Dallas Field Target Club Matches (Announcements and Results)

[DFWdude]

Dallas Field Target Club Match Results... Feb.11, 2017

After cancelling our Dec match due to the weather, we couldn’t have found better temperatures for Saturday’s Feb. 11, Dallas FT Club Match.  At match time it was a sunny 71º, and by match end it was a balmy 85º.  This is February, right?

The only problem…  The warm weather also brought lots of wind, from manageable 5-10mph breezes, to 20-35mph gusts, seemingly at random.  With winter foliage (read no foliage) on the trees, the wind was free to cause havoc at the most unexpected times.


Still, we were pleased to see 23 shooters appear to have fun.  For the first time in memory, we had more piston shooters (7-WFTF and 4-Hunter) than Hunter PCP participants.  Kevin Enzian did an excellent job running the proceedings as Match Director.  Thanks, Kevin.

The course of fire was 60 shots, spread among 10 lanes (3 per lane), including 6 kneeling and 6 standing shots.  The course was designed to increase the Standard Deviation overall, to 10.8.  This meant that no KZ was smaller than 3/4”, the average KZ being 1-1/4” over an average distance of 30.5 yards.  The resulting course difficulty was an AAFTA minimum 28 Troyer (before wind).

Welcome back to four friends who made long trips… Matt Sawyer, Leo Duran, Robert Droege and Jim Clarke.  And welcome aboard to some new shooters trying out the game… Jack Judd, Jonathan Rebmann, William Quiles, and his son Alexander. 

The scores were not as good as a 28 Troyer would have predicted, certainly due to the wind.  Match High score was only 80%, a 48/60, shot by Bob Dye in Hunter PCP.  Matt Sawyer won the WFTF Piston Class with a 42.  Mike Vredenburg shot the high score in Open PCP with a 39.  And newcomer Jack Judd shot a fine 27 to win Hunter Piston, matching Curtis Eskind’s 27 in Open Piston.  William Quiles led three Fun Rifle shooters with an 81/120 score. 

There were two target malfunctions, so these were credited to all.  However, not all scorecards reflected this.  So in double checking scores after the match, I made several adjustments to add points to half a dozen scores.  The scoreboard below reflects the revised match scores.

All in all, a great start to the 2017 Field Target season!

Click image below for larger size...

[jentry]

Bob and Dallas FT, thanks for hosting a very fun shoot! I had a blast for my first time and look forward to getting out again soon.

[DFWdude]

Our next Dallas FT Club Field Target Rifle/Pistol match will be at 9:30am, Saturday, April 8 at Elm Fork.

The range will open for sight-in at 8:00 or so.  Please try to arrive by 8:30 to sign-in, and practice.  The required Safety meeting will begin promptly at 9:15am (You will not be able to shoot if you miss this meeting).  Shuttle golf carts will run as in the past, but if you arrive at the parking lot a the cart is not there, call cell number 214-493-9225.

This will be a 52-56 shot rifle match, followed by a 36-40 shot pistol match.  PLEASE, let me know (rd3294 at tx.rr.com) if you intend to shoot rifle, AND whether you want to shoot the pistol match as well.  RSVPs will determine whether we have the pistol match.  We've welcomed several new shooters lately.  So if you are one of them and you need to borrow equipment, let me know in your reply so I can recruit someone to share with you.

The match fee will be $20 per person ($15 for Club members).  Shoot the pistol match for free.   As always, $10 of this is paid to Elm Fork and does not benefit DFTC.  Please bring cash. 

2017 Club memberships for 2017 are still available... $25 for the whole year, with the usual $5 per match discount.  (Pay your membership April 8 and shoot the match for just $15.)

So, mark your calendar and let me know (reply to sender only) that you plan to join us April 8!

As a reminder, directions to Elm Fork are here... www.dallasftclub.org

[DFWdude]

Dallas Field Target Club Match Results... Apr. 8, 2017

Saturday dawned a pleasant 65° with sunny skies, but blustery winds.  In these parts, the Texas rollers usually build in the afternoon as the temps rise.  But on this day, the wind appeared at daybreak, steady at 10-15 mph, and gusting to near 30-35 mph throughout the match.  A real challenge that affected everyone... well, nearly everyone.

