ok how do we get more to compete??

ben hunchak said:
So in other words, the guy with a '94 30/30 can compete against a guy with a Rem xp100 with a $2000 scope, $2000 spotting scope, $1000 bench rest, neck turned cases, etc. I'm not putting down this shooting, but this is what a newcommer sees, and this is what the average Joe sees, the average Joe that usually just hunts deer once a year and would like to shoot a bit more year round. Its the same in all disciplines, Trap, skeet, IPsc, BPCR, etc.
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Ben, The F(M) class shoots against other F(M) shooters. That stops the equipment race as far as rifles go. That is why F(M) does not shoot against F(O)pen) class.
In trap you have Remington 870's shooting against trapguns worth more then a car, same class.
Someone just getting into IPSC will not pay for a full custom IPSC rig unless they have money to burn and/or the desire to do so. I think there is a stock pistol class in IPSC, but don't know for sure.
Same with F Class shooting, you can spend several thousands on a gun and other equipment and go right to F class open, this doesn't mean you will win.
F(M) class is a place to start without spending a fortune. It also let guys with guns they never use, a chance and place to use them.

Just like watching golf on TV and seeing the pros use Ping golf clubs. Unless you are a pro, that doesn't mean you will get the same results because you own a set of Ping Clubs.
 
Went to an intro day last year in Kingston with my Brother and plan to join this year, although I won't get much shooting in due to a new little one on the way.

The Day was Great Ric was a great help. I shot the club rifles for 50 rounds or so and then got to break out my own. It was an awesome day!

What would make it interesting for me is a mentor type program (at least available) where someone local would help get me started. Especially if discipline related, I am all set for F(M) class but would love to try my hand at TR without having to dump a bunch of $$ to find out I don't like it (like I won't like it ;) )

Just an idea from the kinda guy you're trying to get out.
 
I love shooting. I do shoot a lot every year. I lie handguns, rifles, and even shotguns.
My problem is the ranges. My range is only 100yr WOW :(
There is luck of places to practice and that is where I find a problem.
 
Good thread folks...

I like the idea of organizing by provience. I would also suggest a sticky in each with information about ranges and contact info of people willing to help get someone orientated. And definitely mention the 'factory' class in a FAQ, because most people wouldn't think that existed. I didn't and now I'm all anxious now to find out what's happening in my neck of the woods.

So, I've got a Browning A-Bolt in .270 and a 10/22. Where's the nearest 1000m range? :p

Seriously though, if there's anyone in/around Montreal who wouldn't mind giving me the scoop I'd greatly appreciate it.
 
Goood match design,challenging matches,and small prizes or tokens of appreciation are what draw me to matches,the shooters for the most part are some of the best folks around ( bar the few idiots who just don't get it).

I've travelled 14hrs round trip (along with others) to shoot and go home if the match is good. The problem is finding a suitable place to hold such matches,100yd matches are fun but lack the challenges of a long range unknown distance match whichs relies more on skill than equipment.
The problem is where can you find a range that offers at least 600yds of open lanes. I've often thought of holding a long range match on crown or private land that would allow non restricted rifles to fire to their practical limits. Could be something to try this summer/fall.
 
Bulldog. I imagine that if you tell the ORA you want a mentor and to try Target Rifle with a sling they will be more than happy to help you.

Peter Pan. have you looked at the ORA website? Lots of long range opportunities there. Or try the DCRA website and follow the links to your province. Same advice for Briz514
 
ok how do we get more to compete??

Now that this thread had been here for a few months, how many new shooters are coming out this year? The ORA Event Schedule is posted on the web page, who is ready to start the season? How many have signed up for one of the ORA Introductory Days. There are 75 events, matches and practice days not counting the DCRA CFRC and Palma Matches in Ottawa.

Any new shooters from all over Canada can contact their Provincial Rifle Association from the DCRA web page. w ww.dcra.ca
 
i am going to try and make it out to compete at least once this season. but i try to always show up at anything held in ottawa at least to spectate.
 
The DCRA is begging for entrants for F class match at Ottawa this year.
I would like the rest of you guys opinions. Is the ORA doing enough to promote 1000 yard shooting?? It seams like the only way to get any practice at 1000 yds is to drive to Mons on a few select Tuesdays.
Why are there such few 1000 yd events promoted at Mons, our only real range available to shoot 1000 yds. It seems like there are more short range events at Mons than long range??
we can shoot up to 600 yds just about everywhere.
How about making Mons the long range, range.
Opinions??
 
