Match 11-10-19
Veterans Day Match
Our Veterans Day Field Target Shoot brought out some 14 competitors (and a surprise helper) for what turned out to be a truly fun filled event in near perfect conditions. Clear bright blue sky, shirtsleeve temps and most importantly lower humidity. A soft breeze added to our comfort while occasional gusts added a little extra challenge.
The 48 shot 8 lane course included an entertaining mix of targets and difficulty including an Owl in a tree, and forced position lanes for kneeling and offhand shooting. We also put out a couple “historic” field targets that Dick Otten recently donated to our club. These included a six foot long alligator target (circa 1998?) and a unique metal “ghost gator” target.
As I recall, that big gator was originally built by Brad Troyer and was featured in the 1999 AAFTA Nationals (Malabar FL). It's a target that always brings a smile: it has a generous KillZone, and sounds a distinct thud when it falls. We placed that gator close enough so everyone could experience the thrill of watching and hearing that big target fall after a good hit.
The “ghost gator”, created by Larry Durham (MAC 1 Airguns), is another historic target Dick kept in his “personal collection” for many years. It is unique. The target face features a large (~5”) diameter cut-out that's concentric with the much smaller diameter active KillZone. The KZ is supported by an edge-on metal paddle. This setup creates the illusion that the smaller kill-zone is somehow “floating” in air on the target face. Missed shots pass through the air space around the KZ without touching the solid target face. Tracking a missed shot is near impossible.
Unfortunately we had to retire the Ghost Gator in mid-match after some malfunction was reported. Per AAFTA Rules, all the scores have subsequently been adjusted to reflect hits for shots on the removed target.
Joining the usual gang today we had a new shooter from the Ft Lauderdale area, Eastman Preuss. This was Eastman's first organized FT shoot and I think he is hooked on air rifle Field Target. On the back of his scorecard Eastman wrote: “Had a great time even if my scorecard didn't” Actually, after score adjustments Eastman bagged 21 of 48 possible points, a very commendable score for a newcomer.
Our pre-match safety meeting included a couple shout-outs to the DeSoto Airgunners that competed so well in several Regional, State and National Competitions in both Field Target and in Benchrest events. I always said 'when you shoot air rifle in Florida, you compete with some of the best! '
Marine Corps vets Gary and Lindsey shared some history of the Corps as this day (Nov 10, 2019) was also the Marine Corps 244th birthday; a big day for all who served in the USMC. The pre-match meeting concluded with Jerry messaging a spiritual reflection on the day, all thankful for the service and sacrifice of our military.
Dennis D. was our Top Gun this weekend with a great score of 47, just a single point away from a cleaned course and perfect score. Dennis' lovely daughter Sue from Montana was our surprise helper. She assisted with the sign-in process, score cards and she recorded a few videos and snapshots during the event.
Final Scores & Equipment Matrix:
Division - Name
|
Rifle
|
Scope
|
Pellet
|
Notes
|
Score
|
|
|
|
|
|
(possible 48)
|
HUNTER Div (Piston)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lindsey Matthews
|
TX200
|
B&L 8-32
|
AA 8.4
|
12 ft/lb
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER Div (PCP)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chip Willing
|
FX Crown
|
Sightron III
|
AA 10.3
|
|
40
|
Linda McGee
|
Thomas
|
Sightron III
|
JSB 13.4
|
|
35
|
Jerry McGee
|
Daystate Red Wolf
|
Sightron III
|
JSB 8.4
|
|
29
|
Bill Shade
|
FX Tactical
|
Sightron III
|
JSB 13.4
|
|
29
|
Jim Behan
|
Marauder
|
AirMax
|
JSB 10.3
|
|
28
|
Corky Taylor
|
Thomas
|
Sightron III
|
JSB 13.4
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WFTF Div (PCP)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donovan Taylor
|
Anshutz 9015 HP
|
Sightron-III
|
JSB 8.4
|
12 Ft Lb
|
41
|
Eastman Preuss
|
AA EV 2
|
Sightron III
|
AA 8.4
|
12 ft. lb.
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPEN Div. (pcp)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis Dickenson
|
Thomas
|
March 8-80
|
JSB 13.4
|
TOP GUN
|
47
|
Gary Palinkas
|
RAW HM1000
|
Delta 5-50
|
AA 10.3
|
|
44
|
Cliff Smith
|
RAW TM1000
|
Bushnell 8-32
|
AA 10.3
|
|
40
|
Ron Zeman
|
Steyr LG100 zm
|
Nikko 10-50
|
JSB 10.3
|
|
40
|
Doug Abbott
|
Daystate Tsar
|
Konus
|
JSB 10.3
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|