December 27, 2009 Clays Match Report

16 Guns Entered Today

 

     8 Open Guns, Class won by Hal Hansen with  score of 46

          In second place with a score of 44 is our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat

          We have a tie for 3rd in the Open Class between Ken Bagley Sr. and

          Darren Foreman, each with a score of 43.

 

     8 Limited Guns, Class won by Loren DeShon with a score of 44

         In 2nd place in the Limited Class is Jim Skedd with a score of 37

         In 3rd place in the Limited Class is Steve Tinner with a score of 31

 

     Welcome back to GHSC and the last Clays Match of 2009.  We hope you all had a great Christmas, that you'll have a great New Years, and that you will make it a point to join us at GHSC each Sunday afternoon at 4:00 for our Clays Matches.

     Today's weather was clear & cold with the temperature hovering at a brisk 38 degrees. 

Many thanks to our Match Director, Chuck Nicodemus, to our Scorekeeper and DJ, Doug Mclean, to our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, and to the Ammo Fairy for stepping in after Santa went home and giving this Reporter his Christmas present.  Ho Ho Ho!  THANKS!! Ammo Fairy.

     Our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, brought us Array Series "C" today.  For the first 3 rounds some of the Green Standards got replaced by White ones due to an abundance of White Standards.  After Round 3 however, substitutions were not a factor, as all the Standard Sized Clays were gone, leaving only orange micros, and the everpresent black micro in the middle, proudly sporting a clearly visible white center.

     Round 1 saw 3 orange micros in a line across the top, alternated with a Green Standard and a White Standard on the bottom row for a total of 5 clays.  Pick 4, break them, then engage the black micro with the white center in the middle. 

     Round 2 still displayed 3 orange micros in a V configuration on the outside of a staggered, stacked set of Standards, the top standard being Green, and the lower Standard being White.  Again, pick 4 to engage and break, then move in to the black micro in the middle, standing out for all to see plainly, with it's white dot just a shinin'.

     Round 3 sees only 1 Standard Clay remaining, it being a Standard White one, on the inside of the lower row, right next to the center black micro in the middle, it's white center just begging for someone to shoot at it.

     Round 4 bids goodbye to the Standards.  We find in their stead orange micros divided between a top row of 3, and a bottom row of 2, alternating in a staggered pattern, and all leading to the black micro in the middle, seemingly with a laser beam aimed back at the shooters.  Pick 4, break them, then head in for the black micro in the middle.

     Round 5 sees only 4 orange micros on either side of the black micro in the middle.

If the orange micros are on your side of the screen, shoot'em all, let Doug sort'em out.

Then, having broken the four orange micros taunting you, move in and shoot at the black micro in the middle, it's white center just taunting and challenging. 

      At the end of regulation play we have a couple of class winners.  In the Open Class, this reporter, Hal Hansen leads the field with a score of 46.  Better lucky  than good.  Be more careful of your grip next time and maybe you won't have the 2 Stovepipe jams you were lucky enough to overcome.

      In the Limited Class, with a score of 44, Loren DeShon emerged victorious.  Good shooting Loren.  I notice you brought out your Ruger .22 with iron sights today.  No question, matching the tool to the task is important. 

     OK folks, that's the Clays Matches for 2009.  We hope you all enjoyed them enough to make a point of attending them in 2010.  The Clays Match Staff at Gig Harbor Sportsman's Club invites you all, and all your shooting friends, to our matches held each Sunday at 4PM.  Until then always remember:

 

SHOOT FAST!! SHOOT ACCURATELY!! BUT MOST OF ALL,

                                  SHOOT SAFELY!!

 

 

WE'LL SEE YOU ALL RIGHT HERE NEXT YEAR!!

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 22, 2009 Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club Plate Match Report

 

29 Guns entered

 

     20 In Stock - Class won by Rob Potter

 

                                  Overall Match Winner - James Austin

 

       9 In Draw - Class won by James Austin

 

Ho Ho HO!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.  Welcome back to Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club for our weekly Plate Match.

Christmas is upon us for another year, but first we'll take an evening out of this busy week for another plate match.  It's December in WASHINGTON STATE, and therefore it's cold and overcast.  Could be worse, could be snowing.  We are enjoying the fact that tonight, with temperatures in the upper 30s, it's not even raining. 

     29 Guns entered the match tonight, 20 in the Stock Class,  and 9 in the Draw Class.  Our match was run with it's usual super

efficiency, and we got in our 4 rounds in Stock and 4 in Draw.  At the conclusion of these classes, we had our Sudden Death Finale.  As usual, we owe the smooth efficiency of our match to our Match Staff, comprised of our Match Directors - Rob & Rebecca Potter. to our Scorekeeper and DJ, Rebecca Potter, and our Line Marshalls, Rob Potter, James Austin, Mark Wuesthoff, and Lee Lewis.  Folks, this match runs like a well oiled Machine, and WE LOVE IT!!

     29 guns, divided into 2 classes, entered the fray tonight, and after heated competition we are approaching the end of our Sudden Death Finale.  In the Draw Class we have Rob Potter, James Austin and Rebecca (Reba) Potter still contesting the win.  Rob & James come to the line for a duel, the guns are loaded and holstered, the range commands are spoken, the tone sounds, and James Austin wins this duel, exit Rob.  Now it Reba & James dueling, each with 2 numbers. Again the guns are loaded and holstered, the surrender position is taken, the range commands are spoken, the tone sounds and the plates are engaged!!!  James wins this duel and they do it again, this time with James still having his 2 numbers and Reba having 1.

At the tone, they draw, they engage, they hammer the plates, and again James arrives at the finish line 1st.  James Austin wins the Draw Class.

     In the Stock Class, we have Rob dueling with Lee.  Folks, it's close, but Rob gets there first and wins this duel.  Now it's Richard & EJ dueling.  At the horn we have another close duel, with EJ edging out Richard.  EJ & Reba are up now, and EJ continues his winning ways by getting by Reba.  That's not an easy accomplishment tonight either.

     Folks, we are getting down to it.  We have 4 shooters remaining, Rob & Rebecca Potter, Richard Lively, and EJ.

Richard and EJ duel, with Richard putting paid! to EJs evening.  Exit EJ.  Rob & Reba then have a family fued, with Rob winning this one.  How often does that happen at home, Rob?  Exit Reba, our 3rd place Stock Gun thooter tonight.  Well done, Reba!!

