Long Range Shooting Positions

[Kno-ie]

In the ML Long Range events held is there a event/position for sitting and cross stick use? I ask because I'm one of those individuals that due to injury and stroke can no longer shoot from prone or off hand. Still healthy enough sit, stand and load, with a desire to test my skill and rifle with others. Thank you,
Kno-ie

 

[Idaho Ron]

Here is a video on my shooting sticks. I love them.

 

[Kno-ie]

Idaho Ron,
Thank you for your reply. I have watched this and many of your other videos. Well done, sir.
I've been using cross sticks for a multitude of years from the sitting position, even when I was healthy.
What I'm asking is there a allowance for cross stick use in the sitting position at long range muzzle loading events. Most long range events that I have found are for the prone position only.
Thanks,
Kno-ie

 

[ResearchPress]

MLAIC International Long Range Matches are for prone or supine (back position) shooting.

In the UK we have a couple of shooters in Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain competitons and the Long Range Rifles Branch of the MLAGB competitions who have been shooting sitting from a bench (for health reasons). Cross sticks however do not feature and support for the rifle is the same as for prone shooters, ie. a two point sling at all distances, and/or a wrist rest at distances beyond 600 yards. The benches they use are portable and set up at whatever distances we are competing at.

I've seen posts elsewhere that the Black Powder Target Rifle Association in the US have approved a sitting position with cross stick support - but that is cartridge rifle. I've not seen anything else - maybe try contacting the NMLRA? Hopefully some of the US based long range muzzle loading competitors will be able to clarify.

David

 

[Kno-ie]

David,
Your reply is very helpful.
In this country our NRA provides for a medical waiver for a specific class. It seem as though they have model the MLAGB requirements. The NMLRA however does not, this according to two directors I've talked too.
You have given me thought to try as explained for health reasons, thank you.
Kno-ie

 

[52Bore]

Kno-ie:
Long Range Silhouette matches at Friendship (NMLRA) one can use X-sticks: lying, sitting or standing.

 

[FishDFly]

With a note from a Doctor, a person can shoot cross sticks from a sitting position at NMLRA sanctioned shoots.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Here are a couple positions when you don't have crossed sticks

LD

 

[Ranch 13]

I am not positive on this, but I believe at the Desert International Long Range Black Powder match in Phoenix you could shoot your muzzleloader from the bench. The only catch on that would be it's been said this match maybe a match on the USIMLT circuit for points toward making the international team. At the AZ WINS match they used to have a bench rest match, but think it went away due to lack of participants.
I do know the BPTRA will be letting bench rest with only cross stick support as a part of their matches now, and the Desert International is encouraging cartridge shooters who can't shoot from the ground anymore to bring their benches and compete.

 

[Kno-ie]

52Bore & FishDFly,
It seems I stand corrected, it was not my original understanding. Please excuse my error. Now I'd like to hear more.
Loyalist Dave, that was to be the next position to try. I have read of the position but was not aware it was a legal position. I seen rules state "from prone only" sometimes with wrist support, sometimes with out.

Thank you all for your information and help.
Kno-ie

 

[ResearchPress]

Here are a couple positions when you don't have crossed sticks

My article on the back position on my web site includes several other variants of the back position besides those posted above.

David

 

[Kno-ie]

David,
Thank you for the study, I've researched those positions from your publications in the past and plan on trying some.

Kno-ie

 

[FishDFly]

52Bore & FishDFly,
It seems I stand corrected, it was not my original understanding. Please excuse my error. Now I'd like to hear more.
Loyalist Dave, that was to be the next position to try. I have read of the position but was not aware it was a legal position. I seen rules state "from prone only" sometimes with wrist support, sometimes with out.

Thank you all for your information and help.
Kno-ie

From my understanding if you have a physical condition which limits you from shooting, i.e., shooting cross sticks sitting on the ground, you can go to your local doctor and discuss your situation, The Doctor can evaluate you and write a letter stating that to shoot cross sticks you need to be able to shoot from sitting in a chair versus sitting on the ground..

You can forward the letter and ask for a waiver from the NMLRA. As folks get older they would rather have you shooting versus sitting at home. I know variances have been granted for cross sticks, a youth was granted a variance and variances have been granted to folks in wheel chairs to shoot off hand rifle matches.

 

[Kno-ie]

FishDFly,
Thank you for your reply. I will be making a application for waiver.
I'd like to note that anytime I've invited to shoot with the long range family I have been welcomed and treated with respect.

Kno-ie

 

[FishDFly]

Glad I could help, good luck.

 

[52Bore]

Kon-ie:
OP is about ML Long Range, sitting with x-sticks: yes, you can shoot the NMLRA Silhouette matches and the Mini-Creedmoor match in that position.
These matches are held within the June & September Nationals at Friendship.

 

[fleener]

I dont think that you need a medical opinion to get to do this at the NMLRA. Call and check with them.

Fleener

 

[Timber Wolf]

I’m going to try some of that “back shooting”. If it is real comfortable I might even take a little nap while down there.

 

[Cpt Flint]

Very deep thinking. We are all better off since your constructive reply.

 

[Kno-ie]

52Bore,
Thanks. That is what I was my op was asking. Since this thread was started I found a older list of events at the Nationals with a cross stick event listed. This led me to find this years events which has the cross stick event posted.
Fleener,
I will be contacting the office for that question and rules for cross stick matches.
Thanks to all for your input and replies. You have gave a multitude of directions to take if one doesn't work.

Kno-ie