February, 2013

February, 2013 The Voice of the National Benchrest Shooters Association

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Precision Rifleman

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Table of Contents

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President’s Message 4 Editor’s Note 5 Buffalo Shoot: Midland Shooters Association 6 Desert Sportsman’s VFS Championship 8 Sloughhouse Light & Heavy Varmint Match 9 To Anneal or not to Anneal, by Tom Wilson 10 BR201 Benchrest Clinic, by Rick Pollock 12 Good Tools Make You Smile, by Boyd Allen 13 Sahuaro 1000-Yard Benchrest 14 World Records for Varmint-For-Score & Group 15 2013 NBRSA Registered Match Schedule 16 Southwest Louisiana VFS Results 17 WBC-13 Selection Process, Audrey Brown 18 Arizona 5-Shot Unlimited 19 It’s Finally Time to Look at the Sporter Class 22 Arizona Four-Gun Championship 26 NBRSA Officer & Regional Director Information 29 Ranges, Clubs & Contacts 30 Advertising Index Hodgdon-IMR 2 Gradient Lens 5 Target Sight 7 Bryant Custom Rifles 8 PMA Tool 9 Paul Holland 9 Anneal-Rite 10 Accugauge 6mmPPC 11 BAT Machine 15 Lilja Barrels 19 Berger Cactus Classic 20 Berger Bullets 21 Marsh Industries 22 Butch’s Reloading 23 Magnum Metal 28 Hoehn Sales 25 Kelbly’s Back Page

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On the Cover: Wayne Campbell shoots Unlimited Class at Phoenix

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Precision Rifleman

Message From The NBRSA President, Dennis Thornbury Our sport is often a high-pressure and competitive environment. In the midst of our match competitions, it is often easy to not see things as clearly as when one is given time to sit back and reflect. We often seem to not be at a shortage of issues that arise because of the nature of our sport and the type of competitive individual that it attracts.

I have such an issue that came up in 2012 about which I have thought deeply and wanted to discuss after some introspection. It relates to how important it is to all of us as competitors to have dedicated people at our ranges who run the matches. You know these individuals; they are the ones who are there long before we get to the range and are also there long after we pack up and leave. They handle all of the problems that arise and we expect them to know and fully understand the rules under which we run our matches. We often take those individuals for granted, but without them there would be no matches. They are a much under-appreciated asset upon which all of us as members rely.

Being a match director myself, as well as being an officer of the NBRSA, I have an understanding of how sometimes the administration of the organization clashes with the running of matches.

The bigger the match happens to be, the bigger the clash that could possibly occur.

One such “clash� occurred in 2012 regarding how one sitting director viewed the handling of bench drawing at one of our World Team qualifiers.

How the clash developed and became an issue goes to show how easy it is for our high-energy personalities to paint each party into a corner. The director’s view was placed in an agenda item that was circulated prior to the Directors meeting in October, and the result was to greatly disturb the match director of one of our largest and best benchrest ranges. The proposal of the agenda item was to have rules followed by ranges and if not, then the qualifier held at that range would not count for World Team points. Where the sticking point arose was that the

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agenda item specifically named the range and match held at that range.

This agenda item was submitted as Southwest Region Item #5 and was withdrawn at the meeting since the Gulf Coast Region submitted an agenda item #3 that clarified the process for drawing benches at regional championships and World Team qualifiers.

Please note that this entire issue was handled at the Board level by looking at the process and was not directed at any individual or range.

After all of this happened I started to look at not only the process of this specific incident, but also at how we handle agenda items and the administration of the NBRSA as a whole. Even when we try and do everything right, sometimes we handle things wrong; unintentionally, but still wrong. And when such unintentional things impact an individual, range or the sport as a whole, then we need to take a step back and ensure that how we do things does the most good for the biggest portion of our membership and the sport as a whole.This specific incident has given us the opportunity to do such introspective thinking and take a deep look at our processes.

As a result of this, in my capacity as President of the NBRSA, I believe that we need to do the following; in fact, this will become the process that we follow in regards to match administration and the submission of agenda items for the Board to act on.

First, we have rules that are to be followed. They are there to make the match experience fair and safe for the entire population of competitors.

Some of them are cumbersome, but the individuals charged with the administration of the match should bear in mind they exist to have our matches operate fairly and safely. It is the responsibility of the Regional Director, Match Director and the Referees to ensure that the rules are followed as closely as reasonably possible. When there is an incident, there is a process to follow to bring it to a reasonable and satisfactory resolution. Again, the Regional Director, Match Director and referees should bear the responsibility

to handle these things to the correct conclusion.

Second, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to monitor the sport, look after its continued growth and success, and ensure that we administer our activities, including competitions, committees and the generation and protection of rules in the best way possible. It is NOT the responsibility of the NBRSA Board to vilify any individual or range as a result of an issue or incident. Furthermore, we will have a person designated to review all Board agenda submissions and minutes for appropriate content and to ensure that we focus on Process and Issues, NOT individuals or ranges in the administration of our duties. Where such submission is inappropriate and does not follow the spirit of how this organization and sport is to be run, the appropriate edit needs to occur. We at the Board level will take this activity very seriously to ensure the proper administration and direction of our sport.

Third, we need to not forget to look at what makes our sport and our competitions safe and successful. It is not just the shooting members for which this organization exists. We need to thank all of those individuals who work together as teams to makes sure that we have matches so that the shooters have a place to compete. Without them, we are just a bunch of individuals who have firearms and no adequate venue to compete with our fellow shooters.

Forth, I would like to speak on behalf of the entire Board of the NBRSA and express our apologies to any individual or range who took offense to agenda items, whether acted on, withdrawn or dismissed in the past meeting. I wish to thank those who brought this issue regarding correct processes to light so that we can do our jobs more appropriately. It is our intent to work with the ranges to further the positive involvement by our members in this sport. Thanks and best regards.

Dennis Thornbury NBRSA President

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

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A Note from Your Favorite Editor...well okay then, from me It has been a little over a year since you, the members of NBRSA have allowed me the opportunity to serve as an Editor/Publisher for the organization and I didn’t want any more time to pass before I said thank you.

of the benchrest crowd” became the hapless victims of my uneducated Photoshop skills and nary once did I hear a much deserved criticism.

When I glance back at the early issues, I have to chuckle and wonder what y’all must have been thinking when you saw those fun-house style pictures I published before Mustafa Bilal kindly introduced me to the art of resizing photos and retaining the resolution.

Since I began this job, you have patiently suffered heartburn and constant humiliations as I slowly climbed this publishing learning curve and I am truly grateful for your kind support and encouragement. Although I cannot guarantee I won’t give you any more heartburn, I can guarantee I will continue to try…learning, that is.

It appears I launched a lot of rumors without saying a word; some people gained weight while others looked skinny. Some members became pale and gaunt, while others you could barely see. One member recalled a friend saw his photo in the magazine and thought he had been ill! Poor Bill Forrester gained weight without putting on a pound all because he trusted yours truly with a photo. Oh, the shame of it! The “strong and proud

There’s been a lot of change happen since Precision Rifleman started. With the closing of Precision Shooting came other opportunities for NBRSA in the form of articles and advertising. New technology brings with it advances to the magazine by allowing free online publishing. This is a great way to get benchrest information out to the public. It lands our little magazine half way around the world in the readers lap. What could be more convenient

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then that you ask? Well, I’m glad you did, because there’s more! Where smart phones abound, there’s publicity to be found. Mobile devices present yet another avenue to advance benchrest shooting. Having a copy of the magazine drop into your hands used to be the stuff of science fiction but it’s here and growing rapidly...more rapidly than our sport. So give me time and I’ll figure out how to do this too.

In the meantime, Rod and I are busy giving a facelift to our beloved website, www.nbrsa.org. By the time this issue is printed, it may well be completed. This is the next step in polling members online on key issues affecting NBRSA. The Members-Only section will allow you to login using your member number and a password mailed to you with your magazine. When this is ready, Rod and I will holler to let you know.

Audrey Brown Your Friendly Editor

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Precision Rifleman

Midland Shooters Association September 8-9, 2012 Midland, Texas Nearly 30 shooters convened at Midland to shoot the annual Buffalo match. Conditions for the match were warm temps, but the winds were 15 to 20 mph with plenty of gusts and frequent abrupt switches as the aggs would reflect. Saturday morning in the LV 100, Joe Hargadine won the aggregate shooting a .2856 agg. John Horn was second with the only other aggregate in the twos, .2952, and Steve Murphy was third, .3300. Ben Mittel shot the small group, a .162.

After the lunch break, we shot the HV 100. Shooting head and shoulders above the rest of the field was Steve Murphy, easily getting the win with a nice .2296. Tom Brown was second, .2854 and Ken Terrell was third with a .2856. The small group for the yardage was shot by bullet maker Ronnie Cheek, a nice .121.

Sunday morning ushered in somewhat better shooting conditions. Charles Huckeba took advantage of them winning the HV200 with a .2199 aggregate. On his heels was Steve Murphy in second, .2246 and Tim Oltersdorf in third, .2302. Tim Oltersdorf shot the small group for the yardage in match number one, a nice .194.

After the lunch break, complete with Brenda’s famous desserts, the winds returned for the LV 200. Winning the yardage was Joe Hargadine with a .2832. Second was Steve Murphy, .2916 and rounding out the top three was Tim Oltersdorf with a .2993. Joe Hargadine also shot the small group for the yardage, a .280.

SHOOTER Light Varmint J. HARGADINE S. MURPHY T. OLTERSDORF L. BAGGETT J. HORN Heavy Varmint S. MURPHY C. HUCKEBA K. TERRELL G. BUKYS T. BROWN

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Joe Hargadine came out on top in the LV Grand, with a .2844 aggregate, the only one in the twos. Steve Murphy was second, .3108, Tim Oltersdorf was third, .3340, Larry Baggett was fourth, .3351 Gene Bukys was fifth with .3543agg.

Steve Murphy comfortably won the HV Grand with a nice .2271 aggregate.

Charles Huckeba was second, .2702, Ken Terrell was third, .2783, Gene Bukys was fourth, .2843, and Tom Brown was fifth, .2880.

In the Two Gun, Charles Huckeba was fifth, .3344, John Horn was fourth, .3285, Gene Bukys was third, .3193, Joe Hargadine was second with a .2991 agg and winning the 2012 Buffalo is Steve Murphy with a nice .2689 aggregate. This was Steve’s first two gun win. Congratulations Steve!

To all that helped to put on this match, thanks a lot! Your efforts are what make these matches so much fun to attend.

Mike Conry Heavy Varmint 5-Shot 100-Yards Steve Murphy...................0.2296 Tom Brown....................... 0.2854 Ken Terrell....................... 0.2856 Charles Huckeba................ 0.3204 Gene Bukys....................... 0.3288 John Horn........................ 0.3308 Leon Gass........................ 0.3486 Joe Kubon........................ 0.3644 Kelly Morman.................... 0.3644 Britt Robinson................... 0.3664 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.3748 Joe Hargadine................... 0.3766 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3848 Mike Bryant...................... 0.3886 Gary Bristow..................... 0.3956

BUFFALO EQUIPMENT LIST BARREL GUNSMITH STOCKER

CARTRIDGE

ACTION

SCOPE

6PPC 6PPC 6PPC 6PPC 6PPC

FARLEY STILLER PANDA BAT VIPER

LEUPOLD LEUPOLD LEUPOLD LEUPOLD LEUPOLD

HART SHILEN KRIEGER BARTLEIN KRIEGER

BUKYS MORMAN SELF SELF SELF

6PPC 6PPC 6PPC 6PPC 6PPC

STILLER BAT BAT BAT GRIZZLY

LEUPOLD MARCH MARCH LEUBUKYS LEUPOLD

SHILEN BARTLEIN KRIEGER BARTLEIN KRIEGER

MORMAN HUCKEBA HUCKEBA SELF TUCKER

Mike Conry....................... 0.4052 Brandon Johnson................ 0.4096 Randy Pumphrey................ 0.4176 Ronnie Cheek.................... 0.4196 Mark Hatfield.................... 0.4238 Small Group Ronnie Cheek..................... 0.121 Light Varmint 5-Shot 100-Yards Joe Hargadine..................0.2856 John Horn........................ 0.2952 Steve Murphy.................... 0.3300 Tom Brown....................... 0.3326 Gene Bukys....................... 0.3398 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3514 Tim Oltersdorf................... 0.3688 Mike Conry....................... 0.3720 Mike Bryant...................... 0.3736 Britt Robinson................... 0.3956 Wendell Rhodes................. 0.3970 Ben Mittel........................ 0.3986 Mark Hatfield.................... 0.4184 Charles Huckeba................ 0.4200 Joe Kubon........................ 0.4414 Kelly Morman.................... 0.4426 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.4464 Gary Bristow..................... 0.4580 Randy Pumphrey................ 0.4630 Frank Wilson..................... 0.4694 Small Group Ben Mittel......................... 0.162 Heavy Varmint 5-Shot 200-Yards Charles Huckeba...............0.2199 Steve Murphy.................... 0.2246 Tim Oltersdorf................... 0.2302 Gene Bukys....................... 0.2399 Britt Robinson................... 0.2472 Joe Hargadine................... 0.2511 Ken Terrell....................... 0.2709 Tom Brown....................... 0.2906 John Horn........................ 0.2936 Gary Bristow..................... 0.2945 Leon Gass........................ 0.2971 Mike Bryant...................... 0.3029 Ronnie Cheek.................... 0.3098 CASE