The course of fire was 52 shots, two targets on each of 13 lanes.  This included 4-shots kneeling and 4 shots standing.  Elm Fork Shooting Sports came through by mowing the 2-3 feet tall weeds in the common areas and our large sight-in range.

While I had carefully carved wind-protected lanes in the tall weeds the day before, they also mowed down five of these shooting lanes into a broad field.  This exposed a huge area to the winds forecasted for Saturday.  Not as planned, but whatever.   

I’d like to think the gusty wind promised scared away some folks.  In the end, we had 18 intrepid shooters show up to challenge themselves in some guaranteed tricky conditions.



Kevin Enzian reserved himself an exclusive place in the “zone” for the day, leaving everyone behind with a Hunter PCP score of 47/52, missing only one, non-forced position shot.  Stellar performance, Kevin.

Mike Vredenburg shot the next highest score, a 42/52 in Open Class.  Don Carmack posted the third highest score, 40/52, in Hunter PCP, followed closely by Terry Vanpool’s 39.

Tim L's spiffy rifle...


Matt Sawyer used an HW97 borrowed from an always generous Jeff Cloud to post a 31/52 in WFTF Piston, six shots better than Jeff (how rude, hehe).  Tony Vaserfirer brought a new rifle to shoot a 27, to win Hunter Piston.

The Egret has performed well since Feb…


We’re fortunate to have several new folks trying FT in N. Texas.  One of the minor challenges is to keep the matches on a timely track, so we can shoot a pistol match in the early afternoon.  At this match, we used timers on every 2nd or third lane to coach people along and provide a hint of what will be expected at the September Rep of Texas GP.  No penalties for running out the timer, but rather to make people aware... and it worked.

Brad V. shoots standing...


Thanks to all for coming to the match.  Our next will be on Saturday, June 10.  Here are the Results.

[DFWdude]

Our next Dallas FT Club Field Target Rifle match will be at 9:00am, Saturday, June 10 at Elm Fork in Irving, TX. This is a half hour earlier than last time since sunrise is now earlier for the Summer.

The range will open for sight-in at 7:45 or so.  Please try to arrive by 8:20 to sign-in, and practice.  The required Safety meeting will begin promptly at 8:50am (You will not be able to shoot if you miss this safety meeting).  Shuttle carts will run as in the past from the parking lot to the dedicated AG range.

This will be a 48-56 shot rifle match, followed (for sure this time) by a 36-40 shot pistol match.  Several people have bought FT pistols recently, so this is your chance to play with it.  You may also practice shooting fun rifle during the pistol match if you want.

PLEASE, let me know (here or in email) if you intend to shoot rifle, AND whether you want to shoot the pistol match as well.  RSVPs will determine how may lanes we set for pistol.  Several of you are new to the game, so if you want to sample equipment, let me know in your reply so we can recruit someone to share with you (rifle or pistol).

Just a reminder... We've learned with experience that June is Chigger month in N. Texas.  So we will have sulfur powder to splash on your legs.  You can also bring your own repellent, especially good for the skeeters if the wind lays down.

As usual, the match fee will be $20 per person ($15 for Club members).  Shoot the pistol match for free.   As always, $10 of this is paid to Elm Fork and does not benefit DFTC.  Please bring cash.  Click the link in my signature below for directions posted on the club website.

So, mark your calendar and let me know (reply to sender only) that you plan to join us June 10!

[DFWdude]

Our next Dallas FT Club Field Target Rifle match will be at 9:00am, Saturday, August 12 at Elm Fork in Irving, TX.  Note this is a half hour earlier than our April match, since sunrise is now earlier for the summer and we want to conclude the match before it gets too hot in the afternoon.

The range will open for sight-in at 7:45 or so.  Please try to arrive by 8:20 to sign-in, and practice.  The required Safety meeting will begin promptly at 8:50am (You will not be able to shoot if you miss this safety meeting).  Shuttle carts will run as in the past.

This will be a 48-56 shot rifle match.  You have this match, and one other remaining in which to practice before the Rep of TX Grand Prix, Sept 23-24 at Arlington.

