Sharpsman
There's several referances to these "money" matches and the mentioned range of 500 yards in several old publications. Phil Sharpes "The American Rifle" for one. It was these "money" matches that I referred to, not the "common range" for offhand matches. Many of these "matches" were for large sums of money back then and they drew large crowds. It is probable they used whatever range was practical at the location of the matches. Those were the matches that the speculation of the severlal BPCR shooters I discussed it with was based on, not "sanctioned" matches. I don't believe I said they were NRA type or any kind of sanctioned matches. Even the Schutzen matches were not standardized back then as there were several different types of targets used. Though 200 yards is now the standard off hand distance for sanctioned matches (I believe Schutzen was almost always this distance) in HP it is not uncommon to still have 500 or 600 yard "sidebar" off hand matches on those ranges where possible. I have even been in a ten shot 1000 yard off hand match.
"Schutzen events as well as modern HP matches are based upon empirical/historical data and these distances were not settled upon by someone just "outa the blue" so to speak! A precedent was established long ago and it's still adhered to at this time"
I concur for the most part with your statement quoted above. However, the "precedent" as such was an evolutionary process as in the word "empirical" which you use (reliying upon or gained from experiment). The ranges and targets that we use today evolved from those that were experimented and used yesteryear and are not necessarily the same as used in the beginning. Most matches as we know them today only resemble what the first original "prededent" setting matches were. HP has evolved through various ranges, targets, allowed rifles and firing procedures. As Mentioned Schutzen targets are different than some were. BPCR silhouette does not exactly "adhere" the "precedent" set in Mexico where the game originated. You don't shoot it all off hand, The rifles are not "hunting" rifles as used in Mexico, you don't use live animals etc, etc, etc. Actually the rules of each shooting regimine change as time and conditions change. Hence the current rules controversy in BPCR silhouette over allowed "exceptions" to pre-1896 rifles, sights and ammunition. I'm only using BPCR silhouette as an example as most shooting disciplines (as all sports) have their controversies. Heck, most "buffalo matches" today really have little resemblence to how the buffalo hunters really shot buffalo. My point is all shooting sports have evolved from the original "precedent". But simply because we don't shoot something today doesn't mean it wasn't done back then or somewhere else.
Just 'cause you boys, where ever it is you shoot, don't shoot those matches doesn't mean it isn't or wasn't ever done done. Conversely just because we've never heard of something before doesn't mean it wasn't done either. Just 'cause some load their ammo a certain way that work's fine doesn't necessarily mean that's the only way that will work either. Just 'cause someone doesn't shoot BPCR silhouette doesn't mean they don't know how to load good BPCR loads or that they can't shoot. Just because one type of load works well in one type of rifle doesn't necassarily mean it's the best for another type of rifle.
I'm of the opinion that those boys back in the 1870s through the early 1900s were ever bit the shooting enthusiest's we are today. Seems many of the scores shot back then, particularly the Schutzen scores, are awfully hard to beat. It is my opinion that they shot just about as well as we do today. Rdnck disagrees and that is just fine as it makes for lively discussion. Since they didn't shoot BPCR silhouette back then it's really hard to say but we all have our opinions. Speaking of opinions, it has been opinioned on more than one occasion by the "real" silhouette shooters that you BPCR silhouette shooters "cheat". Seems as how you use sitting or prone on the pigs, turkeys and rams. And, oh my god! You even allow a rest, cross sticks!!! I don't pay no mind though, as it's just opinions. To me they are two different types of shooting matches. Some opinions are fact, some are speculation, some are BS and some are "witchcraft". And that again, is just my opinion whether anyone thinks it is fact, speculation, BS or witchcraft.
A fine example of the difference of these opinions is your reference to "death and taxes" remaining "static". Don't know about where you live but where I live "static" would mean, in this case, to remain motionless with no movement. Perhaps that may be the case with death as we'll all die. However, out here taxes are certainly not "static" as they are most always on the increase. I've always taken exception to the quip; "two things are certain, death and taxes." Again while death is, taxes are not. There are many people in this country who do not pay taxes. Doesn't mean I'm right and you're wrong or visa versa, just a difference of opinion is all. What a wonderful country the U.S.! But that is another discussion....
Nice chattin' with you.
Larry Gibson
