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The AR matches are casual matches that are run on scheduled Saturday mornings using various Sporting Rifle Match steel target arrays, so the distances involved are typical 200-700 yards. The stages change for each match, but the ability to shoot accurately and quickly is rewarded. Also, some of the stages may involve moving on the clock, but not a lot. Only AR15s in 5.56 NATO are allowed. It is very important to note that the ammo for this match must not have any iron content in the projectiles. We use magnets to test ammo, so if your bullets are attracted to a magnet, you will not be permitted to shoot. I usually bring 200 rounds, but seldom shoot more than 100. If you struggle hitting the targets, you will probably use more.
I remember one of the first times I shot the match, shot with Brian Whalen. He missed either the first or second target of the day due to a mental error. He then proceeded to hit every single remaining target. Got 59/60, and I have no doubt he would have cleaned it if not for that one mental error. That guy can flat out shoot!!!
The first match of the 2019 season is coming up on February 3 and we are going to need some help hauling our targets to the Whittington Center and resetting the course. More info at the match website - www.sportingriflematch.com .
The latest range card has also been posted.
The latest range card has also been posted.
I tentatively plan on coming down to help, travel Friday, help set up on Saturday, is that still the plan? Still trying to coordinate with those who want to shoot the match, and carpool together.
So far, conditions are looking good for next weekend. Only a little snow on the ground at both TWC and the target storage site. Based on the response we've received, it looks like we enough vehicles to haul the targets. We also have about a dozen people for setup on Saturday which should be adequate, but if you are inclined to help, a few more people would be welcome. Check back here before you leave in case a weather issue arises.
Great news about all the volunteers. What time do you plan to get started with Saturday a.m. setup - I'll try to make it.
We plan meet at the range at 7:00 AM and hope to finish in time to open the practice range at 3:00 PM.
Unfortunately, conditions on the ground in Coal Canyon will prevent us from setting up and holding the February 3 match as planned. The major issues are too much snow on the North facing slopes where many of are targets go and too much moisture on the side roads which will end up as mud by the weekend. This was a mutual decision between Mike K and TWC staff. Obviously, this is disappointing, but we will try again for the March match. Stay tuned - we will be looking for volunteers to help out.
Thanks for the update - was considering making an early AM run down Sunday to shoot this. My March calendar is open that day so we will hopefully see you then!!
Magnum Match Update - (for Magnum Match ONLY)
We have 3 Magnum matches on the calendar for 2019. They are April 6, May 4 and July 6.
As you can see the Magnum Matches will be on the same weekend as the regular SRM. We hope/expect to get bigger turnouts for the Magnum Match this year. Due to the nature of the match we will need to limit the number of shooters to approx 15.
Therefore, shooters for the Magnum Match will need to preregister on Practiscore.
Magnum Match Registration
Registration Opens on March 4 and will be limited to 15 spots.
We have 3 Magnum matches on the calendar for 2019. They are April 6, May 4 and July 6.
As you can see the Magnum Matches will be on the same weekend as the regular SRM. We hope/expect to get bigger turnouts for the Magnum Match this year. Due to the nature of the match we will need to limit the number of shooters to approx 15.
Therefore, shooters for the Magnum Match will need to preregister on Practiscore.
Magnum Match Registration
Registration Opens on March 4 and will be limited to 15 spots.
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Anybody know if Raton/ Coal canyon is getting dumped with snow? Is this month going to be tough because of the mud again?
You are right Brent!
March Sporting Rifle Match cancelled due to weather and conditions on the ground. There is about a foot of snow on the ground and more coming tonight. Our next opportunity to get the course set up will be the Saturday before the April 7 match. This also results in the need to cancel the April Magnum Rifle Match. We appreciate everyone's patience. As before, we will need some volunteers to help out, but will wait until the date gets closer to organize that.
March Sporting Rifle Match cancelled due to weather and conditions on the ground. There is about a foot of snow on the ground and more coming tonight. Our next opportunity to get the course set up will be the Saturday before the April 7 match. This also results in the need to cancel the April Magnum Rifle Match. We appreciate everyone's patience. As before, we will need some volunteers to help out, but will wait until the date gets closer to organize that.
I have only shot the sporting rifle match twice and am new to the sport. After the cancellation of last years matches due to the severe fire threat I realize how much I missed shooting the match, and what beautiful terrain there is near Raton. Mother nature will be kind to us eventually.
