Snap, Rattle & BBQ Rolls

Posted on 22 Feb 2014 by WH

The California State Full Bore Championships.

Another early start and drive through Clichéville, USA (oil, McD's, diner, minor auto museum, motels, monster trucks...) to begin day one of the California State Championsips. Today included a briefing on the danger of the local rattlesnake population, who apparently like to congregate underneath the catwalk in the butts. Yesterday it had been Valley Fever warnings. Will we survive this trip to the Wild West?

A large turnout from all over California, some other states and many from Canada (plus Mick Barr from England) had also made the voyage in the pursuit of glory. The format for day one was simple: three relays each string shooting at 300, 600, 900 and 1000 yards, with all firing 2 convertible sighters and 15 to count. This challenge alone wasn't enough for our Jamie Campbell; after snapping his rifle in half at 300 yards, he subsequently went through three other rifles throughout the day as we dropped back. It can certainly be said that Jamie was very eager to gain as much experience as possible.

Once again the sun shone brightly and the consequent heat proved to be an additional challenge. The wind decided to show up today too, and helped expose the menacing mirage's true colours; it changed frequently yet, in reality, would take a little while longer to actually do what it was showing us (or sometimes the opposite, sending shots sideways before revealing itself) and points were often shed as a result.

The efficiency of the running of the range at Coalinga is awe-inspiring. Well before 3pm, we had completed three details at four ranges, with every competitor also marking in the pits several times. It's non-stop all day in the blistering heat but it keeps everybody on their toes and makes personal organisation crucial in achieving this. By Sunday, every member of the team will be part of a well-oiled (albeit possibly also dessicated) machine and ready to go into the team matches the following week.

Two of the US Palma team led the scoring on day one, with Noma Mayo's outstanding 148.5 at 1000 yards propelling her to a four point advantage over Lane Buxton, on 595.36. Matt Charlton led the Scots from the front, with 584.16 to place second in Master class, while Iain Hindshaw and Will Hanley were second and third in Expert with 576.17 and 573.12. For more scores, see the results page.

The busy day on the range culminated with a most welcome BBQ and compulsory beers (and cake!) before sunset, courtesy of the guys at the Coalinga Rifle Club. For this were most grateful. Our hosts really are lovely. We added our own twist to the end of the gathering, with a post-pudding chat where all team members shared what they had learnt today. Sunday will see us shooting in pairs at the same distances to determine the aggregate victor of the California State Full Bore Championships. Stay tuned! (The butt rattlesnakes remain concealed BTW, but we'll report back tomorrow should there be any developments)