POWDER BULLET

PRIMER

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V133 V133 8208 V133 V133

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205 205 205 205 205

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205 205 205 205M 205

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Buffalo Shoot Results Kelly Morman.................... 0.3138 BG Lott........................... 0.3327 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3407 Scott Hunter..................... 0.3511 Wendell Rhodes................. 0.3512 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.3535 Mike Conry....................... 0.3632 Small Group Tim Oltersdorf.................... 0.194 Light Varmint 5-Shot 200-Yards Joe Hargadine................... 0.2832 Steve Murphy.................... 0.2916 Tim Oltersdorf................... 0.2993 Gary Bristow..................... 0.3150 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3189 Britt Robinson................... 0.3267 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.3417 Mike Conry....................... 0.3559 Ken Terrell....................... 0.3673 Gene Bukys....................... 0.3688 Leon Gass........................ 0.3719 Charles Huckeba................ 0.3772 Cecil Tucker...................... 0.3844 John Horn........................ 0.3943 Scott Hunter..................... 0.4033 Mark Hatfield.................... 0.4217 Frank Wilson..................... 0.4287 Kelly Morman.................... 0.4352 BG Lott........................... 0.4357 Joe Kubon........................ 0.4508 Small Group Joe Hargadine.................... 0.280 Light Varmint Grand Aggregate Joe Hargadine..................0.2844 Steve Murphy.................... 0.3108 Tim Oltersdorf................... 0.3340 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3351 John Horn........................ 0.3448 Gene Bukys....................... 0.3543 Britt Robinson................... 0.3611 Mike Conry....................... 0.3640 Gary Bristow..................... 0.3865 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.3940 Charles Huckeba................ 0.3986 Mark Hatfield.................... 0.4200 Ken Terrell....................... 0.4277 Tom Brown....................... 0.4286 Leon Gass........................ 0.4326 Cecil Tucker...................... 0.4334 Kelly Morman.................... 0.4389 Scott Hunter..................... 0.4421 Joe Kubon........................ 0.4461 Frank Wilson..................... 0.4491 Heavy Varmint Grand Aggregate Steve Murphy...................0.2271 Charles Huckeba................ 0.2702 Ken Terrell....................... 0.2783

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Buffalo Shoot Contenders L-R: Gene Bukys Joe Hargadine Charles Huckeba Steve Murphy Tim Oltersdorf John Horn Gene Bukys....................... 0.2843 Tom Brown....................... 0.2880 Britt Robinson................... 0.3068 John Horn........................ 0.3122 Joe Hargadine................... 0.3138 Leon Gass........................ 0.3228 Tim Oltersdoef.................. 0.3360 Kelly Morman.................... 0.3391 Gary Bristow..................... 0.3450 Mike Bryant...................... 0.3458 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3627 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.3642 Ronnie Cheek.................... 0.3647 Mike Conry....................... 0.3842 Joe Kubon........................ 0.4010 BG Lott........................... 0.4039 Randy Pumphrey................ 0.4193 Two Gun Steve Murphy...................0.2689

Joe Hargadine................... 0.2991 Gene Bukys....................... 0.3193 John Horn........................ 0.3285 Britt Robinson................... 0.3340 Charles Huckeba................ 0.3344 Tim Oltersdorf................... 0.3350 Larry Baggett.................... 0.3489 Ken Terrell....................... 0.3530 Tom Brown....................... 0.3583 Gary Bristow..................... 0.3658 Mike Conry....................... 0.3741 Leon Gass........................ 0.3777 Brad Calhoun.................... 0.3791 Kelly Morman.................... 0.3890 Mark Hatfield.................... 0.4234 Joe Kubon........................ 0.4236 Scott Hunter..................... 0.4344 Ben Mittel........................ 0.4535 Frank Wilson..................... 0.4563

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Precision Rifleman

Myers Sweeps Desert Sportsman VFS Championship December 1, 2012 Light winds and warm temperatures invited shooters to the second annual Desert Sportsman Rifle & Pistol Club championship. With six out of seven shooters staying clean at 100 yards, it came down to the “X” count for placements. Keith Myers took first scoring a 250-18X. Right on Keith’s heels was Tom Guisewhite scoring second with a 250-17X. And following Tom with one less “X” was Sheldon Turf with a 25016X. Next we moved the frames out to 200 yards. After a 30 minute break for lunch and cleaning rifles, we started the 200 yard match with a warm-up.

After the desert dust settled, we found Keith Myers winning the 200 yard aggregate with a 248-6X. In second place once again was Tom Guisewhite with a 248-4X and John Seines scoring a 2478X for third.

100-Yards Keith Myers..................... 250-18X Tom Guisewhite................ 250-17X Sheldon Turf.................... 250-16X John Seines..................... 250-16X Ron Levesque................... 250-14X 200-Yards Keith Myers......................248-6X Tom Guisewhite................. 248-4X John Seines...................... 247-8X Sheldon Turf..................... 247-6X Tom Debacco.................... 247-6X 100-200 Yard Aggregate Keith Myers..................... 498-24X Tom Guisewhite................ 498-21X John Seines..................... 497-24X Sheldon Turf.................... 497-22X Tom Debacco................... 497-20X

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Keith Myers, Club Champion at Desert Sportsman, Las Vegas, NV

A look at those nice new benches for the shooters to enjoy...

The Winner’s Circle L-R: Keith Myers, Sheldon Turf, John Seines & Tom Guisewhite

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Sloughhouse Light & Heavy Varmint Match Results November 3-4, 2012 This was our final match of 2012 and the weather was cold in the morning and warmed up to 70 degrees in the afternoon. We had 16 shooters on Saturday for the 200 and 14 on Sunday for the 100-yard plus Shooter of the Year was announced.

Light Varmint 5-Shot 100-Yards Francis Lee......................0.2462 Bill Mellor........................ 0.2858 Michael Taner.................... 0.2890 Arthur Kawai..................... 0.2930 Everet Smith..................... 0.3334 Bob Dorton....................... 0.3424 Tom Basch........................ 0.3554 Greg Wilson...................... 0.3610 Raymond Garric................. 0.3670 Stu Harvey....................... 0.3732 Small Group Francis Lee........................ 0.131 Light Varmint 5-Shot 200-Yards Everet Smith....................0.2387 Greg Wilson...................... 0.2627 Tom Basch........................ 0.2843 Michael Taner.................... 0.2939 Dan Lutke........................ 0.3033 Bob Dorton....................... 0.3041 Francis Lee....................... 0.3052 Bill Mellor........................ 0.3095 Arthur Kawai..................... 0.3334 Gabriel Ledesma................ 0.3460 Small Group Everet Smith...................... 0.236 Light Varmint Grand Francis Lee......................0.2757 Everet Smith..................... 0.2860 Michael Taner.................... 0.2914 Bill Mellor........................ 0.2977 Greg Wilson...................... 0.3119 Arthur Kawai..................... 0.3132 Tom Basch........................ 0.3198 Bob Dorton....................... 0.3232 Stu Harvey....................... 0.3817 Gabriel Ledesma................ 0.3922 Heavy Varmint 5-Shot 100-Yards Arthur Kawai....................0.2334 Dan Lutke........................ 0.2344 Bill Mellor........................ 0.2430 Gabriel Ledesma................ 0.2642 Greg Wilson...................... 0.2670 Tom Basch........................ 0.2830 Everet Smith..................... 0.2880 Francis Lee....................... 0.2928 Michael Taner.................... 0.3136 Bob Dorton....................... 0.3366

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Small Group Michael Taner..................... 0.136 Heavy Varmint 5-Shot 200-Yards Dan Lutke........................0.1684 Greg Wilson...................... 0.2909 Stu Harvey....................... 0.3014 Bill Mellor........................ 0.3549 Henry Pinkney................... 0.3578 Arthur Kawai..................... 0.3585 Francis Lee....................... 0.3627 Everet Smith..................... 0.3858 Michael Taner.................... 0.4280 Gabriel Ledesma................ 0.4312 Small Group Henry Pinkney.................... 0.275 Heavy Varmint Grand Dan Lutke........................0.2014 Greg Wilson...................... 0.2790 Arthur Kawai..................... 0.2959 Bill Mellor........................ 0.2989 Francis Lee....................... 0.3277 Stu Harvey....................... 0.3310 Everet Smith..................... 0.3369 Gabriel Ledesma................ 0.3477 Tom Basch........................ 0.3661 Michael Taner.................... 0.3708 Two Gun Aggregate Greg Wilson.....................0.2954 Bill Mellor........................ 0.2983 Francis Lee....................... 0.3017 Dan Lutke........................ 0.3020 Arthur Kawai..................... 0.3046 Everet Smith..................... 0.3115 Michael Taner.................... 0.3311 Tom Basch........................ 0.3430 Stu Harvey....................... 0.3564 Gabriel Ledesma................ 0.3699 Folsom (Sloughhouse) Benchrest 2012 Shooter of the Year Dan Lutke...................... 62 points Greg Wilson......................... 57

Everet Smith........................ 49 Bill Mellor........................... 47 Don Nielson......................... 37 Ron Chisick.......................... 24 Marty Childers...................... 20 Dennis Thornbury.................. 19 Henry Pinkney...................... 18 Dave Tack........................... 15

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Precision Rifleman

To Anneal or Not to Anneal...

So, you have been reloading for a while. You accumulated a supply of brass for your favorite firearms. Now you find you are loosing brass with necks cracking after 5 to 7 shots. Premium quality rifle brass is rather expensive; .338 Lapua will dig into your wallet at the rate of $2.80 each, less exotic hulls like .308 Win. $0.75 each for the high quality stuff.

Now you are contemplating prolonging the life of your coveted brass as you have heard of cartridge case neck annealing. Some knowledgeable shooter at the range advised he does this and stated the increase in accuracy gained as well as greatly extending case life.

This experienced gentleman may have also advised if you accidentally anneal the case head you have created a very dangerous situation. If the case head is annealed it can blow out when fired, wreck the firearm and possibly injury to the shooter. After hearing this you may have put the idea of annealing case necks out of your mind for a while.

As time has progressed you may have scrapped your original supply of cartridge cases and are now experiencing loss on your subsequent stock. A bench rest shooter who anneals his brass after every firing reported reloading one batch of brass for the 58th time. This represents a dramatic extension of brass life. By now you may have decided it would be prudent to at least investigate case neck annealing.

Many years ago an attempt at annealing was tried, with unaccept-

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able results. At that time, cartridge case neck annealing information was very limited. The instructions were to stand the cases up in a pan, add water to a depth 1/3 up the side of the cases. With the cases setting in the water bath the case heads could not be heated above 212 degrees F; the boiling point of water. The instructions said to heat each case neck with a torch to a low red glow evenly all of the way around and then tip it over into the water. No mention was made as to the proper temperature the case neck needed or what might happen if over heated. Thus with the information available annealing was begun with the cases standing in water. A small propane torch flame was applied to the case necks. There was no way to measure neck temperature and a number of the .30-06 cases were over heated. After all, if a low red glow is good then a bright red color had to be better. Seemed like just pure and simple good logic, right? And by the way what temperature is brass at a low red glow anyway? Years later it was determined a low red glow, even in dim lighting is too hot. All of the cases on hand were annealed in this manner. At the next reloading quite a few cases were lost due to the shoulders collapsing even though they were just neck sized. The necks and the top of the shoulders were too soft. Nothing was gained in conservation, just more scrapped brass. At this time cartridge case neck annealing was relegated to the shelf.

Years later, the sport of high-powered

rifle silhouette shooting became of interest. This presented a need for a good quantity of 7.62 X 51 brass.

A large supply of once fired military brass was obtained. A good portion was match brass fired in match rifles.

Mixed in was a larger quantity of brass fired in machine guns, which have generous chambers. For this reason it was determined the entire lot, around 1,000 pieces of brass should have the necks annealed prior to being put into service.

It was now time for research, to obtain accurate information. It was soon found that cartridge case necks do not have to be quenched in water after they are heated for proper annealing.

The old method of standing cases up in a pan of water only assured the case heads would not be annealed. Cartridge brass is 70 percent copper and 30 percent zinc. It begins to anneal at precisely 482 degrees F. Research revealed 700 was the low and 800 degrees F the high to successfully anneal cartridge case necks. Once quickly brought to that temperature and then air-cooled, proper case neck annealing is achieved. The goal was to devise a method to bring the case necks to the center of the proper temperature range, 750 degrees became the target temperature. At the same time heating the case head to less than 450 degrees would retain the brass temper in this area. This became the parameters to successfully anneal the case necks.

An infra red heat measuring gun to get accurate readings was researched.

The manufacturers advised to obtain accurate readings, all brass had to have the same reflective finish. Next the infra red gun would have to be calibrated to that finish. This would be do-able as most serious reloaders clean their brass anyway. This would require inspecting all brass in the batch being worked for a uniform finish. The manufacturer of the infra red heat gun then stated it would not read the brass temperature correctly if the beam was directed through a flame.

For this reason, the heat gun was ruled out. It was determined neck annealing occurs rapidly. The case necks would

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

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That is the Question, by Tom Wilson be in the annealing flames for only a couple of seconds.

Next to be tried for accurate temperature detection was a crayon-marking device called a Tempilstick®. These are used in industry and are available in a wide range from 125 to 1800 degrees F. One was purchased rated at 750 degrees F. It was tried on the outside of the case neck and did not work. A call to the manufacturer revealed when flame directly contacted their product it would not give an accurate reading. The next product was 750 degree F. Tempilaq® heat indicating liquid made by the same firm.

This product comes in a 2-oz. bottle with a small brush attached to the inside bottom of the cap allowing easy application of a small dab inside the case neck. Once applied, the Tempilaq® dries quickly. The dab is easily visible and the flame impinging on the outside of the case neck would not be in contact with the Tempilaq®. This worked superbly. The Tempilaq® heat indicating liquid is guaranteed to +1% for a total tolerance of just 15 degrees. Bingo! Problem solved in instant and precise temperature control. For safety a bottle of 450 deg. F. Tempilaq® heat indicating liquid was also purchased and applied on the outside of the case from the case head upward about 1/3 the length of the 7.62 X 51 cases. The 450-heat mark would not be in the flame and if it did not change color, it would indicate the case head had not been annealed. This is critical information for safety. Later on when annealing was set up for the 1,000 7.62 X 51 rifle cases, no annealing occurred on the case heads which was a terrific result. From this it was determined any rifle case longer than 1.75” did not need the 450 deg. F. Tempilaq® on the case head. The 450 deg. F. Tempilaq® is used on cases from .800” to 1.75” long to assure case head annealing does not occur.

in preparing brass for reloading, it did not seem cost effective to invest that much for a machine accomplishing just one operation.

