DCPA 4/29/01 Shooting Demo report from Range 4

Saturdays weather was absolutely perfect for the DCPA Shooting Demo as was organized and run by Mike Fairchild.  All shooting disciplines were represented.  Range 4 was setup for a mini Field Target match and Hans and Ray Apelles brought out a variety of Airguns for people to try out (12 in all).  A friend, Billy Lo, came and helped us out also.  Billy brought his HW97 out and showed many people how to shoot it also.  It seemed like our busiest time was during lunch when a swarm of people came up as the other disciplines slowed down.  I apologize for not getting everyone's name so this report will only mention a few of the people that came up top to the Airgun range.

The Mini Field Target match was received well.  We automatically gave all Juniors who shot the Field Target Course a free box of pellets to take home and practice with after they completed the course.  The course consisted of 10 targets (20 shots) with 2 Junior targets substituted as we now do during our regular match.  A mother daughter team (Ann & Sonja Bruns) came through early to shoot the match.  Both had a good time and Ann (mom) was very proud of Sonja who more than doubled her Mom's score.

Another notable team coming through the match was Mike Fairchild and John Donanto.  Mike and John Shared a gun through the match and shot the entire course off hand.  They started out Shooting Hans's RWS 36 Break Barrel and half way through the match switched to my TX200 Under Lever.  I stayed with Mike & John throughout the match as the rivalry between them was fierce.  The camaraderie between the two was just a whole bunch of fun to watch.  They were egging each other on throughout the course.  Field Target is very relaxed in atmosphere so it is easy to have a good time.  Apparently this is one of the similarities to Cowboy Action shooting.  Mike and John were tied all the way through until they got to the last lane.  Mike was shooting first and had a little trouble with a few of the targets.  A crosswind with an airgun needs to be compensated for carefully.  John shot last and cleaned the lane to finish the feud. 

Later on Mike and John tried a few of the other guns to get a feel for the difference between Spring Guns and Precharged Pneumatics.  I handed them a scoped Precharged Air Rifle that weighed 5 LB 14 OZ.  This is one very light and accurate rifle.  They both couldn't believe it's capabilities.  Next time around they may shoot the match with that gun!

As things were winding down John Came back and tried a few other rifles.  John Tried one of my match rifles (an NJR 100 weighing over 12LBS), the Daystate Mirage (5 LB 14 OZ), and also my daughters modified CO2 gun (a SSP250 weighing 5 LB 4 OZ). I had John shoot at the 75 yard saw blade from the bench which he proceeded to hit each time with the first 2 rifles.  Then I had him try the Spinners at the same distance.  Those were a bit harder in the wind, which was ever changing.  All I remember John saying is "I can't believe these guns are so accurate".  Then John tried the SSP250 at the shorter targets.  The SSP doesn't have the reach for 75 yards.  He proceeded to shoot all the targets within its 40 yard reach.  He had a bit of trouble with the shortened stock, that my daughter used when she was 8y/o, but thought it would be just the ticket for his daughter.

Thanks to all who came and shot and those that also helped with the clean up.  As it turns out it appears Billy will be becoming a DCPA Member.  Billy belongs to another club but likes our dedicated Airgun Range.  Welcome aboard Billy. 

All in all the Demo was a great success.  Mike did a great job organizing the event.  This report can also be found on The "A" Team's Web Site (URL below)  go to the "EFTCC Match Results" page.

Ray Apelles - DCPA Field Target Match Director
Ray  from  ~ The "A" Team
(845-440-3880)
A-TEAM-RAY == >