September 6, 2003

HIS MATCH WASN'T SHOT on the usual weekend for the High Country Cowboys, since there was a scheduling conflict at the range. Nevertheless, there was a pretty good turnout, and we had a nice day to boot.

My notes were pretty sketchy for this match, and the stages were the same ones we shot two weekends ago, so this will be a brief entry.

Stage One: The Nevada
As the name implies, all the targets on this stage were shot in a Nevada sweep. The first pistol fired at three targets starting at the left to right. The second pistol fired the opposite way (right to left). Five rifle targets got nine rounds in another Nevada sweep. There were a pair of clay birds set into an iron "Y" bracket for the shotgun. I knew I missed twice -- once with each hand.

Stage Two: Sweep Agin
Another set of Nevada sweeps here. Begin at the left window and fire a revolver at three targets with a Nevada Sweep, then move to the door. Retrieve the rifle and fire 10 rounds on four targets in a Nevada sweep. Secure the rifle and move to the right window to shoot another three targets with the second pistol. Step back to the doorway, pick up the shotgun and fire at the two swingers. I missed two targets again, one with the rifle, one with the right-hand revolver.

Stage Three: Stand and Deliver!
Standing in the doorway, put five shots on three targets in a Nevada sweep, then pick up the rifle. Double-tap each of the four targets. Set the rifle down, grab the shotgun and hit a pair of swingers four times, 1-2, 1-2. Finish with the other pistol, another Nevada sweep on three targets. I managed to miss the last shot with my Winchester. This wasn't exactly the best shooting I've ever done...

Stage Four: To the Right
All of the target strings on this particular stage would begin at the right side. Standing at the right window, draw the first pistol and fire a five-round Nevada sweep on three targets, starting, of course, with the target to the right. Move to the doorway, pick up the rifle begin at the rightmost of five targets for a nine-round Nevada sweep. Get the shotgun and hit a pair of targets once each (start with the right target!), then step to the left window and use the second sixgun to put one round on the right target and four on the left. I hit all the targets this time, but earned a procedural penalty (and added ten seconds to my time) when I forgot about the "begin on the right" rule with the shotgun: I shot the leftmost target first. Dang!

Stage Five: The Outhouse
Stand outside the privy, then open the door and step inside. Through the open back fire the pistols, five shots on one target with each gun, then move back outside. Retreive the rifle from the hay bale and alternate 10 shots on two targets. I missed a pistol shot with my left hand.

Stage Six: Mercy Snakes!
The shotgun stage. A clay pigeon on a stand to shoot at from the hip, three "snakes" in a sandbox, and a steel snake in the woods for a single rifle shot. Four chances to bust the clay from the hip, and after that the shooter can shoulder the shotgun and take it out that way. It took me three tries to hit the bird, and then five more shells to kick the three snakes from the pit. I did manage to hit the snake with the carbine, at least.

As I mentioned, this match wasn't the finest outing I've ever had, but even "bad" shooting is fun! The stats of the day: