Lever Action Silhouette National Matches

[Blackdog]

I just returned from the Whittington Center in North Eastern New Mexico. I was there to compete in the Lever Action Rifle Silhouette matches.
There are three categories of matches: CLA - 30-30 and similar rifles shoot at 50/100/150/200 meters.
Pistol cartridge - rimmed pistol cartridge rifles (like .357) shooting at 40/50/75/100 meters and Small Bore at the same distance with lighter targets.
At all distances the objective is to knock the target over, not just it it, but hit it and make it fall over. Bang-Clang!
I past years Marlin has been the primary rifle seen on the range, but not this year. Henry rifles are showing up more and more.
I think it is because the Henry is more affordable, as accurate and easier to find.

I shot in all three categories, used a Winchester in the CLA, a Marlin in Pistol Cartridge and a 24" Henry in the Small Bore match. Didn't win, had fun, saw a lot of old friends, enjoyed the weather - in the mountains and different each day. NIce to see Henry rifles make a good showing.

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[PT7]

Blackdog,

That is really quite a venue you were at. I've read about what all is available at WC, especially about the various range setups. I think there is most everything you could want, including places for long-distance shooting. Glad you had a good time, even though you didn't take any of the competition awards. Sounds great that you plain 'ole had fun!

Also a comment on your range picture. Lot of off hand shooting happening. Way to go! I enjoy that most of all, especially outdoors.Thanks for your post.

PT7

[JEBar]

I'd never heard of it but that sounds like a really interesting event .... thanks for starting thread about it

[GFK]

Seems like it!

[220]

Fun match, the local range here in Aus shoots the rimfire event once a fortnight on a Wednesday evening during summer.
I need to travel to shoot the rifle and pistol cal events so have only ever shot them at national or state tittles.
They also shoot a world championship, the year we shot the nationals a girl who lives a few houses up my street qualified for the junior events and headed over to the USA with her grandfather to compete.

[Oksrt]

Sounds like fun!

[ESquared]

Cool events! Thanks for sharing, gents!

[Blackdog]

The Lever Action Silhouette match drew the largest group of shooters this year - more than small bore or high power. It was fun. I've been shooting Lever Action for 6 years and lived in three different states (had trouble deciding where to retire) - it was a home-coming event for lever gunners.
Sunday night many of us met in Cold Beer, New Mexico (a joint between Raton and Cimarron) for music (from the Sierra rep) and some of the cold stuff.
Michael

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[Blackdog]

oops