I have been told about the great matches especially the one in Winnsboro. I was curious what all of you thought were the top 5 premier matches in the Country.

Kevin

Some what geographic question in nature...LOL

Winnie

Then in no order

FloridaShrimp
Conard CupCan't think of it being that DAMN cold in April
BentonChicken's home state match,comming into it's own
Texas (In Austin, sure the other are great as well... really needs to have one location IMO. Take a vote, 1st place gets the state and the 2nd place in the "other" region get the Regionals each year. This would allow the match directors the ability to sell the match to sponsors and etc. This is not doable in a year....)

In all of the above I believe that you will find the best in the world. I have never been to PA, I hear that's a great match as well and the Nationals, but I can not think of an event that only SELLS water at a 116* match, will report back this year...

The others I list as my favs... I hear the Canada match is good...worlds is a dream of mine one day....

Let me say that I have been to other VERY well ran matches with some great prople. Byt in my opinion these are worth traveling to from my limited experience. Gator has probable seen the globe a time or two....Marry?

Chicken

Number #1 Winnie.

I concur with Chicken on some of the others, in no paticular order
Conard Cup (PeEll, Washington), I've shot it when it was warm, and once when it was cold so be prepared for either. Sunshine Classic (this year is the 20th anniversary), Jacksonville, Mid South Classic (Little Rock, AR).
Never shot in Texas, yet, scheduling difficulties but hear they have great matches from those that would know. Nationals shot in PA have been fun, except for travel to and from, seem to have problems in the airports there with guns. I have always enjoyed shooting at Raton, although the after match activies are not up to the "local flare" of other matches.
Georgia States in Brunswick usually in November has great food. Tennessee states just started last August was a good match as well.

Mary

Kevinp
Chicken is right. It can depend on LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Having been a match director for more years than I wish to remember and appreciating the effort required to present a GOOD/GREAT but mostly a MEMORABLE match I submit that it boils down to preparation, friends and location. The matches are mainly 40 rounds of shooting. Face it, at the larger matches, you spend more time socializing and BS

George about nailed it. I've been fortunate to be able to travel some and experience most of the "big" matches across the country.

Winnie, hands down. All silhouette shooters should make the pilgrimage, You really haven't "seen the elephant" unless you've been there and experienced the hospitality of Ducky and co.

I like the Midsouth Classic because it's in my backyard.

The Sunshine Classic is also a "must make match" Beautiful weather in the spring, Chuck puts on a Class Match and if you don't have a good time, it's your fault.

PeEll (Conard Cup) is a classic. Beautiful setting, lot's of silhouette shooting history, wind hardly ever a factor. Unfortunately, last year was my first time and coming just two weeks after enjoying the Florida Sunshine and our spring here in Arkansas, I was cold and damp for the duration. Hopefully this year I'll bring a sack of sunshine with me.

The Nationals. Wherever they're held. Ridgeway is beautiful, and Raton is Raton. It cannot compare with the prizes given away at Winnsboro, The Sunshine Classic, and The Midsouth Classic, but there is a certain sense of a lot being on the line because a National Champion for our sport is crowned.

Can't comment on Texas, never shot there. Also, for those of you in search of "big" matches to shoot, don't overlook some of the lesser publicized state Matches. I had a great time at Kentucky two years ago and likewise at Chattanooga last year. I have a feeling that there are a lot of these "jewels" waiting to be discovered.

I would encourage all to support your local matches and spend a little time on the weekends traveling to matches in your neighboring state. And be sure to support your own state match. If you don't have one in your state, look into getting one started.

Kitty

Winnie is first and then the CBC at PeEll. I have made most of the CBC matches and it has been cold and wet at least one day each time.