Looking forward to the May Magnum Match, figured it's about time I visit Whittington and get the 338 a chance to reach out.
I assume the more folks who bring spotting equipment, tripods, etc. the better for this format? Roughly same distance on foot? ~2 miles?
I assume the more folks who bring spotting equipment, tripods, etc. the better for this format? Roughly same distance on foot? ~2 miles?
Nice! Edited to add a question, again...
Is the Magnum version set up the same way with some sight in / dope checking the day prior? Just getting started with magnums and ELR and my opportunities to shoot past 1k aren't numerous.
Is the Magnum version set up the same way with some sight in / dope checking the day prior? Just getting started with magnums and ELR and my opportunities to shoot past 1k aren't numerous.
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No sight in/dope check the prior day. Brief dope check usually available the morning of the match.
Just got word from the boss that the APRIL 6 MAGNUM Rifle match is a go once again.
BIG thanks to Kevin and gang (sorry don't have all the names of those who helped) who set up targets on their own time to help make this happen.
Signup is open and REQUIRED for the Magnum Match:
BIG thanks to Kevin and gang (sorry don't have all the names of those who helped) who set up targets on their own time to help make this happen.
Signup is open and REQUIRED for the Magnum Match:
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Adding to Steve's post above:
Good news. The April 6 Magnum Rifle and April 7 Sporting Rifle Matches are a go assuming we don't get weathered out.
Kevin, Andy and a couple of other guys took advantage of the fact that JJ and Denise were setting up some of our targets at Coal Canyon for their 2-rifle match and got most of the rest of the course set up as well. The Magnum Rifle targets are not yet set up, but we expect to be able to get that done on Friday, April 5.
The Magnum Rifle Match now requires preregistration on Practiscore, so if you are interested, be sure to sign up. The Practiscore Link for any Sporting Rifle Match Events that require registration is https://practiscore.com/clubs/sporting_rifle_match. If you are interested in helping set up the Magnum Rifle targets, we are meeting at Coal Canyon (the SRM site) at noon Friday to pick up the targets and will then proceed to the S. Flats where we will do the setup.
The SRM course is not completely set up, but we expect that we can finish it up after the Magnum Rifle Match on Saturday and hopefully have the practice range open by 3:00 PM per our usual schedule. Setup is planned to start at 12:00 noon on Saturday and we could use a few volunteers to help out.
Please note:
- As of 2018, the match has a 3000 fps maximum muzzle velocity requirement for precision rifles.
-New for 2019, smoking will be prohibited entirely at the Coal Canyon venue for any Sporting Rifle Match events. South Flats (Magnum Rifle) will continue with smoking only allowed in your vehicle.
- The SRM course has been renumbered from 1 on the right through 10 on the left. Otherwise, the course will be the same as it was last year with only a couple of changes. The latest target chart on the SRM website reflects this.
Good news. The April 6 Magnum Rifle and April 7 Sporting Rifle Matches are a go assuming we don't get weathered out.
Kevin, Andy and a couple of other guys took advantage of the fact that JJ and Denise were setting up some of our targets at Coal Canyon for their 2-rifle match and got most of the rest of the course set up as well. The Magnum Rifle targets are not yet set up, but we expect to be able to get that done on Friday, April 5.
The Magnum Rifle Match now requires preregistration on Practiscore, so if you are interested, be sure to sign up. The Practiscore Link for any Sporting Rifle Match Events that require registration is https://practiscore.com/clubs/sporting_rifle_match. If you are interested in helping set up the Magnum Rifle targets, we are meeting at Coal Canyon (the SRM site) at noon Friday to pick up the targets and will then proceed to the S. Flats where we will do the setup.
The SRM course is not completely set up, but we expect that we can finish it up after the Magnum Rifle Match on Saturday and hopefully have the practice range open by 3:00 PM per our usual schedule. Setup is planned to start at 12:00 noon on Saturday and we could use a few volunteers to help out.
Please note:
- As of 2018, the match has a 3000 fps maximum muzzle velocity requirement for precision rifles.
-New for 2019, smoking will be prohibited entirely at the Coal Canyon venue for any Sporting Rifle Match events. South Flats (Magnum Rifle) will continue with smoking only allowed in your vehicle.
