Long overdue part 3 of the "Exploring the DIANA Stormrider" series

[HectorMedina]

in a real-world application (the Pyramyd Air Cup, 2018 in Ohio)

https://www.ctcustomairguns.com/hectors-airgun-blog/exploring-the-diana-stormrider-part-3-the-mid-power-region-800-fps-and-above-in-0177-and-20-ft-lbs-022-under-real-world-conditions-at-the-2018-pyramyd-air-cup

Hope you enjoy it!

[makarov76]

I have never been to ft it looks like it would be a lot of fun’ I don’t like competition because I feel like I gotta do good and win’ that tends to take the fun out of it for me’ I don’t care about winning’ money ‘ or trophies I just like to shoot’ that’s why I sit here lonesome shooting my targets for fun having an ale or two’ maybe one day I can attend a match and make some great friends’

[dtdtdtdt]

Makarov: 

I went to the Pyramid Match that Hector reports on.  Mainly to meet Hector Medina in person but also to look around and see what it was all about.  I spent a few minutes chatting with Hector Medina and looking around.  The facility is excellent and there were quite a number of shooters.  I got to poke around in the vendor row to see some of the nifty new scopes and pick up some test samples of new FT pellets that H&N is making.  I haven't had a chance to shoot any of those yet but will get a round tuit some day. 

Competition?  Not for me! It's worth finding a match and observing for a while at least. 

 First, I don't think I could get into or out of the contorted positions that some shooters were using.  Second, while I can shoot under "benchrest" style conditions, my eye doesn't like being out in the sun or under glare conditions.  Shooting into shade from bright light would be impossible.  Not whining,  just explaining.  A serious burn in my eyes and face left me completely blind for a time, partially blind for most of my life, and now blind in one eye completely.  Even so, through a scope from a shaded area, I do OK.

[HectorMedina]

Makarov,

Thanks for reading.

I would say that in a typical FT shoot, 80 % of the attendees will be "hobbyists". The rest, competitors. In a large, National scale, Match, perhaps it's 50-50.
You would have to go to a World's to find the competitive edge that's so common in other shooting sports.
The reasons may be multiple, but probably the main one is that FT can be whatever YOU want it to be.
No one will judge your equipment, how you dress, or the car you drive. On the line we are all just fellow shooters.

I've seen people show up in green automotive lacquer painted GAMO's with 3-9x20 scopes, and be received with open arms. Sure next shoot they showed up with a more sedate, controllable, and accurate rig. Because it's the people what brings you back.
You'll always find a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a smile.

In the end, FT shooters are, mostly, glorified plinkers. It's not the other shooters you are matching wits with, not even the course designer or MD. It's the environment, the one that will test you and your shooting skills. Wind, light, sun, rain, all factors in the trajectory of the pellet. All factors to be taken into account.
And, of course, yourself. Main source of inconsistencies. Main source of problems, it is YOU whom you will be mostly matching wits with. And there is no harder enemy than yourself.

Come out to play with some of the nicest kids on the block. Season is over in the North, and will slowly peter out southwards as Old Man Winter sets in. But next year we'll be out again playing with our BB-Guns, LOL!

Just one more anecdotal piece of evidence to consider:
Friends who are now National Champions (past and present) scored single digit scores on their first shoot.
They received a lot of good advice and persevered. And practiced because it is fun.

As for beers, some clubs do have full service bars. Not allowed on the line but, after, have a go.

Really, give it a try, you will not regret it.



Dave, it was nice talking to you at the Match, perhaps next year we can meet again.


Keep well and shoot straight!



HM