Tuesday morning Terry, Marley and I loaded the RV and drove several hours where we picked up Tom Costan and a crapload of guns. From his house in the high desert I drove us over seven hours into Arizona to attend the Extreme Benchrest. We arrived two days early to spend time with friends and to do some practice in the open desert. Our first stop was Airguns Of Arizona where we were greeted by many familiar faces and even enjoyed a nice lunch with Robert Buchanan.
After lunch we met up over at my good friend Steves where it turned out we would be spending the next week. The first day was spent relaxing at his house and just enjoying being amongst other Airgunners as myself. The following morning we would get up early and head into the open desert for a day of some practice in the AZ wind. The area we had chosen offered ranges out to 300+ yards and was the perfect spot to practice with the Big Bores. Terry had brought some target holders and wind flags that helped us all navigate a bit easier.
We had a variety of Air Rifles in attendance including Terry's Daystate Wolverine R in.25 caliber that he was setting up for the American FT event.
We even received a special visit from Mr. Nick Nielsen from Nielsen Specialty Ammo, he spent some time testing some slugs out of my custom AAA EVOL .30
Think Nick has enough slugs?
Stephen Marsh shooting the .452 Slayer
After spending most of the day out in the desert we headed back to Mesa area to Steve's house for some barrel cleaning. I made the horrible mistake of removing my barrel thinking I would have time to check zero in morning......NOPE!! UGGGGG another FAT FAIL that I wish I could go back on. The following morning we loaded up the Motorhome and headed out to the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club for the 1st day of the Extreme Benchrest. This shooting range no doubt one of the most beautiful places in the desert, stunning views of the mountains. Upon arrival it didn't take long for Marley to meet one of her Fans, she loves them all.
As I would be competing Unfortunately couldn't photograph and video as much as I would have liked to but do have a video coming soon. My first event of the day was the American Field Target, probably my favorite event of the EBR. The AOA staff were all very friendly and more than willing to walk my dumbass through the rules etc, The course had five stations that had four targets each spread from 15 to 100 yards, very EXTREME setup. The path to each lane had coolers with water as well as air tanks to refill from, very convenient.
Tom Costan with his HP .22 EVOL
Marley hangin in the shade waiting for me to finish
I was doing much better than two years before where I seriously had no clue what I was doing, gun was set up much better this year. I hit the majority of the targets on the course considering my zero was a bit off. Very fun event and would encourage anyone to give it a try, I plan to do much better next year.
My friend Simon Cockayne from Daystate
That rest of the day was spent wandering around taking in the sights and meeting new people as well as some video work. Here are a few random photos I took that may not be in very good order to the days.
Dakota Enox, Dennis Baker and Chad Kenter
Donald Enox,Joe
Me just about to fail in 50 meter BR
I had been practicing my shooting prior to attending the EBR and had anticipated doing well, unfortunately being a dumbass has taken it's toll on me yet again. I failed to comprehend that you cannot fill during the competition and only in between cards....UGGGGG is all I can say, again! lol
Moving on into the evening I had the privilege joining in on the industry dinner, many well known faces such as Frank Walther, Mauro Marocchi, Rossi Morreale, Jim Chapman and our very own Michael Wendt and many others. This in all honesty was the first year I felt a part of, generally I try to stay out and to myself. I met some new friends and had a great time at dinner with everyone, super fun times. That evening we headed back to Steves where we got some much needed sleep, had another early day ahead.
Today I had very little to do till late morning so I did a little bit of video work and got to interview some very familiar faces, can't wait to share later on.
This event was so nice to be able to put faces to some of you here as well as from YouTube, had a great time hanging out with Mr. Joe Rhea and Chad Kenter. Over the day I enjoyed spectating several of the events and even participated in the 75 yard benchrest. I had my bench towards to right side of the range next to Justin Welch, a heck of a nice guy and a phenomenal shooter. I ended my card with a 218 that I felt was a good improvement for me compared to several years ago, the wind is not easy. After my 75 yard card I headed over the the Extreme Big Bore where I helped spot for my teammate Terry. The Big Bore competition is one of the most difficult events, to hit targets at ranges beyond 200+ yards many factors are involved.
This was Terry's very first time shooting in the Big Bore event as well as having very little time using the Slayer. The event had four lanes I believe, bench, offhand, standing with sticks and the prone position. Terry ended up taking 2nd place, not bad for his first time eh?
Moving on into the evening I was getting a bit nervous because prior to the event I was asked to participate on a panel during the Saturday night meeting. I was super nervous to be in front of everyone....to be honest it terrified me.
I was honored to be asked to go up and sit next to some real superheroes in the sport, thankfully Marley came to the rescue. I had fun and I think everyone else did too, still embarrassing as all hell. That evening we made our way back to Steve's for a BBQ with a few of my close friends, so nice to visit with everyone. The last day was pretty much blur for me, I was very tired from dragging guns around back and forth all week. Enclosed are a few more random pics I got
Ken Hicks with the LCS
My friend Claudio Flores
<a href="https://imgur.com/7HsJ6WV"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="https://imgur.com/PbDzuk3"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
I had so much fun at this event, the banquet was loaded with raffle prizes that unfortunately I couldn't participate in. Putting gas in the RV ate through most all of my funds, things a hog. The highlight of the night I think was the kid who jumped out of his chair for the excitement of winning a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun, haha that's what it's all about I think. Joe Rhea gave away a Brocock Commander to some kid, that was awesome thing...totally worth the surprise look on the kids face. What more can I say, this event was the best yet and full of memories that will last forever in my mind.
