That was a real good turnout for a monthly match, Mike. Almost as many as for the State. I hope the new shooters stay with it and "graduate" to HP.

Have any of you thought that it might simply be availability?

Consider this: for several years I was an active shooter in the North Alabama area. We had a local range in town and two ranges that offered NRA matches within a 3 hour drive. At that time I was making about 6 approved matches a year plus weekly local contests, going through five or six cases of ammo a year between the wife and I. I had to move to East KY for work four years ago and have not fired a shot since. Not because of money, firearms, or ammunition, but because there is not even a place to sight in in my state much less compete. Chattanooga is the closest range to offer matches or a 110 yd sight in distance, but it is better than 5 hours away. No matches in Southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, or Western WV that I am aware of. The closest regional match is in Little Rock, a good 14 hours away. The Nationals in PA are about that far too.

Firearms are expensive, ammunition is getting that way, but they in no way compare to the price of travel, lodging, and meals. What would it cost for me to drive to Chattanooga to maintain my historic level of involvement? My greatest disappointment in the shooting culture is that no one, not private companies or the NRA, actively establish regional shooting areas or organizations.

Competing in the NRA matches was a lifetime dream, but one that I only got to enjoy for a few years because of access and availability challenges. I believe I am not the only one in this position.

teetertotter wrote:I might have low attendance this year due to .22 shortage. I emailed one of our competitors to ask if he wanted to help this Saturday's match and get some required club hours in. I emailed everyone our 2014 schedule and might have to send reminders out tomorrow of our Saturday's Tournament.

Update: We have had 3-5 shooters come to our Thursday eve matches that past four weeks. The May Saturday Match was 3 shooters total. Saturday is normally 8-10 shooters and Thursdays are 5-7.

I am almost convinced that it is ammo allocations and asking hi prices. Our Club Range Officer and Manager of our local Gander Mountain Gun Department, says when he puts .22 on the shelve, it is gone in no time and they are on the phone calling their friends. I forgot to ask him. but sure there is a box limit. There is NO .22LR in our area stores. My LGS called me yesterday to let me know he had some none target grade ammo.

I am rationing myself to get me through September or season end. Maybe my next ordered case will arrive around that time. Who knows. I am afraid if this ammo allocation keeps up in our region, there will be 4 that will give up the sport all together. Hope I am wrong.

We had a fantastic turnout for our monthly HP match, the most so far this century. Ninteen for standard, sixteen for hunter gun. Conditions were only fair with inconsistent winds, to calm, to even windier to calm again. Direction changed 180 degrees through out the day. Typical open prairie springtime conditions. Not sure why so many at once, this is twice our average turnout. I am not complaining, though! Guess who won both guns with a paltry 22 and 25.

Some pictures of the match, enjoy.
http://s766.photobucket.com/user/seveno ... t=3&page=1

I am off here for awhile, Ironman bound first thing Monday. Taking the slow road north.

Great pics and awsome looking range..... I will get over there one day to shoot there with you and yes I will bring my 7mm...... Glad to see the HP force is strong over there..

See you at the Iron Man, Bob. Maybe we'll all go out and show you what an actual beer is so you won't drink that stuff in the silver cans anymore...