Because it is now quite hot, please indicate in reply here or via email whether you want to shoot a pistol/practice rifle match after the morning rifle match.  Several people have bought FT pistols recently, so this is your chance to play with it   Plus, this might also be your last chance to practice pistol prior to RoT.

PLEASE, let me know (reply here) if you intend to participate (rifle and pistol, please).  Your RSVP allows me to determine how many score cards to print, complete some preliminary squading, and determine if anyone wants to sample equipment, so we can recruit someone to share with you (rifle or pistol).

We will have bottled water available along with sulfur powder for chigger control.  You can also bring your own repellent, especially good for skeeters if the wind lays down.

As usual, the match fee will be $20 per person ($15 for Club members).  Shoot the pistol match for free.   As always, $10 of this is paid to Elm Fork and does not benefit DFTC.  Please bring cash.

So, mark your calendar and let me know (reply here) that you plan to join us Aug. 12!

[DFWdude]

Match Results… Dallas Field Target Club, August 12, 2017

It was hotter than blue blazes at our Aug.12 match.  Not a cloud in the sky, 87° and 90% humidity at 9am, with nary a hint of breeze in the air. 96° before match end just after noon.  Typical Summer in the South. 

Our Sighting Range…



We had 17 folks show up for this one.  I quickly noted in the shooter’s meeting that it was possible for clouds to develop at noon (hooray) accompanied by possible showers (boo), so I invited everyone to shoot as quickly as they could while being safe.

We got started at 9:15 and ended around 12:15, so thanks to all for wanting to get off the range before we all roasted.  So happy we didn’t try to hold a pistol match in the mid-afternoon.

The match was a typical 52 shots, over 13 lanes (4 shots each), with one kneeling and one standing lane.  The difficulty was 31T.  The summer foliage is in full bloom, so a couple lanes were very dark in the woods, making range finding a challenge for all.

The conditions didn’t seem to bother our match winner, Mike Vredenburg, who missed only 5 to post an excellent 47/52.

Mike Vredenburg shooting 7/8 in the two forced position lanes (3/4 kneeling)… Jerry Cox keeping score...



Jeff Cloud is proving he REALLY likes his new Whiscombe JW50, posting a wonderful 45/52 in WFTF Piston. 

Jeff Cloud showing what can be done with an expensive,  old springer… (Nice socks, hehe)…



Hunter Class was a real barn-burner… or was it a solar brushfire?  Terry Vanpool’s fine 41 edged out Kevin Enzian’s 40, which beat Bob Dye’s 40, by virtue of fewer longer shots missed.  Brad Vanpool claimed 4th with a 36, with Paul Kocurek close behind in  5th with 35/52.

Speaking of Kevin… He was kind enough to share is rifle and knowledge with newcomer Eugene Weinstein, who doesn’t own an airgun, but shot his first match to a 34 score (wow).

Southern Texan Jim Clarke took Hunter Piston honors with a fine 35 (seen here kneeling)…



Thanks to all who came out on a very hot day to have some FT fun.  Our next Dallas FT Club match will be October 14, to provide some practice for anyone going to the November Nationals.

Full results are below.



---------------------------------------------

Tony Vaserfirer soldiering on with his R1…



Buddy Holland in the open lanes of our range…



Johnny Nabors shooting offhand with his new HW100…



Brad Vanpool in the shade (mostly)…

[TwiceHorn]

Thanks to Kevin, Buddy and Bob (and anyone I may be leaving out) for setting this up in some pretty nasty weather.  Hopefully the last one in those conditions for a while.

[Back_Roads]

 One of these years I hope to travel to TX , visit relation , and find some shootin time. Hope to see you soon

[DFWdude]

Our next Dallas FT Club Field Target Rifle match will be at 9:30am, Saturday, October 14 at Elm Fork, east of the DFW airport. Note this is a half hour later than our last match, as sunrise will occur later as we enter the fall months, and I know some of you older guys don't want to drive in the dark (that's a joke, guys).

The range will open for sight-in at 8:10 or so.  Please try to arrive by 8:30 to sign-in, and practice.  The required Safety meeting will begin promptly at 9:15am.   (Per agreement with Elm Fork, you will not be able to shoot if you miss this safety meeting).  Shuttle carts will run as in the past, but if you arrive at the parking lot and the cart is not there, call Kevin's cell number 214-493-9225.

