Doc, Kettlefoot is a beautiful range. I look forward to making the trip over again and shooting, once you are up and going. I enjoy shooting, whether it be IBS, NBRSA or UBR but particularly like UBR and the simple rules we follow. It leaves a lot of room for experimentation as well, a class, including a factory class, that gives everyone that wants to come shoot, a class they can compete in with what they have. The caliber neutral targets make for a level playing field for the guys that have a PPC or other sub 30 cal BR rifle gathering dust, to come shoot without having to go to the added expense of a new barrel or complete rifle, to be competitive in the score game consistently.
As you know, the costs to hold the matches is very reasonable for the clubs and there is no membership requirement for the competitors. These are all factors that make it easier for the new guy to get involved in the sport as well as veterans that don't have or wish to shoot and or/build a 30 cal to compete. In your area, with the closing of the range at Johnson City, I'd think there are more than a few 6 PPC's collecting dust. I think it's great that you are investing this much into holding cf BR matches in that area again. Keep us posted. I think you'll be able to count on several people from KY,Tn,Va, etc, that are regulars at other UBR venues to support and attend the club whenever possible. Personally, I think you are in an excellent location to draw from several venues and I know that Kettlefoot will put their best foot
forward in whatever they do. I think it's a perfect fit and at a good time to set yourself up to do well. Of late, I haven't even been able to support matches just a few minutes down the road as much as I want to, due to a career change and very limited time to shoot, but that's beginning to look better all the time and I look forward to the trip to beautiful east Tn/west Va when you get the UBR matches up and going.
With the current UBR clubs within reasonable driving distance, I will only recommend scheduling with those other clubs in mind. I don't think your matches will hurt any of them, but rather, I think all will benefit in the long run, with considerate scheduling of the matches.
You're in a BR hotbed of sorts and have good facilities if the new range is anything like the club already has. The drive for people like myself is near the limit for a lot of folks. IIRC, I'm about 5 hours away. I think this max distance is more prevalent than people like to admit and one thing I believe is, new shooters don't travel well until the hook is very firmly set. We all know, we must have new shooters to survive and you're in a place to draw from a wide array of existing shooters as well as new, without having to drive half way across the country to shoot and to contend in points.
To sum it up, I'm very pleased that you'll be holding UBR CF matches at your wonderful club. Keep us posted and good luck! Let me know when you get started. I'm sure there are some of us regulars that will do our best to support your matches.--Mike
