September 2020 Postal Match - NMLRA COVID-19 Target

[MSmith]

This month’s shoot will be the target that the NMLRA introduced in April to help eradicate the COVID-19 virus. It seems we’re still dealing with this darn virus and it’s ill effects so we’re going after it here this month to do our part in taking care of this pesky virus.

Grab your target here ----> September 2020 COVID-19 Target.

We will follow the scoring and instructions printed on the target with three exceptions:

• We will shoot at 25 Yards Offhand ONLY.
• You will mail your target to be scored as usual. If you want to post to social media that’s fine but it will only be scored if mailed in as usual.
• Print your Forum Screen Name in place of Shooter Name ___________

You will shoot a total of 7 shots. One at each Bull and then 4 shots at the Outer Ring, preferably hitting the +5 triangles.

No do-over’s. Only registered forum members may participate.

Only traditional, open iron sighted muzzle loading firearms; peeps are allowed under the condition you mark your target so I know you used a peep. (Tracking it) NO Cannons. Percussion, flintlock or matchlock ignition only. Cap and Ball revolvers are OK.

Single patched round ball only. No restrictions on caliber. (a patchless ball may be used if so desired)

Shots shall be taken off-hand at the stated distance. Standing or seated is allowed, elbows unsupported by anything other than the shooters torso. In the event that a member is not physically able to hold his rifle up unsupported, a "prop-rod" that is supported only by the shooters torso, no part of which prop-rod may touch the ground, may be used to hold up the fore-end of the rifle.

Only original targets will be accepted. No copies, faxes, scan, etc.

*New Rules!!*

For those who would like, you can shoot one target with long gun and one with pistol. Mark your target accordingly.

Overseas participants may scan and e-mail me. Just send me a PM through the forum and attache it or I'll give you my e-mail address. As long as I can CLEARLY make the target out I'll accept it.** (I recommend using a dark backing paper when you scan / copy it if possible so that the holes show clearly)

Scoring will be as follows:
How close is close enough? Over half the ball must penetrate inside the scoring ring to be counted at the highest value. In other words, the ring in which the majority of the ball hits the target will be the score value. The center of the shot placement on the target will be determined by the judge. Judges decisions are final.

Fire 7 shots only, misses count! Mutilated targets or targets with more than 7 holes will be disqualified. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.

Mail your target, postmarked no later than September 30th, to:
Marc Smith
1900 Parkway Drive
Casper, WY 82609
Attn: September Target

If you don’t mind sharing I would also like to know what you’re shooting. Include type of firearm, caliber, ball diameter, patch thickness, lube, powder type and grains used, barrel length and twist rate. This isn’t required I’m just the curious sort.

Thanks for shooting and Godspeed ladies & gentleman!!
MSmith

 

[Maven]

Ironically, the New York State ML Association chose that very same target for its September (and final) postal match. I tried it @ 25 yd. yesterday and let me tell you, it is almost impossible to see all the +5 triangles @ 25 yd. (and I was using a receiver/peep sight). The three central circles are a bit easier to see, but I'd like to make two recommendations: (1) Allow 1" orange target dots for the central three circles and (2) completely blacken the four +5 triangles if you want to "defeat" the Covid-19 virus. Just some food for thought....

 

[russellshaffer]

With my shooting skills I think my best strategy will be to aim for the center and fire away. The balls always go somewhere else anyhow. It really doesn't matter whether I can see the little triangles.

 

[Dave Marsh]

It does look like it will be hard to see but russellshafter has a good point as well. I do vote for what Maven suggested to make it a bit more "seeable" for old eyes. Lets see what the chief says.

 

[Ames]

I may have to give it the Russell approach.

 

[Maven]

Like so many other things, I wonder if those who designed that target actually tried to shoot it at either distance. It would be a challenge for my CF rifles @ 50 yd. benched, but I'm going to blacken the +5's and use 1" target dots for the three central triangles unless I hear otherwise. If the latter, I'll do as RS (above) says.

 

[MSmith]

Old Eyes - Small Targets, What To Do?​

Considering the nature of the event being, a print and mail target and there being no prize, the object is to encourage ML shooters to shoot and share their results whatever they may be. With this in mind I personally see no reason why we couldn't adjust the rules to allow adding color to the target(s) to add contrast to better see the intended point of impact.

All in favor give a Thumbs Up (Like) to this post
All opposed give a Frown (Sad) to this post

 

[flinter1977]

I'll shoot it. Any chance to shoot is a good day for me.

 

[russellshaffer]

I'm with flinter - I'm going to shoot it as is. I stepped back about 25 from it and at least with my shooting skill, it is fine. Kind of confusing though, I sort of have 5 shots on the brain.

 

[Ames]

I gave the survey a thumbs up vote, but don't intend to add colors to this target myself. I'll live with the results my old eyes give me.
Getting ready for deer season. Never got a buck to come close enough in so I could put an aiming dot on him.

 

[Squarebore]

Using my .54 Trade Gun, Russell has the right idea!

 

[Richard Dittman]

I shot mine yesterday. Couldn’t see the outer +/-5 triangles, so just aimed in the general area. Didn’t have a good score, but will mail in in anyway.

 

[Ames]

Confused. Got it printed. Got the time to shoot it.
The outer triangles are +5 and -5. Sneaky, but I like it. The inner 3 triangles have a bull and crosshairs on them. Do you only get the 9 points if you get it in on the crosshairs and circle?

 

[nessmuk]

Printed target today and will shoot it next week. I hope.

 

[MSmith]

Confused. Got it printed. Got the time to shoot it.
The outer triangles are +5 and -5. Sneaky, but I like it. The inner 3 triangles have a bull and crosshairs on them. Do you only get the 9 points if you get it in on the crosshairs and circle?

I'm pretty sure the white circle and cross hairs are for contrast. I will score any ball that lands the majority, 50% or more, inside the black triangle as 9 points. The closer to center (cross hairs) will break ties.

 

[MSmith]

Old Eyes - Small Targets, What To Do?​

Considering the nature of the event being, a print and mail target and there being no prize, the object is to encourage ML shooters to shoot and share their results whatever they may be. With this in mind I personally see no reason why we couldn't adjust the rules to allow adding color to the target(s) to add contrast to better see the intended point of impact.

All in favor give a Thumbs Up (Like) to this post
All opposed give a Frown (Sad) to this post

It looks like we have reached a consensus of all in favor - none opposed. This rule change will be adopted for this target and future targets while I sponsor the postal shoot.

Note: You don't have to add color for contrasts - it is optional.

 

[Ames]

Whew! I thought I was trying to hit crosshairs I cant see. That would be quite a trick.

 

[Sven205]

Is the range for pistol users 25 yards?

I saw mention of 20 yards in last months shoot, curious if that's the norm or just specifically for that one. Thanks!

 

[russellshaffer]

Shot mine this morning. It was fun. I count hitting the paper 6 times out of 7 with a pistol at 25 yards as a success.

 

[TNGhost]

Old Eyes - Small Targets, What To Do?​

Considering the nature of the event being, a print and mail target and there being no prize, the object is to encourage ML shooters to shoot and share their results whatever they may be. With this in mind I personally see no reason why we couldn't adjust the rules to allow adding color to the target(s) to add contrast to better see the intended point of impact.

All in favor give a Thumbs Up (Like) to this post
All opposed give a Frown (Sad) to this post

Any reason not to include those of us with rifled muskets that shoot Minie balls (instead of patched round balls) to the same ends?