Thanks, Lynn, and Everyone Else....
Thanks for the encouragement, Lynn, and taking the time to go over my targets with me after the match.
On the long drive home the next day, I had plenty of time to consider the efficacy of shooting against Jerry Tierney on his home range.
He's been as nice to me as one could ask, probably nicer, but....
Am I wrong in thinking he owns that range?
I began about a year ago, 600 yards at Ojai.
June, 2008.
I spent formative years in that small, sweet town, and spent many nights sleeping under the stars in Los Padres National Forest.
I was clueless at my first match.
But lucky enough to work for Mac Tilton at MT Guns, who seems to know everything.
This is no exaggeration.
Prior to this, I had been building Mausers. A hobbyist.
What could be more romantic? A 100 year old action, arguably as good as anything on the market today. An admirable sporter in walnut with a good barrel and--I read books--rust blue.
All of that changed.
I now look down my nose at any barrel with a muzzle of less than .960".
Magazines are something I read.
On occasion.
I only wish my Dad still lived in Sacramento. For almost a decade I made a living photographing and writing about antique and classic speedboats, and this meant Lake Tahoe.
Most every year I'd make a pit stop at Dad's place.
And run to the pool.
But Dad's a little older, needs help, and is no longer in Sacramento.
My initiation into reading the wind was at the Nationals in April.
Has anyone told you that you guys have a beautiful but really nasty range?
I had problems with my heavy gun--6.5x47--but was able to shoot passing well, especially the last day, with my 6x47.
I learned that a rifle doesn't have to be all that accurate to do well in score.
I used the same rifle, shooting the 108, at this last match.
Any mistakes were my own.
This rifle loves the 108.
Mac imports the Barnard action, and I'm a believer. Starting with Palma shooters, and now F-Class, it's considered among the best.
I see them every day, and can't help but be impressed by their quality.
I am absolutely convinced that the Barnard can shoot with any other benchrest action on the market.
Still, you can expect me to continue to make monumental mistakes in reading the wind.
My choice, of course, was to kiss it off and quit competing with guys like Jerry Tierney.
Or dig in my heels.
My inspiration is Zen.
All process, little goal.
I love shooting.
I love load development--when my groups tell me something--I love loading, I love the anxiety leading up to a match, and I love having a goal that I feel is important.
Even if only a few of us feel that small holes in paper, close together, are important.
Not to mention... almost everyone came over with a welcome greeting.
I'm starting to put the names together with the faces I see every month in the NBRSA newsletter.
In particular, I enjoyed that trouble-maker Don Nielson.
You'll never be bored in the pitts with his running commentary.
Tom Price is as nice a man as you'll ever meet.
Bob--have I forgotten his last name, he's infamous, the guy wearing the coveralls?--came over to welcome me.
John Crawford I knew from the 600 yard Nationals.
What I didn't know is how well he can shoot.
And Craig runs a fine match.
Forgive me... well, erh, I have memory issues?
What's the last name of Gary, the pitt boss?
Talented guy.
If it isn't obvious, put it on my permanent record.
I adore this.
Maybe someone will tell me which flags to look at.
In September.
I don't expect any coaching at all in October.
Bruce
