The 2018 Safari Rifle Challenge World Championships are coming
soon. This year represents our 8th 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. In
an attempt to have a little bit more comfortable weather and "beat the
heat" the event date has been permanently changed to the second Saturday
in June. This year that will fall on Saturday June 9, 2018 from 8am - 4pm.
The shooting event fills-up very quickly after they send
notices to the 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. So far Jay has received paid
applications from MT,ID,WA,CO,TX,CA,PA,OR, WV and several from Canada.
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| Last Year's Individual Plaque |
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| Lat Year's Perpetual Plaque |
Here is an update from Jay regarding the soon to be held
2018 event:
Safari Rifle Challenge
World Championships in Libby, Montana
Saturday June 9, 2018 from 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. ALL shooters must be at least 18 years old
and pre-registered. There is a $20 participation fee which will also entitle
you to a commemorative match hat.
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 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. 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, 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 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, water jugs and
steel gongs.
Location: Libby Shooting Sports Complex on Farm to Market
Road across from the Libby Airport.
Time: Shooting starts at 8am SHARP! Please arrive plenty early to check in and
get setup. Remember to bring lawn chairs, hat and sunscreen, food and drinks (NO
ALCOHOL ON RANGE PROPERTY). Water and soft drinks will be available for
purchase in the clubhouse.
There will be vendors on site including Montana Rifle
Company and Norma USA who will once again have a large display of their rifles
and ammunition available to test fire. Skinner Sights will display their line
of fine aperture sights and custom carry/range bags.
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.
Local motels:
Evergreen Motel
406-293-4178
Sincerely,
Jay C. Sheffield Match Director