     To continue, Richard Lively with 1 number and Rob Potter with 2 numbers duel,   with Rob getting there first.  And folks, that leaves Rob Potter our Stock Class winner tonight.  Now it's time to find out who is our TOP GUN for December 22, 2009.  After a night of cold temperatures & HOT SHOOTING, It is down to 2 guns, Rob Potter & James Austin.  Shooters, Load & Make Ready!!  Shooters Ready?  Stand By!!  We have a TONE!! Rob & James hammer the plates, the gunfire ebbs, the range falls silent, the smoke settles, and JAMES AUSTIN is TOP GUN tonight!!  Well done James, and well done to the entire field.  We'll see you right here next Tuesday, December 28th, 2009 and we'll play this game again.  And this Holiday Season, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS,  AND A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12/20/09 GHSC Clays Match Report

18 Guns Entered

 

     7 Open Guns - Class won by Chuck Treat with a score of 47

                   2nd place - Ken Bagley Sr. with a score of 42

                   3rd place tie       David Lee

                                                          with identical scores of 39 

                                              Mathew Reid

    

11 Limited Guns - Class won by Steve Tinner with a score of 37

                    2nd place - Hal Hansen with a score of 31

                    3rd place -   Mark (OJ) Kimura with a score of 28

 

     Here we are at GHSC 5 days before Christmas.  At home, all the stockings are hung from the chimney with care, in hopes that

St. Nicholas soon would be there, to bring us all brand new Clays Match Guns.  Tomorrow is Dec. 21, 2009 and the Winter Solstice. And so officially starts winter.  It was totally overcast at gametime, and as our DJ, Doug McLean called the shooters to the line for Round 1, it started raining.  It was much warmer today than in the last couple of weeks, with the temperature at the start of the match at 50degrees, skyrocketing to 53degrees by the end of round 5. 

     We missed our usual host & Match Director,  Chuck Nicodemus, who was absent today.  In his place stepped our Scorekeeper & DJ, Doug McLean.  What did you do in your spare time today, Doug? Doug stays pretty busy on a typical Sunday folks.  In addition to his duties during our match, Doug has always just come off a shift as a Range Officer, and folks, Sundays are BUSY!!  Well done Doug, and thank you!!

     Thanks also to our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, who brought us target array series "B" today.  This array series was/is

challenging to say the least.  Let's take a look at what the Clays Match Competitors saw today. 

 

     Round 1

          Round 1 saw 3 Green Standards forming an arch over an orange micro.  After engaging and breaking those 4 clays, one moves to the black micro in the middle.  On this dark, rainy December afternoon, the day before the start of winter, it was much appreciated to have the white dot in the middle of the micro in the middle.  

 

     Round 2

           Round 2 saw the number of Standard sized clays decrease by 1.  Now we see a Green Standard on either side of 2

stacked orange minis.  After engaging and breaking those 4, it's on to the black micro in the middle, complete with it's white center spot.

 

     Round 3

           Round 3 presents 3 orange micros cupping a Green Standard, with those 4 clays bracketing the black micro in the middle.  You will notice there is only one Standard Clay on the screen.  Enjoy it now, because in Rnd 4, no more Standards.

 

     Round 4

           Round 4 has 4 orange micros in diamond formations, one on each side of the black micro in the middle, complete with it's white center spot.  This is truly Great!!  The day before the start of Winter, black as night except for the flood lights lighting the range, raining, and the black micro in the middle is highly visible for all to see, and shoot at.

 

     Round 5

           Round 5 has the 4 orange micros forming a box on each side of the black micro in the middle, complete with it's white spot in the middle.  And we have some winners by the end of regulation play.

 

    In the Open Class, with a score of 47, is our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat.  All right Chuck, not only do you arrange them, you can also hit them.  Well Done!!

    In 2nd place in the Open Class is Ken Bagley Sr. with a score of 42.  We have a tie for 3rd place in the Open Class between David Lee & Mathew Reid, each shooter posting scores of 39.  

 

     In the Limited Class, Steve Tinner leads the pack.  Steve has shot a score of 37.  In 2nd place in the Limited Class is 

this reporter, Hal Hansen with a score of 31.  In 3rd place in the Limited Class is Mark (OJ) Kimura with a score of 28.

 

     Well, wherever our usual Host & Match Director, Chuck Nicodemus, is today, we all hope he can accomplish whatever he's doing and make it to the match next Sunday.  Everyone enjoy a very Merry Christmas, have a SAFE and enjoyable New Year, 

and we'll see you right here next Sunday afternoon at 4pm to break in our brand new Clays Match Guns Santa brought us.

 

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL, SAFE HAPPY NEW YEAR.

 

Hal  

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        

December 13, 2009 Clays match report

10 Guns Entered

 

     Open Class

            1) Darren Foreman - 48

            2) Chuck Nicodemus - 44

            3) Chuck Treat - 37

 

     Limited Class

            1) Loren DeShon - 41

            2) Jim Skedd - 36

            3) Mark (OJ) Kimura - 32

 

     It was a brisk, overcast 33degree evening at GHSC, and only 10 fanatical clays shooters turned out to enter the fray.  Most of the regular clays shooters, this un-intrepid reporter included, were at home where it was warm, and where it wasn't supposed to snow, inside anyway.  

     Thanks to those that hosted and ran the match, and to our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat,  for presenting target array series "A".

 Let's all vicariously enjoy the fresh air with the shooters, as we review the arrays seen today.

 

Round 1)

     We see 3 standard clays, 2 Green and 1 Black, the black standard in the middle of the 3, adjacent to 3 orange minis, stacked, with the center orange mini slightly offset.  When the shooter finished successfully negotiating that array, she/he proceeds to the black micro in the middle, complete with white dot in the middle. Pick 4 outside clays, break them, and then engage and shoot the black micro in the middle.

Round 2)

     Here we see 6 orange minis bracketing a black standard, then 1 Green standard leading to the black micro in the middle.

Just pick 4 preliminary clays targets, break them, and then engage the black micro in the middle.

Round 3)

     We're now down to 1 Black standard clay, surrounded by 6 orange minis.  Pick 4 out of that array and then it's on to the black micro in the middle.  Speed, noise and fury are behind us now.  From here on in it's finesse, patience, and accuracy.

Round 4)

     If one uses one's imagination a bit, Rnd 4s array looks rather like a cross, laying on it's side.  Or, sort of like a Claymore Sword, of Celtic lore.  In any event, the formation is comprised of 5 orange minis, and they point to the black micro in the middle, complete and decked out for the holidays with it's white dot.

Round 5)

     Only 4 orange minis on each side now.  each set of minis pointing right into the black micro in the middle.So, let's see how our contestants did today.

