Match Report - Owl Hollow - Franklin, TN - 07/21/2012

We held the first official Owl Hollow Gun Club - Field Target Match today near Franklin, TN. The weather turned out very nice for the match. We started out with an overcast morning that helped to shade us a bit from the sun. However, by noon, the sun was brightly shining and blessed us all with a great tan.

We had nine shooters show up to partake in the day of knocking down metal critters. A number of our regular Tennessee and Alabama shooters had other plans, so they weren't able to make this one. However, we hope they can all be there next time.

We set out a course of ten lanes with two targets per lane. Each shooter took three shots per target, so we ended up with a full 60 shot match. I set out about half of the targets yesterday afternoon, and Pat O'Brien graciously provided the rest of the targets before sight in this morning. Everyone pitched in and helped to finish out the course, and we were ready to start the match by 10:00 AM.

Our course consisted of eight lanes in an open field, with two lanes cut into the wooded area adjacent to the field. Although the eight lanes were in an open field, they were bordered on each side by a wooded area. We found that this created some really strange and tricky wind action out on some of the longer range targets. As the day progressed, so did the winds. By the time we ended the match, we had some pretty good gusts of wind to contend with.

This course ended up being a bit difficult. As a matter of fact, we ended up with a fairly difficult kneeing lane that featured a 53 yard kneeling target in the open field. Several others were pretty small as well for their respective distance. The thing about that is that we all had a part in setting up the course. So, it really makes things a challenge for us all, and I think in the end we will become better shooters with the practice that we are getting. I had fun, even if I did miss that dang kneeler two out of three!

This turned out to be the maiden match for my new TM1000 WFTF rifle. I have been anxiously awaiting the day that I could put my TM to the test in competition, and I can say that I was not disappointed! The rifle functioned flawlessly. It seems to really like JSB Express pellets, as those performed well today in the wind.

It was great to see Martin and Sandra Rutterford out shooting with us today. They have been an ever present part of helping out at past GOB club matches. They are now shooting regularly with us and seem to being progressing well. We also enjoyed the company of David Slade and Dottie Berry at the match. They made the trip up from Minor Hill, and we won't mention that Dottie took bragging rights back with the higher of the two scores today. (Good shooting Dottie!) Also, my buddie Steve Vines made it over from Antioch today. As it turned out, Steve had to swap his regular work schedule around to shoot with us today. I sure am glad old Steve has his priorities right and made the match!

Once we finished up the match, everyone pitched in to help take down the course. I really appreciate the help from the great bunch of guys and gals that shoot with us here in middle Tennessee! It really makes things run so smooth and almost effortless. Thanks to each shooter that helped with set up and take down after the match. Also, a big thanks to Charlie Haffner for providing the land where the match was held. (Just look out Charlie, we're gonna get you hooked on Field Target!)

The results are posted below from the match. I hope eveyone enjoyed our little day of Field Target in middle Tennessee. We will be having another match before too long. So, stay tuned here and we will announce the details well in advance. We hope more of you guys and girls will make it out to shoot with us next time!

Take care,

Harold Rushton

Match Results
WFTF
Harold Rushton------------------------------55
David Slade ----------------------------------44
Cliff Smith -------------------------------------35

PCP
Dottie Berry -----------------------------------47
Pat O'Brien ------------------------------------42
Martin Rutterford -----------------------------35
Sandra Rutterford ----------------------------25

Piston
Charles Garvey -------------------------------48
Steve Vines (WFTF Piston)----------------40

Pics from the match today
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Yeah, this lane was a little tough for a kneeler...
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