Black Powder Gong

Ray Rowen (402)730-2808 motomanv11@neb.rr.com

NOTE: All events are now listed on the calendar only. For best results contact the match director to confirm any last minute changes.

Big Bore Single Shot Gong Match At Ike’s

This is a rifle match inspired by our new 300-yard match range. A few of us who have been shooting the Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette game and are members of Ikes felt that a fun match for large caliber single shot rifles would be in order. The match will be based VERY loosely on the above BPCR game. Its all for fun and will be flexible as to how we go about it, and I am sure changes and adjustments will be made as things go along. One thing you need to know right off the bat is that this is NOT a black powder only match. The ammo can be loaded with either smokeless or black powders. We want everyone with a big bore style single shot to be able to give this a try.

The Targets: There are four targets made of mild steel plate ½ inch thick cut in the shapes of a Chicken, Pig, Turkey and Ram. They are mounted in steel pipe frames and are made to swing when hit. SPECIAL NOTE: DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SWINGERS AND LARGE CALIBER OF THE RIFLES IT WILL BE NECESSARY THAT ALL BULLETS BE PLAIN BASED CAST LEAD ONLY. NO JACKETED, SEMI JACKETED OR GAS CHECKED BULLETS CAN BE USED.

The Rifles: Single shots from .32 to .50 Caliber. Examples would be: Sharps, Rolling Blocks, Winchester High Walls, Ruger No. 1, H&R Handy Rifles, or any other similar type rifle. Open sights of any style. Scoped rifles can also be used but will have to be scored as a separately class from the open-sighted guns.

The Game: Each shooter will take ten shots at each target for a total of 40 shots. Whoever gets the most hits wins. The chicken will be at 200 yards and will be shot standing off-hand. The Pig, Turkey and Ram will all be at 300 yards. The shooter will be allowed the use of crossed sticks to support the barrel. The Pig target can be shot from the standing or sitting position. The Turkey and Ram can be shot from the standing, sitting or prone positions. Shooters will spot and score for each other during the match. Spotter/Scorers are free to coach the shooters as to where they are hitting and give sighting adjustment suggestions if so desired by the shooters. A one hour sighting in period will precede each match in order for every one to get sight settings for both 200 and 300 yards. After sight-in there will be no sighter shots during the match. When you come to the line each shot will be for score.

Items Needed: Rifle, ammo, some type of shooting mat, spotting scope, cross-sticks both hi and low or adjustable for same. If you don’t have a spotting scope or cross-sticks there will be some available, or usually, other shooters are willing to let you use their equipment while they are spotting.

The shoots will be held as weather and range conditions allow. Sight-ins will start at 8 a.m. and the match will start at 9 a.m. and go as long as needed to get everyone through the course. If you have any question please give me a call: Ray Rowen 402-730-2808. This is a great chance for you guys with cowboy action rifles in 45-70 and similar cartridges, or anyone else with a vintage or modern single shot rifle in the same or similar cartridges to give shooting at longer distances a go.