A new design was sought; it would have to be efficient, practical and affordable. A design that would get the case neck into the flame and out quickly as soon as annealing occurred.

The design that evolved utilizes a rotation like a Ferris wheel. A prototype was built using a 1” square aluminum block 4” long with a hole about an inch deep and larger than the outside diameter of the cartridge case drilled in either end. This design allows the base of a cartridge case to easily slide in and fall out. A hole was cross-drilled in the center of the 4” aluminum bar to accept an axle. This aluminum bar is now referred to as the Cartridge Case Holder. A wooden knob was installed to turn the Cartridge Case Holder by hand since the aluminum bar gets hot while in use. The case is inserted with it out of the flame and then rotated up vertically into and between two opposed propane torch flames impinging on the case neck. This prototype worked perfectly. Production models were produced with propane cylinder holders. This unit is now being marketed as the Anneal-Rite Machine. Ten standard Cartridge Case Holders are available which accommodate many hundreds of different cases from .40 S&W pistol with the largest one taking .50BMG and even .600 NE cases.

Special size Cartridge Case Holders can be ordered at reasonable prices.

The entire unit with one common size cartridge case holder sells for less than a hundred dollars including one

bottle of 750 Tempilaq®. In time studies 500 to 600 cases per hour can be annealed. The Anneal-Rite comes with a money back guarantee assuring perfectly annealed cartridge cases. An eight minute video can be viewed and the Anneal-Rite purchased from Enterprise Services, LLC. Their website is www.cartridgeanneal.com or by calling 479-629-5566. You do not have to suffer with premature case failure, or spend Four Hundred Dollars or more.

Increased case life and accuracy will be the benefits. A 5 shot 5/8” group was recently achieved at 300 yards using the neck annealed 7.62 X 51 cases.

Director Elections It’s That Time Again!

Members of the following Regions will be voting for their Regional Director this year: North Central Mid-Continent Northwest Gulf Coast Now is your time to exerise one of our most precious American traditions... your right to vote. For those members who are not US citizens but still members, you too can participate! It begins with thoughtful nominations and culminates with strong representation for your region. Won’t you join us in this time-honored tradition?

Send or email me your nominations by Friday, March 1, 2013. Qualifications to serve are stated in the Rule Book.

Audrey Brown

There are a few carousel style cartridge brass annealing machines as well as other designs on the market.

The prices for these machines run from about $400.00 to $500.00. As this type of device performs only one step

2013_02_Issue.indd 11

1/3/2013 10:37:30 AM

12

Precision Rifleman

Canadian Club offers BR 201: Benchrest Clinic, by Rick Pollock BR 201 With Jack Neary Many of you will be familiar with the earlier article I wrote regarding our BR101 Clinic which provided an introduction to the world of sanctioned benchrest competition. It was the success of this program that prompted me to offer another clinic, this time I called it BR201.

This is a somewhat different exercise than the BR101 in that BR201 is meant as a strictly classroom exercise.It was structured to include a thought provoking presentation with a leading National level shooter. In this case, we were lucky to have Jack Neary of Ohio join us and give his thoughts on what it takes to be competitive in benchrest.

For those that are unfamiliar with Jack’s resume, he is widely recognized as one of the top shooters in the world of short range benchrest. Jack is a member of the USA Benchrest Hall of Fame, former member of the USA World Championship Benchrest team and Regional Director for the Eastern Region of NBRSA.

benchrest. You couldn’t ask for a more personable speaker, and Jack endured dozens of questions about all manner of topics and nuance it takes to be competitive.

Lastly, it should be noted that Bartlein Barrels and Plenty O’ Patches provided sponsorship for this event. We are grateful to have such supportive vendors.

Rick Pollock Team Blame Canada, Calgary, Alberta rickpollock@shaw.ca For those clubs that are considering holding an event similar to ours, here is the outline Jack used in his clunic to make your work load a little lighter.

Canada BR 201 Clinic Outline Helping You to Exceed All Your Benchrest Goals & Expectations! *Safety, Safety, Safety & ...Safety!!!! *What is Your Current Skill Level? *Setting Goals...2012, 2013 & Beyond *Lapua 220 Russian Brass Review: -Neck Thickness/Neck Turning -Proper Neck Clearance -Fire-Forming Techniques

-Proper Case Mouth Cleaning -Primer Pocket Cleaning -Flash-Hole Maintenance -FL Die Set-Up -Proper Shoulder Bump-Back (.0005” - .001” maximum) -Case Trimming Review 1.490” *Tuning Your Rifle...How and Why -Choosing Correct Seating Depth -How much Powder?

-Bullet Bearing Surface -Neck Tension importance -6 different 200yd group forms -Evaluating your bullet holes vs tune -Tune erosion indicators -Low-shots and shots into the condition -Tuning for different wind conditions -Tuning for L to R vs R to L winds *Match Strategies -Sleep!!!

-Staying Hydrated -Importance of Marking bench top -Warm-up match strategies: 3 loads -Proper use of sighter targets -Starting your group..Proper Timing -Watching upcoming wind conditions -Beware of the Lunch Break!

-Understand light-changes on POI -High Wind match strategies -Holding-off for Pick-ups vs Leg-offs -CHASING YOUR FIRST SHOT!!

-Oh no! I just shot a BIG %$#@! Group -Last match strategies -Avoid the wailing wall -When it’s not working... *Understanding Mirage -Mirage is your FRIEND

Jack Neary I had seen Jack do his presentation in Kansas City and thought it would be an ideal program to offer to shooters at our home club. I contacted Jack to see if he was interested and ever the gracious benchrest ambassador, Jack accepted. Arrangements were made to fly Jack to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for a March 31st presentation.

March 31st came and we had a fantastic day. Jack gave an outstanding presentation, as he always does, and was really able to convey a ton of information related to the finer points of

2013_02_Issue.indd 12

Canadian Benchrest Shooters attending the BR201 Clinic

1/3/2013 10:37:32 AM

February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

BR 201 Clinic -Embrace Mirage -Wind you can see -Real-time wind -Mirage use on a calm, hot day -Proper use/strategy for using Mirage -200yd Practice: No Flags, Just Mirage *Flag Overview: -Tail materials -Daisy Wheels for Wind velocity & angle -Understanding Flags -Understanding the 9 Wind Angles *Bags, Rests, Triggers & Reamers: -Front Rest Designs -Front & Rear Bag designs & materials -Setting up your front & rear bags -Free...but not loose -Proper bench top set-up -Proper shooting stool height -Squeezing the trigger -Trigger polishing and set-up -Reamer designs

Good Tools Make You Smile, by Boyd Allen Prologue: I would assume that most of this magazine’s readers already have a neck turning kit. After reviewing this product, including quite a bit of hands on time, I think that you might want to consider replacing one part of it with one of these, and if you don’t have your kit put together, I think that you should consider looking at all of the related products from this manufacturer.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to try a new tool that I like better than my old one, and for that matter, any other version that I have tried. It is the 21st Century Shooting shell holder with driver adapter.

*Practice Strategies: -200yd vs 100yd practice -”Screw Your Neighbor for Lunch!”

-”Hit the 9,8,7 & 6 rings at 200yds -Shooting at the same time at 200yds -Use Mirage as your only wind indicator *Proper Gun/Barrel Cleaning: -Best Solvents -Benevits of losso & JB...using only a Nylon brush -Removing remaining losso/JB in front of Bore Guide -High heat vs copper fouling -Shooting too hot of a load & powder fowling -N133 vs 8208/T powder fouling *Miscellaneous - Open Q&A -Barrels/Barrel Break-in -Bullets -Powder -Scopes -Stock choices Is there a benchrest subject you want to see in print?

Want to share your knowledge with your fellow benchrest shooters? If so, contact Precision Rifleman.

Whether you shoot Group, VFS, Long Range or Hunter benchrest, contact Precision Rifleman about writing articles or to suggest ideas for future articles that interest you.

2013_02_Issue.indd 13

13

The next thing that I want you to consider is that black squishy bit of neoprene that surrounds the centering stud, (an O ring, set in a groove). Perhaps you have guessed why it is there, and what advantage it holds….in a word, TRACTION. All of the other case holder/drive adapters that I have seen depend on metal to metal friction to hold cases in place, and a rather lose fit on the case rim for centering. The result is that if a heavy cut is made (as one might when preparing cases for a .262 neck PPC) a case will occasionally come out of position in the holder during a cut, unless the holder is tightened beyond what is easily done by hand. This is not so much a strength issue but rather an issue of how to get a good grip on one.

Using some sort of tool to increase leverage for both securing and removing cases takes more time than I like and has no effect on the centering issue.

This is where the O ring becomes your friend. With the additional traction that it provides, you can easily secure cases in the holder by hand, making the whole process much faster and easier. I should add that with the stud in the pocket, it is impossible for a case to spin out or even spin off center when a heavy load is applied.

Before I get any farther along trying to describe it, I want you to take a careful look at this picture, paying close attention to the O ring, and what it surrounds.

Taking this last item first, the little stud is a close fit in the small primer pockets of my .220 Russian/PPC cases, and it is that fit, that keeps the case perfectly centered in the shell holder, which greatly reduces case wobble (as compared to what I get with other tools) when I spin them with my cordless drill. The difference is significant.

In the past, I thought that it was because the cases were a bit crooked, which in fact, after expanding up to 6mm, form .220, they are, but as it turns out the holder was a big part of the problem….no more.

Helpful tip: I would assume that most of you know how to use a search engine to find 21st Century Shooting’s web site. Once you get there, you may however have some trouble finding this product (unless a change is made before this goes to press). In the index, click on Tools for Case Prep, then on Lathe and scroll down to the bottom of that page. For those who eschew the internet, John’s number is 260 273-9909. He is in Uniondale, IN.

1/3/2013 10:37:33 AM

14

Precision Rifleman

Sahuaro 1000-Yard Benchrest Results October 13, 2012

Light Gun Aggregate Ross Herrick...................... 650” Wayne McDonald................. 7.70” Dale Arenson...................... 8.04” Jeff Billotte....................... 8.31” Dan Redford....................... 8.77” Small Group Ross Herrick...................... 5.125” Heavy Gun Aggregate Jeff Billotte......................8.31” Ross Herrick...................... 10.60” Dan Redford...................... 10.85” Dale Arenson..................... 10.92” Lon Persun....................... 17.77” Small Group Jeff Billotte...................... 7.937” Light Gun Total Score Wayne McDonald.............. 146/150 Dale Arenson.................... 138/150 Jeff Billotte..................... 130/150 Dan Redford..................... 127/150 Lon Persun...................... 123/150 High Score Wayne McDonald.................50XXX Heavy Gun Total Score Ross Herrick.................... 270/300 Jeff Billotte..................... 268/300 Dale Arenson.................... 256/300 Dan Redford..................... 252/300 Lon Persun...................... 210/300 High Score Dan Redford....................... 97XX

November 10, 2012

Light Gun Aggregate Dale Arenson.....................6.02” Ross Herrick....................... 6.10” BillWarner......................... 9.15” Jeff Billotte....................... 9.33” Lon Persun....................... 12.08” Small Group Dale Arenson..................... 4.125” Heavy Gun Aggregate Ross Herrick......................9.33” Jeff Billotte...................... 13.33” Bill Warner....................... 17.98” Dale Arenson..................... 27.63” Clifford Howell.................. 58.96” Small Group Ross Herrick....................... 6.50” Light Gun Total Score Dale Arenson................... 141/150 Ross Herrick..................... 139/150 Lon Persun...................... 130/150 Jeff Billotte..................... 127/150 Bill Warner....................... 81/150 High Score Ross Herrick......................... 49 Heavy Gun Total Score Ross Herrick.................... 264/300 Jeff Billotte..................... 255/300 Bill Warner...................... 241/300 Dale Arenson.................... 160/300 Clifford Howell................. 113/300 High Score Bill Warner.......................... 94

December 8, 2012

Light Gun Aggregate Dan Redford......................6.23” Ross Herrick....................... 6.69” Jeff Billotte....................... 7.19” Bill Warner........................ 7.42” Steve Everson..................... 8.02” Small Group Ross & Bill......................... 5.00” Heavy Gun Aggregate Dan Redford......................7.69” Ross Herrick....................... 8.77” Steve Everson.................... 10.81” Bill Warner....................... 11.19” Dale Arenson..................... 11.56” Small Group Ross Herrick....................... 6.00” Light Gun Total Score Dan Redford.................... 146/150 Ross Herrick..................... 140/150 Dale Arenson.................... 138/150 Jeff Billotte..................... 132/150 Wayne McDonald............... 131/150 High Score Dan Redford....................... 50XX Heavy Gun Total Score Dan Redford.................... 290/300 Ross Herrick..................... 276/300 Bill Warner...................... 266/300 Dale Arenson.................... 244/300 Steve Everson................... 242/300 High Score Dan Redford.......................97XXX

Sahuaro 1000-Yard Benchrest Equipment List October & November Matches Name Caliber Action Barrel McDonald 6BR Remington Broughton Herrick 30Patriot Nesika Krieger Billotte (L) 6.5 sum McMillan PacNor Billotte (H) 6.5 Lazz McMillan PacNor Arenson (L) 6.5/284 Remington Classic Arenson (H) 30 wsm McMillan Lilja Redford (L) 7 saum BAT Krieger Redford (H) 300 wsm BAT Krieger Persun 30 wsm McMillan Classic Warner 6.5/284 BAT Krieger December Match (additions & changes only) Billotte (L) 6.5x57 McMillan PacNor Arenson (L) 6.5/284 Remington Classic Arenson (H) 30 wsm McMillan Shilen Everson (L) 6.5x47 Panda Krieger Everson (H) 284 Nesika Krieger Redford (L) 300AI BAT Krieger

2013_02_Issue.indd 14

Gunsmith Bryant Wells Pederson Pederson Briggs Pederson Ocock Artis Wells Bruno

Stock Shehane Shehane McMillan McMillan McMillan McMillan Shehane custom McMillan McMillan

Scope Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce

Case Lapua Lazz Remington Lazz Lapua Norma Norma RWS Norma Lapua

Powder Varget H4831 H1000 H1000 R22 H4831 H4350 R22 H4831 H4350

Bullet/Wt Sierra/107 JLK/210 Berger/140 Berger/140 Norma/130 Berger/210 Berger/180 Berger/210 JLK/210 Sierra/140

Pederson Briggs Pederson Brackney Brackney Artis

McMillan McMillan McMillan Borden Borden custom

Niteforce Niteforce Niteforce Leupold Leupold Niteforce

Remington Lapua Norma Lapua Win RWS

H1000 R22 H4831 RL15 H4831 RL22

Berger/140 Berger/140 Berger/185 Berger/130 Berger/175 Berger/210

1/3/2013 10:37:33 AM

February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

15

World Records for VFS & Group Shooting Varmint For Score Well things just keep getting better when it comes to World Records.

