~Heym Challenge 2013~

Review of the 2013 Heym Challenge

With Special Guests

Mark Sullivan and Peter Dafner

Professional Hunters

Graeme Wright and David Little with a Competitor at the Leopard Station

The 2013 Heym Challenge has concluded and once again the annual Heym event was a great success. Participants came from around the world to participate in and experience the two day extravaganza. The event was very well done and seemed to be enjoyed by all. This year’s event was the second annual event conducted by Heym. Planning has already begun for the 2014 event which will also be held in Germany.

This year the event was sponsored by Kynoch, Jagdfieber, Schanz Messer, Leica, Jagdzeit International, Classic Gun Magazine, Jagen Heute, and Sax Munition. The Heym event consisted of a shooting competition on April 20th known as the “Heym Challenge“ and also a factory tour day on the 21st at the Heym Gleichamberg factory. Day one started off early at the Schießzentrum Waffen Albert – Pulvertoni also known as the Waffen Albert shooting range in Schweinfurt, Germany. Anton Albert is the manager of the range facility and did a fantastic job preparing the facility for the shooting event.

Waffen Albert Shooting Range

The Waffen Albert Range is a state-of-the-art indoor facility. The main floor consists of a large conference style hall with a small food and drink area available for the attendees. The shooting competition required a registration fee for those who wished to compete. With the first place prize being a beautiful trophy and a Heym Model 26 double rifle there was no shortage of interested competitors. Last year I had the opportunity to shoot a scoped Model 26 on the shooting range for the first time. It is a beautiful over and under double rifle in classic German style. I found it to be a very lively rifle with fast pointability and excellent accuracy. The winner of this fine rifle would be in for a real treat!

Mark Sullivan and Shawn Joyce Scoring a Hippo Target

FBM's Range Safety Briefing

Last year, I competed in the shooting event as a guest and found it to be a very exciting competition that was also great fun. This year, Heym asked if I would mind working on the range assisting my good friend Mark Sullivan. Mark and I conducted the Hippo shooting competition and had a great time together working with the competitors that moved through our range station.  We also worked the elephant shooting station together. There were many great shooters present but also some new and less skilled shooters that were learning about big bore bolt action and double rifles. All were made to feel welcome and encouraged to enjoy the competition and learn about Heym’s great rifles.
 



 











A Competitor at the Going-Away Elephant Target



  



Mark and Shawn Score the Frontal Elephant Target Shot by Dr. Johannes Traumann

All competitors were required to use Heym rifles. They could bring their own Heym or they could use any of the wonderful rifles that were manufactured and provided by Heym. Bolt action and double rifles were available and ranged from .375 H&H through .577 Nitro Express. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of Heym rifles over the years. This event allowed all that attended an opportunity to handle and shoot a variety of these great rifles first hand on the range.

There were numerous range event stations such as balloon shooting, distant and charging daylight leopard, distant and charging dry ground hippo, alert and fleeing elephant shooting, life-sized big five computer simulated shooting station with jumbo screen display, and a theoretical and practical PH test station. The computer simulated station and PH test were a new dimension for the competitors.
 

The PH test required competitors to show their knowledge about judging animal weight, distance to targets, trophy measuring, describe various aspects about ammunition, and finally a test about African game animals. All of the stations were enjoyable. There was a short break in the shooting day to grab lunch that was made available at the range. After lunch the competition resumed until all shooters completed all of the stations.

Computer Simulation Station



PH Test Station

Tabulating the Results

Immediately following the competition the scores were tallied to determine the winner. After all was done Jacobus Wright was announced as the first place winner and recipient of the beautiful first place trophy and of course the Heym rifle. Tim Schönig was the second place winner and received a beautiful trophy along with a custom knife valued at 800 Euros. Christian Pfitzmaier was the third place winner receiving a trophy and digital camera valued at 500 Euros. The top five competitors at the 2013 Heym challenge were:

1. Jacobus Wright
2. Tim Schönig
3. Christian Pfitzmaier
4. Ulf Thiele
5. Dr. Johannes Traumann

Awards Table

Heym CEO Thomas Wolkmann Presenting to Competitors

Every participant in the shooting event received a prize that they were allowed to personally select from the prize table. A variety of items were present from art to ammunition.

Heym .577 NE Sidelock Being Demonstrated

A side program was conducted at the range that was enjoyed by shooters and spectators alike. Mark Sullivan conducted a live demonstration on using safari rifles while hunting dangerous game up close. Those that expressed interest were also able to shoot a prototype of the new Heym boxlock .577 NE.
 

Prototype Heym .577 NE Boxlock

This is a fantastic double rifle that we will be hearing a great deal about in the future. Balance of this boxlock is exceptional and everyone who handled and shot the rifle had great things to say about it! The rifle will also be available in .500 NE. What seems to be making this rifle standout is the balance, optimized weight, and handling. These attributes coupled with the 1920’s Holland & Holland style stock design development are being noted as a winning combination. The feel of this rifle is noticeable and was well commented upon. A sidelock version is also available. 

                                                                                        

4 Bore on the left and the Heym .577NE on the Right

Another interesting presentation was the .577 NE and 4 bore demonstration! Three large blocks of wood were set-up on the range. The blocks were approximately 8-10 inches thick, three feet wide, and five feet tall. They were placed in a straight line from the back of the range to the shooting line and separated a few feet apart. A target of an elephant was placed on the front block.

