle matches. Something like two 5 shot stages with a few sighters before you start. I'd be interested to know the results!
Funny you should post this today. Just as the match was finishing up today a discussion fired up among numerous competitors. Someone posed the question whether anyone was doing what we were doing or even attempting to copy it in any appreciable way. There are numerous rimfire tactical matches around the country, to my knowledge none offer steel only. Our targets constitute a large monetary investment, as well as individuals investing sizable amounts of time. At our very first match we offered a paper side match. In many people's opinion it was a failure. I suppose anyone in the club is completely free to start a paper match, no one has. I contend it would never get off the ground. In the discussion at the line today that ensued, most agreed once you have shot steel, nothing compares to the thrill. If paper is all you can do it is certainly better than nothing. Paper will ultimately lead to more specialized equipment. Guys shooting scope powers that are frankly impractical on a trainer due to the desire to not shoot in the dark and see bullet holes. Paper targets are a continual investment. If you gat the right steel, and take care of it, it is a one time investment. Steel that isn't abused will last for many many years. A paper target lasts for one match and then it is trash.
Ultimately it is not my decision to offer paper targets. That decision belongs to Apache308 alone. he is the match director proper and the founder of the feast. I am simply co conspirator and assistant match director. I can assure you I would not add paper to our match if it was my decision, and I am quite sure Apache's proclivities are the same. We ain't gonna fix what ain't broke, and I am fairly certain it would hurt the match participation.
This dot exercise poll is an interesting idea, and I am glad people are thinking of new ways to challenge themselves. This exercise can only evolve into an equipment and ammo race in a match format. We do not even allow rear bags from a prone position...never have. This exercise cannot work at all unless you use a rear bag or a benchrest. It is mostly a test of equipment and ammo. Hate to say it and mean no offense to the OP, it is ultimately a slick way into yet another MOA 22lr debate. The answer is still the same. When JBell moves to Carolina, I will bet you if he shoots TSC one time, shooting dot drills on paper will take a quick back seat to the steel, and he will save his premium ammo for more noble ventures, in the quest for real prizes and not just bragging rights. Bragging rights are nice but round here they only last till the next steel match.
We(not just the match directors either) have spent long hours in phone conversations, and breaking bread together, discussing ways to improve and enhance this match. We have done our homework and have a pretty good handle on what we want and what the competitors want. We have intentionally pushed the competitors and sometimes they didn't like it, but ultimately they have stayed and realized our goal is to put the shooter into the game. Shooting lasers from stable positions is fun...for a very short time. Giving competitors a challenge is a good thing, giving them an insurmountable obstacle only serves to discourage and drive them to another sport. It also ultimately does little for honing their skills if it discourages them. We are proud to say that many breeds of 22lr have won our matches, yes even a Savage by an exceptional shooter, thus indicating we have taken the laser beams out of the equation to some degree.
Yes I printed up targets and had intention of shooting them. I did not have time this weekend, I had a match to help set up, help run, and shoot in, and I am loath to expend my premium ammo, and without premium ammo this exercise is not possible in the least. I may do this before the year is out, but I am in a heated points race and frakly my rig is hard pressed to perform this task if I take my time.
German,
I ran a long standing postal match for 3 years. It was passed to me and had been in existence for many years. Invariably the world is full of greasy characters, you and your honest competitors are at the mercy of those characters. Believe it or not, some people are attention whores and will do uncouth things to insure what I always called an empty victory. Believe it or not, some folks will attempt to gain praise for something they did not earn. This was one of my biggest frustrations as a postal match director. I could give you some glaring examples and if you would like to PM me I can offer some sage advice. Ultimately you will have to tell someone they cheated, and you will not be able to prove that they did. You already have at least 10 percent of your poll that are completely full of shit. This will be the source of massive headaches. Especially if you honestly consider the level of accuracy required is hardly possible by 95% or the 22 rimfires in existence.
Again JBell's rifle is capable and quite a rare piece, and all he can manage is 85%, in my opinion, no where close to "almost" 100%.
Sorry to ramble guys and no ill intent suggested steve123.