Shane Kepler from Denton, Nebraska shot his way to a new record at 300 yards. He scored 243-0X on September 23, 2012 at the Mill Creek Rifle Club in DeSoto, Kansas.

at Phoenix where his 5, 5-shot group in Sporter class landed him another grand aggregate world record at 100 & 200 yards. The new record is an itty bitty 0.1777 inches besting the 2009 record of 0.1886. Not too shabby, Mr Bukys! Save some of this for Sydney too!

Fellow shooter Larry Scharnhorst had a busy day as well and set two new records at the same range and at the same match. Larry scored a 488-9X for the 200 & 300 yard grand aggregate and followed it with a 737-17X for the 100-200-300 yard grand aggregate. That’s some mighty fine shootin’ gentlemen. The bar just keeps getting higher. Congratulations to Shane & Larry on a job well done.

Eric Stanton obtained his first world record at Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club in Washington state. On July 8, 2012, his 5, 5-shot group at 100 & 200-yards landed him a grand aggregate of 0.1486 inches in the Unlimited class.

Of honorable mention is that this record was last set in 1989 by Bill Forrester, who has reigned supreme for more than 23 years! All Hail!

A thank you to Dave Halblom and the score shooting committee; Dan Zaccanti, Larry Kuse, Rich Carpenter & Tom McFee for their time and effort in support of benchrest.

Group Shooting Not to be outdone, the group shooters have been busy changing old records as well. Gene Bukys had a good time

2013_02_Issue.indd 15

Good things tend to come in threes and this is still the case with Jerry Lahr having his fair share of fame and shooting a world record 100-yard aggregate of 0.1242. This was also 5, 5-shot groups.

Jerry’s record replaces one set over 9 years ago; a 0.1283. With 2013 matches spooling up in a month or two, the competition is looking pretty hard this year. Congratulations to Eric, Gene & Jerry. You do benchrest proud!

Thanks also to the Group shooting world record committee team, including Gene, Lowell Frei, Ron Hoehn & Kent Harshman. On behalf of NBRSA, we thank you for your dedication to the advancement of benchrest.

Some of you may be wondering what happens when a member of the world records committee shoots a record himself. How is this handled? That’s a good question. In fact, I asked that of some of our three world record committee members. In Group shooting, if any person shoots a record, nobody in the same region can measure those targets. In all three committees, the chain-of-custody is established at the match when targets are forwarded to the respective committee from the match. If a committee chair/member has shot a possible world record, he must recuse himself from involvement with the target. The targets are then measured (or scored) by a majority of the other committee members in the discipline and done so in such a manner that partiality, influence and bias are mitigated. The scores are placed into sealed envelopes by each member so that each committee member does not know what the others have determined. In long range, there are three members; Karl Hunstiger, Chairman, Gary Noble and Mike Sosenko are members. If one of them shoots a possible record, Don Nielson serves as an alternate. The score committee has five members and Group has four. If you want more detailed information, give them a call. Their contact information is on page 31 and there’s usually a few golden nuggets of information on the website as to who shot what and to review the entire lists of NBRSA world record holders. There’s also historical information on the Hunter records as well.

Audrey Brown

1/3/2013 10:37:34 AM

16

Precision Rifleman

2013 NBRSA Registered Match Schedule FEBRUARY 2

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA Nevada State Championship

2-3

SW

LV/HV

100/200

Arizona Benchrest Shooters, AZ Cactus Warm Up

9

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

16-17

SW

LV/HV

100/200

Visalia Sportsman Assn, CA

16-17

SE

LV/HV

100/200

Manatee Gun & Archery, FL

23-24

MV

LV/HV

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

24

SW

LG/HG

600-Yard

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

MARCH

11

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

19

MV

HTR/VFS

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

18-19

ER

HV/LV

100/200

Chippewa Rifle Club, OH Super-Shoot Warm-Up

22-25

ER

LV/HV

100/200

Kelbly’s Super Shoot, OH

24-26

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Palomino Valley Gun Club, NV Nevada State Championship

1

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA Silver State Shootout

1

MV

HTR

100/200

Van Dyne Sportsmen Club, WI

1-2

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

1-2

NW

HV/UNL5

100/200

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club, WA Northwest HV Regional

JUNE

2

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA Spring Mountain Classic

2-3

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

9

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

7-9

SW

LV/HV

300-200

9-10

SW

LV/HV

100/200

Arizona Benchrest Shooters, AZ CACTUS CLASSIC

Palomino Valley Gun Club, NV Long Range Varmint Nationals

8

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

17

SW

LG/HG

600-Yard

Ojai Valley Gun Club, CA

8-9

ER

LV/HV

100/200

17

MV

HTR/VFS

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

WWCCA, MI Money $hoot Wolverine Challenge

23-24

SE

LV/HV

100/200

Middle Georgia Gun Owner Assn SHAMROCK

15-16

SW

HV/UNL5

100/200

Visalia Sportsman Assn, CA California State 1st Leg

16

MV

HTR/VFS

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

22-23

MV

LV/HV

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis East-West Show-Me Shootout June 21: Set up Day

APRIL 6

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA Winds of Mojave

6-7

SW

LV/HV/ SP/UNL5

200-Yds

Arizona Benchrest Shooters, AZ 2nd Half State Championship

22-23

ER

LV/HV

100/200

Shelby Co Deer Hunters Assn, OH Briar Hail Memorial

6-7

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

23

SW

LG/HG

600-Yard

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

6-7

NW

LV/HV

100/200

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver, WA Allen Bench Trophy

13

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

5-7

NW

UNL10/5

100/200

13-14

MV

LV/HV

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club WA Sam Wilson Memorial, Sniper King & NW Unlimited Championship

21

MV

LV/HV

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

6-7

SW

20-21

ER

LV/HV

100/200

WWCCA, MI Spring Tune-Up

S P / L V / 200-Yard HV/UNL5

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA 5th Annual 200-Yd 4-Gun

20-21

SW

LV/HV

100/200

Visalia Sportsman Assn, CA

6-7

ER

LV/HV

100/200

24-25

SW

LG/HG

600-Yard

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA 10th Annual 600-Yard Nationals

Holton Gun Club, MI Michigan State Championship

13

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

13-14

ER

HV/LV

100/200

Kane Fish & Game, PA Pennsylvania St Championship

13-14

MV

HTR

100/200

Van Dyne Sportsmen Assn, WI Wisconsin State

13-14

MV

LV/HV

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis July 13: NIGHT MATCH 5PM

MV

HTR/VFS

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis Missouri State/Danny Jarvis MV Regional/Guy Chism

3-4

SW

LV/HV

100/200

Central Utah Benchrest Club, UT Utah State Championship 2nd Leg

3-4

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

3-4

NW

SP/LV

100/200

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club, WA Northwest SP & LV Regionals

10

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

26

SW

F-Bench

600-Yard

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA 1st 600-Yd F-Bench Nationals

27-28

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA 5th Annual 1000-Yd Nationals

MAY

JULY

4

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA Southwest Regionals Set Up 6AM, Match begins 8AM

20-21

4

MV

HTR

100/200

Van Dyne Sportsmens Club, WI

4-5

ER

LV/HV

100/200

Fairchance Rod & Gun Club, PA 25th Annual Hog Roast

AUGUST

4-5

NW

SP/HV

100/200

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver, WA Manley Oakley Trophy

4-5

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

4-5

SW

SP/UNL

100/200

Central Utah Benchrest Club, UT Utah State Championship 1st leg

Boldface Matches are 2013 National Events

2013_02_Issue.indd 16

1/3/2013 10:37:34 AM

February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

17

2013 NBRSA Registered Match Schedule 25

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

2-3

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

31

SW

SP/LV/HV

100/200

Visalia Sportsman Assn, CA California State 2nd Leg

9

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

31-9/2

ER

LV/HV

100/200

Holton Gun Club, MI Eastern Region Championship

24

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

31-9/2

NW

SP/LV/HV

100/200

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club, WA Ed Frombach Memorial, WA State SP, LV, HV & 3-Gun Championships

SEPTEMBER 1-2

SW

SP/LV/HV

100/200

Visalia Sportsman Assn, CA California State 2nd Leg

14

MV

VFS

100/200

Van Dyne Sportsmen Assn, WI

14

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

16-21

ER

4-GUN

100/200

Fairchance Rod & Gun Club, PA NBRSA Group Nationals

27-29

SW

SP/UNL

200/100

Palomino Valley Gun Club, NV Nevada State Championship

OCTOBER 5

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA VFS Nationals Warm Up

5-6

ER

LV/HV

100/200

WWCCA, MI Fall Classic

5-6

SW

LV/HV

100/200

Arizona Benchrest Shooters, AZ 1st Half SW Regionals

5-6

SW

LV/HV

200/100

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

6

MV

HTR/VFS

100/200

Benchrest Rifle Club of St Louis

12

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

19-20

ER

LV/HV

100/200

Shelby Co Deer Hunters Assn, OH Fall Finale

19-20

SW

UNL5

100/200

Visalia Sportsman Assn, CA Visalia Invitational

19-20

MV

LV/HV

100/200

Benchrest Rfile Club of St Louis Mississippi Valley Regionals

27

SW

LG/HG

600-Yard

Sloughhouse Benchrest, CA

NOVEMBER 2-3

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA VFS Nationals

2-3

SW

SP/UNL10

100/200

Arizona Benchrest Shooters, AZ 2nd Half SW Regionals

DECEMBER 7

SW

VFS

100/200

Desert Sportsman Assn, CA Club Championship Set up 7AM Match begins 9AM

7-8

SW

UNL5

100/200

Arizona Benchrest Shooters, AZ CAL-AZ Combined Match

14

SW

LG/HG

1000-Yd

Sahuaro 1000-Yd Benchrest, AZ

US World Team Members Are Announced Team A Tony Boyer, Bob Scarbrough Jr, Gene Bukys & Ed Adams Team B Mike Ratigan, Lee Hachigian, Jeff Thompson III & Wayne Campbell Team C Charles Huckeba, Don Creach, Todd Tyler, Tom Libby Honorary World Team Captain Walt Berger Alternates in order of placement are Don Nielson, Chris Harris, Mike Conry, Andy Shifflett and Rodney Brown

SW Louisiana Results October 28, 2012 This was the last varmint for score match for 2012 at Southwest Louisiana Rifle and Pistol Club. Things start up again this month for 2013. Check out the schedule at www.nbrsa.org. Larry Tilley won Shooter of the Year for the club. Consistent all year and attending every match, it was well deserved.

Congratulations Larry!

Mike Guillot

100-Yard Kenny Kuperman.............. 250-20X Larry Tilley...................... 250-20X Rodney Landry.................. 250-14X 200-Yard Larry Tilley......................249-6X Rodney Landry................... 247-5X Kenny Kuperman................ 247-4X Grand Aggregate Larry Tilley..................... 499-26X Kenny Kuperman............... 497-24X Rodney Landry.................. 497-19X

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Precision Rifleman

WBC13 Selection Process - How Do They Do It? Since 2012 was a qualifying year and I am a relative newcomer to bench rest, albeit in print and not sport, I was curious how other nations determine who to send to represent their respective countries at this bench rest equivalent of the Olympics. I sent out some general inquiries and the following are the responses I received.

From Europe, why not go right to the top? Francois Luciani, President of WBSF writes that Europe handles things a little differently. Unlike the Euro, there is no combined European World Team. Instead, every member country has its own representation and unique selection process.

Mr.Luciani states there is no general point system, but some countries use a specific point system resulting from the individual qualifying matches for their national selection.

tor, Philippe Riboulet is from France.

He said they have three qualifying matches; one in March at Phillippe’s home range, La Fare les Oliviers in the south. Second match is in the center of France in Souppes sur Loing in April and the third in Vollemerange les Mines in June. This final match serves as the French Championship too. They take the average of these three matches and the first twelve shooters will be selected to go. As is the case in most countries, there is no sponsorship. The French shooting federation selects the

mined. Three teams per nation is the maximum permitted under WBC competition.

For those avid followers of all things World Team, Alex and the SSAA has established a website specifically for WBC12 which has monthly updates and which readers can enjoy if they are so inclined, www.wbc2013.com.au. Rob Carnell says they take the total of the eight aggregates from the two national events and take the best seven out of eight, scored as one point for first place, two points for second and so on. Shooters with the lowest points qualify. If you’re curious to see the point scores to date, you can access it from this hyerlink: http://www.benchrestbulletin.net/drupal/node/1905 and click on the pdf listed. You may

Australia twelve shooters and it is worth it to vie for Team A, as expenses for travel, food and hotel are paid by the Federation. This is not the case for members of Team B or Team C. The Netherlands Adding to the mystery of who will attend, I queried Paul Schouten Trautig, NBRSA member of the European Region from The Netherlands. He shares that he may be attending to represent

France The Netherlands and he suspects the French will attend as well.

Our NBRSA European Region Direc-

2013_02_Issue.indd 18

From our honorable host nation of WBC12, Alex Chryss is the National Benchrest Chairman of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, (SSAA) and he states, “Qualifying in Australia follows the SSAA National approved selection process i.e. Qualifiers must compete in the two preceding national championships in Light and Heavy varmint to be eligible. Ranking is based on best 7 out of 8 performances in the class aggregates. Top 12 plus reserves are chosen and submitted by the National Benchrest Chair to the SSAA Executive for final approval. The Aussie’s shoot their Nationals across four days of Easter (Experimental, Sporter, Light and Heavy) and they may be the only country to do so on that holiday.