- The SRM course has been renumbered from 1 on the right through 10 on the left. Otherwise, the course will be the same as it was last year with only a couple of changes. The latest target chart on the SRM website reflects this.
Still a couple open slots for the Magnum Match next weekend.
Sign up at:
Sign up at:
Weather is looking good for the Magnum Rifle Match and Sporting Rifle Match this weekend. Here's the schedule and a couple of important things to note:
Friday noon - We plan pick up targets from the Coal Canyon site and haul them to S. Flats site where we will set up the MRM. We could use 1-2 people to help. If we have time, we will return to Coal Canyon and begin the work on the SRM setup there.
Saturday morning - Magnum Rifle Match at the S. Flats on the front side of the Whittington Center. Preregistration required. Front gate folks can direct you to the match site. Sight-in at 7:00 AM and match starts at 8:00 AM and we expect to finish up around noon. A few guys who are not shooting the MRM will also be over in Coal Canyon working on the SRM setup during the morning if you want to help out.
Saturday, noon - We will join the others already working in Coal Canyon and complete the setup for the Sporting Rifle Match. We hope to have the practice range open for competitors 3:00 - 5:00 PM.
Sunday 7:00-8:00 AM - SRM registration and safety briefing. 8:00 AM - Gate locked and match starts. Be sure to show up at 7:00 AM if you are trying to squad two or more people together. Maximum squad size is total number of competitors divided by 10 plus there must be a SRM veteran that knows where the targets are in every squad.
Friday noon - We plan pick up targets from the Coal Canyon site and haul them to S. Flats site where we will set up the MRM. We could use 1-2 people to help. If we have time, we will return to Coal Canyon and begin the work on the SRM setup there.
Saturday morning - Magnum Rifle Match at the S. Flats on the front side of the Whittington Center. Preregistration required. Front gate folks can direct you to the match site. Sight-in at 7:00 AM and match starts at 8:00 AM and we expect to finish up around noon. A few guys who are not shooting the MRM will also be over in Coal Canyon working on the SRM setup during the morning if you want to help out.
Saturday, noon - We will join the others already working in Coal Canyon and complete the setup for the Sporting Rifle Match. We hope to have the practice range open for competitors 3:00 - 5:00 PM.
Sunday 7:00-8:00 AM - SRM registration and safety briefing. 8:00 AM - Gate locked and match starts. Be sure to show up at 7:00 AM if you are trying to squad two or more people together. Maximum squad size is total number of competitors divided by 10 plus there must be a SRM veteran that knows where the targets are in every squad.
Is anyone interested in carpooling down early Sunday AM, down and back in the same day, from the SW/S side of the denver metro? Sharing driving will make the trip back a bit easier on both of us. PM me if interested.
Results for both Magnum Rifle and SRM posted at https://thunderbeastarms.com/forum/forums/matches-competition/. Practiscore and a website update coming soon for all SRM related matches.
Much thanks to everyone who helped take us from the eviction last year to up and running again. And lots of thanks to the NRAWC as well. Its great to be back!
Much thanks to everyone who helped take us from the eviction last year to up and running again. And lots of thanks to the NRAWC as well. Its great to be back!
Going to try a minor website revamp here in the next 5 days or so. Same info will be there to start. Don't freak if it looks different.
Sporting Rifle Match registration is now required via Practicscore. Registration for June Match opens on Friday at 10AM. Hope to see you all there
SPORTING RIFLE MATCH REGISTRATION
Please note that squadding in practiscore is only a request. Final squadding will be determined by the Match Director to ensure shooter safety and match efficiency. All registered shooters must sign no later than 7:15 on the morning of the match. Shooters that do not sign in by 7:15 are subject to forfeiture of their spot in the match.
SPORTING RIFLE MATCH REGISTRATION
Please note that squadding in practiscore is only a request. Final squadding will be determined by the Match Director to ensure shooter safety and match efficiency. All registered shooters must sign no later than 7:15 on the morning of the match. Shooters that do not sign in by 7:15 are subject to forfeiture of their spot in the match.
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Not to criticize but why limit the number of shooters? I have shot it in the past and will shoot it in the future it’s a great run match. I would figure the more interest the better.
Unfortunately the more shooters the longer the match. The match used to finish early in the afternoon but with the larger squads recently it has run into the early evening. Once the match is complete the directors and volunteers still need to take down some steel and lock up. Basically comes down to time issues.
