Annual One Gun Challenge?

[AlanF]

I have previously raised the idea of restricting F-Open by only allowing one rifle to be used for an event (at all ranges and all days). Most were against it, so I shelved the idea as a dead horse. But I'm wondering about the possibility of having a special event on the calendar, perhaps a 2 or 3 day shoot at a reasonably central location, where the rules are : 1 barrel for the entire shoot. This to me would be a very interesting event, firstly to see what everyone brings, then to see what becomes the preferred calibre and chambering for the event over time. As an added challenge, there could be a requirement to declare say a week before the event what chambering you will bring, so for those with several to choose from, they may have to take a punt on weather conditions.

Why have it? Mainly just to serve as a competition between calibres. I can imagine that there would be some good-natured rivalry between the 6, 6.5, 7mm and .30 cal camps.

So would anyone be prepared to travel once a year to such an event? I guess it could be tacked on to the start or end of an existing Queens meeting to make the travel worthwhile?

Alan

[Matt P]

Alan
I would depending where it was, after a Queens wouldn't be good would need too much time of work and getting a leave pass from the wife for 6 days might be difficult. What ranges would it be shot over because that would influence what barrel to bring.
Maybe I should design a 6.25 !!!

Matt P

[Cameron Mc]

I would like to try that one. In hindsight, I would have used the 6br at the Nationals all the way. Elevation troubles at 1000yds was very frustrating with the 6.5
But then again the 6.5 at other times is a tack driver.
Probably toss a coin.

Cameron

[AlanF]

Matt, Cameron,

As far as ranges, it would definitely need to include the common ranges at or near both extremes (say 300, 500, 900 and 1000 yds), and if you had a 2 day event you would leave out one or two of the medium ranges. It would be best to pick a location and time of year that usually has a variety of weather from calm to rough, so that you would need a setup to handle all conditions.

Perhaps a standalone event of 2 days would be enough - maybe with a 3rd day doing something different - how about a Bisley style teams event between calibres (e.g. 6mm and below, 6.5mm, 7mm and above)?

Is anyone else interested, any more ideas about format, location etc?

Alan

[bully_eye]

To include those BR shooters amongst us and those who shoot BR as well or would like to give it a try, why not a Fly Shoot on the 3rd day. I realise it is outside NRAA Formats but no reason why it couldn't be done.

Michael

[AlanF]

Michael,

If it was held at Canberra, it could be a full-on BR shoot on benches (with the permission of the club of course). And perhaps Mr a.JR would stop picking on me !!

Alan

[bully_eye]

The SSAA have started shooting Fly at Hornsby range here in Sydney on portable benches. I think I'd shoot off the ground still- if I had a rifle to shoot in it... 2 1/2 more weeks . If shooters wanted to shoot off a bench and they aren't available, BYO. Just a thought for something different.

Michael

[a.JR]

e]

[balcom]

I would like to try that one. In hindsight, I would have used the 6br at the Nationals all the way. Elevation troubles at 1000yds was very frustrating with the 6.5
But then again the 6.5 at other times is a tack driver.
Probably toss a coin.

Cameron

Hi Cameron,
From what I saw everybody had elevation probs.
PeterH

[balcom]

I have previously raised the idea of restricting F-Open by only allowing one rifle to be used for an event (at all ranges and all days). Most were against it, so I shelved the idea as a dead horse. But I'm wondering about the possibility of having a special event on the calendar, perhaps a 2 or 3 day shoot at a reasonably central location, where the rules are : 1 barrel for the entire shoot. This to me would be a very interesting event, firstly to see what everyone brings, then to see what becomes the preferred calibre and chambering for the event over time. As an added challenge, there could be a requirement to declare say a week before the event what chambering you will bring, so for those with several to choose from, they may have to take a punt on weather conditions.

Why have it? Mainly just to serve as a competition between calibres. I can imagine that there would be some good-natured rivalry between the 6, 6.5, 7mm and .30 cal camps.

So would anyone be prepared to travel once a year to such an event? I guess it could be tacked on to the start or end of an existing Queens meeting to make the travel worthwhile?

Alan

Hi Alan
Try talking to QRA for range lease after thier Qns, 300 to 1000 in one day same as the states teams, Belmont would be in the middle as people could come from Nth Qld and Vic/SA, about same distance from both areas, or are you only thinking about the southern area.
PeterH

[pjifl]

This idea of a 1 rifle shoot I see as pointless.

You are simply restricting shooters because of a whim in what is an 'Open' discipline.

Many shooters will not change rifles - but many shooters change because they want to eek out a particularly good long range barrel in a more suitable cartridge - these tend to be barrel burners.

You are simply forcing people to use this at all ranges because their choice will be the rifle or barrel which performs best at all - including longer - ranges. Thus you will eliminate most of the smaller more delicate cartridges which is a really sad thing to do.

I do see a point in everyone using the same cartridge. There is a discipline for that - F Std. Except they wont use a discrininating target so its not worth bothering with.

One you break from the 'open' spirit, where will it lead to ?

Thus - defining what is meant by 1 rifle is an interesting exercise.

Are switch barrels allowed within the same calibre. eg short barrels for shorter ranges, longer barrels for longer ranges.

Are different projectile weights allowed for different ranges. And possibly different barrel twists to match. Like a 120 grain 6.5 for shorts, 139 for longs.

Are even different loads allowed. Or different scopes.

Or must the same scope magnification be used everywhere to make the rifle the same. Its neverending and makes no sense at all in F Open.


Peter Smith.

[AlanF]

I guess you won't be coming then Peter!

BTW I said 1 barrel. And where would it lead to? Hopefully to another one the following year if everyone enjoyed it!

Alan

[Chris Thomas]

Hi Alan.

Well done for thinking of idea's to put some more fun in our sport . Fun is what it should be .

As far as switch barrels and or one rifle for the shorts and one for the longs i just don't see the point look how well the 6mm BR's and the 6mm Dashers shot at the longs at Bendigo last shoot .

Regards

Chris Thomas

[AlanF]

Chris,

Thanks for the support. This is just another attempt to keep things bubbling, and as you say, inject more fun. Its not meant to try to change anything long term. In F-Class internationally, you can use multiple guns at a shoot, so it wouldn't be sensible for us to be different.

Regarding calibres, I know I've been humbled by a 6 BRX in windy conditions a couple of times lately. Theoretically they should not be as good for wind drift as my 6.5, but in practice they are very close. As always, the main factors are shooter skill, and rifle/load accuracy.

Alan

[balcom]

This idea of a 1 rifle shoot I see as pointless.

You are simply restricting shooters because of a whim in what is an 'Open' discipline.

Many shooters will not change rifles - but many shooters change because they want to eek out a particularly good long range barrel in a more suitable cartridge - these tend to be barrel burners.

You are simply forcing people to use this at all ranges because their choice will be the rifle or barrel which performs best at all - including longer - ranges. Thus you will eliminate most of the smaller more delicate cartridges which is a really sad thing to do.

I do see a point in everyone using the same cartridge. There is a discipline for that - F Std. Except they wont use a discrininating target so its not worth bothering with.

One you break from the 'open' spirit, where will it lead to ?

Thus - defining what is meant by 1 rifle is an interesting exercise.

Are switch barrels allowed within the same calibre. eg short barrels for shorter ranges, longer barrels for longer ranges.

Are different projectile weights allowed for different ranges. And possibly different barrel twists to match. Like a 120 grain 6.5 for shorts, 139 for longs.

Are even different loads allowed. Or different scopes.

Or must the same scope magnification be used everywhere to make the rifle the same. Its neverending and makes no sense at all in F Open.


Peter Smith.

Hi Peter S
What are you talking about re restricting shooters or forcing them etc, if you dont want to come and shoot one rifle only, dont come, it's put in as a fun shoot.
I only shoot one calibre in F O and one in F S, always have...Good idea Alan.
PeterH