The first National for 2012 was held in Perth. The second National event won’t occur until after Easter 2013, so the members representing the three teams Australia have yet to be deter-

Canada recognize some familiar names from WBC11! Shooters can get additional information from these additional links: www.wbc2013.com.au or www. benchrestbulletin.net or by contact the US Representative extraordinaire, Wayne Campbell at 434 665-2066 or by email at wcppc@icloud.com.

In Canada, as in many other countries, it’s a numbers game. There are about 100 registered benchrest shooters across Canada, which is the second largest country by mass in the world.

Bill Gammon began the Canadian World Team in 1996. Up until a few years ago, they did not have a governing body for Benchrest in Canada and it took some favors to get the World body to recognize the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters as being their governing body for 1997 and beyond. Thankfully the OFAH stepped up to the plate and has sponsored the World Team since. As far as Team Can-

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

WBC13

continued

ada selection, he says they do not yet have the numbers, shooters, sponsors, ranges and membership, so having qualifying matches in four parts of the country and selecting a team from the winners is not feasible. Team Canada

South Africa has a committee of shooters selected from across the country who are given the applications from the different shooters who want to represent Canada in the World Team. The committee suggests who should go based on performance of the individual in his/ her region. As things work out, usually those who want to go can do so.

Moving on to Africa, I spoke with Mike Ratigan. He said things are reasonably easy with the exception of Zimbabwe.

For South Africa and Namibia, hunting is a big deal so exporting and importing rifles is not too much of a problem. He said there is a pool of about seventy shooters that are capable of attending so he expects a handful will make the trip to Sydney.

In the end it appears to boil down to numbers; both in skill and money. Call it a form of financial Darwinism. In most countries, participation is almost entirely borne by the individual and the cost of equipment, travel and time away can be a pretty pricey penny. It goes to show that benchrest is an important sport. Those who can participate are a special breed. Those who can play and win are an even rarer breed. To ALL those benchrest shooters who attend, best of luck to you.

Don’t get nervous – only the entire world will be watching!

Audrey Brown

2013_02_Issue.indd 19

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Arizona 5-Shot Unlimited Ben Avery Range, Phoenix We had thirty-one shooters on Saturday and twenty-nine on Sunday. There were eight shooters that shot the first half of the AZ and CAL combined in Visalia. Weather was quite aggreable with temperatures close to 80 degrees with very light winds on both days.

This made for some of the nicest conditions I have seen at Ben Avery in a long time.

Gary Ocock won the AZ and CAL combined with a nice .2047 combined aggregate. That’s pretty good shooting for eight aggs. Chuck Miller won the first 100yd agg with a .1748 agg, Gary Sinclair was second with a .1764 agg and also shot a .092 and .095 in that agg. Shooting two zeros in one aggregate is something most shooters don’t do in their whole career. The second 100yd agg was won by Tom Libby III with a nice .1566 agg. The first 200yd agg. was won by Bob Brackney with a .1652 agg. The second 200yd agg. was won by Joe Stanovich with a .1867.

One grand was won by Marg Garin with a .1912 and the other by Bob Brackney with a .1866 agg.

Tom Libby III took the 2 Gun win with a .2010 agg. As you can tell by the ag-

gregates, we had pretty good conditions the whole weekend.

Thanks for your continuing support at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix and we’ll be watching for you to visit us at the Berger Cactus Classic March 9-10, 2013. See pages 20 & 21 for more information. It always makes for a great time and a grand way to keep up your practice - especially when you live in the snowy regions where shooting opportunities are sparce during the winter months. Take advantage of this and give yourself a break. Come thaw out with us! Results follow on pages 21, 22 & 25.

Art Clegg Cal-AZ Combined Grand Aggregate Gary Ocock......................0.2047 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.2289 Marty Childers................... 0.2323 George Lozano.................. 0.2340 Dave Woodward................. 0.2388 Walt Berger...................... 0.2420 Joe Stanovich.................... 0.2461 Paul Garin........................ 0.2909 Unlimited 5-Shot 100-Yards Chuck Miller.....................0.1748 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.1764 Dana Andrus...................... 0.1786 Gary Ocock....................... 0.1836 Dave Woodward................. 0.1924

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Greg Swezey

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Precision Rifleman

AZ 5-Shot UNL Brett Balmer..................... 0.1932 Joe Stanovich.................... 0.1956 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2024 William Marsh.................... 0.2030 Bob Brackney.................... 0.2080 Tom Libby III..................... 0.2102 William Summers................ 0.2228 George Lozano.................. 0.2282 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2352 Marty Childers................... 0.2378 Walt Berger...................... 0.2380 Dan Sutton....................... 0.2386 Jim Gardner..................... 0.2412 Jack Childers.................... 0.2614 Joe Pipola........................ 0.2628 Small Group Gary Sinclair...................... 0.092 Unlimited 5-Shot 100-Yards Tom Libby III....................0.1566 Marg Garin....................... 0.1746 Gary Ocock....................... 0.1750 Walt Berger...................... 0.1882 Paul Garin........................ 0.1926 Chuck Miller..................... 0.1950 Marty Childers................... 0.1954 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.1986 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2146 George Lozano.................. 0.2152 Bob Brackney.................... 0.2240 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2266 Dave Woodward................. 0.2298 William Summers................ 0.2496 Jim Gardner..................... 0.2500 William Marsh.................... 0.2534 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.2542 Gene DeLoney................... 0.2560 Doug Seib......................... 0.2870 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2966 Small Group Chuck Miller...................... 0.077 Unlimited 5-Shot 200-Yards Bob Brackney...................0.1652 Jack Childers.................... 0.1670 Tom Libby III..................... 0.1912 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2151 William Marsh.................... 0.2232 Walt Berger...................... 0.2291 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.2405 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2441 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2490 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2505 Dave Woodward................. 0.2519 George Lozano.................. 0.2629 Joe Pipola........................ 0.2746 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2855 Jim Gardner..................... 0.2907 Sandy Simon..................... 0.3093 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.3223

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

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Arizona 5-Shot Unlimited, continued

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2013_02_Issue.indd 21

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Lester Bruno..................... 0.2651 William Summers................ 0.2689 Gene DeLoney................... 0.2803 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.2806 AZ 5-Shot Unlimited Grand Bob Brackney...................0.1866 Tom Libby III..................... 0.2007 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.2085 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2087 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2095 William Marsh.................... 0.2131 Jack Childers.................... 0.2142 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2171 Dave Woodward................. 0.2221 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2321 Walt Berger...................... 0.2335 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2421 George Lozano.................. 0.2456 Joe Stanovich.................... 0.2615 Jim Gardner..................... 0.2659 Joe Pipola........................ 0.2687 Marty Childers................... 0.2878 Dan Sutton....................... 0.2887 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.2932 William Summers................ 0.3224 Unlimited 2-Gun Champion Tom Libby III....................0.2010 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.2019 Bob Brackney.................... 0.2042 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2065 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2087 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2174 William Marsh.................... 0.2186 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2295 George Lozano.................. 0.2304 Walt Berger...................... 0.2360 Dave Woodward................. 0.2411 Jim Gardner..................... 0.2442 Marty Childers................... 0.2505 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2536 Joe Stanovich.................... 0.2555 Jack Childers.................... 0.2596 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.2869 William Summers................ 0.2957 Joe Pipola........................ 0.3006 Paul Garin........................ 0.3072

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Joe Stanovich.................... 0.3274 Marty Childers................... 0.3378 Stephen Everson................ 0.3385 Small Group Jack Childers..................... 0.180 Unlimited 5-Shot 200-Yards Joe Stanovich...................0.1867 Jack Childers.................... 0.1886 Dana Andrus...................... 0.1907 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.1922 William Marsh.................... 0.1947 Jim Gardner..................... 0.1948 Marg Garin....................... 0.2078 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2120 George Lozano.................. 0.2153 Bob Brackney.................... 0.2195 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2257 Marty Childers................... 0.2309 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2336 Paul Garin........................ 0.2432 Lou Murdica...................... 0.2434 Tom Libby III..................... 0.2460 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2740 William Summers................ 0.2882 Walt Berger...................... 0.2887 Dave Woodward................. 0.2904 Small Group Jim Grdner........................ 0.141 AZ 5-Shot Unlimited Grand Marg Garin.......................0.1912 Gary Sinclair..................... 0.1954 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2004 Tom Libby III..................... 0.2013 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2026 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2035 Marty Childers................... 0.2131 George Lozano.................. 0.2153 Paul Garin........................ 0.2224 Bob Brackney.................... 0.2218 Jim Gardner..................... 0.2224 William Marsh.................... 0.2241 Walt Berger...................... 0.2385 Joe Stanovich.................... 0.2495 Lawrence Weisdorn............. 0.2503 Dave Woodward................. 0.2601

1/3/2013 10:37:38 AM

22

Precision Rifleman

Yes, It’s Finally Time to Look at the Sporter Class It took me a while, but it came to me shortly after I read the current batch of proposals for the 2012 NBRSA Nationals meeting. I don’t think that I ever heard the word “Sporter” before showing up to at my first Nationals in 2000 and someone told me that we were shooting Sporter and Light Varmint 100 on Wednesday morning. I asked what rifle to use to shoot in Sporter (a redundant question since I only had one benchrest rifle – a 10 ½ pound beauty that cost me more than I had ever paid for a firearm before, but unfortunately not since). The recipient of my question asked me what caliber I was shooting; and if it was a 6mm then shoot my light varmint rifle and I would be fine. In my naivety it seemed redundant, but who was I to question these things in year 2000. I just wanted to shoot and it was another opportunity to shoot ten more targets at a Nationals.

But, this is 2012 and now the question is being asked again – what is “Sporter”? Both the IBS and the NBRSA Rules give specific dimensional and capacity restrictions to the Class. Without going into great detail, it basically is a 10 ½ pound centerfire rifle that meets the same rules that a Light Varmint Rifle does, with the primary exception that the caliber cannot be less than .23

caliber (Rule B.5. of the NBRSA Rules and Rule V. B) 4) in our sister organization the IBS). There were some nondefunct rules limiting scope power and other things, but those went away sometime in the past and we are looking at the current rules in the NBRSA for the class.

But, WHY is it here, I asked myself then; and more in-depth again now.

Well, I asked several of the “old-timers” and was given the same general explanation. (I was also told of several shooters who were given or took credit for the class.) But, I am more interested today as to where it is going than where it came from. The generally accepted explanation was that before the advent of the 6PPC, the sport of Centerfire Benchrest was dominated by the .222 and its variants and the class developed to foster experimentation. So, this is worth repeating: THE CLASS WAS DEVELOPED TO FOSTER EXPERIMENTATION. Our Elders in the sport had enough foresight back 40-some years ago to see that in order to maintain and grow the sport, we need to not limit experimentation.

Have we gotten more myopic today in this regard? Hmmm…let’s explore this a little later.

At this juncture let’s look at the STATED OBJECTIVES of both the NBRSA and IBS. The NBRSA states that ours is “the development and encouragement of extreme accuracy”, “the achievement of extreme precision” and “to assist and encourage….in the promotion of Bench Rest Shooting”. Those ring of an organization which wishes to encourage experimentation to meet those objectives. IBS uses words like “development and encouragement… to achieve extreme accuracy in firearms, ammunition, equipment, and shooting methods” and again “to assist and encourage… in the promotion of Benchrest Shooting”. Anyone who reads these words and does not believe that experimentation is an absolute necessity to achieve these objectives should not waste their time reading any more of what I write below.

I am a relative newcomer in this sport; this is my 16th year shooting rifles competitively. During that time I owned a few centerfire .22’s, but have never fired one .22 centerfire round in competition. Further, I can only name a few shooters who have regularly shot a .22 in centerfire Benchrest. I have witnessed Bill Forrester from Kentucky win with his .22 PPC with a shortened case-capacity (something like .100 inch short) and I believe that Mike Ratigan from Oklahoma won a Super Shoot with a similar cartridge. I have witnessed Ohioan George Kelbly shoot his legendary Cruiser in unlimited class being chambered first in a wildcat .222 Magnum and then later in a straight .220 Russian (the parent cartridge to our 6PPC). No question, people have shot and won with the .22, but it is becoming rare to see them at our matches.

In my short span in Benchrest I have really only seen three or four “true” experimenters. I met Ferris Pindell at the tail end of his shooting/mad scientist career at a match in Fairfield, Ohio. All he wanted to do then was to tell a few jokes and go get some ice cream after the match. I really missed out on seeing some of his creations and great ideas. I lived near Phil Sauer and helped with his estate. Seeing some of

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

23

Yes, It’s Finally Time to Look at the Sporter Class his experiments in his basement shop in Michigan was a sight to behold. I shot my first match in Canada next to a diminutive guy who I later found out was a giant in the game in regard to experimentation – that being Vic Swindlehurst. I’ll never forget him taking one of my new scopes apart to explain where he thought the weaknesses could develop. Many of us have witnessed Jerry Hensler’s thought process in action. And one of my close friends here in Michigan, Larry Feusse, seems to continually show up with some “science project” that somehow always works pretty darn well. I’ll never forget my first Super Shoot where Larry and I went to the Pizza Hut for dinner and we spent the evening going over the numerous reamer diagrams in his notebook. A few years later Larry’s 6.5 BR was regularly beating us at 200-yards in our Michigan group and score matches; not to mention his famous .30 Gorilla. We need these guys and we need their vision to help us move the sport forward.

I know that there has been significant experimentation in terms of reamers (throat length, shoulder and lead angle come to mind), powder, scopes, bullets and stocks to name a few, but with the exception of the .30 BR following, there really appears to be very little in terms caliber choice coming forward. With that in mind, the ques-

2013_02_Issue.indd 23

tion becomes: why do we have a class which appears to have been developed to encourage experimentation but limits the use of a caliber below .230? And throw in the fact that none of us are getting any younger, meaning none of us are getting less recoil sensitive, why would we logically limit experimentation to a caliber that would by all laws of physics reduce recoil?

Hmmm….let’s explore this too, a little later.

Items Passed at 2012 NBRSA Meetings: First off, I was the sitting Eastern Region Director until my good friend and fellow competitor Jack Neary took over the reins in October, 2012. I have my own personal opinions, but I am bound to vote as my Regional constituency tells me. The NBRSA is a Representative Democracy and we Directors must follow what our members tell us in regard to the running of this organization or the whole thing collapses under the weight of the bureaucracy.

That being said, in this article, I am describing my understanding of two agenda items that went before the NBRSA in 2012, and will attempt to temper my opinion so as to be as objective as possible.

Okay, we’ve set the stage. In an attempt to cure our myopia, the two agenda items that have emerged in NBRSA for Sporter Class are:

Southwest Region: Eliminate Sporter class from Nationals and change format to either LV/HV/UNL and keep the existing records or new class formats called 10.5 and 13.5 and apply new national records. Experimental class to be shot only at regional matches until the new gun is established by the Board at a later date.

My view of this (and it is my OPINION) is that this calls the question, but may not completely dispose of it. It asks us to no longer shoot the Sporter class at one of the very few venues that it is currently being shot. And it asks us to replace the class that was originally set up to foster experimentation with an “Experimental” class. This is a good thing because the agenda item points out that somebody is willing to say what is on everybody’s mind: let’s have a class that fosters experimentation, AND practically speaking that in 2012 the Sporter class isn’t doing it.

Let’s explore the removal from the Nationals later, but at least the question is being moved to the point of consideration. (The Board tabled this agenda item until completion of the one-year trial period and voting by the General Membership.)

Gulf Coast Region: Reword Page 12 Item 5 to read, “SPORTER RIFLE. A Sporter Rifle is defined as any rifle having a safe manually and mechanically operated firing Mechanism

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Precision Rifleman

Yes, It’s Finally Time to Look at the Sporter Class and must not weigh more than 10 ½ pounds, inclusive of sights. The stock can be flat, or convex, but not concave. The Forearm can be any width and have any angle. (Emphasis added by author.) The butt stock can have any angle including a reverse angle.

(Emphasis added by author.) The barrel would not be less than 18” long forward of the bolt face and can be any diameter or configuration including a straight taper or a reverse taper. The Sporter Rifle can be any caliber. (Emphasis added by author.) Sporter Rifles do not have to conform to the Varmint Rifle diagram (on page 68 of Rev. Ed. No. 36). All sand bag rules will apply to the Sporter rifle.” And …

2. Page 117 Diagram P under title, VARMINT RIFLE DIAGRAM, add the words, “(DOES NOT INCLUDE SPORTER).

This agenda item passed. Now, this takes it up a notch. I call this “the 10 ½ pound unlimited” class. Practically speaking, this agenda item did three things: First, it removes the caliber restriction allowing bore diameter lower than .230. So, we could then shoot lower-recoil cases. Heck, why stop at .22 caliber as well as our existing 6PPC or even .30 BR in a Sporter competition? Just think of all the .22 or .20 or .17 variants that would start coming out of the woodwork. Wouldn’t it be great if someone took a .204 Ruger and shot a teen aggregate at a National? And with some really outstanding .222-boltface brass available, the options are endless. (Again, the foregoing should be considered the author’s personal opinion and not those of this Magazine; at least as of today.) Second, it allows us to experiment further with the stock design and dimensions, to a greater degree. That means we could see if we really can push the limits of extreme precision and accuracy by working with the platforms that hold our actions and barrels. If someone doesn’t wish to do significant stock-work change to their rifle, we can shoot our existing Light Varmint 6PPC in Sporter class competition.

We have pushed the envelope with scopes (locking them up, 60-plus power, etc.) and we have done some really

2013_02_Issue.indd 24

good work to date with stock material (balsa and carbon fiber? Who would have thunk it 15 years ago?) It doesn’t go the next step to allow a one-piece rest, which would have made it a “true” 10 1/2 pound unlimited rifle, but it does allow some really good options to see if we are not missing something with the platform, while still shooting off separated sand bags.

I have to be honest that I have never been beaten by a stock, but quite regularly by a well tuned bullet/barrel combination. Maybe we are missing something that will help us all get better. Third, this item still allows us to shoot our existing Light Varmint 6mm or above rifles in a class at any match that wishes to hold the Sporter class in competition, including the Nationals, and, it doesn’t remove the class from being shot at the Nationals. Hmmm…

Let’s explore this below.

Okay, let’s do some analysis on the changes: First, the Pros: 1. The Benchrest Hall of Fame Aspect – I was lucky enough to have gotten some points in Sporter class, so I would like to see this class continue at the Nationals. We have 18 Hall of Fame points available at each of the Nationals that both the IBS and NBRSA hold.

Removing four points from every National has an impact on some shooters.

Chasing points isn’t important to everyone, but for those with who it is an objective, maintaining the class is a huge consideration. If you don’t want to shoot Sporter, you can choose to sit it out. The membership would need to consider how the Nationals would be viewed if it has less events. And let’s be honest with ourselves, this is a sport of competitors who strive for accomplishment. 2. Redundant Class Aspect – You may ask why this isn’t in the Con section. Well, I view changing the class to be more experimental and less restrictive as a Pro. You can still shoot your existing Light Varmint rifle, fully within the letter of the Rules, or you can follow the course of the “mad scientists” and try and push the envelope for most things except the weight limit. Heck, removing the lighter caliber restriction could even make the fact that it is 10 ½ pounds

even more attractive. (I can hear the wheels spinning in Larry Feusse’s head as I write this.) 3. Use of existing Light Varmint rifles – I mentioned this earlier a few times. But, I believe that this is an important concept to not lose sight of. One of the biggest arguments that I have heard with changing Sporter is that those who have a 10 ½ rifle to shoot Light Varmint would have to change something (weight, scope, caliber, whatever the change “to” dictates, etc.) in order to shoot that class. With the current consideration, you can change something or nothing and still shoot (as long as it is within the then current rules). 4. Let’s not lose sight of the experimentation aspect – Of course, now what we would have is a good, solid step toward reintroducing significant experimentation into the sport. We really don’t know what we don’t know as of today. But, without some “room” to experiment within the rules, we certainly will only be pushing “some”, but not all of the limits. We could still consider one piece rests. But let’s take that step when minds begin to open even further.

Now the Cons: 1. I may be a bit slanted on my perspective on this, but I haven’t ever been known as a forwardthinker. This is the way that we have done it so we can’t change it – Okay, if we have others areas, above .22 caliber and within the current stock restrictions, to experiment. Let’s do it.

2. We shoot too many classes today already – That is an opinion that I don’t personally share, but then, I am still able to compete at a semi-respectable level today and I can’t go to a match with shooting equipment and sit out any of the targets. If you don’t want to shoot the class, take a rest and be a spectator. 3. What about the existing Sporter record? I have to agree.

The Board decided that any Sporter Class records shot will not become official records until the conclusion of the 2013 General Membership Meeting at the 2013 Group Nationals and whether the membership votes to accept the new Sporter Class format. If this vote passes, the current Sporter records will be retired. That is why we

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

Arizona 5-Shot Unlimited Equipment List

Sporter Class have asterisks in the English language.

I am not sure about records back when Sporter had other restrictions (without looking more closely, I recall a 12X scope restriction being somewhere in the classes past). Don’t beat me up too badly on this one, but I stick with my asterisk comment. 4. Redundant class – For those who read this above and believe it is a Con, okay. But, if you feel that way, let’s open it up for what the class was originally set-up by our Benchrest Elders to do – experiment.

I believe today we are on the brink of a new opportunity, but can still not fall over the precipice of doing something that will offend some and not serve any of our constituency. For a first step, I would ask you to look carefully at what it is that the NBRSA Directors are asking themselves to do.

By opening up the sporter class, we can meet so many objectives that it seems irrational to not do something.

We can lessen the restrictions, still use existing equipment and yet allow some good solid experimentation in the class and the sport in general.

Second, get in touch with your Regional Director. Let them know your opinion. This is one great opportunity to move the sport forward and there is no better time to consider it than today.

Third, let’s not let apathy be our standard operating procedure. This is the greatest of all sports. Where can you compete head-to-head with the best in the World until well into your later life?

Joe Krupa

25

Continued from page 21...

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Caliber GunSmith BulletWgt

SINCLAIR, GARY

Panda

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Self 65

8208 27.5

March 40x

OCOCK, GARY

Marsh

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Ocock 66

8208

Weaver 55x

LIBBY, TOM III

Bat

Krieger

Skip Otto

6ppc

Brackney

Bishop 66

8208 29

March 40x

ANDRUS, DANA

Bat

Krieger

Hasecuster

6ppc

Miller 65

2015 28.2

Leu/Brackney

MILLER, CHUCK

Marsh

Krieger

Powell

6ppc

Miller

Miller 65bt

8208

Weaver 36

Childers, Marty

Bat

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Childers 66bt

133

Weaver

Lozano, George

Bat 3 lug

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Spencer 66fb

8208 29.2

Leupold 36

Garin, Paul

Panda

Krieger

Berger

2015

Nigthforce

BRACKNEY, BOB

Remington Krieger

Miller 66

133 29

Leupold 35

6ppc

6ppc Self

6ppc

Load

Berger

Self

ScopePower Nigthforce

Unlimited Grand Leg 2 Top-10 Equipment Rank / Shooter Name

Action

StockMaker

Caliber GunSmith BulletWgt

Load

ScopePower

BRACKNEY, BOB

Remington Krieger

Barrel

Self

6ppc

Self

Miller 66

133 29

Leupold 35

LIBBY, TOM III

Bat

Krieger

Skip Otto

6ppc

Brackney

Bishop 66

8208 29

March 40x

SINCLAIR, GARY

Panda

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Self 65

8208 27.5

March 40x

WEISDORN, LAWRENCE

Bat

Krieger

Matingley

6ppc

Sosenko

Barts 66

133 29.45

Leupold 55x

MILLER, CHUCK

Marsh

Krieger

Powell

6ppc

Miller

Miller 65bt

8208

Weaver 36

MARSH, WILLIAM

Marsh

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Marsh

Berger 65bt

133 27.8

March

Childers, Jack

Bat

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Childers 66bt

133

Weaver

OCOCK, GARY

Marsh

Krieger

Young

6ppc

Ocock

Ocock 66

8208

Weaver 55x

Woodward, Dave

Panda

Bartlein Hasecuster

6ppc

Nielson

Woodward 65

133

Leupold 45

ANDRUS, DANA

Bat

Krieger

6ppc

Miller 65

2015 28.2

Leu/Brackney

Hasecuster

Since we’re on the subject of unlimited, here’s a look at what the Aussie’s have in store for our World Team. Benchrest enthusiast Robert Carnell home built this liquid-cooled, tension-barrel rail gun. The barrel runs inside a coolent-filled, large diameter sleeve like an old water cooled machine gun. Yikes!

Photo Credit: www.accurateshooter. com & www.benchrestbulletin.net

Joe Krupa is a former NBRSA Eastern Region Director until 2012. He is a member of the United States Benchrest Hall of Fame and has won several National and State championships in both the group and score shooting disciplines. He also has written several articles for Precision Shooting Magazine and was the 2007 PS Shooter of the Year.

2013_02_Issue.indd 25

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26

Precision Rifleman

Todd Tyler Takes the Arizona 4-Gun Championship

Arizona 4-Gun Shooters L-R: Doc William Marsh, Dan Sutton, Dana Andrus, Todd Tyler, 2012 AZ 4-Gun Champion Lester Bruno, AZ 3-Gun Champion, Bob Brackney, Gary Ocock, Chuck Miller and Garett Atkins

Ben Avery Range, Phoenix The first half of the AZ State Championships was shot on April 7th and 8th.

The winner of the 2 gun LV/SP that was shot in April was Todd Tyler with a .2829 Grand agg.

The second half was shot on the 3rd and 4th of Nov. We had very mild conditions and nice temperatures for both days of the shoot. We predicted a lower than normal turnout for the match because of the NBRSA Nationals in October and we ended up with 15 shooters. Todd Tyler won the 2 gun in April and said he would be back in November to try and win the 4 gun.

He won the Unlimited 5 shot 100yd aggregate with a .1614. William (“Doc”) Marsh won the Unlimited 5 shot 200yd agg. with a .2366. Lester Bruno had a clean sweep and won the HV 100yd agg with a .1628, the HV 200yd agg with a .3512, and the HV Grand with a .2570.

The Unlimited 5 Shot Grand was won

by Todd Tyler with a .2047. The 2 gun HV and Unlimited was won by Lester Bruno with a .2440.

In the end, the Arizona State 3 Gun Champion was Lester Bruno with a

2013_02_Issue.indd 26

.3090. The Arizona State Champion for 2012 is Todd Tyler with a .2890. Lester Bruno was a close second with a .2895. Chuck Miller’s grandson, Garett Atkins who is a new shooter, shot the Unlimited 200yd small group of .261.

Like I said, Todd Tyler said he was going to come back and win the 4 gun and that’s exactly what he did.

Roy Damron...................... 0.3254 Stephen Everson................ 0.4230

This is the first match that Ed Maxwell and I were match directors. We hope everyone who came had a good time. We would like to thank everyone for their support of the Benchrest Matches at Ben Avery Range in Phoenix. Thanks for coming and see you at the Cactus!