The idea was to create an informal graphical Taylor Knock-Out (KO) Value display, some visible display of knock-down power, and to a much lesser extent penetration. The Taylor KO Value is sometimes mistakenly thought of as killing power. The three wooden blocks would graphically display the reaction to a faster “smaller” .577 NE and bigger, heavier, and slower 4 bore projectile.

Of course another aspect of the demonstration was to present the Heym .577 NE and the 4 bore purely for enjoyment by the spectators. It showed how far things have come from the days of black powder to modern smokeless powder as presented in the Heym designed .577 NE Mark Sullivan Edition. Those who have hunted with the .577 NE understand how effective this cartridge is on dangerous game.

The .577 NE went first. The blocks remained standing but the bullet tore through all of the blocks with ease.  Next it was time for the 4 bore. The firearm for this demonstration is owned and was brought by Patrick Beyeler. Now if you have not seen a four bore they are an ominous sight. The physical size and heft of the rifle alone is jaw dropping. When you see the massive rounds dropped into the action it makes anyone with any sense at all want to take at least three steps back from where they were previously standing on the range.

Cartridge Comparison (left to right) 4 Bore, .600 NE, .577 NE, 4 Bore Bullet

 

 

When the trigger was pulled an indescribable cloud of smoke and flame erupted with a concussion and recoil that one would expect from a small cannon. The two massive wooden blocks toppled over from the impact of the large lead projectile.

The bullet was stopped by the last block of wood and did not penetrate the final block. There were actually a couple people that raised their hands and expressed a desire to have a go at it. I immediately ran to the nearest exit and tried to act like I was busy doing something else. I got caught before I made it to the door and was “encouraged“ to give it a try. I have enough problems associated with shooting big bores that I have to constantly work to minimize and overcome. I could not imagine how pressing the trigger of a 4 bore might help me with those challenges so I politely passed.

Following the shooting event, award ceremony, and shooting demonstration everyone made their way to an after function dinner. After an evening of good food, singing, and socializing everyone headed to bed thinking about what exciting moments the next day would bring during the Heym factory tour day.

Heym Gleichamberg Factory

Day two started at the Heym factory located in Gleichamberg. The attendees were divided up into manageable sized groups and were each escorted through the factory for employee guided tours. Every step of the manufacturing process was observed and explained during the tour. The tour started with the arrival of rough materials through the presentation of a completed rifle to the client.

The tour offered an opportunity for interaction and discussion with the actual trades-person in their work area while they were performing their skills. Everything from barrel making, hammering the barrel, gun assembly, soldering double rifle barrels, parts fitting, stock wood selection, stock making/fitting, regulation, and of course finish and engraving. Being able to personally meet with engravers and view their work was a bonus.

Following the factory tour a delicious barbecue meal was prepared at the factory along with other great German dishes and desserts. The food was excellent and the spirit of friendly good-fellowship was ever-present as it was during last year’s event! After the delicious lunch the large group assembled in the Heym conference room for the professional hunter presentations and Kynoch presentation.

Prior to the lectures several award presentations were made by Thomas Wolkmann on behalf of Heym to those who helped support and promote the event locally and internationally. Kind words, certificates, and Heym medals were given to the recipients. They were greatly appreciated by all who received them. Following the award presentations made by Thomas Wolkmann, three lectures were made by the guest speakers.

Peter Dafner presented regarding his 2012 hunting season and also on hunting in Uganda. Peter also shared an experience regarding a close quarter lion encounter. David Little of Kynoch and Graeme Wright, author of the classic: “Shooting the British Double Rifle,” presented for Kynoch and discussed various ammunition topics and myths. Mark Sullivan presented on Hunting in 2012/13 with his Heym sidelock and discussed shooting at close distances. 

The presentations were narrative but also included audiovisual presentation. Mark’s presentation also included a demonstration which he provided. Questions were fielded from the audience following each presentation. Both Peter and Mark mingled with the attendees and were available for personal private discussions following the group presentations. Mark and Peter also provided photo opportunities and autographs to the many attendees who asked for them.
 

Peter Dafner and Mark Sullivan Having Fun on the Range

The Heym event was many things to different people. It was a fantastic competition with an extraordinary and personal tour into the manufacturing process of these rifles. The event also allowed those present to have an opportunity to get to know the professionals who use these rifles daily in their jobs. An unexpected bonus was the opportunity to interact with a very diverse group of people from around the world and to make many new friends. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality extended by Thomas, Jacqui, Manfred, Bernhard, Frank, and all the employees at Heym.

There Were Many Displays and Booths to Explore at the Event

The executive staff and workers at Heym did a great job with this event. My wife and I are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon. Thanks for making us feel welcome and part of the Heym family. If the 2012 and 2013 event are any example, anyone considering attending the 2014 Heym event will have a great time. 

This year’s competition had eighty regular plus twenty VIP shooters and approximately one hundred spectators. Nearly three hundred attended the factory tour day. The prior year’s competitors numbered fifty-one and the prior year’s factory tour participants numbered one hundred thirty-four. The event is obviously growing but it continues to remain a personal group that feels very inviting. Next year’s event promises to be just as exciting and well attended.

I enjoyed seeing how these fine firearms are manufactured. I know that Heym makes fantastic rifles that reflect outstanding attention to detail and craftsmanship. After having the opportunity to shoot the Heym double rifles from .450/.400 to .577 Nitro Express over the years, I know they will perfectly meet my needs. In fact I put in an order for the new .577 NE Heym Boxlock.

I am looking forward to attending the next Heym event, seeing my new and old friends from Germany and Europe, hunting for Roe buck again, and maybe just maybe picking up my new Heym double. I hope to see you in 2015 during the Heym 150th anniversary event!