One Gun Challenge - Geelong Looks Okay

[AlanF]

There has been discussion on two other threads about an annual one gun event, mainly as a way of settling (or starting ) arguments about what are the best all-round chamberings for Australian F-Class open. A few of the leading F-Std shooters would like to enter their .308s, and that should add another interesting equipment comparison.

My suggestion is that the only restrictions (additional to F-Open) be that a single rifle must be used for the duration of the event, and barrels can't be switched. It wouldn't be practical to ban different loads for shorts and longs etc.

As expected, Geelong RC have said they are very happy to host a one day event. Because of the configuration of Anakie range, and because rain is not an issue, we should easily be able to do 10 shots each at all 5 ranges (300, 500, 600, 700, 800m), and still finish at a reasonable time.

I have suggested a couple of dates (June 30 and July 7) to Geelong RC. Will try to have a confirmed date ASAP.

So I hope we can get some good support for this. It would be great to see a good turnout from the regular F-Open shooters, plus hopefully its close enough to attract a few SSAA shooters from Portland, and even a few of the keener SA people! Not to mention any F-Std shooters who are keen to see how they can perform on the open targets.

If you would like to be part of it, please either let me know by E-Mail or PM, or better reply on this thread to help keep the idea alive.

Alan

[AlanF]

No responses, even from those who were talking up the idea on another thread. Hmmm... I can only assume that the 6s, 7s and 30s aren't ready to take on the 6.5s just yet....

Seriously, I won't be doing anything more on this idea unless we have some decent numbers committed to attending. If we can't get at least 15, and preferably 20, I'll have to tell Geelong thanks for making the range available, but maybe some other time.

I can tell you there are definitely 3 and possibly 4 from my range who are prepared to drive for over 3 hours to get there. But there will need to be a similar showing from other parts for this to happen. So we'll give it till 20th of May, and if still not enough interest, we'll just have to put it down to experience.

Alan

[Chopper]

C U there alan , give the others time to look at the site and pass the word around PAUL

[Guest]

Alan,
The concept of One Gun sounds Ok but we all know it will never be.
We also know that a 308 shooting 155's will never compete with a 6, 6.5 0r 7, so there seems to be no gain for the FS shooters in such a trial.
Maybe a 30 cal with another projectile would be competitive, but for us that means another rifle, which we don't have.
I think the proposal would be a waste of time proving something we already know, as far as FS is concerned.
Barry

[Guest]

My initial thoughts of having this shoot was to perhaps get a few F standard guys shooting F open and maybe after having a taste getting a bit more serious about it, seems that they are happy where they are so pushing the idea will most likely get us where we are now, nowhere!!

i will concede that F open and F standard will not live happily togeather, keep them seperated and let each do as they will.

[Lynn Otto]

i will concede that F open and F standard will not live happily togeather, keep them seperated and let each do as they will.

I think you're wrong Adam and I doubt there is anyone in SA in either Open or Std that would agree with you, we all mix very happily together, we always have and we see no reason to change that. I guess it's a matter of how we started out, we have always mixed, you guys obviously didn't, each to their own but none of us should assume that what holds in our little neck of the woods will apply to everyone. I think it's a shame there isn't more interaction between the two everywhere, after all, we are all out there for the same reason.

[Simon C]

+1 on that Lynn

I have just built an Open rifle to use in interclub DRA shoots where FO exists. It gives our club team some flexibility and me an opportunity to have a go at it.....I think the proposed Geelong shoot will provide some interesting data on calibre performance. It may be usefull for people to record elevations and windage during the shoot. Its all F-Class!

[Guest]

I knew you would be waiting there somewhere lynn.

What you call mix and what i call mix is very different, im talking about a few F open mixed with some F standard having a good old shoot with nothing to gain but perhaps and hopefully for the Vic F open lot some extra numbers. Seems its a case of you go your way and ill go mine, which is fine for some, but the lack of numbers in F open is not going to rise without some kind of effort, all this lets wait and see is getting old, sure you might gain one or two with no effort but it is not enough to help the desperate situation here in Victoria. Numbers are stagnent and turnouts to shoots are dismal, I have seen two prize meetings where F open have out numbered standard, both times that was to the credit of the shooters from ssaa in portland who opted to try something different, these are the people you should chase, if you want more members, (by that i mean financial official members of the VRA and NRAA get on the phone and invite them to join, you've got atleast 20 who might be waiting for that call.

As for you guys in S.A im happy you get along, perhaps you could upload some happy snaps of what F open and standard look like having a beer and a laugh.

[AlanF]

Adam,

Several of the Portland SSAA shooters are in the VRA. I've been urging a few to come to the Queens, because they would be competitive, and they are invited to Geelong of course.

I gather you might have been prepared to join us at Bendigo but not so keen at Geelong? I'm guessing you think Bendigo is more of a true test of wind-reading skills, and I'd agree with you. But the one gun shoot is supposed to be more about calibres competing than the shooter, so in a way, Geelong is a better venue.

Alan

[ned kelly]

G'Day all,
Yeah, I'd be there if I wasn't working, at this stage I'm working night shifts over both those weekends (as is Dazza), however given the uncertainty of rostering changes at work, we cannot commit to any long term plans!
Currently, every 2nd month we get weekends off, July isn't one of them.
Cheerio Ned

[AlanF]

Ned,

Just out of interest, if you do get there, what calibre?

Alan

[ned kelly]

G'Day Alan,
223 rem with a 4oz trigger, class..........FO just so there is no confusion!
Ned

[Chopper]

Lets not let it die in the butt,how about call it a get together shoot and all shoot on championship targets but still shoot as FO and FS , FS could use any projectile such as 90smks and maybe 175 smks i thought you had an idea of something like that BARRY, the scores at the end of the day would be interesting dont you think , just some ideas to have some fun , any others ????? ps isnt there atwo dayer comming up at bendigo in june maybe we could do something like that then for a trial ?

[AlanF]

Yes I agree - the more the merrier, be they F-Std, Match Rifle or F-Open. There should be no inter-class rivalry, but fierce rivalry between calibres.

If the new 700 and 1000 targets were available by then, that might be their "first major outing". The more generous size of the 800 target might cause some F-Std shooters to reassess their opposition to the open target.

Alan

[a.JR]

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