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Is there any chance in moving the match to a Saturday so it wouldnt matter as much for traveling home to work the next day. I am sure this has already been considered just wondering.
Not likely. There is a few hours of setup work required prior to each match. The match starts early and takes all day, so the setup has to occur on the previous day. So, if the match was held on Saturday, those that set up the match would have to take Friday off. As it stands, the match is on Sunday while setup, practice and early registration occur on Saturday. After the match on Sunday, we still have to award the prizes, and then knock down a bunch of the targets to help keep them from being stolen. Even with the match limited to 50 shooters, it is usually close to 4:00 PM before we are done and can head home.
For some time, we have been changing some of the rules and emphasizing squad efficiency in the briefing to try and get the match to move faster. We have also been more picky about the composition of the squads (at least one experienced shooter and a limited number newbies in every squad). While this has been modestly successful, we still have lots of competitors that can't seem to move through the course efficiently and just take too long. The 50 shooter limit is based on the reality of how long squads actually take to get through each stage. If the shooters become more efficient, the limitation on the number of shooters will be reconsidered.
The bottom line is that the group people who founded this match did so to have fun with precision rifles. When the squads are too large and we don't get out of there until 5:00 or later, its just not as much fun. We want to keep it fun.
For some time, we have been changing some of the rules and emphasizing squad efficiency in the briefing to try and get the match to move faster. We have also been more picky about the composition of the squads (at least one experienced shooter and a limited number newbies in every squad). While this has been modestly successful, we still have lots of competitors that can't seem to move through the course efficiently and just take too long. The 50 shooter limit is based on the reality of how long squads actually take to get through each stage. If the shooters become more efficient, the limitation on the number of shooters will be reconsidered.
The bottom line is that the group people who founded this match did so to have fun with precision rifles. When the squads are too large and we don't get out of there until 5:00 or later, its just not as much fun. We want to keep it fun.
Any policy in place for no shows? Banned for life, following match, tarred and feathered?
Shooters on the waitlist, me included, could have a spot if a deadline to cancel with a reasonable window is in place. This allows for the wait list competitors to make plans for the drive, hotel or whatever is required to make the event.
Shooters on the waitlist, me included, could have a spot if a deadline to cancel with a reasonable window is in place. This allows for the wait list competitors to make plans for the drive, hotel or whatever is required to make the event.
All of the above!!!!!
We are hoping this is not an issue. But we are not naive. Registered shooters who do not show will probably be banned for one match on their first offense and then for a year if there is a second offense. There have already been a couple of withdrawals and we have notified the next in line immediately.
JMHO, make people pre-pay and don't offer refunds for no-shows.
Great weather. Hope everyone had a good time. Good to see a lot of new faces. Practiscore seemed to work well and the smaller squad sizes helped to keep things moving.
Reminder that for July there is a Magnum Match on Saturday July 6 and the normal Sporting Rifle Match on Sunday July 7.
Registration for both opens tomorrow morning.
Reminder that for July there is a Magnum Match on Saturday July 6 and the normal Sporting Rifle Match on Sunday July 7.
Registration for both opens tomorrow morning.
Not enough lol. Saw you signed up! We should go shoot together before then sometime. Going to the TPPS match this month?
I'm signed up for this match in July. This will be my first time at the sporting rifle match, but I have been to many rifles matches held elsewhere. I read the rules and see where magnified spotting optics over 15x are not allowed.
I have never heard of a rule like this before. The optic I use regularly to spot is a 15-45x60 spotting scope. I normally leave it on 15x to spot with most of the time. This is the only spotting optic I own. I don't even have a pair of binoculars because I can only have vision in one eye. I want to be able to observe my friends shoot and to help spot impacts. In my opinion, the more eyes looking at targets the better.
Is there some reason for this rule?
Is it acceptable for me to use my spotting scope for the match as long as it is on 15x?
I have never heard of a rule like this before. The optic I use regularly to spot is a 15-45x60 spotting scope. I normally leave it on 15x to spot with most of the time. This is the only spotting optic I own. I don't even have a pair of binoculars because I can only have vision in one eye. I want to be able to observe my friends shoot and to help spot impacts. In my opinion, the more eyes looking at targets the better.
Is there some reason for this rule?
Is it acceptable for me to use my spotting scope for the match as long as it is on 15x?
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