 

     in the Open Class, with a score of 48 is Darren Foreman.  In 2nd place is our Match Director, Chuck Nicodemus with a score of 44.  In 3rd place is our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat with a score of 37.  Well done gents.

 

     In the Limited Class, Loren DeShon leads with a score of 41.  In 2nd place with a score of 36, is Jim Skedd.  Tied for 3rd place, each with scores of 32, are Mark (OJ) Kimura and Robert Pollack.  Challenging, isn't it gentlemen? 

    

     Next Sunday, right here at GHSC at 4PM, we'll play this game again.  It is forecast to be a few degrees warmer then, if somewhat wetter, but it's winter in Western Washington so we'll all get to see what it actually does together.  See you then, Clays Shooters, and until then always remember:

 

SHOOT FAST!! SHOOT ACCURATELY!!  BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, SHOOT SAFELY!! 

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

        

December 6, 2009 Clays Match Report

12 Gun Entered

 

     5 Open Guns - Class won by 1) Hal Hansen - scores 43 + 4

                            

                                                  2) Jay Schoonmaker 43 + 3

                                                      Ken Bagley Sr. 43 + 3

 

                                                  3) Chuck Treat - 42

 

     7 Limited Guns - Class won by 1)  Steve Tinner with a score of 42

 

                                                      2)  Jim Skedd with a score of 40

 

                                                      3)   Mathew Reid with a score of 27

 

Welcome to GHSC everyone, and our weekly, Sunday afternoon Clays Match.  It's December in Western Washington and therefore it's cold.  At game time today it is 36degrees, and we are all hovered around all the heaters when we aren't shooting.

The weather was clear however, and apart from some fine, and rather sparse snowflakes last night, the weather was non-threatening and, to say the least, invigorating today. 

     Many thanks as always to those who brought us the clays match.  Many thanks indeed to Chuck Nicodemus for hosting and directing our match.  Thanks also to the scorekeeper and ad hoc DJ, Doug McLean for keeping the "books" and announcing our match.  And a special thanks to our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, for bringing us Target array series "J" today. 

     Chuck, we Clays shooters all owe you a vote of thanks for bringing our usually overly dark "micro in the middle" out into the sunlight for all to see.  Now our black micros have a white center, and in the center of the white center is a green dot.  Suddenly, even in the ambient light of our flood lights shining through the darkness of December evenings, our black "micros in the middle" are standing out and just inviting all the clays shooters to "Plug" them.  Well done, Chuck.

     Target Array series "J" starts off with Round 1 looking pretty easy.  2 Green standards in a line on top, 2 orange midis in an

offset line below,  and the black micro in the middle, now sporting a white center.  Yeah!  We can do this!!

     Round 2 still has 2 standards on top but now one of the standards is black.  On the line below are still the 2 orange midis 

offset from the standards, and then the black micro in the middle, standing out for all to see.

     Round 3 sees the top row with one orange mini, & one black standard, on top, and on the bottom row are still the 2 orange midis.  The black mcro waits in the middle and we proceed to rnd 4.

     Round 4 sees all the the standard sized clays gone.  The top 2 clays are comprised of 1 orange micro, 1 orange midi,

the bottom row having 1 orange micro, and one orange midi.  The black micro in the middle beckons the, so far, successful shooters, and folks, it's on to Rnd 5

     Round 5 has all orange minis, 4 on each side in 2 offset rows as usual, and of course the one exception to the rule in the form of the black micro in the middle.  the clays matches at GHSC have a habit of imparting a false sense of power and invincibility to shooters at the start of the matches, and then morphing into matches that take a great deal of precision, patience, and accuracy.

Our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, sees to it that in addition to enjoyable competition, the requirements of sound handgun fundamentals are molded into the format as well.  Good on ya, Chuck!

     And it gets better, clays shooters.  At the end of regulation play we have a three way tie, in the Open Class.  Open Class shooters Hal Hansen, Jay Schoonmaker, and Ken Bagley Sr. all have matching scores of 43.  You know what this means,

folks.  Yep!!  Shootoff.  Target screens back to 44' and a straight line of orange micros punctuated by a center black micro, complete with white spot in the middle.  Hal, Jay & Ken are called to the line, "load 5 rounds", Shooters Ready?  Fire!!.

Now folks, this shootoff was close.  When the smoke clears, and silence returns to the range, Hal Hansen has hit 4 of the 5

shootoff clays lined up on the screen.  Jay and Ken each have hit 3, so Hal Hansen is this week's Open Class Victor.

     In the Limited Class, Steve Tinner has emerged victorious with a score of 42.  Well done, Clays Shooters.  We'll see you right back here next Sunday afternoon at 4PM and we'll see who are the TOP GUNS then.  In the meantime remember;

 

                             "Speed is Fine!! But Accuracy is Final!!"

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     7 Limited Guns - Class won by

November 29, 2009 Clays Match

18 Guns Entered            

 

     10 Open Guns - Class won by:

 

1)  Jay Schoonmaker with a score of 48

 

2)  Hal Hansen with a score of 47

 

3)  we have a tie for third place between Darren Foreman and Ken Bagley Sr. with scores of 44

 

      8 Limited Guns - Class won by:

 

1)  Loren DeShon with a score of 44

 

2)  Jim Skedd with a score of 43

 

3)  Torsten Arnold with a score of 39

 

     Today is the day before November leaves for this year.  It was typical November weather, just a bit warmer. Temperatures hovered at 55degrees, skies were heavily overcast, it wasn't raining or snowing, and not as cold as it has been.  The weather could have been worse, and probably will become so as the winter progresses.  Still, all the heaters were on today, and they felt very good indeed.

     Our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat brought us target array series I today.  It was varied, colorful, and challenging.  The challenges varied between large black and green clays, tiny orange micros, target arrays in different shapes, different numbers of clays, but always, always, after crossing the Event Horizon, one began searching for the tiny, black, micro clay in the middle.  After about 4:00 oclock pm it is pitch black outside, and with the ambient light drastically diminished, the black micro in the middle sometimes becomes a matter of guesswork.  Sometimes, depending on the reflected light, it just disappears.

     Round 1 saw 4 standard and 4 micro clays.  The 4 standard clays were black, forming a diamond, and the micros were orange, forming a square.  The innermost black standard clays pointed to the black micro in the middle.  A very colorful array that allowed the shooter to pick big black clays to engage pretty quickly prior to moving inward to engage the tiny centermost micro.  It was an excellent array to start the match, giving the shooters all a false sense of power and invincebility.

     Round 2 featured 3 standard clays, 2 Green, and one Black.  These 3 standard clays were interspersed with 5 orange micros, and in the middle, in increasing darkness, lay the ubiquitous black micro in the middle. 