Rick,
The ORA does need to get off it's butt and find the property to build a range of our own. This runs hot and cold and has been on the table for about 20 years. Finding a chunk of property with a 3km safety area isn't as easy as you would think. At least in the price range we need to be looking in. There is lots of property up north, but who wants to drive 10-12 hours to shoot in a blackfly infested swamp? Something between Toronto and Windsor would be perfect. We are still looking.
There was a Range Rund Match at Borden a couple weeks ago, however only Saturday was long range. This weekend is the NCRRA Long Range Match in Connaught. Long drive, but what else is there for long range?
 
I have posted a fair bit of info on matches in Ottawa over the years, not to mention "come out and shoot 1000" sort of posts. I really could not be bothered any more. Most of the guys on this forum are "painters" not "shooters" unfortunately. Very easy to see, mega posts on paint but very few on shooting. Far beyond me. I would much rather shoot than talk about it. Wannabees I guess! For those who care, we have the USA Palma team up this week to practice for the upcoming Palma.
 
In a way, I have to agree with Mr. Robertson and on a larger scale that this forum. In our region, we have tried to get guy's that have equipment more than suitable for the task at hand (or at least brag about how small the groups are at 100) out to our Fullbore / F Class matches. I've explained it, drawn pictures, directed them to the DCRA and PRA websites, offered them rides and free match fees, yet no one shows up. (Couldn't make it, had to watch my kids haircut or some other important event usually involving paint, or the drying of same)

This year, like many others, we get one or two new shooters out of 10 or 15 that try it no matter how much pushing and prodding we do. The fellows that stay with us and come back, are the ones that took the time to hunt us up. I realize we probably do a piss poor job of promotion and I'm attempting to fix that, but I'm fast running out of enthusiasm. None the less, it's not like we're invisible.

The dedicated shooter will always find a way. We'd all like to have 1000 yds out the back door. If you're lucky, you live in Napean, Nokomis or Cochrane. If not, you have to travel and make a commitment. So be it. We've all driven further for less, I'm quite sure.

Then the epiphany! Maybe the gent's I see and hear dispensing wisdom at the gun shops and local dirt pile ranges are a bit hesitant to tempt reality by challenging their skill and the 1/2 minute rifle by giving it a go at more than 100 yards and with more than 3 shots.

Remember gentlemen, there's nothing stopping you but fear of the unknown. After the initial shock of finding out that you and your rifle may not be the world beater you envisioned, take heart, at the next match nobody can remember or cares what your score was. Then you start to have fun. I've shot with many of the members of this forum at matchs all the way from BC to Ontario but with the number of members on the forum, there should be 700+ competitors at every match in the Country. There's not. Why?

The above rant is not meant to be disparaging. It is meant to rattle the consiousness of the one's that would "like to" and prompt them into doing it. Go ahead, face your demons! Take the time, grab your gun and get out to a PRA match. It's painless and after the match you'll kick yourself for not doing it 20 years sooner.

I thank you for your time.

Cheers, Glen

PS: Mr. Robertson makes good stocks
 
Very well said Glen. We also run a new shooters program which is almost free for rifle and ammunition (relax, the guy that runs it is gone to Bisley friday) but we still can't get many new members. Military members can shot sr or sp only for $6 a year membership but we have very few of those. We are not the best advertisers but we have been there for over 50 years. Like I have said before, there is a reason they don't put rings on tin cans.
 
I fully agree. I shoot precision rifle and compete in these matches 4-5 times per summer. It never ceases to amaze me how few us are really interested in LR shooting. :bangHead: There are 23000+ members registered on this site and I bet that not more than 100 or so regularly compete at long range matches. The same goes for service rifle. As Hungry laments regularly, come out and see what it's like. Once you've done it, you'll be hooked. Unfortunately, most gun owners here seem to be mall ninjas and just like to brag about their expensive hardware. There's nothing wrong with just being a collector, but heh, the real challenge is to use that expensive hardware and to hit that v-bull at 500, 800 or 1000yards.
 
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ben hunchak said:
So in other words, the guy with a '94 30/30 can compete against a guy with a Rem xp100 with a $2000 scope, $2000 spotting scope, $1000 bench rest, neck turned cases, etc. I'm not putting down this shooting, but this is what a newcommer sees, and this is what the average Joe sees, the average Joe that usually just hunts deer once a year and would like to shoot a bit more year round. Its the same in all disciplines, Trap, skeet, IPsc, BPCR, etc.
Click to expand...

The average Joe isn't interested in competition period. You're talking apples and 45/70s here...
 
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