Events FSA SW Ohio Field Target Match - Sunday July 27th

We once again had a steamy hot day of field target. The match was held at FSA on Sunday, July 27. It was hot early, hot and humid in the middle, and hot and rainy at the end. We again used the lanes that would be most likely to keep the shooting positions out of the sun. We also had a cooler full of iced water and drinks to keep everyone hydrated.
The course rang in at 33.03 Troyer, right in the middle of the moderate range for matches in Ohio. It was slightly harder than the last match and again featured many technical shots with medium sized kill zones at near maximum range. The target with the lowest hit percentage (23%) was the far kneeling shot. The standing lane must have been a bit easier, as there were several non-standing targets with lower hit percentages than the 45%-50% rate on both standing shots. For the most part, we had very little wind, but as usual there are several lanes where you can be blown off target even when you can’t see a visual indication of wind.
We had 11 participants representing 3 AATFA classes (Nine in Hunter PCP and one each in Hunter Piston and WFTF Piston). I really felt for Matt, who was the lone bum-bagger wearing his heavy leather shooting jacket. Hunter PCP was won by Jeff Swartz who posted the match high score of 53. Ryan Spanagel followed in second with a 45 and Ken Santo took third place with a 44. Our lone Hunter Piston shooter, Nick Lawrence turned in a 34, and Matt Uhler shot an outstanding 48 in WFTF Piston. His score was the second highest of the day, and that was with a springer shooting in the 10-11 ft lb range. Very impressive Matt.
We intended to have Pizza after the match so we would all have a chance to enjoy each other’s company and re-live the days adventures. Unfortunately, the only pizza place that delivers to FSA doesn’t open until 3PM on Sundays. We’ll keep working on a different plan for food, so we’ll be ready when the Buckeye Series banquet comes to FSA in about 2 months.
Only Jeff and Ryan stuck around for a 40-point pistol match (we set it up, so someone had to shoot it). Probably a good move on everyone else’s part as we were barely into the second lane when a pop-up rainstorm hit. All was not lost as we waited it out in the covered golf cart and under the shelter of a tree. About 15-20 minutes later, the storm was gone, and we finished shooting the remaining lanes. The course difficulty was rather stiff at 34.8T and included 3 targets that were NOT AAFTA legal, and we skipped shooting any offhand shots. Considering the course difficulty and the rain delay, Jeff’s score of 37 and Ryan’s 34 were rather good.
Rod Patterson who shot the FX DRS loaner gun at the last match came prepared with his own set-up this time. So, I think we got another person hooked and we look forward to seeing him back next time. The DRS was donated by High Pressure Pneumatics and is outfitted with a Sidewinder courtesy of Hawke Optics, a moderator donated by Donny FL, a Scope-Werks wheel, and shooting JSB pellets from Predator International. All of these companies have outstanding products, and we encourage everyone to consider them for your airgun related purchases. And don’t forget Baker Airguns who is also a sponsor that continues to be a friend and supporter of airgun clubs.
Thanks to all who attended,
Jeff Swartz and Ryan Spanagel