mikegaiz
Thank you for the supportive and kind remarks.
You are correct that the fundamental reason is that we all have fun, but of similar importance, is the fact that this great sport enables competitors to experience so many other facets involving personal LRBR development and improvement.
The unique concept of mandatory blind shooting has to be experienced, to truly appreciate the inherent difficulties and challenges that it entails.
Inter related with the blind shooting, are the continual improvement of wind/condition interpretation skills, progressive equipment tuning/maintenance, loading and the many other preparation and match related necessities etc.
Initially the basic aim of the postal match concept was to provide interested Australian LRBR competitors with the opportunity to be able to compare their results with their counterparts in the USA.
We believe that any valid or meaningful comparison or correlation of results can only be achieved if approved rules and procedures are implemented and followed, and this has proven to be the case.
As has been mentioned previously on this and other forums, we continue to be appreciative to the IBS and the Virginia 1000yd BR Club and its’ members for their willingness to be involved and support this International 1000yd BR competition.
Since the origin of the first match in May 2009, progress has been made in many areas.
Today in Australia, in addition to the two clubs you mentioned, we have another three clubs Townsville (Nth Queensland), Murray Bridge (South Australia) and Narromine-Dubbo (NSW) whose members have been unbelievably supportive and committed to the principle of the International 1000yd BR Postal Matches.
Additionally, we are very appreciative to our local sponsors ExtraVision and R&J Sportsgoods (HBC projectiles) for their ongoing recognition and support.
ExtraVision, generously provide substantial prizes to the overall yearly 6 match aggregate winners for:-
Heavy Gun Group, Heavy Gun Score, Light Gun Group and Light Gun Score.
As an incentive to recognise, reward and encourage participation in 1000yd BR by those competitors who use either 308 or 223 calibres, we offer an additional category of competition, the BJD trophy, for which the overall yearly Light Gun group aggregate winner will receive 500 HBC projectiles.
I am sure that all experienced LRBR competitors, would readily appreciate the additional difficulties encountered with the use of a 308 or 223 in 1000yd BR competition.
The BJD Trophy has proven to be quite successful in boosting our participation numbers, as it allows and encourages F Class and Target rifle shooters to sample and experience 1000yd BR without the need to build or purchase an additional rifle.
Similar to the IBS ‘screamer’ awards, we have initiated our own version known as the “smiley” (Jeff Green and was extremely helpful with this idea) as a means of recognising and encouraging standards of excellence in Australian 1000yd BR completion.
You have highlighted and made reference to the inclusion and publication of the Postal Match results on the official Virginia 1000yd BR club website. This idea and proposal was initiated by the Virginia club following the commencement of the matches in 2009 and has been and continues to be greatly appreciated by Australian LRBR competitors.
We have an active Postal Match consultative and advisory committee who discuss relevant issues and ideas.
So be assured that there is a significant and increasing number of Australian 1000yd BR devotees who do understand the importance and relevance of the International 1000yd BR Postal Matches and are keen to ensure that they continue and expand in the future.
pm sent.
cheers
dave goodridge