This will be a 52-60 shot rifle match.  This will be the last practice match available for those of you going to the National match weekend in Phoenix, Nov.2-5.

PLEASE, let me know if you intend to participate.  Your RSVP allows me to determine how many score cards to print, complete some preliminary squading, and determine if anyone wants to sample equipment, so we can recruit someone to share with you.

New shooters are also welcome to shoot "Freestyle" for their first match as well... bring any rifle (under the 20fpe power limit to protect the targets), any scope, any aids, with "Fun Rifle" scoring.

We will have bottled water available along with sulfur powder for chigger control.  You can also bring your own repellent, especially good for skeeters if the wind lays down.

As usual, the match fee is $20 per person ($15 for Club members).  As always, $10 of this is paid to Elm Fork and does not benefit DFTC.  Funds paid to DFTC are used to buy new targets and maintain them and the range equipment.  Bring a friend to shoot with you, and they pay only the EF fee ($10) for their first match.  Please bring cash.
 
So, mark your calendar and let me know (reply to sender only) that you plan to join us October 14th!

Please see our club website for any additional information, club location for driving directions, etc.  www.DallasFTclub.org

[DFWdude]

Dallas FT Club Match Results... Oct 14...

Two months after our last match in August, it was still hotter than blue blazes at our Oct. 14 match.  81° at match start with a sultry 91° by match end and very humid.  It showed in the match, as everyone took 4 hours to complete, something that occurs when it’s too hot.  Our December match will be cooler, for sure.

Our Sighting Range…



The match was 60-shots, over 13 lanes.  The difficulty was 32T.  The majority of lanes had the usual 4 shots each.  But there were four lanes with three targets, including six shots kneeling and the customary 4-shots standing.

The average distance on this course was 3yds longer than normal, which, in addition to the 2 extra kneeling shots, may account for slightly lower scores.  The late summer foliage is in full bloom, so a couple lanes were very dark in the woods, making range finding a challenge for all.

19 folks showed up for this one.  We got started at 9:30 and ended around 1:30. 
Our top three scores were spread among different Divisions.  Mike Vredenburg shot 49/60 in Open PCP, while Kevin Enzian posted an equally impressive 49/60 to win Hunter PCP.   Matt Sawyer posted an excellent 48/60 in WFTF PCP.

Mike (l) and Matt(r)


The majority of shooters (12) were in Hunter PCP, where Terry Vanpool posted a 45/60 for second place, followed by a 44/60 tie for third, shot by Ronny Hobbs and Paul Kocurek.  Good shooting Ronny, and Paul.

Four shooters provided healthy competition in Hunter Piston, with Jentry Powell posting the top score in this category, with a 35/60.  And Jentry was a newbie just a few short matches ago.  Great shooting, Jentry.

Jim Clarke...



We had two first timers at this Dallas match.  Welcome aboard Adam Dye (no relation), and Donn Frye.  Both did quite well for their first time out.   

Welcome Donn Frye...




Today’s scores compel me to take a moment to offer deserved words of encouragement to our several new(ish) shooters.  In addition to Jentry and Ronny, other folks have joined the N.TX ranks this year.  Tony V., Paul K., Eugene W., Tim L., Mark P., Jerry C., and Jeff M.  Each of you are doing well, especially you piston shooters, regularly breaking 50% scores after just a few matches.  Yes, there are up and down days… We all have them.  Just stay focused on the positive… you guys are doing great!

Tony Vaserfirer with his new Steyr...




Thanks to Kevin and Buddy Holland for setting up the match.  Normally I am there to help, but have been ill, so Buddy and Kevin did all the work in the sweltering heat Friday afternoon.  Thanks again, guys.  I’ll be there next time.

See you at our next Dallas FT Club match, December 9.

Full results are below.

[DFWdude]

Before the Holidays occupy our time...

Our next Dallas FT Club Field Target Rifle match will be at 9:30am, Saturday, December 9 at Elm Fork Shooting Sports, east of the DFW airport.
 
The range will open for sight-in at 8:10 or so.  Please arrive by 8:30 to sign-in, and practice.  The required Safety meeting will begin promptly at 9:15am.   Shuttle carts from the parking lot to the airgun range will run as in the past.
 