     Round 3 had but 2 standard clays, 1 Green, and 1 Black.  By now it is full dark, all the range lights are on of course, but the black micro in the middle is really getting hard to see.  sigh.....

     Round 4 saw only orange micros, formed in a circle with 5 clays on each side of the really hared to see,  black??? micro in the middle. 

     Round 5 featured 4 orange micros, formed into squares, and both squares surrounding the black?? micro in the middle. 

Even lowering one's handgun before engaging the center black micro, confirming it was still there, and re-engaging it was no guarantee of success.  Take heart Clays Shooters, spring and summer are coming back, albeit in about 4 - 5 months, By then, seeing the targets will be easier, faster, and all one will have to contend with are the other shooters who will also be able to see the clays faster and better.  Chucks, Treat and Nicodemus, if you are going to retain the black micros in the middle during winter months, how about putting *strobe lights* on them? 

 

     At the end of regulation play, Jay Schoonmaker led the Open Class contenders with a score of 48.  Loren DeShon, with his Airline Pilot eyes, led the Limited Class with a score of 44.  It would appear from the target arrays catalog that we'll start back with target array series "A" next week.  Many thanks to Chuck Treat for bringing us sometimes invisible targets, Thanks to Chuck Nicodemus for hosting our Sunday Clays Match, and thanks to Doug McLean for running the microphone and scoresheet.

We'll see everyone right here next Sunday at 4PM when we take the Clays Challenge again, and we'll see if our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, will allow us to actually see all the targets in the winter months to come.  Maybe we can return to  handgun matches that are between the shooters, and not between the shooters and the course designers.  I live in hope.

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 22, 2009 Clays Match Report

16 guns Entered

 

     6 Open Guns - Class won by   1)  Ken Bagley Sr. with a score of 45

                                                    2)  Chuck Treat with a score of 42

                                                    3)  Chuck Nicodemus with a score of 41

 

    10 Limited Guns - Class won by 1) Jim Skedd with a score of 45

                                                       2) Mark (OJ) Kimura with a score of 34

                                                       3) Dan Moore with a score of 23

 

     We're 2/3rds of the way through November already, and the entry list for the GHSC Clays Match is growing again.  16 guns turned out this cold, dry, partially overcast day, but with our 3 heaters roaring, the 46degree temperature at the range felt a bit warmer, especially the closer to the heaters one stood.  

     Thanks to Chuck Nicodemus for hosting our match today, and to Doug McLean for running the scoreboard.  Our arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat brought us target array series "H" today, and as the scores portray, this target array series was plenty challenging.  Thanks Chuck for turning an otherwise sleepy day into one capable of keeping competitors awake nights for another week.

     Target Array Series "H" appears to start off hard, with a combination of orange micros, Green Standards, in the shape of a big Check Mark leaning on a Green Standard, the check pointing at the little tiny black micro in the middle.  Pick 4 out of the 5

intro clays to engage, then if successful in breaking any 4, go to the black micro in the middle and engage it.

 

     Round 2 still looks like a check mark, except now the Green Standard is at the bottom of the point,  on the way in to the black micro in the middle.  Once again, pick 4 of the 5, engage them, and if successful engage and break the black micro in the middle.

 

     Round 3 bids farewell to the Standards, of any color, but retains the shape of a checkmark, all in orange micros, the check pointing once again at the black micro in the middle.  Did I say that Array Series "H" started off hard.  Well, at the start of the match at least we had some Standards to shoot at.  No more.  At least the fastest route to the black micro in the middle is pretty obvious.

 

     Round 4 takes the shape of a parrellogram, the corners of which are defined by orange micros, all micros leading to the black micro in the middle. There are only 4 preliminary orange micros on the screen.  Shoot'em all and head for the black

micro in the middle. 

 

     Round 5 epitomizes "easy".  Uh huh...  A straight line of orange micros surrounding a black micro in the middle.  Only 4 orange micros, then the one in the middle.  What could be easier?  Have you noticed that the best shooters in the lineup are slowing wwaaayyyy down by now, and really concentrating on their task?  By now it's been pitch black dark outside for a good while, when one steps away from the heaters for a couple of minutes one cools right on down, and all of the targets are really little.

That's why the scores were down a bit across the board today.  Easy??!!  NOT!!

 

     At the end of regulation play we have a couple of winners.  In the Open Class, Ken Bagley Sr. led the way with a score of 45.

Target array series "H" sure can hold one's attention, can't it Ken?  In the Limited Class, with a score of 45 also, is Jim Skedd.

Good Shooting Clays Shooters. 

     Next week we will see target array series "I" brought to you courtesy of our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat.  Chuck, you are nothing if not creative, and we all thank you for the challenges.  We'll see you all right here next week and we'll see just what challenges target array series "I" presents. 

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 15, 2009 clays match report

10 guns entered 

 

     4 Open Guns - Class won by David Lee with a score of 45 + 2

         2nd place in Open Class - Hal Hansen with a score of 45 + nothing

 

     6 Limited Guns - Class won by Loren DeShon with a score of 44

apologies for not listing 2nd & 3rd placings, this reporter forgot.

 

     November is halfway over already, and the weather shows it.  It was dark, completely dark by 4:30pm, cold - 46degrees at gametime, overcast with intermittant drizzle.  A typical November day in Western Washington.   The lights were on, one heater roaring, and the shooting challenging enough to wake the dead.

     Chuck Treat, our Arrays Impressario, brough us target array series G today.  Thanks also go to the competitors that set up, replenished, and removed the screens and clays today.  Thanks as always to Chuck Nicodemus for hosting our Sunday afternoon match, and welcome back to Doug McLean, replete with photographs of his latest hunts.  Doug finally quit talking about how good the meat from his latest hunt is going to taste long enough to run our scoresheets and microphones.  If your freezer gets too full Doug, some of us will offer to take the meat off your hands, since it's you. 

     Target Array series G started off with great promise.  White standard sized clays alternating with orange micros, and in a straight line leading to a highly visible orange micro in the middle.  Apparently the Clays Chucks finally developed a heart and gave the competitors targets they could see.  Anyway, it was a straight run in to the middle orange micro and a great start for a match.

     Round 2:   This array saw a white standard clay surrounded by 4 orange micros, and WOW!! another orange micro in the middle.  Chucks, Nicodemus and Treat, the clays competitors take back everything we have been saying about you.  The day is dark, but the targets are bright and highly visible, and life is good.

