Long Range Side Matches

[Red Oak]

I'm considering trying a long range side match.  But have lots of questions.  What is a typical distance, 100 yards, 200 yards, or more?  What is a typical rifle used; lever, single shot etc?  And what caliber, 45-70, 38-55?  Is there usually a pistol caliber segment like say 44-40? 

Thank you,

Red Oak

[irish ike, SASS #43615]

Depends; On the range and what distances they can provide. Most I'ce shot are under 200 yards. 

Depends; on what categories they offer for caliber and rifle. Usually single shot big bore 38-55 and larger, pistol caliber lever action 38 and larger.

Depends; some offer pistol caliber and big bore lever action.

Most do not separate smokeless from black powder.

Most the winner is determined by most shots on target in the fastest time. So speed rifle.

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

REF: SHB pp.29-31

[Cholla]

At Bordertown it’s 50 yards for pistol, 100 yards for pistol caliber rifle, 150 yards for rifle caliber rifle, 300 plus yards for single shot rifle, and 160-ish yards for Quigley Bucket. 

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

On 4/29/2024 at 12:26 PM, irish ike, SASS #43615 said:

Most(ly) the winner is determined by most shots on target in the fastest time. So speed rifle.

 

So, you must make ALL the shots that the other top rank shooters make, then you can go as fast as you think is prudent.  I'd call it managed speed.  If it's a ten target match, best scores are 9 hits, then the time breaks the ties among the 9-hit shooters.  8 hits and less - not in the running for first.

 

Rarely, it might be scored like a main match (time plus penalty time for misses).  A MAIN match IS a speed match, as typically 20% of shooters will clean it.

 

Your most correct source of information about how to shoot and what can be shot is obtained from the person putting the long range matches together.  These usually occur only at big matches - state championships, annuals, or regional or bigger matches.  Each WILL be put on differently.

 

good luck, GJ