2009 High Power annual report

2009 N.J. STATE 300 YARD HIGH POWER RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP
In a relatively few short years this event has become the “must shoot” event certainly in our part of the country, the attendance numbers bear that out not to mention comments from those who have attended. To those that may not have attended in the past, come see for yourself you will not be sorry.

Mother nature for sure didn’t want to cooperate this year as evidenced by the necessity to postpone the originally scheduled September date, conditions that morning where just too lousy for the Championship to take place. We did however hold a regular match for the many diehards that showed up, albeit a bit on the dark & wet side. October’s rescheduled date looked headed for a weather repeat but fortunately the rain just managed to stop several hours before our setup time. While both of these factors undoubtedly kept many of the usual suspects at home, we none the less had an excellent turnout & a great day of shooting as the weather steadily improved from a slight morning chill to sunny & warm.

This year for the first time we used both rifle ranges (all 50 firing points), that greatly sped up the match by allowing for the shooting of most 200 yd events on the additional right hand range. All the while the High Power range did double duty for some 200 yd matches plus all the 300 yd events, thus requiring most shooters to change ranges & in some cases positions. After a brief adjustment period getting use to something new, it appeared everyone got the idea & we finished the match w/o incident & way ahead of previous year’s time wise. Next year we will use the same procedures.

Door prizes as usual where supplied to all registrants & we had numerous awards from various donors & vendors not the least of which where Giraud Tool, Kreiger Barrels, Geissele triggers, White Oak Armaments, Seneca Arms aka John Sylvester, Sierra Bullets, Redding Reloading, Cabela’s, Midway USA, Ken Meise, Champions Choice, Frank Natoli, Sinclair Intl. to name but a few. It’s a wonderful thing when the suppliers we use are willing to offer awards, while at the same time the shooters did recognize their participation & where grateful for it.

This year’s special raffle had two Dillion presses a 550B & 650 both of which found new homes at day’s end, now those winners have no excuse for not having time to reload for an upcoming match. Sure we had all kinds of other awards & raffle items, far too many to mention. Suffice it to say that nobody went home w/o getting something. Speaking of everyone getting something, we had available the usual snacks & drinks all day long plus a BBQ after completion of shooting, I dare say nobody went home with an empty stomach either.

RAPID FIRE WITHOUT THE STANDING
Both the NRA & CMP have changed the rules (WOW what a surprise) this season, one specifically that impacts every shooter, standing is no longer required by the NRA but rather is OPTIONAL. The CMP on the other hand has retained the standing, however, both have mandated that loading will ONLY be done from the firing position, loading while standing having been prohibited by both organizations. Those firing the NRA matches may choose to stand or not, this should aide both new & older shooters, those not familiar with the routine & those with issues making standing difficult. CMP matches still require standing before firing but loading also must be done ONLY from the firing position. There will always be changes but there is now one less reason for anyone not to come out & give High Power a try.

THANKS IS NEVER ENOUGH
Work never stops all around the club, lots of changes & improvements for the membership & events. Every time the thought enters my head that we are almost finished, viola a new project. As long as there is a club, maintenance, updates & new capabilities will be a given which we need to embrace. You don’t build one of the most successful ranges in the country w/o a considerable number of people’s time & effort.

Certainly we all need to recognize the many people that offer their time & effort working on projects of every description all around the club. While most of the work goes unseen & unrewarded, it’s none the less critical in not only maintaining the clubs physical plan but adding to it. In my book there is no greater contribution an individual can make than to volunteer their time, since once used up none of us can retrieve even a minute back. These people are the kind of club members we need more of, those that think of the greater good not just themselves. While we can never repay their efforts & kindnesses, every one of us needs to give them a sincere “THANK YOU” for a job well done.

MY CHALLENGE TO EACH OF YOU
As has become the norm each May, we once again had our day long instructional High Power Clinic on the firing line, as usual it was filled to capacity long before the date. It’s really wonderful to be able to introduce new shooters to the sport & to be able to assist more experienced shooters in getting to the next level. It’s amazing what a change of attitude attendees have after experiencing a safe, learning & fun day, they leave knowing that they to can play this game because of the encouragement received. My challenge to every shooter is simple, make it a point to introduce at least one new person a year to whatever type shooting possible. Sadly, all will not become High Power shooters but that’s up to them to decide for themselves, once given the proper introduction. Sure they will not all stick around beyond that day but just imagine how many just might!

Apart from the clinic, be aware that there is always someone willing to help any prospective shooter to get started of the right path, to that end we have a generous supply of loaner equipment just waiting for anyone’s use during our scheduled events. Help is only as far away as asking for assistance (that starts the process), we all started in the same place, the difference here is many people are willing to help shorten your learning curve.   

JACKSON FOOD BANK DONATION
Once again our annual collection for the Jackson Food Bank has taken place. All donated match awards & individual contributions are to be matched dollar for dollar by the club, effectively doubling whatever amount is collected. Over the years we have successfully made significant contributions to this worthwhile group, we have & continue to make a difference based on the appreciative words that get around within the Jackson community. Briefly they only serve Jackson residents who must prove need, hence the reason they don’t receive state funding, thereby making our contribution very important indeed. Know that we are doing a good thing for many of our neighbors, it is recognized & very much appreciated. It’s great to be a part of such a caring & giving club, thanks to you, others less fortunate will have a little brighter holiday season!  

The end of another very successful season all throughout the club, just goes to show that even in crazy economic times we still need our recreation. Hope to see you all next season if not sooner, until then hold hard & keep em’ in the x-ring.                              John Donald