     Round 3:  Bitter Reality sets in..... 2 stacked orange micros adjacent to a white standard with an adjacent orange micro leading to a blaccckkkkk!! micro in the middle.  It was a nice dream while it lasted.  If it wasn't bad enough trying to see the black micro in the middle, the clothespin holding it on the screen was black as well.  well, phooey.  Some hit it, and some don't but all walk away from the firing line shaking their heads.

     Round 4:  Five clustered orange micros on each side of the blaccckkk micro in the middle.  One finds oneself engaging the highly visible orange micros, then having to stop, look up and peer intently into the screens to see if the black micro is even still there.  If it is, line up on it and shoot at where you think it is.  Sometimes it's there, other times it isn't.  These center black holes with the black micros do absolutely describe the absence of all matter, even light.  The Event Horizon to these black holes presents a drastic contrast.

     Round 5:  V is for Victory, orrrr Victim,  depending on one's frustration with the ability to see the recurring black micro in the middle.  Five orange micros form a V on each side of the black center objective micro.  Just pick 4, engage them, and then, after peering at the array for a bit, try and find the black micro in the middle and shoot it too.  (or at least shoot at it.)

 

     At the end of regulation play we have a winner in the Limited Class.  Loren DeShon has shot a score of 44 and is this weeks Limited Class Winner. 

     In the Open Class.  David Lee and Hal Hansen, each with a score of 45 are tied and prepare for a shootoff.  Target screens back to 44 ft. and a line of black micros all across the screen with another black micro in the middle.  Shooters to the line, load 5 rounds.  shooters ready?  fire!!  If the shooters thought it was hard to see black micros at 30 ft., they should try it at 44 ft.

The black clays just disappeared.  One could shoot at where one thought they were, but it was only a guess.  Well, apparently David Lee guessed better than this reporter, because David hit 2 of the 5 and wins the shootoff, this weeks clays match, and bragging rights for another week. 

     This is a particularly sweet victory for David Lee, because for all the times he has entered this match, and, to quote him: "The thousands of rounds he has put downrange" this is the first time he has won it.  Well, David, you picked about as hard a contest under the most trying circumstances available to win it.  Well done and good shooting.  Your young eyes did you proud. 

     Good News, Clays Shooters!!  I have been assured by our Clays Match Director, Chuck Nicodemus, that he agrees that the visibility of the black clays today required extreme good fortune to hit the targets.  One must, however, remember the adage quoted by WWII fighter pilots:  "Never, ever, trade good luck for skill!!"  It's better to be Lucky than Good every time.  Today, David Lee and Loren DeShon were both Lucky AND Good.  Lucky and Good makes for successful handgun competition.  Well Done guys.  And we'll see you all right here next Sunday at 4PM, when, I'm told, we'll be able to see all the clays all the time.  WOW!!

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

 

November 8, 2009 Clays Match Report

16 Guns Entered        8 Open Guns             8 Limited Guns

 

Class Winners:

 

In the Open Class  1) Chuck Treat with a score of 46

                              2) Ken Bagley Sr.  with a score of 44

   and a tie for 3rd  3) Darren Foreman with a score of 43

                              3) Hal Hansen with a score of 43

 

In the limited Class  1) Loren DeShon with a score of 42

                                 2) Jim Skedd with a score of 38

                                 3) Brigetta Anable with a score of 29

 

     It's November in the Pacific Northwest, and the weather well reflects it.  The day was cold, rainy, dark (though not as dark as the black objective micros ) and a very cool 50degrees.  It felt colder than that.  No doubt our heaters warmed the range building sufficiently to make the thermometer read warmer than it was. 

     Many thanks today to all the shooters who pitched in to keep the target screens fresh.  Even with 16 guns entered and shooting, the match moved right along.  Thanks to Match Director Chuck Nicodemus who did double duty today as he also ran the scoresheet and the microphone in Doug's absence.  Thanks to our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat as he presented target array series "F" today, and what a challenge it was.  On a dark November day like today, all the clay targets showed up well, except for the black micros in the middle of the arrays.  They just virtually disappeared.  Some time back mention was made of Chuck Nicodemus' (and now Chuck Treat's) apparent interest in Astronomy;  specifically the study of Black Holes throughout our Solar System.  In this case, all the really black holes were on our target screens, right in the middle.  When mention was made of the difficulty in seeing the black micros in the middle, and the need for colored middle objective clays, green for instance, the response was concern that everyone would be shooting perfect scores of 50 all the time.

Personally, I doubt it!!

     In round 1 we saw 3 Large Green Standards in line, topped with an orange micro between standard Green Clay 1 & 2.  All the shooter had to do was vary his speed and care of aim between 2 vastly different sized clays, in a real hurry, and then do it again prior to crossing the event horizon and entering the black hole in search of the black micro in the middle.

     Round 2 saw 2 standard green clays flanking 2 stacked orange micros.  Having figured out some sort of order in which to engage that foursome, the shooter, if successful, then crossed the event horizon, and again entered the black hole in search of the black micro in the middle.

     Round 3 saw the last of the Green Standards, the only standard clay remaining was as black as the center micro, just a Lot bigger.  Having engaged and, hopefully, broken the black standard, one finds 3 orange micros in a triangle, the lead micro pointing to the event horizon.  Once having crossed the event horizon the black micro in the middle lay hidden, waiting.

     Round 4.  No more standard sized clay targets of any color.  From here on in its all micros.  In round 4 we see the Orange Arc.  4 orange micros shaped like a rainbow.  The pot of GOLD for this rainbow however lay across the event horizon in the form of a tiny black 

micro clay, virtually invisible to a clays shooter in a hurry. 

     Round 5.  A straight line of 4 Orange micros on either side of the black micro in the middle.  Both sides of the target array had it's own event horizon, and both sides led to the Black Hole hiding the Black micro in the middle.

 

     At the end of regulation play we have 2 class winners.  In the Open Class, with a score of 46 is our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat.  I guess no one except this reporter gets to complain about the targets when our Arrays Impressario sets the example and leads from the front of the pack.  Good shooting Chuck.

     In the Limited Class, with a score of 42, is Loren DeShon.  Loren is, while an experienced shooter, a relative newcomer to the Clays Matches.  Loren is not, however, inexperience in winning the Limited Class in our clays matches, having done so quite regularly lately.  As you may know, Loren DeShon is an airline Pilot, holding the rank of Captain, and from the left seat shepherds one of the great silver birds for Alaska Airlines.

We were honored with Loren's attendance today, probably since it was raining and we all know Alaska Airlines doesn't like to get it's birds wet.  Well done Loren, and we'll look up from time to time and see you enjoying the Friendly Skies.

