Airgun Competition

I have always been interested a little in airgun competition. Unfortunately I have never been in one or even know where they take place. Competitive air rifles are way out of my ball park for purchase. However one thing gets me about these competitions, they seem to use a very short range.

I have never really concentrated on shooting at a 10 meter target. It seems too easy, but I'm sure it is not. But shooting at 21 feet? Why is that? I shoot a 50 yard soup can and hit it pretty consistant with my gamo bigcat 1200.

The answer is indoor shooting. The one thing my Mom, Wife(x), and Significant Other would never allow me to do. For what ever reason that I can not understand, nobody smiles on the thought of me shooting my "toys" in the house. I don't miss that often.

So indoor shooting spurred on the rules for competition airgun shooting. But wait, whats this I spy? The NRA states that BB guns are used at 5 meters? Now thats close.

I have read and listened to Tom Gaylord discuss these types of shooting for the last few years.
And if you have not followed this guy, then you are missing out on the Godfather of airguns. He has a wealth of information that will take me forever to acquire.

So what do you think about competitive shooting? I may try to pursue this matter in a little more detail. Maybe with a little work and digging I will find my love for this sport too?

Here is an article from Navysports.com

March 12, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- The Navy rifle team totaled a 2325 in Saturday's air rifle discipline at the NCAA Championship to finish the weekend in seventh place overall with a total score of 4609. Kentucky won the national title with an overall score of 4700.

Navy placed seventh in smallbore action on Friday (2284), seventh in air rifle (2325) and seventh overall (4609). The Mids were competing in their 26th NCAA Championship all-time and in their 20th consecutive NCAA Championship.

Kentucky (4700), West Virginia (4697), TCU (4654), Jacksonville State (4650), Murray State (4636), Alaska-Fairbanks (4634), Navy (4609) and Army (4596) completed the top eight spots. West Virginia won Saturday's air rifle discipline with a 2368.

Navy was led by junior Allison Paulson with a 585, placing 17th overall. Chris Burleson closed out his spectacular career with a 581. Kenan Wang totaled a 580 while Ryan Williams wrapped up Navy's scoring with a 579.

Navy is hopeful for All-American honors that will be announced tonight at the NRA Awards banquet. Burleson led the Mids in smallbore average, while Williams paced the Midshipmen in air rifle.

The Mids finished the year with a 9-1 dual-meet record and will return two shooters (Paulson, Williams) with experience at this year's NCAA Championship.

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