This will be a 52-60 shot rifle match.  As always new shooters are welcome to shoot "Freestyle" for their first few matches... bring any rifle (under the 20fpe power limit to protect the targets), any scope, any aids, with "Fun Rifle" scoring.

If it's a hot day, we will have bottled water available.  Chiggers should not be an issue.  Bring your own mosquito repellent, if you think necessary.

PLEASE, let me know (reply here) if you intend to participate.  Your RSVP allows me to determine how many score cards to print, complete some preliminary squadding, and determine if anyone wants to sample equipment, so we can recruit someone to share with you.

As usual, the match fee is $20 per person ($15 for Club members).  $10 of this is paid to Elm Fork as their range fee and does not benefit DFTC.  Bring a friend to shoot with you, and they pay only the EF fee ($10) for their first match.  Please bring cash.
 
Memberships for 2018 (Jan-Dec) can also be purchased for $25.  Become a member for the first time, and your Dec match fee will be just $15.

So, mark your calendar and let me know here that you plan to join us December 9th!   Please see our club website for any additional information, club location for driving directions, etc.  www.DallasFTclub.org

[DFWdude]

Our next Dallas FT Club Field Target Rifle match will be at 11:00am, Saturday, February 10 at Elm Fork, east of the DFW airport.

The range will open for sight-in at 9:30 or so. Please arrive by 10:15 to sign-in, and practice. The required Safety meeting will begin promptly at 10:45am. Shuttle carts will run as in the past.

This will be a 52-60 shot rifle match. As always new shooters are welcome to shoot "Freestyle" for their first few matches... bring any rifle (under the 20fpe power limit to protect the targets), any scope, any magnification, any aids, with "Fun Rifle" scoring.

PLEASE, reply here if you intend to participate. Your RSVP allows the MD to determine how many score cards to print, complete some preliminary squadding, and determine if anyone wants to sample equipment, so we can recruit someone to share with you

As usual, the match fee is $20 per person ($15 for Club members). $10 of this is paid to Elm Fork as their range fee. Bring a friend to shoot with you, and they pay only the EF fee ($10) for their first match. Please bring cash. Memberships for 2018 (Jan-Dec) can also be purchased for $25. Become a member for the first time, and your Feb match fee will be just $15.

So, mark your calendar and plan to join us February 10! Please see our club website for any additional information, club location for driving directions, etc. www.DallasFTclub.org

[DFWdude]

We set our Feb match time at 11 am, hoping for a traditional morning warm-up to a daily high.  But Mother Nature threw us a real curve… the opposite occurred, with the day’s high at daybreak (44°), falling to 33° by match time.  The cold front moving through also brought 15-20mph Northern breezes.   It reminded a few of us of Ennice Nats, without the rain.

Look at this bundled crew… Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!


Fifteen RSVPs dwindled to 11 intrepid shooters wearing several layers, and still our hands ached from the piercing cold.  As usual, I forgot to bring along some “Hot Hands” chemical warmers…



The match comprised 60 shots over 13 lanes, a mixture of nine, 2 target lanes, and four lanes of 3 targets.  Two forced positions lanes featured 4-shots kneeling, 4-shots standing.  The Troyer was 30.1, discounting any wind.  SD was 7.95, with average KZ of 1.15” and average distance of 31.6yds.

Jerry Cox…


Since the changeover to 16x scopes permitted in Hunter Class, and the limited time people have had to set-up and practice, it was decided to provide the ranges to all targets.  Shooters could use the data, or not, as they chose.  Scores did not seem affected one way or the other.

Cliff Montgomery…


Among the eight Hunter shooters, Bob Dye led with a 50/60, followed closely at 48 by Paul Kocurek, and Kevin Enzian with 45. Jim Clarke ventured the long drive from S. Texas, to post a 46 in Hunter Piston.

Not only did Matt Sawyer bring the same gun to two consecutive matches (really?), it was a PCP to boot, shooting a fine 47 in WFTF-PCP.  Here’s Proof…

Matt Sawyer shooting a…. PCP!


