I'm checking in with a partial march report this month for Haverhill's latest meet, since I didn't get scorecards in the event's wrap-up at the end of the day. I'll just provide commentary and some pics.

It's been pretty soggy and cool during this recent stretch of New England's spring, so Sunday's sunny and warm forecast was deeply welcome. Sure enough, the day bloomed into a fine specimen, and temperatures were noticeably rising already as 11 shooters congregated at the rifle range shed.

I was really cheered to greet airhead friends after what felt like a particularly long winter, and it was good to meet Jay, Steve and Ron in particular back to the venue as well. Bill looked spry after his double knee replacement surgery, and we're very glad to see him back at the range.


Shooter's meeting - Len, Daniel, Tm, Ken, Ron, Dan, Bill


Steve and Jay

We had a pretty strong contingent of hunter competitors today, including national champ, Daniel, and his friend Jay who shared Daniel's Marauder. Ron, Len S., Matt S. and Bill D. completed the category. Dan B. shot his EV2 today in the WFTF class along with myself (Piston), Steve and Tim C. shot PCP, and Ken P. shot offhand.

Many of us were particularly eager to inspect Bill D.'s new weapon, the TM1000, that he has been sharing through his Airheads of Maine blog (also, check out his first hosted FT match on June 24th:http://www.airheadsofmaine.com/Events.html).


Tim takes a spin


Len tries the feel


The length of pull struck me as nice and short, but the balance was exceptional. It's a really fine rifle.

We headed off to the treeline to begin, and quickly learned this was no soft season opener; captains Tim and Ken along with help from Len had constructed a challenging course. It felt like it might have been somewhere in the mid 30s, Troyer-wise, and the six-shot standing lane was a punisher Winds were light, but shifting.

I was squadded with Bill and Matt today, and it was a true pleasure. The deep shadow of the lanes and the bright sun of the firing line had some of us scratching our heads with ranging mysteries, though.


Matt S. sights a lane

At times, the three of us admitted to estimated yardages that were up to 10 yards apart, though we all managed "kills" with such differing data, somehow. I too found quickly that my performance was disappointing, with many careful shots smacking the faceplate. But with the club's battered steel reducers on almost all the killzones, it was impossible to diagnose the problem in the field. In such a situation, one just has to sit back and play the day out. But what a day: warmed comfortably by the sun and serenaded by the area's songbirds. 'Could be much worse!


Spotting the target, or that redwing blackbird that was so chatty?


Ken, Ron and Steve


Steve's Panther. Would you swap this for a Steyr? Steve thinks he might...


Dan B.


Tim and Len


Daniel and Jay


Ken - 'scary how well this man shoots offhand...


Matt S. His new palm rest helped him perform extremely well on the offhand lane too.


Bill D.

Bill was on fire with his new rig, however (or new knees?), and it was inspiring to watch him do so well. He ended up the day head and shoulders above the rest of us with a 44/50, with the next highest scorers I think being Dan and Daniel with 39/50 each (correct me if I'm wrong). Congratulations, Bill! Matt S. shot well with a 37/50 I believe, and I apologize I didn't get to see how others fared. It was a challenging day, and those who shot well deserve a good clap on the back!

'Turns out my own rig mysteriously shifted zero down and right about 8 clicks with opened groups and 10fps dropped power. I guess I'll have to clear up the workshop to see what's what. Any ideas would be welcome!



As always, we owe our thanks to Tim and Ken, and to Len for the great course. Thanks also to all the shooters who pitched in to break down the course before enjoying the pizza lunch. 'Til next month, guys!

Thanks for reading, and have a happy spring.

Matt B.

We have been missing the HHRGC shoots because they have coincided with other shoots. We do miss seeing all the gang!

See what you find inside your rifle and drop me a line if I can be of any assistance.



Un Abrazo!




H�ctor

It was a pleasure shooting again with you and Matt S. I was a little worried as to how the TM would play the Ft game. I knew it was a shooter but was hesitant to brag it off to much. I must say it did not disappoint me. The course was certainly no cake walk ans it seemed to me that at least 1/3 of the KZ was 3/8 in size and a few of them in the 20 to 30 yard range. The yellow canary in the tree at about 25 yards was the only "give me" for the whole course and I don't think the KZ on him was much more than a inch. Anyway, it was a well setup and run event. Tim, Ken, and Len deserve at big "Atta Boy" for a job well done and the Pizza and soda at the end of the event was much appreciated. Im headed south for the GOB Championship on June 8 and 9th so I won't be able to make your June event but look very much forward to seeing all the Haverhill crew and every one else that wants to shoot airguns with us up here in Maine on 6/24. P.S looks like the next shoot in Haverhill is 6/3 which the GOB won't conflict with BUTTTTT.... My grandaughter is getting marries 6/3 which I hope it is a late afternoon or evening wedding or I may not be able to make it down for that one :>(

Matt, thank you for the pictures and report,great job ,as always. I really appreciate all the help with set up and breakdown of the course.Thanks also to all that attended . Regards, Tim

Hi
Thanks for such a great write up on the FT Match ! I want to say again my thanks to Tim and Ken and Haverhill R & G club for having such a nice event. I am looking forward to shooting on Wed night with the crew. Matt I always enjoy the reports and your great pictures of the event. It always is a pleasure to review these at different times,( especially in the winter ). Hope Steve and Jay make it back . Always hope to see some new faces. To a fellow Woburn Sportsman member - Hope you can make it back as well You shot well with your rig considering only a breif set up time ! We couldn't have asked for a nicer day !! Thanks to you all and hope to see everyone again !!
Len