The 2023 Safari Rifle Challenge World Championships are coming soon. After months of chaos and closures we are going to hold the Safari Shoot on June 10, 2023. This year represents our 10th annual shooting event! The event will be held in Libby, Montana at the Libby Shooting Sports Complex. Jay Sheffield is the Match Director and puts on an exciting and enjoyable event. This year the event will fall on Saturday June 10, 2023 from 8am - 4pm.
Since the last event (June 2019) we have GREATLY expanded the range facility by adding four new shooting bays surrounded by 14’ berms and a huge vendor display/public parking area. The cement baselines are poured, and permanent steel shooting benches have been installed. The overhead shelters are also completed.
In the past (pre-COVID) this shooting event typically fills-up very quickly after sending notices to the past participants on their email group. 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. The registration fee will cover your participation, a commemorative match T-shirt AND lunch!
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 prizes are awarded by random drawing, you will be competing purely for the glory of sport! There is however a beautiful First Place-Overall trophy that will be awarded. 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. ALL shooters must be at least 18 years old and pre-registered. There is a $30 participation fee which will also entitle you to lunch and a commemorative match shirt.
The Guns: This is a big bore, dangerous game rifle shoot. Essentially .375/9.3 caliber or larger cartridges in single shot, bolt action or double rifles with minimum muzzle energy of approximately 4000 ft/lb. If you have an antique double rifle in a smaller caliber that is capable of taking big game, then bring it! Paradox guns firing single lead balls will also be allowed. Sorry, but no handguns, pump, or semi-automatic firearms. You will need about 30 rounds of ammunition.
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 always stay beside you 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, the 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 or 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, water jugs and steel gongs.
Location: Libby Shooting Sports Complex on Farm to Market Road across from the Libby Airport.
Shooting starts at 8 am SHARP! Please arrive plenty early to check in and get setup. Remember to bring lawn chairs, hat and sunscreen, snack food and drinks (NO ALCOHOL ON RANGE PROPERTY). Lunch and a T-shirt are included with the $30 registration fee. Additional lunches for guests are available at $10 each and MUST be prepaid with registration.
Directions from Libby: Take Hwy 2 east about 3 miles from town. As the highway starts up a steep hill in front of you, watch for Bowker Road at the bottom of the hill on your LEFT side. Take Bowker about 100 yards to the intersection with State Rd 482 (Farm to Market Road). Turn RIGHT on 482 and go 3.5 miles to the range which will be on your left. If you get to the airport you have just passed the range.
Directions from Kalispell: HWY 2: as you come down the steep hill entering Libby, turn RIGHT on Bowker. Take Bowker about 100 yards to the intersection with State Road 482 (Farm to Market Road). Turn RIGHT on 482 and go 3.5 miles to the range which will be on your left. If you get to the airport you have just passed the range.
Airports: For those who are flying from out of state, the nearest airport is in Kalispell, MT about 100 miles away. The cheapest airport to fly into will probably be Spokane, WA about 180 miles away.
Amtrak: Serves Libby MT.
Car rentals: Available through Libby Auto Sales at 406-293-7717 http://www.libbyautosales.com/ or Timberline Ford/Dodge at 406-293-4128 https://www.timberlineauto.com/salesservice.html
Local motels:
www.ventureinnlibby.com 406-293-7711
www.sandmanmotel.us 406-293-8831
www.thehuckleberryhouse.com 406-293-9720
www.dumontscreeksidebnb.com 406-293-0660
www.montanacountryinn.com 406-293-2092
www.thecaboosemotel.com 406-293-6201
Evergreen Motel 406-293-4178
Please email safaririflechallenge@yahoo.com to sign up or request more information. FYI, during the past events space has been very limited!
