Re: Hello from upstate ny!
Codi,
I'm a local guy in your area. You should look into some of the local clubs. Just outside of Syracuse is a great club .
http://camillussportsmensclub.com/news.php. They offer all aspects of shooting. From handgun, shotgun, bench rest, and high-power and indoor rifle (small-bore). This club has summer and winter leagues. And is a great opportunity to get involved in shooting.
Some of the great league guys have moved on (gotten old now shooting bench rest or shotgun). But the experience is still there if you are willing to learn and ask questions, they love toying with the kids. That’s what they still refer to me and I’m 48.
When you become a member the club will consider loaning you a rifle if you are interested in high-power and they do have the latest DCM black guns from bushmaster.
I started shooting there myself some years ago and had the opportunity to meet and compete with the best shooters in the world. I’ve had the pleasure to shoot on the US Rifle team in Canada. I have had an opportunity to try out for the USA Palma team and compete with the best of the best in a week of 1000 yard shooting. One of our club shooters won the day match with the high score of that day. One of our club members has shot a perfect Palma score of 450, And was the coach for junior indoor rifle league. The club president is a former NYS high power rifle champ, and they hold a camp perry record (team match) for long range. Now this is some time ago. But the knowledge of the original guys is still there. As a former member of the rifle team and shooter there I’ve had the pleasure to meet many of the countries best shooters. Mostly long range as my expertise has pushed me toward Palma type shooting. Though, my true passion is for high power. It really is the rifleman’s sport. There really is only a small group of great shooters and as you compete you will always see the same group of great people with the same passion for shooting.
I’ve been away from shooting completely for some time. And younger participation is low. But I feel a need to get involved with some younger enthusiastic shooters to spark the interest again. So I hope you would consider checking out the link I’ve included. Hopefully with renewed interest we and others can encourage the youth to show an interest in the shooting sports.
Arborpro