Do you have an old Mauser, Arisaka, ‘03 Springfield, or M1 Garand gathering dust in the closet? Well, dig it out and load up some ammunition! The South Texas Marksmanship Training Center will host a Vintage Rifle Match on Sunday, December 20th (the normal monthly High Power match date), at the CTSA Range on the Dietz complex in New Braunfels, Texas.
Any original military rifle designed before 1945 is eligible. For instance the M1 Garand was designed before 1945; it would be eligible even if built in 1953. However, newer rifles like an SKS or M16/AR15 are not eligible. All rifles must be in original military configuration…no “sporterized” or heavy barreled target rifles.
Participants cannot use ‘modern,’ competition shooting equipment like heavy jackets and shooting mitts, but WWII-style US Army field jackets or USMC shooting coats of the same era are certainly welcomed.
Spotting scopes are allowed, to help adjust rifle sights to the distance of 200 yards before starting to score shots. Also allowed are shooting mats (or carpet pieces, blankets, etc.) to use when shooting prone on the concrete slab. Eye and hearing protection are both required for safety.
Although the standard course of fire includes three positions: standing, sitting, and prone, a shooter may opt to fire from one of the available benches, or even all prone if that is most comfortable. Participants provide their own ammunition. Sixty rounds should be enough (forty rounds for record and some extra for sighting in).
Match fees are $20 for adults and $10 for juniors (under 18). Junior shooters must be accompanied by an adult. Plan to arrive around 8AM for sign-in and target setup. For more information on this match contact Philip Beekley at 210-364-6561, or send email to philip(a)philipbeekley.com.