Art Clegg

Unlimited 200-Yards William Marsh...................0.2386 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2396 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2415 Todd Tyler........................ 0.2480 Garett Atkins.................... 0.2580 Joe Pipola........................ 0.2746 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2794 Dan Sutton....................... 0.3354 Bob Brackney.................... 0.3799 Chuck Miller..................... 0.4028 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.4451 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.5090 Roy Damron...................... 0.5792 Stephen Everson................ 0.5838 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.8359

Unlimited 100-Yards Todd Tyler.......................0.1614 Bob Brackney.................... 0.1814 Gary Ocock....................... 0.1994 Dan Sutton....................... 0.2148 Garett Atkins.................... 0.2200 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2206 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2218 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2362 Joe Pipola........................ 0.2476 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.2486 William Marsh.................... 0.2608 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.2782 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.3224

Unlimited Grand Todd Tyler.......................0.2047 Dana Andrus...................... 0.2307 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2310 Garett Atkins.................... 0.2390 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2394 William Marsh.................... 0.2497 Joe Pipola........................ 0.2611 Dan Sutton....................... 0.2751 Bob Brackney.................... 0.2806 Chuck Miller..................... 0.3469 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.3469 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.3936 Roy Damron...................... 0.4523

1/3/2013 10:37:42 AM

February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

27

Lester Bruno Wins the 3-Gun at Arizona Championship Stephen Everson................ 0.5034 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.5792 Heavy Varmint 100-Yards Lester Bruno....................0.1628 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2182 Chuck Miller..................... 0.2444 Dan Sutton....................... 0.2732 Todd Tyler........................ 0.2906 Bob Brackney.................... 0.3146 Doug Seib......................... 0.3172 Dana Andrus...................... 0.3422 Joe Pipola........................ 0.3562 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.3574 Roy Damron...................... 0.3648 Garett Atkins.................... 0.3738 Stephen Everson................ 0.4216 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.4442 William Marsh.................... 0.4514 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.4556 Heavy Varmint 200-Yards Lester Bruno....................0.3512 Dan Sutton....................... 0.4758 Gary Ocock....................... 0.4758 Todd Tyler........................ 0.4806 Stephen Everson................ 0.5359 Dana Andrus...................... 0.5597 Bob Brackney.................... 0.5764 Chuck Miller..................... 0.5781

Roy Damron...................... 0.6171 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.6395 Joe Pipola........................ 0.6945 William Marsh.................... 0.7333 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.9145 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.9375 Garett Atkins.................... 1.0024 Doug Seib......................... 1.2998 Heavy Varmint Grand Lester Bruno....................0.2570 Dan Sutton....................... 0.3282 Gary Ocock....................... 0.3470 Todd Tyler........................ 0.3856 Chuck Miller..................... 0.4112 Bob Brackney.................... 0.4455 Dana Andrus...................... 0.4519 Stephen Everson................ 0.4787 Roy Damron...................... 0.4909 Joe Pipola........................ 0.5253 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.5476 William Marsh.................... 0.5924 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.6360 Garett Atkins.................... 0.6881 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.6909 Doug Seib......................... 0.8085 Two-Gun (LV & SP) Todd Tyler.......................0.2829 Lester Bruno..................... 0.3350

Name Lester Bruno Dan Sutton Gary Ocock Todd Tyler Chuck Miller Bob Brackney Dana Andrus Stephen Everson Roy Damron Joe Pipola

Cal 6ppc 6br 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc

Action BAT Panda Marsh BAT Panda Panda BAT n/a BAT BAT

Barrel Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger n/a Krieger Krieger

Name Todd Tyler Dana Andrus Lester Bruno Garett Atkins Gary Ocock William Marsh Joe Pipola Dan Sutton Bob Brackney Chuck Miller

Cal 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6ppc 6br 6ppc 6ppc

Action BAT BAT BAT Panda Marsh BAT BAT 3 lug Panda Rem Rem-xp

Barrel Krieger Krieger Krieger Bartlein Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger Krieger

2013_02_Issue.indd 27

Heavy Varmint Equipment list Gunsmith Stock Stocker Bruno Lester Lester Sutton McMillan Sutton Ocock Bruno/Mc. Ocock Baggett Scoville Scoville Miller Kelby Miller Brackney Brackney Brackney Ocock Comb Comb n/a n/a n/a Brackney Scarbrough Scarbrough Ocock Bruno/Mc. Ocock Unlimited Equipment List Gunsmith Stock Stocker Baggett RFD RFD Ocock Haycuster Haycuster Lester Young Young Miller Powell Miller Ocock Young Young Ocock Young Ocock Ocock Young Young Sutton McMillian Sutton Brackney Brackney Brackney Miller Lee six Miller

Dana Andrus...................... 0.3369 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.3454 Dan Sutton....................... 0.3571 Chuck Miller..................... 0.3689 Joe Pipola........................ 0.3698 Stephen Everson................ 0.3835 William Marsh.................... 0.4298 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.5038 Garett Atkins.................... 0.9462 Two-Gun (HV, UNL) Lester Bruno....................0.2440 Gary Ocock....................... 0.2932 Todd Tyler........................ 0.2952 Dan Sutton....................... 0.3017 Dana Andrus...................... 0.3408 Bob Brackney.................... 0.3631 Chuck Miller..................... 0.3654 Joe Pipola........................ 0.3932 William Marsh.................... 0.4210 Garett Atkins.................... 0.4636 Roy Damron...................... 0.4716 Stephen Everson................ 0.4911 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.5148 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.5189 Earl Horgeshimer................ 0.5634 Three-Gun (HV, LV, SP) Lester Bruno....................0.3090 Todd Tyler........................ 0.3171

Scope Leu 45 36 Weaver Leu 45 March 40 36 Weaver Leu 36 Leu 40 n/a Leu 40 March 50

Load 133-29gr 135-30gr 8208 133 8208-28.7gr 133-29.2gr 8208-28gr n/a 133-29gr 8208-27.4gr

Bullet 00-66 65-Gass 65Ocock Miller65 Miller65 Miller66 Berger65 n/a Miller Pipola66

Scope Weaver-36 Leu/Brack-45 Leu 45 Weaver-36 Weaver-55 March10-60 Leu-45 Leu-45 Leu-35 Weaver-36

Load 133 2015-28.5gr T32 8208-28.7gr 8208 8208 28gr 8208 29-1 135-30gr 133-29gr 8208-28.7gr

Bullet Miller Berg. Column Bruno 00 Miller65 65Ocock Berger 65 bt Pipola 66 65 Gass Miller 66 Miller 65

1/3/2013 10:37:42 AM

28

Precision Rifleman

Time To Vote Again!

Arizona 4-Gun Dan Sutton....................... 0.3474 Dana Andrus...................... 0.3749 Chuck Miller..................... 0.3830 Stephen Everson................ 0.4152 Joe Pipola........................ 0.4217 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.4606 William Marsh.................... 0.4840 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.5479 Garett Atkins.................... 0.8602

Nomination Time Is Here Again!

Members of the Following Regions: Gulf Coast Mid-Continent Northwest North Central Now is your time to exercise one of our most precious American traditions‌your right to vote. For those members who are not US Citizens but still full members, you too can participate! It begins with thoughtful nominations and culminates with strong representation for your region. Won’t you join us in this time-honored institution?

Four Gun Todd Tyler.......................0.2890 Lester Bruno..................... 0.2895 Dan Sutton....................... 0.3294 Dana Andrus...................... 0.3388 Chuck Miller..................... 0.3671 Joe Pipola........................ 0.3815 William Marsh.................... 0.4254 Ed Maxwell....................... 0.4321 Stephen Everson................ 0.4373 Hector Elias, Jr.................. 0.5093 Garett Atkins.................... 0.7049

Please send your nominations by Friday, March 1, 2013.

You can email me at nbrsa.manager@gmail.com or mail to: PO Box 6770, Sheridan, WY 82801 Qualifications to Serve as Regional Director are as Follows: 1.

2.

3.

Persons Who Can Nominate a Regional Director: 1.

2. .

TA L M E

At least 18 years of age Member of NBRSA for at least 3 years Resident of the region to which they are nominated

3.

Past NBRSA Regional Directors residing in the region NBRSA Members submitting petitions with signatures of 10 or more members within that region Affiliated Clubs within the region

Thank you for supporting NBRSA. You make a difference!

PRECISION

PERFORMANCE

Got any bright ideas?

Magnum Metal 940.631.4545 shunter@nts-online.net

2013_02_Issue.indd 28

If you are a member of NBRSA and participate in shooting Varmint For Score, Long Range or Hunter benchrest, we want to hear from you.

Please contact your Regional Director to add agenda items for your favorite discipline or to discuss becoming a Representative for your region. Regional Directors contact information is located on the inside front cover of this magazine.

1/3/2013 10:37:46 AM

February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

Regional Diretors Eastern Region

Staff Exp 2014

Jack Neary 6204 Wild Oak Dr North Olmstead, OH 44070-3820 H: 440 716-0600 C: 336 542-8711 jrneary@hotmail.com

Officers

Dennis Thornbury, President 1114 S McAuliff St Visalia, CA 93292 H: 559 732-4401 C: 559 280 6243 gunhandler@gmail.com Term Expires 2014 Don Nielson, Vice President 20456 Hart St Winnetka, CA 91306 H: 818 883-5866 pkin@sbcglobal.net Term Expires 2014 John Horn, Financial Officer 924 Peterson Rd South Iowa Park, TX 76367-7237 C: 940 636-9984 Term Expires 2014 John.Horn44@gmail.com

Committees

World Records Committee: Group Gene Bukys, Chairman 2111 Silver Moon Trail Crosby, TX 77532 281 324-2605 egb243@msn.com World Records Committee: Score David Halblom 515 556-5833 4315 Ashby Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 DavidHalblom-BugTyer@att.net International Representative Wayne Campbell 264 Benchrest Ln, Concord, VA 24538 H: 434 993-9201 C: 434 665-2066 wcppc@icloud.com

Gulf Coast Region

Mississippi Valley Region Exp 2014 Bud Mundy 5956 Old Hickory Trail Hillsboro, MO 63050 C: 314 805-1313 bcmundy@earthlink.net

Exp 2013

Mid-Continent Region

Exp 2013

Terry Meyer PO Box 52 Thornton, IA 50479 H: 641 998-2860 C: 641 425-3397 meyertd@frontiernet.net

Eric Stanton 54156 Sam Blehm Rd Scappoose, OR 97056 C: 503 887-0352 EricStanton@juno.com

Exp 2013

South East Region

Exp 2014

Hall of Masters Committee Lou Murdica, Interim Chairman 73200 Hilltop Rd, Sky Valley, CA 92441 C: 760 275-6261 lou@murdica.com Joe Krupa, Co-Chairman 538 Highview St, Dearborn, MI 48128 H: 313 277-6740, C: 313 247-4344 krooppc@aol.com

South West Region

Exp 2014

2013_02_Issue.indd 29

Wayne Campbell 264 Benchrest Ln Concord, VA 24538 H: 434 993-9201 C: 434 665-2066 wcppc@icloud.net Tom Libby 74056 Aster Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260-2653 B: 760 341-7335 C: 760 774-5256 tomnbrsa@outlook.com

European Region

Philippe Riboulet 126 Avenue De La Timone 13010 Marseille, France priboulet@hotmail.fr

Legal Representation Elliot Law Office Al Elliot, 325 387-3529 acelliot@sonoratx.net

Change of Address: To change your address or report a damaged or undelivered magazine, write: NBRSA, PO Box 6770, Sheridan, WY 828017105. Do not return damaged copies. Change of address should include both new address and a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of duplication send both labels.

Contributors: The editor is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Safety Disclaimer: The publication, writers, organization officers, staff, and directors explicitly advise the readers that they make no representation of safety for any loads, techniques, and procedures if reported herein.

The nature of participating in a shooting sport automatically requires caution at all times.

Given the many variables present—weather, equipment, and components— the information presented is for your reading enjoyment.

Varmint For Score Representative (SW) Keith Myers 702 217-3591 keithmyers@yahoo.com

Long Range Measuring Committee Karl Hunstiger, Chairman 602 971-4400 wfo13@aol.com Gary Noble 541 753-9842 Mike Sosenko 714 693-7524 mikesos@sbcglobal.net

Audrey Brown PO Box 6770, Sheridan, WY 82801 W: 307 655-7415 C: 307 217-1966 nbrsa.manager@gmail.com

Advertisers: Rate cards and terms are available upon request from the Editor. We appreciate your support!

North Central Region

North West Region

Business Manager, NBRSA Editor, Precision Rifleman Magazine Advertising Sales Contact

Exp 2013

Scott Hunter 1612 Buchanan St Wichita Falls, TX 76309 H: 940 723-5147 C: 940 631-4545 Shunter@NTS-online.net Gulf Coast Alternate Mike Bryant 7761 FM 592 Wheeler, TX 79096 806 826-5958 mike@bryantcustom.com

Jack Snyder PO Box 276 Edgewood, NM 87015 C: 505 440-7488 SnyderJack1@gmail.com

29

Exp 2014

Printed in the USA Publisher: NBRSA, Inc. Printed By: PrintPelican.com Advertising, Classifieds & Membership: Audrey Brown, Editor 307 655-7415 Precision Rifleman (ISSN 1061950X) is published monthly by NBRSA Inc PO Box 6770 3647 US Hwy 87 Sheridan, WY 82801 Phone: 307 655-7415 Email: nbrsa.manager@gmail.com for the benefit of its members. Membership dues is $60 per year US of which $40 is designated for a magazine subscription. Canadian postage add $25/ year. All other International postage add $60/year. For Membership inquiries call 307 655-7415. Copyright 2013, National Bench Rest Shooters Association. All rights reserved except where expressly waived. Periodicals Class Postage paid at Sheridan, WY & additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Precision Rifleman, PO Box 6770, Sheridan, WY 82801.

