My thoughts on scoring in the new long range match

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Short story is, I like it!

I tried out a new range yesterday that I thought might be more convenient than my usual National Forrest range.  I never considered going there before because you're limited to 50 and 100 yard targets only on the rifle range and before I got my Marauder I didn't have a reason to shoot that far.  Now, with the N.U.A.H. club and the long range match, I have fallen in love with the challenge of shooting low power at long distance.

I wasn't thrilled with the range, an hour after opening it already had a couple dozen people (not counting the half dozen RSO's) between the rifle and adjacent pistol range.  It was only 15 minutes closer, cramped, loud, and target changes happened every half hour.  It could work in a pinch, and I could get used to the target change timing but it just wasn't for me.  I readily admit most of it is because I've become spoiled by being an early riser and getting to the NF range at sunrise and having it to myself for hours before anyone else shows up.

Enough about where I shot the targets, this is about what I thought after scoring them.

I shot two targets, one to get sighted in and start seeing what the wind was doing and one to actually try for a match submission.  Not my best target, and not my official submission unless I can't get to another range before this round closes but I like scoring "out".  When the pellet touches a line you get the LOWER score not the higher.  If we were scoring "in" on our targets, I would have shot a 48, scoring "out" gives me a 46.  Sure 48 sounds better but in my opinion, 46 more accurately describes the group.

I think being able to put 5 shots inside a 4" circle at 100 yards with an airgun is a FANTASTIC accomplishment and I think anyone who gains membership in N.U.A.H. shows remarkable skill.  Personally I love the challenge I am now presented with to see if I can do better.

I'm not sure if I can get across what I'm thinking but I feel like scoring "out" rewards consistently accurate shots on the bull and makes getting a higher score mean more to me.

Blue