<a href="https://imgur.com/kg1iXMe"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Nikolay Boldov (center) Ken Hicks (right) Jason Barnes (left)
I had so much fun and can't wait till next year to do it again
<a href="https://imgur.com/XcPfIdn"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
From Left, Terry, Tom, Ron, Me, Steve
After lunch we met up over at my good friend Steves where it turned out we would be spending the next week. The first day was spent relaxing at his house and just enjoying being amongst other Airgunners as myself. The following morning we would get up early and head into the open desert for a day of some practice in the AZ wind. The area we had chosen offered ranges out to 300+ yards and was the perfect spot to practice with the Big Bores. Terry had brought some target holders and wind flags that helped us all navigate a bit easier.
We had a variety of Air Rifles in attendance including Terry's Daystate Wolverine R in.25 caliber that he was setting up for the American FT event.
We even received a special visit from Mr. Nick Nielsen from Nielsen Specialty Ammo, he spent some time testing some slugs out of my custom AAA EVOL .30
Think Nick has enough slugs?
Stephen Marsh shooting the .452 Slayer
After spending most of the day out in the desert we headed back to Mesa area to Steve's house for some barrel cleaning. I made the horrible mistake of removing my barrel thinking I would have time to check zero in morning......NOPE!! UGGGGG another FAT FAIL that I wish I could go back on. The following morning we loaded up the Motorhome and headed out to the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club for the 1st day of the Extreme Benchrest. This shooting range no doubt one of the most beautiful places in the desert, stunning views of the mountains. Upon arrival it didn't take long for Marley to meet one of her Fans, she loves them all.
As I would be competing Unfortunately couldn't photograph and video as much as I would have liked to but do have a video coming soon. My first event of the day was the American Field Target, probably my favorite event of the EBR. The AOA staff were all very friendly and more than willing to walk my dumbass through the rules etc, The course had five stations that had four targets each spread from 15 to 100 yards, very EXTREME setup. The path to each lane had coolers with water as well as air tanks to refill from, very convenient.
Tom Costan with his HP .22 EVOL
Marley hangin in the shade waiting for me to finish
I was doing much better than two years before where I seriously had no clue what I was doing, gun was set up much better this year. I hit the majority of the targets on the course considering my zero was a bit off. Very fun event and would encourage anyone to give it a try, I plan to do much better next year.
My friend Simon Cockayne from Daystate
That rest of the day was spent wandering around taking in the sights and meeting new people as well as some video work. Here are a few random photos I took that may not be in very good order to the days.
Dakota Enox, Dennis Baker and Chad Kenter
Donald Enox,Joe
Me just about to fail in 50 meter BR
I had been practicing my shooting prior to attending the EBR and had anticipated doing well, unfortunately being a dumbass has taken it's toll on me yet again. I failed to comprehend that you cannot fill during the competition and only in between cards....UGGGGG is all I can say, again! lol
Moving on into the evening I had the privilege joining in on the industry dinner, many well known faces such as Frank Walther, Mauro Marocchi, Rossi Morreale, Jim Chapman and our very own Michael Wendt and many others. This in all honesty was the first year I felt a part of, generally I try to stay out and to myself. I met some new friends and had a great time at dinner with everyone, super fun times. That evening we headed back to Steves where we got some much needed sleep, had another early day ahead.
Today I had very little to do till late morning so I did a little bit of video work and got to interview some very familiar faces, can't wait to share later on.
This event was so nice to be able to put faces to some of you here as well as from YouTube, had a great time hanging out with Mr. Joe Rhea and Chad Kenter. Over the day I enjoyed spectating several of the events and even participated in the 75 yard benchrest. I had my bench towards to right side of the range next to Justin Welch, a heck of a nice guy and a phenomenal shooter. I ended my card with a 218 that I felt was a good improvement for me compared to several years ago, the wind is not easy. After my 75 yard card I headed over the the Extreme Big Bore where I helped spot for my teammate Terry. The Big Bore competition is one of the most difficult events, to hit targets at ranges beyond 200+ yards many factors are involved.
This was Terry's very first time shooting in the Big Bore event as well as having very little time using the Slayer. The event had four lanes I believe, bench, offhand, standing with sticks and the prone position. Terry ended up taking 2nd place, not bad for his first time eh?
Moving on into the evening I was getting a bit nervous because prior to the event I was asked to participate on a panel during the Saturday night meeting. I was super nervous to be in front of everyone....to be honest it terrified me.
I was honored to be asked to go up and sit next to some real superheroes in the sport, thankfully Marley came to the rescue. I had fun and I think everyone else did too, still embarrassing as all hell. That evening we made our way back to Steve's for a BBQ with a few of my close friends, so nice to visit with everyone. The last day was pretty much blur for me, I was very tired from dragging guns around back and forth all week. Enclosed are a few more random pics I got
Ken Hicks with the LCS
My friend Claudio Flores
<a href="https://imgur.com/7HsJ6WV"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a><a href="https://imgur.com/PbDzuk3"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>I had so much fun at this event, the banquet was loaded with raffle prizes that unfortunately I couldn't participate in. Putting gas in the RV ate through most all of my funds, things a hog. The highlight of the night I think was the kid who jumped out of his chair for the excitement of winning a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun, haha that's what it's all about I think. Joe Rhea gave away a Brocock Commander to some kid, that was awesome thing...totally worth the surprise look on the kids face. What more can I say, this event was the best yet and full of memories that will last forever in my mind.
<a href="https://imgur.com/kg1iXMe"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>Nikolay Boldov (center) Ken Hicks (right) Jason Barnes (left)
I had so much fun and can't wait till next year to do it again
<a href="https://imgur.com/XcPfIdn"><img src="
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>From Left, Terry, Tom, Ron, Me, Steve