     OK folks.  that's it for this week. We'll see you right here next Sunday at 4PM and maybe the sun will be out and we can all even see the black micro targets.  Maybe!

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

Gig Harbor Sportsman's Clubs Plate Matches

Folks;

      Pursuant to Hal Hansen resigning and stepping down as Match Director for the Plate Matches held the last several years at Gig Harbor Sportsmans Club, no one has yet stepped up to take over the directorship of the matches.  Therefore, unless/until someone qualified takes over the directorship of GHSCs plate matches, the matches are summarily discontinued until further notice.

      The requirements for someone to take over the position of Match Director for our plate match are as follows:

 

          1) Be a Gig Harbor Sportsmans Club Range Officer in good standing.

 

          2) Be familiar with, and experienced in, handgun competition; the customs, protocols, safety practices and requirements.

 

          3) Be willing to make the necessary committment in time and effort each week to attending, directing and promoting 

              the matches.

 

          4)  Be responsible for keeping the match equipment, including heaters during cold weather months, fully functional and

               operative.

 

          5)  Be responsible for keeping the match sign-in records, match receipts, and associated forms & paperwork applicable to

               the administration of the matches up to date and turned in to the appropriate entities.

 

          6)  Be responsible for replacement personnel in the event of your missing a match for whatever reason.

 

          7)  Be responsible for set-up and take-down of the plate match stage for each match.

 

          8)  Be responsible for inter-acting with the GHSC Board of Directors in affairs concerning the plate matches.

 

     If you feel you desire and are able to fulfill these qualifications, please contact the Rifle/Pistol Range Chairman, Rich Beals, at rlbeals@comcast.net  (253) 851-6140, or any of the GHSC Board of Directors members for referal to the appropriate person.

Again I repeat, by direction of the GHSC Vice-President, Chuck Nicodemus, the plate matches are summarily discontinued until a person who is qualified for the position of Match Director steps up and is appointed for the position.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hal Hansen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 1, 2009 Clays Match Report

18 Guns Entered

 

     6 Open Guns

          Class won by Charles Treat with a score of 47

                  2nd place - Ken Bagley with a score of 42

                   3rd place - Hal Hansen with a score of 41

 

    12 Limited Guns

          Class won by Loren DeShon with a score of 46

                  2nd place - Dan Moore with a score of 35

                  3rd place - Walt Stephens with a score of 33

 

     Welcome to November, the month all turkeys love to hate.  It was a cool, overcast day today with the thermometer hovering at 50 degrees.  The heaters were out and the shooting was hot, and as usual it was a great day for a Clays match. 

     Double thanks to Chuck Nicodemus today.  In addition to his usual duty as our Clays Match Director , in Doug's absence Chuck ran the Scoresheet and the Microphone.  What did you do in your spare time, Chuck?  Our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, presented target array Series E today.  This is the target array series that starts out Soooo easy, yet ends up Soooo in need of a fine touch, and patience. 

     Array series E starts off with 4Standard Sized Green Clays in a straight line on either side of the black micro in the middle.  Now, as you may have noticed, it's November in the Pacific NW, Pacific Standard Time, and very very shortly after the match starts at 4PM, it's dark outside.  The lights come up, the orange and green clay targets stand out, and the little bitty black micros just disappear. Well, just shoot at the clothespins.  That'll set you in solid with Doug. 

     Round 2 has another straight line of targets, with 2 Green Standard Clays, one on either side of 2 orange micros, these strings of clays bracketing the omnipresent black micro in the middle.

     Round 3 has more orange micros and a couple of Green Standards.  The orange micros form a triangle outside of a Green Standard, with both sdes bracketing the black micro in the middle. 

     Round 4 sees four orange micros forming a diamond, this pattern on each side of the black micro in the middle.  No more standard sized targets now.

     Round 5 is a simple straight line, all the way across.  Start off on either side with 4 orange micros and in the middle of the orange micros is the black micro in the middle.

 

     At the end of regulation play we have a winner in each class.  In the Open Class, with a score of 47, is Chuck Treat.  In 2nd

place we find Ken Bagley with a score of 42.  Finishing 3rd in the Open Class is this reporter, Hal Hansen. 

     In the Limited Class, with a score of 46 is Loren DeShon.  In 2nd place is Dan Moore with a score of 35, and in 3rd place is Walt Stephens with a score of 33.

     Good shooting everyone.  It is going to be a trifle moe difficult from now until Spring when it stays lighter later.  Daylight Savings Time may well save energy, but it does nothing good for lighting up the black micros. 

 

     Remember our altered plate shoot calendar.  We'll have our Plates Practice as usual Monday Nov 2, at 5PM.  Tuesday, many of the plate match competitors will go to Bremerton, to Kitsap Rifle & Pistol Club,  to participate in their inaugural plate match.  See Gig Harbor Sportsmans Club's Website for Details.  No plate match at GHSC Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009

     We'll see you all right here next Sunday at 4pm for next week's Clays Match.  Until then remember:

 

     SPEED IS FINE, BUT ACCURACY IS FINAL!!

 

See you all next week.

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fwd: November 3, 2009 Plate Match at Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club

Kitsap GHSC Plate Shooters;

     As about everyone knows, Kitsap R&P will hold their inaugural Plate Match Tuesday November 3, 2009 at 6:00pm.

Many of you have expressed the desire and intent to attend that match, and start Kitsaps plate match schedule off with a large crowd and a BANG!!  This  Match Director shares that desire and intent and for the good of the order hereby cancels GHSCs event that evening. 

     Classes at Kitsap R&P that evening will be Draw & a Low Ready,  so bring your guns, gear and $5.00 per class to Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club next Tuesday. 

     For those of you who haven't yet been to Kitsap R&P, their address is 4900 Seabeck Hwy N.W. Bremerton, WA. 98312.

Call (360) 373-1007 for directions and information.  Rob Potter will be able to answer all your questions as well.  He can be reached at (253) 857- 4335. 

     The following week, GHSCs Plate Match will again be held at GHSC still at 6:00pm.  There will be no plates practice at GHSC on Monday November 9, 2009 in honor of Veterans Day.  The next day, Tuesday November 10, 2009 at 6:00 will be GHSCs last Tuesday Plate Match.  The following Monday, November 16th, GHSCs plate match will switch to Monday and be held that Monday Nov. 16th at 6:00. It will be held thereafter on Mondays @ 6pm.

 

     Any questions, contact Hal Hansen (253) 851-2043 or hal2005@centurytel.net and ask away.  See ya at the matches.