In WFTF Piston, Jeff Cloud scored 40, and Cliff Montgomery posted a 20

A hearty welcome to two new shooters, Mike Sohner and Daniel Rowe.  I hope you come back in the Spring when it will be much warmer, Saturday, April 14th, at 9:00am

Results…

[DFWdude]

Dallas Field Target Club Match Results…April 14, 2016

Match day dawned at 50° and sunny, but a Northerly wind signaled the arrival of a cold front in the Dallas area.  High for the day was an unseasonably cool 60° which was OK.  But the 15-20mph breeze, gusting to 30mph or more, offered challenges throughout the match.



This match comprised 60 shots over 15 lanes, two targets per lane, including both a kneeling and standing lane.  The difficulty was 32.1 Troyer, average KZ size was 1.07” at an average distance of 31.5yds.

The last lane (#15) featured a new custom target locally made by Kevin Enzian, a 3/8” Wide-Mouth Frog sitting on a polka-dot toadstool.  The second target was a Yegua Crab, a former 3/8” KZ drilled out to 7/16”.  This prompted Kevin to nickname the lane 15… and 3/8s.

We had a couple cancellations, leaving a fun group of 13 to contest the match.  Kevin and I shared equipment with two new shooters, Deryl Holcomb and Chris Evans.  Both seemed to enjoy their first attempts at FT.  We are finding that it is better to squad new folks with experienced shooters and known-good and prepped equipment, rather than welcome new shooters with their own, improperly set-up rifles and scopes.

Mike Vredenburg continued his good form of late, winning Open Class with 48/60.  Jim Clarke took Hunter Piston honors with 35/60.  Bob Dye led the Hunter PCP group with 54/60, followed by Paul Kocurek 51/60, and Terry VanPool 46/60.   Cliff Montgomery was our only WFTF Piston shooter, posting a 34/60.

Our next match will be Saturday, June 9, at Elm Fork Shooting Sports.

[DFWdude]

Dallas Field Target Club Match Results, June 9, 2018

Saturday June 9 dawned clear and hot, the continuance of a 10-day long heat spell.  The forecast was for 95° or more, with humidity above 80% with light and variable winds.  And it didn’t disappoint, rising to 97° for the high.  Thankfully our match ended a couple hours before this.  There was the occasional hint of a breeze which helped our sweaty bunch feel slightly more comfortable.  And for June, which is normally “Chigger Month” turned out to be a bust, as no reports of swollen ankles came from this match (that I know of).

15 people signed up for this match, but one chose not to show-up and another decided not to shoot, probably due to the weather.  A third person decided not to shoot in order to help a new shooter learn in her 1st match (more about that later).  This left us with an even dozen participants.
   
The match was 60 shots over 15 lanes, two targets per lane, of course, with one kneeling and one standing lane.

In addition to the heat challenge, this match was designed to be more difficult than any in recent memory… a 34.1 Troyer, with average target distance = 33.3yds, and average KZ size = 1.09.”  One target malfunctioned so had to be awarded as hits to all shooters.

Just as the safety meeting ended a man and his daughter appeared and asked to participate.  Kevin Enzian instantly took them under his wing, deciding to forego the match himself so he could teach young Gracie Wade the game with his equipment.

Gracie was very polite and enthusiastic, and her youthful voice filled the range with an energy which enlivened all we older blokes in the sweltering 95° heat and humidity.  Shooting to AAFTA rules, she posted a 30/60 score with Kevin’s help.  Oh, and I forgot to mention she is 12 years old!

Makes all the other scores seem ho hum, but here they are regardless.  Bob Dye led the match and Hunter PCP with a 53/60 (88%), followed by Terry Vanpool at 49/60 and Buddy Holland with a 47.  The close match was in Hunter Piston, where Bob Pacatte and Jim Clarke each posted 34s, and Cliff Montgomery was just one back at 33.  Mike Vredenburg put in his usual workman’s fine performance with 50/60 in Open Class, and Jeff Cloud flew solo in WFTF Piston with 46/60.  Welcome to Chris Coleman, who shot his first match with a Fun Rifle score of 25.  See the complete scorecard below.

Our next match will likely be another hot one on August 11th.   Meanwhile, registration for the 14th annual, 2-Day Republic of Texas Grand Prix (Sept. 15-16th) will open in a couple weeks.  Stay tuned for this announcement.