Re: 2012 K & M Precision Rifle Competition - 3-4 March
I ended up grabbing a flight last night instead of today so I got back a few hours early.
Man, what a great match, if this is an example of what Shannon & Brian can do in 8 weeks, imagine what it will be like in 8 months. The place they built is top notch and like the others said, designed to train shooters and host matches. So well thought out with a central pavilion and lots of challenging stages. Guys, you can be proud of the facility you built.
The Competition / Course of Fire they designed was excellent. The entire match was a challenge and we didn't waste any rounds for the sake of driving up the round count. What we shot had value in both competitiveness and training. It gave you the ability to learn something from every mistake as well as every hit. Great job on putting that together, it's a tough balance and you did it well.
Thanks to all the ROs, you guys did an excellent job of moving the competitors, being consistent and fair to all. The flow of the match was very good, and that was all thanks to you guys and girls who manned the firing lines.
To all the competitors, you men and women were there fighting the rain, hitting the targets and making it look easy despite the difficult conditions and challenging course of fire. Every one was safe and speedy, which made the match truly enjoyable for me.
This was the first time back shooting a national level match of any kind since at least 2007, and while things have changed, it was great seeing everyone there, a bit like a home coming which is always nice. I appreciate all the kind words from everyone I was able to shake hands with.
My Special Shout out's:
First and foremost to my Team Blaster partner in crime, Nomad, thanks for letting me be a part of the crew and shoot under the Team Blaster banner. Great job on the Side match win and the support you provided, before, during & after the match. It made the weekend fun, every minute. It never felt like chore because we were able to keep it light and breezy, and that is what it is all about.
To Terry Cross, sir, it was awesome shooting alongside you all weekend, and just being able to see you an catch up. I was so glad you were right in front of me so I can learn how to execute a stage effectively, because watching you shoot it just smooth. I had a great time, and being a squad like we had really helped me get back into the swing of things.
George Gardner, always a pleasure.
You were definitely the unsung hero of the weekend and your hard work didn't go unnoticed. Thanks a bunch for everything as always...
I want to shout out to the PRS guys, Rich, Wade, Kevin, Morris' Tim, John, etc... the whole crew. You guys definitely set the bar to a new level, you can't make a single mistake around these guys nor can you play a stage safe. These guys are there to win it and they know how to get the job done. I appreciate the civil conversations regardless of where we might disagree. John great job on the win !
Scott Parks, Outstanding match, you were on fire ! The level of support you and Vortex are giving this community is second to none. Not only are you there shooting alongside everyone and rocking the competition, you're pouring in more support than anyone else I know. If you are reading this, Vortex Optics IS the gold standard for supporting the shooting community.
Rogan, Don, Ryan, Jeff Badley et al, nice job guys and way to support the community. good seeing you and being able to have a laugh. Jeff outstanding shooting, you are hardcore competitor and I really like watching you do those run and gun stages. If you want to see a lesson in fast & accurate, Jeff is the man.
To the Sponsors, I want to thank you for supporting the community. I know there are a lot of choices out there for matches to support and it is tough. But your efforts are noted and we really appreciate everything you put on the table.
Guys look at who is supporting this community... these are the companies and people you need to supporting with your money.
Finally my personal thanks,
To Andrew McCourt, Dude the ammo was smoking. FYI for the readers, I was planning on bringing my AW rifle, but after looking at the buzz i decided to change my mind a bit. However Andrew had created me a load for my 21" 260 barrel using a 139gr Scenar... he sent this FLA ahead of time for me. One Tuesday I switched to a bit lighter rifle opting to use a braked 260 at 24" instead of running my suppressor on the AW. This ammo was a laser... on the Tuesday before the match Andrew had a box of 50 to my house so I could zero the match ammo to my new rifle and and chronograph it. I ran the whole match based off that data printed out, and never once chased my data. It was accurate / consistent and I can see once the rust is knocked off, me competing for the win using McCourt Munitions.
Mile High Shooting, to Diann, Randy and especially Adam, right before the match when I decided to switch rifles, I brought my GAP Barreled Action to Mile High for an AX Chassis. I know the recoil lug was way too big for the AX Chassis, but Adam milled it down and fit it. We assembled and adjusted it there in shop, I set the scope up on their floor and then took it to the indoor range to zero. The decision was the right one, the AX chassis was just what this competition wanted. It fit me like a glove. Thanks.
Trigger Time Gun Club, thanks to Paul & Co for a great indoor Centerfire Range. Had snow, cold and all those conditions you find in Denver to not want to hit the outside range. I was able to zero & chronograph indoors before the match which was a life saver for me.
Well this has been too long winded as it is... I appreciate the invite from Shannon and Pimp Skittles there... and truly enjoyed myself. You will see me again, and again, thank you again. Looking forward to the GAP Fall Match @ K&M.
