ihmsa forums

It may be that our setup is not compatible with IHMSA rules.

We are setup for NRA smalbore, smallbore levergun and pistol cartridge levergun. Target distances are C= 40m, P= 50M, T= 77m R=100m. Our levergun targets, both SB & PC, are 1/2 scale. The smallbore targtes are all 1/4" mild steel and the pistol cartridge targets are 3?8" mild steel except for the chickens which are AR500.

The smallbore rifle target stands do double duty for the levergun targets. Because we are open to the public certain days of the week we do not have permanent silhouette stands except for the smallbore rifle rams stands. C,P & T stands fit into receptors and we have portable ram stands for the 1/2 scale targets.

Because we only have one evening a month for the levergun match, any pistol match would be run alongside the levergun match. We alternate months on smallbore and pistol cartridge.

We may have to stay with a NRA Hunters pistol sanctioned match as our setup more closely aligns with those rules.

Please do not let what has been said discourage you ! A 25 yard chicken stand can be made from whatever (wood, steel, concrete, etc.) You will only need a set of 3/8 scale targets for smallbore, you already have targets for Field Pistol. Fifth scale is not mandatory.

According to the most recent rules (2016) targets can be set at other distances as long as the distance is posted at the match. Paragraph H on page 15 explains how the targets can be laid out. As long as your shooters know you are shooting at NRA distances I think you would be OK. Check with Dan and you will be good to run matches.

braud357 wrote:Please do not let what has been said discourage you ! A 25 yard chicken stand can be made from whatever (wood, steel, concrete, etc.) You will only need a set of 3/8 scale targets for smallbore, you already have targets for Field Pistol. Fifth scale is not mandatory.

For safety reasons (long story) our range does not allow steel targets at 25 yards other than air rifle. We had to fight to keep the 40 meter stands. Three years ago we convinced our BOD to purches us the 1/2 scale pistol cartridge targets. I dont have enough participation to justify asking for a set of 3/8 scale.

braud357 wrote:Robert, I am not trying to be a contrarian. But, and this is personal experience - when I applied for the sanction for Ascension Silhouette in 1990 - my State Director did not step foot on my range. In fact - he never showed up until about 5 years later ! The rules and requirements are not enforceable, but we have to take his word that he will follow our rules. We are all operating on the "honor" system - right ?? Lets encourage - not discourage !!

Philip, I would never consider you a contrarian. My only point was that some official "needs’ to make sure for new ranges or shooters, that Safety Rules are observed and match procedures are followed or at least known and understood. I have witnessed shooters leaving their home range for the first time and not be aware of the safety requirements, or that you are only allowed 5 sighter shots prior to shooting for score, and they must be within the same string of fire. A club or Match Director can run a match as he or she sees fit, but we do a dis-service to new shooters or ranges when they are not knowledgeable of these things. When they attend some other match and not know the proper procedures, especially regarding safety.

Robert, I know that this is the way that it is (was) supposed to be done - but, to my knowledge and personal experience - rarely happened !

Whether we would like to admit it or not, IHMSA has degraded over the years. We all are aware of safety being our prime concern and jbolt is making a statement that his range officials will not allow steel targets closer than 40 meters. Does that disqualify his club from holding IHMSA small bore matches? NO, it just means he will need to post the distance to the chickens as I previously stated in our current rules. Also, I cannot remember the last time anyone checked my guns to ensure they were Production legal or that they made weight. IHMSA was so strict in the early days and that was when the rules were developed. Now I don't think I am wrong in saying most MDs will allow shooters to use any guns they want to shoot and most of those guns are no longer checked to ensure they meet ALL IHMSA rules. My point is, IHMSA has now evolved into the "shoot for fun" game that it should have been from day one. We don't shoot for prize money or trophies like the "good old days" so we have become more lax and laid back. The only thing we have not overlooked is safety. So letting a club shoot sanctioned matches should not be a big deal anymore. Those entries bring a few more dollars into the IHMSA coffers and also give some shooters some recognition in the newspaper when they shoot a good score. This subject has also evolved since jbolt was just asking how he could make a memory of a great score that he shot. IHMSA has become more of an oversight organization and the local MDs have become the real stewards of our sport. I guess we need strict rules for the once a year Internationals but local matches are a whole different ballgame.

Well stated Lynn. Local match directors need to do what it takes to keep their matches alive. I know that I can ill afford to turn any shooter away because his gun does not comply to the letter of the rules or if he doesn't wish to join IHMSA. Here in Louisiana we are barely staying alive as a sport as it is.

High Standard 40 is exactly right! OKCGC has implemented non sanction class.We invited the XP forum with their longer than 15 inch barrels to shoot with us,as long as there is no target damage.All the XP owners on that forum could hold a world championship many times over!
P H is the hot class now,we’re seeing a new gun being added to our regulars collection,at every match.

JACKIE40X40 wrote:High Standard 40 is exactly right! OKCGC has implemented non sanction class.We invited the XP forum with their longer than 15 inch barrels to shoot with us,as long as there is no target damage.All the XP owners on that forum could hold a world championship many times over!
P H is the hot class now,we’re seeing a new gun being added to our regulars collection,at every match.

The non-sanction class Jackie speaks of is allowing non-magnifying red-dot sights in Production and Revolver classes and I shot this month's match with one on my Production TC as I did last year. As everyone knows this was allowed on a trial basis last year and the trial ended. I, for one, am not going to re-open that can of worms. Frankly I don't give a crap if it is sanctioned or not. I had fun shooting steel.
In case no one has looked around lately, IHMSA is dying, just like most fraternal organizations in this country. There is no youth coming in on the bottom end to offset the old-timers quitting or dying. And of course, all of us old farts blame cell phones and video games
We're not shooting for car titles or big purses. We are all shooting for the fun of it. Changes must be allowed or there will come a day when shooting steel with a great group of friends will be no more.