 

Hal Hansen

 

 

 

 

    

    

Gig Harbor Sportsmans Club Plate Matches Changing to Mondays effective Nov 16, 2009 @ 6:00PM

Plate Shooters Be Advised;

 

     EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 16, 2009, GHSCs PLATE MATCHES WILL CHANGE FROM TUESDAYS TO MONDAYS, STILL AT 6:00PM.  ALL OTHER PROTOCOLS AND CONDITIONS OF THE MATCH WILL REMAIN THE SAME. 

 

HAL HANSEN

MATCH DIRECTOR

10/27/09 Plate Match Report

20 Guns Entered     Match won by James Austin

 

     1 Lady w/2 guns entered - Tarrie McAlpin

     1 Junior - Wolfgang Seagraves

    11 Young Bucks & Does - Class won by Mathew Seagraves

      4 Seniors - Class won by Mark Wuesthoff

      4 Super Seniors - Class won by George Flaherty

 

     Another one of many cool, overcast nights for our plate match tonight.  At gametime the temperature in the range was 48degrees.  Thanks go to Mathew & Wolfgang Seagraves for setting up our stage tonight.  Thanks to George Flaherty  for running our scoretable and microphone and thanks to Mark Wuesthoff for running the line tonight.  Thanks also to those that stepped in to help when needed.  Due to the efficiency of our match staff, we got in 5 rounds and a sudden death finale. All the heaters were on and the action kept everyone warm.  

     Toward the end of the Sudden Death Finale, there were still 3 shooters remaining.  So far, Mark Wuesthoff had already won the Senior Class, James Austin represented the Young Bucks & Does Class, Hal Hansen & George Flaherty were still competing for Super Senior honors.  George Flaherty & Hal Hansen duel, with George winning handily.  Exit this reporter.  sigh

     Now it's between James Austin with 3 numbers to George's 2.  In the first elimination duel, James Austin wins a fast one.

Then, for all the marbles George and James line up again, and at the start signal they both let loose volleys.  Folks, we have a winner as James beats George to the line, exit our Super Senior Class winner, George Flaherty.  James Austin wins the duel, the match, and takes home the ribbon again. 

     Well done everyone.  We'll see you all next Tuesday for our weekly plate match, and for those of you who want some practice come on out Monday evenings at 5pm.  See you then.

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pizza and Pumpkin Match 10-15-09

Class A

James Makinson............................20.65

Mathew Seagraves........................22.37

Rebecca Potter..............................25.03

O.J...................................................27.08

Rob Potter......................................28.28

Walter Root....................................29.48

Leon Potter....................................34.94

Christian Bynum............................35.67

Jim Skedd.....................................39.50

Jeff Morton.....................................43.70

 

Class C

Christian Bynum...........................24.47

 

Class A/W

Carrie Morton...............................65.62

Helen Todhunter...........................107.36

October 25, 2009 Clays Match Report

40, guns Entered

 

     9 Open Guns - Class won by Jay Schoonmaker - 49

 

     5 Limited Guns - Class won by Dan Moore - 40

 

     It was a grey, overcast, chilly day today, with the temperature hovering at 48degrees at gametime.  Well, we brought out all the heaters, lit them up and the temperature in the range building actually rose 2 degrees.  Chuck Treat, our Arrays Impressario, presented arrays series "D' today.  There were a few, very few, standard-sized green clay targets, but many, many orange micros.

As usual, they all led to the black micro in the middle.

     Array Series "D" is particularly diabolical.  Contrary to most target arrays, there is not a well defined path through most of the 5 series of targets.  One can either get right on a standard sized clay, then have to come to a screeching halt to engage an orange micro, or take care to properly engage an orange micro only to then be able to blaze through a green standard target.  Of course, then one must jam on the brakes again before engaging the black micro in the middle. 

      By round #4, all the standard sized clays are gone, so shooters can finally work on timing as they wade through the micros.

I don't know if Chuck Treat put a few standard sized clays in the mix to help or hinder the shooters, but the results are obvious.

Everyone except our winners suffered mightily today, and are going to have to practice and visualize their tasks considerably during the week if they are going to improve next week.

     Speaking of winners, in the Limited Class, with a score of 40, Dan Moore led the field of 5 Limited Class shooters.  Well done, Dan.

     Hotshot, GHSCs mascot Unicorn, almost got to take Jay Schoonmaker on a victory lap today.  Jay had a score of 49.

Oh, so close, and yet so far.  In a whispered confession after the match, Jay confided to this reporter that at one point he started thinking of a perfect 50 score, and that that was his undoing. 

     What we learn from this is not to look too far ahead, but just to the next pull of the trigger, the next target.  Whether we're dreaming of a perfect 50, a personal best score, or just a score we would like to achieve, follow the handgun competition Pros advice.  One of the top professional USPSA shooters of all time, Brian Enos, suggests that when starting a stage to "think of nothing". Just let it happen.  Most handgun competitors have been accused of "thinking of nothing"  for a long time, so we've had a lot of practice.  Still, contrary to many appearances, it's not as easy as one would think.  When one has a firm grasp of the fundamentals, and can "shoot from the subconscious", it becomes much esier.

     So, Dan Moore and Jay Schoonmaker led the way today. Come on back out next Sunday @ 4:00pm and see if they can do it again.  Remember also, that Next Sunday, November 1, 2009, we return to Pacific Standard Time, and we get an extra hour of sleep before the match.  Spring Forward, Fall Back.  Don't forget to reset your clocks, or you will arrive for the clays match in PLENTY of time. 

 

     In the meantime, always remember:  "Handgun competition isn't just about winning or losing.  What's important in handgun competition is how bad the winner beats the shooter in second place."    See ya next week:)

 

Hal

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shot gun results 10-18-09

 

Class A

Rob Potter..................................25.53

Mathew Seagraves...................30.59

Walter Root................................38.57

Christian Bynum........................38.67

Rebecca Potter.........................39.66

Leon Potter................................42.25

O.J..............................................43.20

Bo Stephens..............................45.45

Wolfgang Seagraves................45.52

Tlyar Powell................................57.87

 

Class C

Michael Huffman........................30.74

Walter Root................................35.18

 

 

October 20, 2009 Plate Match Report

25 Guns Entered   Match won by Rob Potter

     No juniors & only one lady, Tarrie McAlpin, uncontested

 

     14 young Bucks & Does - Class won by Scott Scheitzach

 

       5 Seniors - Class won by Mark Wuesthoff

 

       6 Super Seniors - Class won by George Flaherty

 

     Brrrrr!  After a hot summer, the blood isn't thickened up yet, and it felt cold outside.  At 52degrees & clear, there is no doubt the colder season is approaching rapidly.  Still, all the heaters were on, the shooters were dressed warmer, and the competition was very very warm indeed.  Everyone was comfortable and having fun.  Don't worry folks.  It'll get colder before it gets warmer.

