Morpheus

Hold on...let's not forget the traditional prone rifles - shot with a sling and iron sights. Not everyone wants to shoot with a scope and a kickstand!

These words kept coming to my mind as he was whining: Petulant Child King.

Click on the bottom right where it says "Search and Apply for Nissan Jobs". We have hired six new mechanical engineers in my department in the last two months.   http://nissan.jobs/

  I was not there on the 16th, only on Sunday the 17th.

Bumping this up again before the NRA-Approved part of the season starts up next month.

I run these matches at AEDC. Everything you need to know is right here:   http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3797681.0   It's too much of a pain posting everything on 10 different websites so I put everything all on the Accurate Shooter website. We also have an e-mail distribution list. If you want to get on it, send me an e-mail: jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com   I started a thread on TGO too:   http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/56326-2013-aedc-high-power-competition-master-schedule-tullahoma-tn/

That sounds great. With a 400-yard zero and the right scope elevation estimate, you should be OK as far as sighting in, and we can help you in case you're not. We are always happy to have a new father-son team join us. I look forward to seeing you out there.

  Great idea. I think you would still get a lot out of it even if you just came out to watch for the day. I might even be able to get one of the F-Class shooters to let you try and shoot a few rounds with one of their rifles at the end of the match.

Just a suggestion: Best idea might be for you to watch the first 1,000-yard match, shoot the next match at 600, then the next one at 1,000. Trying out a rifle you aren't confident in at 1,000 yards the first time doesn't always go well, but 600 yards tends to be a lot more forgiving.

Rather than assume, use the ballistic calculator link I posted and check what it says. Some people do shoot .223 (built specifically for this purpose) at 1,000 yards, so it can be done, but use the calculator to check for yourself. I would recommend this to everyone planning to bring a rifle to an LR match the first time.

  These are all good questions.   Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian since both competitors and spectators must sign a release waiver before the competition begins. F-Class restricts caliber to .34" but AEDC range rules prohibit calibers larger than .308 diameter. You could shoot a .300 Win Mag., but your teeth might start to come loose before the day ends, especially with a lightweight hunting rifle (not sure what you actually have, sorry). It's really up to you.   If you have a brake on this rifle, make sure you let us know at check-in so we can make the appropriate squadding decisions. If you have not shot past 200 yards, but you follow my suggestions listed above, you should be OK. Do not take these suggestions lightly, however, if you want the day to be productive and fun. Make absolutely sure your scope actually does dial up that far. Without a 20 or 30 MOA rail installed, many scopes cannot cover the elevation requirements. All that being said, we like to have new shooters join us, especially those that do their homework ahead of time.   Another option to consider is to just show up and watch at our first match in January, get all your questions answered, and then show up and shoot at the 600 and then 1,000-yard matches in February. That would be a good way to ease your way into it.   Hopefully we will see you out there.   Jim

Shooters, Here is the master schedule for Across-the-Course (XTC), Mid Range, and Long Range matches run by MidSouth Marksmen at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) rifle range in Tullahoma, TN. If you have any specific questions, please be sure to contact the appropriate match director listed at the bottom of the schedule page. I can also put you on our distribution list for further updates for Mid/Long-Range matches so you can keep informed on any future changes or match cancellations (send e-mail with your name to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com). i will also send you the official match programs for your further reading enjoyment. Please note that Across-the-Course (XTC) matches are run separately by Mark Long. In an effort to further welcome new shooters who may not have the exact "proper" equipment, we are going to relax one of the NRA rules for the "club" Long/Mid-Range "slow-fire prone" (F-Class and Sling) matches that we conduct at the beginning of the year (1/20, 2/16, 2/17). Since these are intended to be "tune-up" matches and the scores are not sent to the NRA, we will not enforce the rule prohibiting muzzle brakes and/or suppressors for just these matches (1/20, 2/16, 2/17). So as not to "offend" other shooters, we may end up putting those with muzzle brakes at one end of the range and/or shooting at the same time, but hey - at least you will get a chance to try out this type of competition and see if it's something you want to pursue further. I don't make the rules, but as match director, I do need to follow them later in the year. If you are a new shooter, we will pair you up with an experienced competitor to show you the ropes. Even if you show up holding hands with your buddy and need to share equipment, please be forewarned that we will accommodate your equipment needs somehow, but will pair you up with an experienced shooter for the day to ensure the overall safety and efficiency of the match. No big deal - most of the grizzled veterans do not bite. You will learn more this way. For new shooters, make sure: You have a solid 200-yard zero (or longer if possible) You have a basic idea of your muzzle velocity, and the "come-ups" for 600 and/or 1,000 yards (http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj-5.1.cgi) Your scope actually adjusts up this much (in elevation) from your 200-yard (or whatever) zero Your load or factory ammo results in the bullet still being supersonic at 1,000 yards (approximately 1,080 fps) if you plan to shoot in a 1,000-yard match. Please note that Federal Gold Medal Match or Black Hills .308 168 grain Sierra MatchKing factory ammo has a TERRIBLE record at staying supersonic at 1,000 yards. Don't bring this ammo. 175 SMK factory loads are better. You have a bipod (for F-T/R with a .308 or .223) or a front rest for other cartridges. Or, if you're really up for a challenge, try prone/sling. You have read over the F-Class rules (http://compete.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/HPR/hpr-book.pdf). Prone/sling rules are in here too, but recently more of the newbies have been F-Class. You have enough ammo (for newbies at least 60 rounds for a 40-shot match), a shooting mat, earplugs, eye protection, empty chamber indicator, etc. All the "normal" shooting equipment, but if you don't have a spotting scope, there are usually enough extra ones around to share. You have a method to single-load your rifle (firing from a magazine containing multiple rounds is not allowed). Shooting with an empty magazine in place is OK - just don't load in multiple rounds. Most importantly, you need to have a good attitude. Pride is one of the main factors that limits new shooters. Many guys starting out, regardless of experience, feel they are pretty good shots. Guess what - you're not going to win the match your first time out. No one else really cares if you look bad, but we are here to help you if you are willing to put in the time and effort. We all started out at the bottom. Many can't handle the realization that they need to work on developing shooting skills. They drift away and we never see them again. Or maybe they just think this type of shooting is boring. Regardless, we don't belittle anyone who shoots "poorly", and you really do have to work at becoming good. Here is your opportunity. This is not going to be a new shooters clinic, per say, but we will do our best to accommodate newbies, and are especially appreciative if they pay attention to the suggestions I listed above. Last year we had several new shooters join us at our January match, and they have since become part of the strong core group of regular competitors at our matches. See you out there. Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN

...or just read this book (per my first post): http://www.appliedba..._files/Book.htm It is the new standard reference for this particular subject. For long-range known-distance shooting, the key factors are how long the bullet is subjected to the unpredictable wind influence (time of flight), and how well the shape of the bullet is able to resist the unpredictable wind influence (ballistic coefficient). Again, for known distance shooting, the elevation adjustment is relatively unimportant since it is much more predictable with altitude, temperature, and barometric pressure inputs producing a predictable result. The difference between a good long-range known-distance shooter and a great one is their ability to observe the unpredictable wind influence and determine what to do about it. Come out to our 1,000-yard match this Sunday at AEDC in Tullahoma and see these factors put to the test by some of the state's top shooters.

The difference really shows up at longer distances. All else being equal, a heavier, slightly-slower bullet with proper design retains its velocity better than a lighter, slightly faster bullet, and this results in less wind drift. The bullet drop itself is relatively meaningless for known-distance shooting since it is PREDICTABLE and can easily be accounted for every time with the same basic amount of elevation adjustment. The advantage comes in at longer distances when the design of the bullet is such that it resists the influence of wind better, the total time of flight is less to the target way out there, and the exposure to UNPREDICTABLE wind condition is reduced. These are just the basics. If you really want a full treatment on this subject, I recommend Bryan Litz's book.

Shooters, Here is a reminder that Warren County Rifle Club will hold an NRA-Approved Long-Range match on Sunday 5/27/2012 at AEDC in Tullahoma, TN. We will celebrate Memorial Day weekend by awarding a patriotic plaque to the top finisher in F-Open, F-T/R, and Prone/Sling (3 awards total, please see the attached photo). At our last holiday-weekend match the day before Easter, we had 49 competitors join us. We hope to have at least that many shooters this time. This match is being held the day after the TN/AL State Championship for Across-the-Course at the same location so some of you may consider making this a two-day event. Registration will begin at 8:00 am CDT and will close at 8:30 am CDT. Please be sure to arrive by 8:00 so we can begin squadding and get things moving quickly. The program is 3x20x1000 with unlimited sighters. Cost is $20 per shooter. These matches are open to F-Class, Prone, Palma, and Service Rifle. Please understand ahead of time that due to limited funds, we will present just one award to the overall highest-scoring prone/sling shooter, and will not require specific sighting equipment or cartridge for each of the three 20-shot prone/sling matches. You decide how you want to shoot if you are shooting prone/sling. The overall highest shooter in F-Open, F-T/R, and Prone/Sling will each get a plaque. I hope to see you out there. Thank you, Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN Range Location: Arnold Center Rifle Range, near Tullahoma, Tennessee, Arnold Air Force Base (AEDC). Take I-24 to exit 117. Turn toward the Arnold Center and travel about 8.5 miles to a brown sign that says "Arnold Rifle Range". The next road on the right, past the sign is B-5. Turn right onto B-5 and travel 1 mile to the range complex. p.s. – Please send an e-mail to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com if you would like to be on our mailing list for future matches.

Keep in mind that an angled eyepiece is very necessary if you want to use it while shooting (as opposed to astronomy, birdwatching, etc). Come to one of our F-Class matches and check out what everyone is using, ask questions, and see if they will let you look through them yourself (I am guessing most competitors will).

I shoot 1,000-yard F-Class and Prone. The most common scope I see at 1,000-yard matches (and what I have) is the Kowa 821N (82mm objective), typically with the 27x eyepiece with long-eye relief and the angled eyepiece. This specific model makes up about 50-75% of the scopes I see people using, both for F-Class and long-range prone. Trouble is, they don't make it any more, but Kowa has a replacement for it: http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/KOWA_TSN-82SV_82MM_SPOTTING_SCOPE.html Get the best scope you can afford, with a 60-80mm objective, 25-30 power, and an angled eyepiece configuration. In my opinion, more than 25-30 power is not necessary. Sure, there's plenty of other options, and someone will certainly chime in with a contrary idea, but this is what most people end up with once they get more match experience. The main functions are to score for others, and to read mirage when you yourself are shooting. Some people use their scope when they are actually shooting their strings in F-Class, some don't. All sling shooters use the scope while shooting (except during team matches). The ability to read mirage is what separates a mediocre scope from a good scope from a great scope. Since at 1,000 yards, the game is all about reading the wind, it's worth spending the money since you typically get what you pay for. If you are serious about competing, this is not a place to try and do it on the cheap, since you will most likely end up wanting a better scope anyway. Besides, you can also use it for astronomy. We were just looking at Jupiter and it's moons last weekend - very cool. PM me if you want more advice, or just talk to me at the 1,000-yard F-Class match we are running at AEDC next weekend.

I don't think it's the "agonizing wait" so much as the confusion about how to continue fully supporting the site. I am just seeking a little clarity since I was notified my subscription is expiring via an e-mail two days ago, but thus far I am not allowed to do anything about it. It's not clear from the e-mail or any other info I can find that I need to wait for my current subscription to expire before I am even allowed to renew. Perhaps the e-mail notifying you that your subscription is expiring could make this process a tad more clear.

Mine expires today, but despite wanting to I can't renew yet either. I was hoping I would magically be allowed to tomorrow, but now I have my doubts...

Shooters, Here is a reminder that the Warren County Rifle Club will hold its first NRA-Approved Long-Range match of the season on Saturday 4/07/2012 (day before Easter). Scores will be sent in to the NRA for shooter classification, etc. Registration will begin at 8:00am CDT and first rounds will go down range at ~9:00am. Please be sure to arrive by 8:00 so we can begin squadding and get things moving quickly. The program is 3x20x1000 with unlimited sighters. Cost is $20 per shooter. These matches are open to F-Class, Prone, Palma, and Service Rifle. If everything goes according to plan, we should have 2-3 new winds flags in time for this next match. I have attached the revised AEDC LR/MR match schedule (v4) with a few cancellations/additions due to National Guard conflicts. Directions to the range are listed on the schedule. If you would like the match program for this and other NRA-Approved matches this season, please send me an e-mail (I can't attach a 4-page jpeg image). The LR F-Class TN State Championship program for Labor Day weekend will be distributed separately at a later date. Please join us for these matches. We encourage new shooters to attend and we have many willing and able veterans who would be happy to assist you getting started. If you have any other questions, please let me know and I will try to get you an answer ASAP. Thank you, Jim Sokolowski Franklin, TN p.s. - If you would like to be added to the distribution list for future updates, please send an e-mail with your contact info to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com

Just make sure your bullets are not subsonic before they reach the target.

You should attend this clinic in Oak Ridge. It is designed for new long-range shooters: http://www.tngunowne...g-range-clinic/

I don't believe there is a minimum, but minors should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Shooters, Despite our best hopes for mild weather in mid-February, the current forecast indicates that neither day offers a long enough break in the weather to complete a match. I have consulted with the B&G and WCRC Match Directors and we have decided to cancel the matches on both days. Jim Sokolowski

Shooters, Good news. We have added 2 more 1,000-yard match dates to the 2012 AEDC schedule. Both are on holiday weekends, which might be tough for some, but this also makes it less likely that they will be cancelled for National Guard training. Sat 4/7: Day before Easter, replaces the 4/1 date cancelled earlier. 3x20x1,000 NRA Approved. Sun 5/27: Day before Memorial Day, new date since another club no longer plans to use this date. 3x20x1,000 NRA Approved. Please refer to the updated schedule I have attached (v3). I also put directions to the range on it this time for people who haven't been out there before.