First varmint rifle match of the season
Yesterday, we had our first Varmint Riflle Match of 2013. Gary started this discipline at the shooting club last year and people really got interested in it. We even have several long range shooters participating in our matches!
North Dakota being true to itself threw us some cold weather and some wind as well, to make the whole thing interesting. Below is a view of where we shoot from:
And this is where we hang the targets (follow the red arrow), 200 yards away.
The target consists of 10 animal silhouettes of different sizes. The largest one is approx. 7″ and the smaller one, 3/4″. You definitely need a scope to see them, but then, who doesn’t have a scope on their varmint rifle? 
On this range, it’s hard to predict where the bullets will hit on windy days. We’ve been running the Varmint Rifle Match for a year and so far, the highest recorded score is 350-1X out of a maximum score of 400-10X. The second best score is 330-1X. On average, the scores are around 160-170.
We usually have around 12-14 shooters per match, but we always want more people, especially AR shooters. We give away certificates for the top 3 shooters in each class. I shoot in the AR class and it’s no fun when there are only 2 shooters in the category. You know you’re gonna get a certificate, you just don’t know which one. It’s much more of a challenge (and reward) if there are more than 3 shooters and that you might not place to earn a certificate! Yesterday was neat because we had 4 AR shooters (for the first time!) and I placed first. Hurray! 
Ok, it was a tie for first place with a score of 140-0X. We were going to have a shoot off. However, the other shooter had already put his gun away and conceided the victory. Thanks, Don!
To be honest though, I would have liked doing the shootoff. Oh well, maybe next time.
If you want to read more about our Varmint Rifle matches, visit this page where we explain in detail what it is. And if you’re in the area and want to try the challenge, be sure to come join us at our next match!
Can I bring my portable 105mm howitzer? I’ll need a bit more range than the 200 yards provids because in direct fire mode, I need about 200 yards before the fuze will arm. Also, I’ll need targets a bit larger than you describe. Something about the size of a house will do. And, oh, you can place the target at about 1800 meters down range. With my digital direct fire camera, should be able to hit that target within about 1 meter at that range. Thanks for considering my request.
Dear Mr. Large Caliber Shooter,
Thank you for your interest in participating in our Varmint Rifle Match. Unfortunately, the caliber of your varmint rifle exceeds the upper caliber range limitation by 13.779528 times. Additionally, the largest target is only 7″ tall and the smallest 3/4″. I’m afraid the diameter of your projectile would eliminate the entire backboard of the target.
Although a demonstration of the accuracy and the effectiveness of your weapon would undoubtebly be entertaining, neighboring farm houses would be in jeopardy. Also, there is a requirement that the varmint rifle be shoulder mounted. If you feel you are up to the task under that requirement, I’m sure we could make an exception just to see you shoot it.
Again, we thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
G. Vennie, Range Officer