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Precision Rifleman

Ranges, Clubs, and Contacts ER—Eastern Region Chippewa Rifle Club

www.chippewarifleclub.com GPS: N40 56.820 W81 44.583 Contact: Gerry Jajowka 330 603-5236 1290 Meadowbrook Blvd, Stow, OH 44224 gjajowka@neo.rr.com chippewarifleclub@gmail.com Contact: Randy Perkowski 330 472-0856 1259 Curtis Ave, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 perkosrk@sbcglobal.net

Fairfield Sportsmen’s Assn

6501 River Rd, Harrison, OH 45030 www.fairfieldsportsmen.com Contact: Rick Browning 513 738-0004 3943 Timberidge Ln, Okeana, OH 45053

Fairchance Rod & Gun Club

GPS: N39 48.704 W79 47.179 Contact: Bill Reahard 724 323-5044 PO Box 156, McClellandtown, PA 15458 reahard@verizon.net Contact: Jerry Van Sickle 724 569-2216 181 Guthrie Rd, Smithfield, PA 15478

Holton Gun & Bow Club

6201 Crystal Lake Rd, Holton, MI 49425 231 821-9608 GPS: N43 23.742 W86 05.2566 Contact: Greg Reed 517 604-0974 5650 S River Dr, Grant, MI 49327 Gareed48@yahoo.com

Kane Fish & Game

Dwight Rd, 1 mile N of Kane on SR 321 www.kanefishandgameclub.org Steve Timpano – Group 814 837-9644 stimpano@verizon.net Ed Hanes - Group 814 837-9868 hanes329@comcast.net

Kelbly’s Rifle Range

7222 Dalton Fox Lake Rd N Lawrence, OH 44666 www.kelbly.com GPS: N40 52.9836 W81 40.6218 Contact: Jim Kelbly 330 683-4674 jim@kelbly.com

Shelby County Deer Hunter Assn

7988 Johnston-Slagle Rd, Sidney, OH 45365 937 492-2972 Contact: John Petteruti 937 654-7950 jpetteruti@woh.rr.com

WWCCA

6700 Napier Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170 734 453-9843 http://wwcca.com Contact: Dana Raven 734 748-5394 10930 Old 27N, Frederic, MI 49733-9734 dana_raven@yahoo.com Contact: Bill Gammon 519 453-6734 387 Speight Blvd, London, ONT N5V 3J8 Canada Bill.gammon@rogers.com

GC—Gulf Coast Region Austin Rifle Club

www.austinrifleclub.org PO Box 141399, Austin, TX 78714 Contact: Virgil Howarth 512 447-8968

2013_02_Issue.indd 30

2704 Inridge Dr, Austin, TX 78745 vhowarth@sbcglobal.net

Central Texas Benchrest

GPS: N29 44.695 W098 14.141 Contact:Sammye Dietz 830 885-4662 421 Range Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132 Contact: Kris Whitman 830 660-0313 611 Viewcrest, New Braunfels, TX 78130 kwhitman@gvtc.com

Emert Ranch Range

GPS: N31 48.344 W100 38.540 Private Rd 0901, Robert Lee, TX Contact: Tad Emert 325 453-2471 6120 FM 2034, Robert Lee, TX 76945 t.emert@wildblue.net

Hub City Rifle & Pistol Club

www.hcrpc.com Contact: Francis Broussard 320 Wilson St, Lafayette, LA 70501 337 962-5723 or 318 235-3479 broussardfd@aol.com

Midland Shooters Association

4108 East County Rd 160, Midland, TX 79706 432 682-2332 www.midlandshooters.com Contact: Mike Conry 3212 E County Rd 136, Midland, TX 79706 432 528-8718 or 432 683-1332 MEConry@suddenlink.net

North TX Shooters Association, Denton

www.shootntsa.com GPS: N33 19.351 W97 08.938 Contact: Michael Stinnett 214 794-8006 6651 Blackjack Oaks Rd, Aubrey, TX 76227 mkstinnett@gmail.com

Pine Valley Benchrest Shooters Assn GPS: N30 40.025 W095 26.832 321 Dorrell Rd, Huntsville, TX 77340 Contact: Mike Cockcroft 936 661-1636 74-A FM 2550, Huntsville, TX 77320 mcockcroft@sbcglobal.net

San Angelo Gun Club

2231 West Beauregard Ave, San Angelo 325 942-8991 www.sanangelogunclub.org Contact: Dan Batko 325 374-3015 PO Box 3992, San Angelo, TX 76902 Labs1@zipnet.us

Seymour Stool Shooters

448 Hwy 283 South, Seymour, TX 76380 Contact: John Horn 940 636-9984 924 Peterson Rd S, Iowa Park, TX 76367 John.Horn44@gmail.com

Southwest Louisiana Rifle & Pistol

www.swla-rifleandpistol.org Contact: Mike Guillot 337 249-3712 1600 Cappy Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70605 Guillot4555@suddenlink.net

NC—North Central Region Casper Benchrest Shooters Assn

2330 N Station Rd, Casper, WY 82601 307 265-2535 www.stuckenhoffshooterscomplex.net

Contact: Tim Naugle 307 237-7185 1926 S Walnut St, Casper WY 82601 tnaugle@bresnan.net

Council Bluffs Rifle & Pistol Club

www.cbr-pc.org GPS: N41.39083 W95.37891 Contact: Gary Flury 712 328-0301 PO Box 1042, Council Bluffs, IA 50502 garysflury@gmail.com Contact: Ron Lee Miller 402 393-4536 8081 Dupont St. Omaha NE 68124 ncnbrsa@cox.net

Minnetonka Benchrest Association

8310 Hill n Dale Dr, St Francis, MN 55330 www.mgfc.org GPS: N45 23.42 W93 29.29 Contact: Scott Moser 612 961-6761 10412 Abbott Dr, Brooklyn Park MN 55443 samoser@comcast.net

Oak Hill Gun Club

12364 Coon Hunters Rd, Blue Grass, IA 52726 563 381-2677 Contact: Cecil Peterson 563 359-1988 2260 Cromwell Cir, Davenport IA 52807 peterson1@mchsi.com

Prairie Dog Target Club

Contact: Don Deckert 605 288-1919 HC 54, Box 3, Porcupine SD 57772 pdtc57772@yahoo.com

MV—Mississippi Valley Aurora Sportsmen’s Club

www.aurorasc.org GPS: N41.75038 W88.79677 Contact: Vince Volpe 630 897-0185 PO Box 414, Aurora, IL 60507 630 466-9711 Vince_Volpe@yahoo.com

Bench Rest Rifle Club Of St Louis

2280 Kohn Rd, Wright City, MO 63390 www.shootingstl.com GPS: N38 53.353 W091 04.763 Scott Pieper - Group 636 745-2454 2280 Kohn Rd, Wright City MO 63390 pieper@shootingstl.com Wayne Corley - HTR/VFS 636 928-0882 2 Sheffield Ct, St Charles, MO 63304 waynecorley@sbcglobal.net

Van Dyne Sportsmen’s Club

www.vdsc.org or info@vdsc.org Contact: Dick Baier 920 688-2433 PO Box 8, Van Dyne WI 54979

NW—Northwest Region Wenatchee Benchrest Club

2800 #2 Canyon Rd, Wenatchee, WA www.wenrrc.org Contact: Jim McConnell 509 884-8486 2526 NE 8th St, E Wenatchee WA 98802 macpat@cpucafe.com

Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club

27007 South Tom Beall Rd, Lapwai, ID 83540 280 843-2987 www.lcwildlife.org Contact: Paul Gylling - HTR/VFS 40102 State Route 195, Colfax WA 99111

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February, 2013 Precision Rifleman

31

Ranges, Clubs, and Contacts PGylling@gmail.com 509 553-1118 Denny Andrews - Group 13263 Snake River Rd, Asotin WA 99402 denny@andrewslaw.info 509 243-7039

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club

8503 Chambers Creek Rd W University Place, WA 98467 www.tacomarifle.org Contact: Jeff Lewis 206 407-8299 32310 6th Ave SW, Federal Way, WA 98023 varminthunter1@comcast.net

Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette Assn Hwy 12 to Pasco-Kahlotus Rd www.tcmsa.org Contact: Wallace Ruff 509 967-5087 PO Box 4587,Pasco WA 99302 WGRuff@charter.net

Whittecar Rifle & Pistol Range

578 Blodgett View Dr, Hamilton, MT 59840 www.whittecarrange.com, 406 363-7078 Contact: Jeff Jetter 406 777-5326 4168 Foxy Ridge Rd, Stevensville, MT 59870 JLJ4HBR@msn.com

Yellowstone Rifle Club

7212 Molt Rd, Billings, MT 406 656-2775 www.yrc.org Contact: Russell Cree 406 252-2230 405 South 35th St, Billings MT 59101 RACreeMT@aol.com Contact: Justin Young 406 698-4451 mjyoung97@yahoo.com

SE—Southeast Region Brock’s Gap Training Center

www.scssa.org GPS: N33 20 19.25 W86 52 28.00 3721 South Shades Crest Rd Birmingham, AL 35244 Contact: Steve Lee 205 428-2191 Lee.Steven@att.net

Manatee Gun & Archery Club

1805 Logue Rd, Myakka City, FL 34251 775 358-5014 www.manateegunclub.com GPS: N27 29.3610 W82 09.2448 Contact: Buddy Ross 407 448-8393 1845 Coronado Rd, Ft Myers, FL 33901 bross6mm@hotmail.com

Middle Georgia Gun Owners Assn

www.mggoa.com GPS: N32 24.3732 W82 53.0574 PO Box 4096, Dublin, GA 31040 Contact: Matt Walker 478 304-2749 mggoa1@gmail.com

River Bend Gun Club

988 River Bend Gun Club Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 770 893-3502 www.rbgc.org GPS: N34 20.198 W84 14.819 Contact: Jim Andress Group/Score 3605 Blackwell Run, Marietta, GA 30066 jim@precisionrifles.co , benchrest@bgc.org jim@benchrestsupply.com 770 876-2351 or 770 971-5269

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Rockingham County Gun Club

572 Long Branch Road, Reidsville, NC 27320 www.rockinghamcountygunclub.com GPS: N36 25.536 W79 31.864 Contact: Roy Darnell 336 595-9110 4811 Camp Betty Hastings Rd Walkertown, NC 27051 DarnellRM@embarqmail.com

Unaka Rod & Gun Club

90 Furnace Rd, Johnson City, TN 37601 423 926-0221 www.unakarodandgun.com Contact: Matthew Keller 423 202-6932 1013 Washington College Station Rd Limestone, TN 37681 mk6ppc4@yahoo.com

MC—Mid-Continent Region Land’s End Benchrest Shooters

4 mi East of Hwy 50 on Reeder Mesa Rd Contact: Tom Stiner 970 257-9160 1521 Divide Rd, Whitewater CO 81527 TSTooling@hotmail.com

Mill Creek Rifle Club

7215 Gardner Rd, DeSoto, KS 66018 www.millcreekrc.org Contact:Larry Kuse - Group 913 649-7344 LRKuse@juno.com Contact:Ronald Shultz - Hunter/VFS 913 649-7344

Northern CO Benchrest Shooters

38967 CR 51, Eaton, CO 80615 www.wcfw.org Contact: Bud Schalles 970 224-3740 PO Box 83, La Porte CO 80535 budschalles@aol.com

Okie Shooters Range

Contact: Rex Reneau 405 787-8529 7409 NW 28th Terrace, Bethany OK 73008 405 623-6019 or rreneau1@cox.net Ouachita Sportsmen’s Assn Contact: John Henry 870 326-5509 278 Maquire Ln, Pencil Bluff AR 71965

Ouachita Sportsmen’s Assn

Contact: John Henry 870 326-5509 278 Maquire Ln, Pencil Bluff AR 71965

Rio Grande Benchrest Shooters

GPS: N 35.084129 W 106.648628 16001 Shooting Range Access Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87124 Contact: Ed Adams 505 401-5071 7923 Victoria Dr NW, Albuquerque NM 87120 trished5@comcast.net

Whittington Center

34025 US 64, Raton, NM 87740 575 445-3615 www.nrawc.org Contact: Ed Adams 505 401-5071 7923 Victoria Dr NW, Albuquerque NM 87120 trished5@comcast.net

6210 W Mescal St, Glendale, AZ 85304 ahclegg@cox.net

Central Utah Benchrest

Contact: Dave Tunbridge 801 571-6755 966 Stacie Ave, Sandy UT 84094 drtunbridge@gmail.com

Desert Sportsman Rifle Club

12201 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135 702 642-9928 www.dsrpc.net GPS: N36.1498 W115.3653 Contact: Dave Reymore - HTR dr30x47@msn.com or 702 378-3635 Contact: Keith Myers - VFS keithmyers@yahoo.com or 702 217-3591

Logan Rifle & Pistol Club

Cache Valley Shooting Range 2851 West 200 North, Logan, UT 84321 Contact: Keith Kirkman 801 927-7800 1189 W 1290 S, Syracuse UT 84075 gunner001@Q.com

Ojai Valley Gun Club

www.dock.net/ovgc Contact: Barry Bluhm 805 798-2473 608 E Oak St, Ojai CA 93023 TwiLiteZ585@hotmail.com

Palomino Valley Gun Club

Washoe County Shooting Facility 21555 Pyramid Lake Hwy, Reno NV 80502 palominovalleygunclub.homestead.com GPS: N39 51.374 W119 40.046 Contact: Robert Hoppe - Long Range PO BOX 4251, Sparks NV 89432 RobH@saturnnet.com 775 827-8679 or 775 397-3358 Contact: Steve Archibald - Varmint 775 356-5860 or 775 742-1153

Sahuaro 1000-Yard Benchrest

www.tucsonrifleclub.org Contact: Karl Hunstiger 602 971-4400 2901 E Cortez St, Phoenix AZ 85028 wfo13@aol.com

Sloughhouse Benchrest Shooters

www.sloughhousebenchrest.com Contact: Craig St Claire - Long Range 10607 Sacramento Rd, Galt CA 95632 bluto63@cwo.com 209 744-2274 or 916 812-3711 Contact: Greg Wilson - Short Range 415 342-4867 wfcustom@comcast.net Contact: Dan Ludke - Short Range 415 364-9665 lutke5@sbcglobal.net

Visalia Sportsman Association

7398 Avenue 328, Visalia, CA 93291 599 651-3063 www.visaliasportsmans.com Contact: Dennis Thornbury PO Box 105, Visalia, CA 93279 gunhandler@gmail.com 559 732-4401 or 559 280-6243

SW—Southwest Region Arizona Benchrest Shooters

4044 W Black Canyon Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85086 GPS: N33 27 12.22 W112 37 12.20 Contact: Art Clegg 623 878-4979

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