A question was asked on the SB forum concerning the status of our HP silhouette range improvements. For those of you who are not familiar with our range, in the past, we have been limited to 300 meter targets. The turkeys and rams were half size targets at 1/2 the regulation distance. Chickens and pigs were full size at 200 and 300 meters. Due to other necessary improvements on a number of ranges and the high cost of the needed construction, the HP range construction has had to wait it's turn. The range is being expanded to allow targets at 500 meters for silhouette as well as a 600 yard target for the paper punchers. I am pleased to inform you that the range construction is moving along very nicely and it is my hope that it will be completed no later than mid-March. If you want to take a look at some photos, I have provided the link below.

http://bentongunclub.org/range1pics.html

Greg Sullivan

Looks like you all will have a nice range when it's done. It will be good to have a regulation range in your part of the country. How many targets do you plan to have at each bank? Please continue to send us progress pictures and reports.

Bob,
Due to some constraints in the width of the range, I was only able to squeeze in 2 sets of 10 targets. These will consist of a lower bank of 5 targets and an upper bank of 5 targets for each of the 2 firing positions. The rules allow a 1% variance from the regulation distance which I incorporated into the design of the range. This was necessary to allow space for the earthwork required for the elevated target rails. This means that each shooter will fire at 2 distances for each animal. I spoke at length with Greg Conner about this situation and he determined that as long as all shooters fire at the same distances, there is not an issue. I plan to post all pertinent information with regard to distances at each firing position. If some shooters think it might be useful, I will also post the angle of fire for each target position. The upper targets will be shot for the first bank and then the lower. The distances, in meters, for each target are:

C - 198 & 202
P - 297 & 303
T - 381.15 & 388.85
R - 495 - 505

The new firing line will be a 100' long covered concrete slab with concrete benches. This should be under construction very soon.

Greg Sullivan

Speaking for the Western corner of the state, Greg, all we have to say is THANK YOU.

Kitty

Remind me please - when's the inaugural match?

The date of the first match is still undetermined. The target rails will need to be built and set in place before we will be able to have a match. I hope to have it all completed by mid-March, but it could be April. I will try and post updates as necessary.

Greg Sullivan

Just a quick update on our ongoing construction project.

The construction of the covered firing line (12'x100' concrete pad) was begun this past Monday. Thanks to some great photos from Mr. Briscoe, the rail system design has been determined and fabrication of the rails has started as well. If memory serves, the March HP match is scheduled for the 23rd, and I think we just might make it! We'll still be limited to one set of animals, but I'm working on that.

GTS

Be sure to post updated pictures!!!!

There are new pics of the HP range construction at the Benton Gun Club web site. The link at the top of this thread will get you there. As you can see in the pics, the covered firing line construction is well under way. There are several pics that show the new HP silo berms fairly well. I think you can even make out the elevated portion where the upper bank of animals will be set.

Rail fabrication/construction is under way as well, but I'm afraid making the March HP silo match might be very optimistic. We're trying, it's just difficult to get all of the manpower, tools and materials in the same place at the same time. Then you have to factor in our spring regional SB match between now and then.....we'll get there by April, I just know it!

GTS

Finally got to see the improvements today! Looks GREAT!! Good Job, Greg! I can't wait to shoot the full course. Let me know when you need some help putting the target rails together!!!

Guys:

This is going to be a great Highpower Silhouette Range - Nothing like it for several hundred miles around - except the classic Zwolle's famous once a year LA state championship. Keep your eyes on this for future matches!!

Just a reminder to the Benton Gun Club members.

We will be working on the HP rails this Saturday and Sunday (29th & 30th) for those of you that can attend. We need cutting torches (big ones), a welder (also a big one) and all the muscle we can muster. We shall begin at 8:00 AM.

Thanks,
Greg Sullivan

We finally made it! After many years of planning and cajoling, and with much gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes, the Benton Gun Club now has a full course HP silhouette range.

Many thanks to all who showed up this weekend to lend a hand, it couldn't have been accomplished without your assistance. We still have one more set of target rails to build, so you're not off the hook just yet, but we do have one set ready for the April 27 match. The new firing line should have it's roof installed this week, weather permitting, so even if it rains on the 27th, we'll be ready to go.

Again, thanks to all for both the moral support as well as your labor effort.

Greg Sullivan

What time on the 27th, Greg? Kitty & I can tune in a church service on the way down (probably two - he doesn't think a Methodist service counts...)

All of our Sunday club matches begin at 1:00 PM. I am not the match director for this one, but I usually pick up the animals and deliver them to the range. I will do my best to be there by at least 11:00 AM. We are approved for 2 matches on each date, 1 hunting rifle and 1 HP rifle. Of late, we have only had 1 match, usually due to tired old men (self included) just wanting to sit down and BS for a while. Whether we shoot 1 or 2 will probably be up to the MD and willing participants.
You can access the entire match schedule using the link to the BGC web site at the top of this thread. In addition to the calendar, there is a pdf file of the schedule you can download. There should be contact info for the various MD's on both.
Look forward to seeing you folks on the 27th. One word of warning, if the weather has been wet, you should bring some mud boots for going down and setting targets. New construction and all.

Got zeros on the new range this past Sunday afternoon. Target boards are available. That's to you, AJJ. et-al!!! April 27!!! Bring IT!!!!