     Many thanks to Matt Seagraves & OJ for setting up the stage.  Thanks go also to George Flaherty for running the scoretable.  Many thanks to Rob & Mark for taking turns as Line Marshall, along with others who stepped in where needed.  We got in 5 rounds plus the ""Sudden Death" finale, and a good time was had by all.   

     Welcome back to Scott Scheitzach after a long absence.  It's good to see you again.  And welcome to Derek Keith.  Derek has been shooting the Defensive Shotgun match, and decided to try his luck at plate shooting.  Hope you make it every week, Derek.

     We join the fray as George and Leon duel, with George winning this one.  In a blast from the past, Rob Potter and Scott Scheitzach square off for a really fast run.  It's apparent Scott's layoff didn't slow him down a bit, as he beats Rob to the wire.  George and Scott then duel, with Scott continuing his speed and accuracy with his revolver.  Mark Wuesthoff & Rob Potter square off next, with Rob winning a fast one. 

     George challenges Mark next, and beats him to the line, then pushes his luck too far by dueling with Rob. Not this time, George.  Rob & Mark duel next, with Rob winning, then Scott puts "paid" to Marks evening, exit Mark, our Senior Class winner this evening. To continue, Scott & George shoot to a  tie!  Reload!!  This time Scott wins the re-shoot, and squares off again against George.  Scott shows George the door, leaving George as our Super Senior Class winner tonight.  We are down to it, folks.

     It's Rob with 5 numbers, and Scott with 4.  They are the only ones left standing, and each of them has a handful of numbers to burn.  Rob immediately burns one of Scotts, leaving Rob with his 5, and Scott with 3.  The two square off again, and again Rob gets there first, leaving his 5, to Scotts 2.  The third duel between these two has Rob winning a really close one, Rob 5, Scott 1.  Scott isn't quitting yet folks, and in the next duel, Scott arrives first.  Rob 4, Scott 1. 

     Shooters, Load and make ready!!  Shooters Ready?  Stand by!!  At the horn Rob & Scott hammer the plates.  Tonight is just Rob's Night!  Duel, Match, and bragging rights for another week go to Rob Potter.  Don't feel bad Scott.  On your first night back you win the Young Bucks & Does Class.  Not bad after a long layoff.

     OK folks, that's it for another week.  Remember the Clays Match Sunday @ 4PM.  We hope to see you at next Mondays Plates Practice @ 5pm.  And of course, right here next Tuesday @ 6pm.  Every Tuesday at 6pm, except for National Holidays, we'll hold court at GHSC to determine the TOP GUN of the Plates.  See you then.

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 18, 2009 Clays Match Report

14 Guns Entered

 

     8 Open guns - Class won by Hal Hansen with a score of 46

 

     6 Limited Guns - Class won by Dan Moore with a score of 33

 

     Today dawned cool & overcast, with a temperature at the range of 59degrees.  Our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, presented target arrays series "C" today, with the targets being arranged differently than the last time we saw "Series C".

The targets today were different even than the arrays catalog shows.  Instead of standard sized green clays, today our standard sized clays were white.  In the interest of conformity with past series "C" arrays, there weren't very many standard sized clays, and they didn't hang around very long. 

     One persistent feature about array series "C"  was the separation between the main clusters of targets and the black micro in the middle.  Now instead of being directly adjacent to the objective black micro, there is the requirement to make a significant sweep in order to cover the center black micro, then completely set up again, all prior to engaging the black micro in the middle.

In addition to being a lot of fun, and challenging, Chucks target arrays are giving our clays competitors a wonderful education. 

     There are many aspects of shooting that excellent marksmanship  requires.  Sight picture and trigger prep are the two primary mechanical functions.  One may get by with a poor sight picture, but one learns one will NOT get away with poor trigger prep.

Proper stance is important, but one finds out in action shooting that one cannot always attain exactly the stance one wants.

The same goes for a good grip on the firearm.  One learns over time however, that if one stumbles and is ready to fall down, and barely has a grip sufficient to maintain control of the firearm, if the shooter gets an acceptable sight picture and good trigger prep, they will usually get their hit. 

     So it is also with the order of acquisition of the targets.  One learns when shooting clays that the path through the arrays that requires the least movement, with the quickest acquisition of the next target, is the fastest and surest way to engage the target arrays.  With each array, there is a "fastest" path.  Find that path, have a good grasp of the necessary fundamentals, and one can realistically expect to achieve their share of success in handgun competition.  Chuck, your arrays are excellent!! Good on ya!

     At the end of regulation play today, we have a couple of winners.  In the Limited Class, with a score of 33, was Dan Moore.

In the Open Class, with a score of 46, was this reporter, Hal Hansen.  Since we are talking about winners, let's thank the match staff; Doug McLean with his microphone, score sheet and lineup cards,  and our host and Match Director, Chuck Nicodemus for putting on such a fun, challenging and educational match. 

     While I'm making announcements, in case you haven't heard, Rob & Rebecca Potter are teaming up with Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club, to shortly begin putting on a Plate Match in Btemerton.  The more handgun competitions open to the public in America, the better for all of us.  Many thanks to Rob & Reba for all the help they have been to GHSCs plate matches over the years.  We at GHSC wish you the best in your new endeavors.  Remember Rob & Reba, the welcome mat will always be out for you both at GHSCs plate matches. We'll miss you. 

     Everyone keep in mind to come out on Monday evenings at 5PM each and every week for our Plate Practices.  And everyone keep coming out on Tuesday evenings at 6PM for GHSCs plate matches each & every week.The ONLY exceptions to those events will be in celebration of a national holiday, and those will be noted on the clubs website and by email.  So, until next weeks handgun competitions, always remember:

 

It's all about sight picture and trigger squeeze.  The rest is just there to confuse you.

 

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tactical Shotgun Results 10-11-09

 

Class A

Rob Potter.......................................26.61

Walter Root.....................................35.03

James Makinson............................37.03

Jim Skedd.......................................57.92

Rebecca Potter..............................43.46

Leon Potter.....................................47.93

Mathew Seagraves........................50.16

O.J....................................................50.53

Christian Bynum.............................85.39

 

Class B

Walter Root.....................................44.68

 

Class C

Christian Bynum............................63.88

 

 

The shotgun match, as we know it, will close on October 31. Thank you shooters and SOs for a great season. I had a great time and our safety record shows the Quality of the SOs and the Professional ethics of the shooters. Thank you all.................Walt