The 2016 Safari Rifle Challenge World Championships are
coming soon! The event will be held in Libby, Montana at the Libby Rod and Gun
Club. Jay Sheffield is the Match Director and puts on an exciting and enjoyable
event. It is always held on the second Sunday in July (07-10-2016). There is a
large community fund raising concert every year on the second Saturday so they
piggy-back with that to give shooters something else to enjoy while they are visiting
Libby, Montana. This year John Michael Montgomery will be headlining the
concert.
The shooting event fills-up very quickly after they send
notices to the participants on their email group so they don't advertise. If
you want to sign up, request more information, or get on their notification list send Jay an email (see below) and he
will get you squared away.
Here is an update from Jay regarding the soon to be held
2016 event:
Safari Rifle Challenge
World Championships in Libby, Montana
Sunday July 10, 2016 8am-4pm
The Event: This is a family oriented shoot featuring both
life size and moving targets. It is designed to simulate events encountered on
an African Safari. Targets will be scored and times will be announced, but
since all prizes are awarded by random drawing, you will be competing purely
for the glory of sport! Participants will be expected to cheerfully help with
reset of targets, powering the moving targets and any other menial labor that
may be necessary for the greater good. Shooters must be at least 18yrs old and
must be pre-registered. There is a $20 participation fee which will also
entitle you to a commemorative t-shirt.
The Guns: This is a big bore, dangerous game rifle shoot.
Essentially .375/9.3 caliber or larger in single shot, bolt action or double
rifles. If you have an antique double rifle in a smaller caliber that is
capable of taking big game then bring it! Single shot, double barrel or bolt
action 10/12/20 gauge guns firing single lead balls or slugs will also be
allowed. Sorry, but no handguns, lever action, pump or semi-automatic firearms.
You will need about 30 rounds. ABSOLUTELY NO LIGHT LOADS!
The Rules: All guns will be placed in the racks with
actions open. When it is your turn to shoot, you will be directed to get your
rifle by the range master. SAFETY AND MUZZLE CONTROL ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE! The
start position will generally be low ready with a round in the chamber, finger
off the trigger and the safety on, unless otherwise directed by range staff. A
range master “PH” will stay beside you at all times while on the course. On
most stages, there will be a limited amount of ammunition allowed in your gun
when starting the stage, extra rounds will have to be loaded from the belt,
pocket, butt stock etc. We reserve the right to change the course of fire based
on our disposition, your disposition, untimely demise of the targets, comments
from the peanut gallery, weather or whatever other factors may be present. All
distances are approximate and subject to change.
The Course of fire: Shooting positions will vary from
standing on your hind legs and shooting offhand, to kneeling and seated.
Frequently it will be a combination of positions. Some stages may require the
use of shooting sticks which will be provided. Many stages will require you to
fire at a target, move to another spot, reload and then fire at a second
target. All movement will be done with an empty gun and all reloading will be
done once you are safely at the next shooting position. If you have any
physical issues that preclude a certain activity we will cheerfully accommodate
you.
The 10 stage course is specifically designed to NOT favor
any particular style of rifle or sight system. Distances will vary between 5
and 75+ yards. Targets will vary from life-size broadside buffalo and elephant
heads to clay birds and water jugs.
Location: Libby Shooting Sports Complex on Farm to Market
Rd. across from the Libby Airport.
Time: Shooting starts at 8 am SHARP! Please arrive early
to check in and get setup. Remember to bring lawn chairs, hat and sunscreen. A
food truck will be at the range if you would like to purchase breakfast, lunch
or soft drinks. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks (NO
ALCOHOL ON RANGE PROPERTY).
Here are a few links from recent events in case you might like to learn more:
