• The 19th Annual Cold Turkey Long Range Handgun Match Rules and Information
                                      June 20, 21, & 22nd, 2024 

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• HOW WE CONDUCT THE MATCH:

  • The morning of June 20, 2024, we meet at the range at 7am Mountain Time (M.D.T.), and begin by weighing the guns.  You will register the gun you plan to shoot, for each separate distance. You must use only this gun, no switching or trading guns after you register. If there is a malfunction of the firearm and it can not be repaired, you may switch guns to complete the relay. A Safety Flag will be available for each Competition Gun registered. 

  • Once everyone signs in and all guns are weighed in and squads assigned, we will proceed to make some noise.

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  • Thursday, June 20, 2024     We begin shooting at 500 yards, then to 750 yds..... 
    Friday, June 21, 2024           We will complete shooting at 750 yards, (if needed) and                                                     move on to 1,000 yds. 
    Saturday, June 22, 24           We will complete 1,000 yard shooting (as needed). 
    
    (Please Note: We are always at the mercy of "the weather", and will make all attempts to complete the match(es), and will consequently vary the schedule due to weather forecasts, to accommodate completion of the events. This includes extended day schedules, abbreviated courses of fire, etc. Please prepare for those possibilities!) 
     

  • You will shoot in the same order each day as which you have drawn your time. Please be ready for your relay!

  • We will not shoot during any rain, hail, sleet or snow.

  • Guns must remain unloaded with safety flag inserted in the chamber, until Line Rep commands the start, or at the designated cleaning area.

  • In the First Relay, you will have 5 minutes to set up your equipment, when called to the line.  

  • In the First Relay, you will have 5 minutes for sighters at the 500yd and 750yd stage, and 7 minutes for sighters at the 1,000yd stage. After sighters are shot, and a slight delay to clear all but 5 rounds of ammo from your bench, you will have 5 minutes to shoot for record group.

  • You will be allowed only 5 (five) cartridges at your bench while shooting for record group.

  • You will shoot 3 targets (groups) at each distance (500, 750, and 1,000 yards) for each weight class you are competing in. Final score size will be determined by the aggregate of your 3 original groups at each range, for that weight class.

  • Only the original round of this group will count for score.  No re-entries will count for score.

  • Due to difference in weather conditions thru the day, the top 3 shooters of each 3 target relay, will go to shoot-offs to determine the winner, at each distance.

  • When the command to ground and unload all firearms is given (for whatever reason) by the line commander, the shooter must unload his gun, insert safety flag, and back away  from the bench table. Guns will remain on benches.

  • When finished firing, shooters will remain at their benches, until all shooters have completed firing, (to eliminate disruption to those still firing), and the Line Rep has called CEASE FIRE.

  • We provide solid, heavy weight shooting tables (x8); if competitors wish to shoot prone, let us know in advance. Bench Stools are in short supply, so try to bring your own. Drum stools (thrones) in 3-leg style work best for uneven terrain, and are adjustable for height. The Bench (table) height is approx. 36".                                           

• SAFETY RULES:

  • Line Rep has complete authority.

  • In the spirit of Wyoming law and tradition, we do allow open or concealed, personal carry handguns at the match. We ask that they remain holstered at all times.

  • Children must be 10 (ten) years or older to compete, and must be supervised by an adult at all times while on the range.

  • Competition handguns must remain unloaded, with supplied safety flag in place, except on the firing line when the Line Rep calls LOAD.

  • Safety flags will be available at the drawing, only ECI flags will be acceptable for use at the shoot.

  • Safety flags will be removed from guns only at the START command of the Line Rep, or at the designated cleaning area (back of your vehicle).
     

  • TWO SAFETY WARNINGS AND YOU WILL BE GONE FROM THE RANGE. These rules will be enforced for the safety of everyone!

• EQUIPMENT RULES and DEFINITIONS:

  • Light Gun Class: (Unchanged from 2014) Any Handgun weighing 7.5 pounds or less (includes attached bi-pod) and a barrel length (not including muzzle brake) of not greater than 15". Light Gun Class may be fired from a mechanical rest/bag system that meets our definition of a Legal Rest.

  • Hunter Class: (Unchanged from 2014) We want this class to emulate how we take our handguns to the field ... Any Handgun, weighing 12 pounds or less (includes attached bi-pod), up to a 15" barrel (not including muzzle brake), and forearm width not greater than 2.5", this event will be fired from either bipod, or up to three FLAT sand bags. If using a bipod, 2 flat sand bags and a flat leveler under the grip of the handgun are permitted. No other rests, "eared" or "channeled" sand bags or other devices will be permitted. We want to encourage participation by ALL specialty handgunners!

  • Hunter Class Allowed Equipment: Bipods: Bipods fired from a bench or prone, shall be a maximum width footprint of 12.5", and the competitor may use two flat "sand" bags, and a flat leveler UNDER the sand bags to rest the handgun grip, to achieve a trajectory level,if needed. The leveler can be a piece of wood, plastic, etc. that does not hold or retain the sides of the sand bags. Harris type, Atlas type Bipods are allowed: F-Class "girder type" units are not allowed. "Sand Bags" shall be defined as cloth, leather, or synthetic bags filled with granular or pelletized media. The Sand Bag will be flat, without permanent ears or a pre-formed channel. The competitor is free to push their gun into the Sand Bag when preparing their shooting position, making a temporary channel. The Competitor may only use their gun or hands to "mold" the shape of their sandbag, no mallets, or other devices. A Sand Bag is not to be a solid rest, simply covered in a covering or a "wrap". We want this class and it's equipment to be what you would take on a 15 mile hike while hunting. Simple, Low Tech, Low Dollar, Portable and Utility. A factory gun can compete here. An Entry level shooter can compete here, without buying hundreds of dollars in misc. rests, etc. The Match Director will not tolerate infringement of technology into the Hunter Class!

  • Heavy Gun Class: (Unchanged from 2014) Any Handgun weighing 16 pounds or less (includes attached bi-pod) and a barrel length (not including muzzle brake) of not greater than 18". Heavy Gun Class may be fired from a mechanical rest/bag system that meets our definition of a Legal Rest.

  • Legal Rest Requirements: One or two piece rests are allowed, but firearm must be capable of being lifted straight up and out of rest, with the rest remaining in contact with the shooting bench at all points. A sand filled front bag with normal side tension easily passes this test. Our desire is to eliminate a "one-piece machine rest" or "rail gun" from our competition.

  • Attached Rests and Bipods: As above, if using a Bipod type rest, the weight of the attached device will be included in the weight of the gun.

  • Eligibility:

    • Any Gun may compete in multiple classes, as long as that gun meets the required physical rules for that class. 
       

• TARGETS, SIGHTERS, SCORING, and CROSSFIRES:

  • Our Long Range Bench Match is a group size competition.  Here are the target sizes, and penalties for missed targets:

  • Our intention is to use the electronic scoring system again this year.  If we have equipment failure we revert to paper targets.

  • The electronic targets will be set to the same dimensions for each distance as if we were shooting on paper, so any shot recorded out of the scoring dimension will not count for score even if it is on the backer.

  • Target Sizes will be:              

    • 24" x 21" with a 12" bull at 500 yards                                     

    • 24" x 21" with a 12" bull at 750 yards                                    

    • 39" x 41.5" with a 13" bull at 1,000 yards

  • Only shots on or cutting target paper dimension will count for score, and each missed shot adds (to your group size) the penalty of:

    • 21"  @ 500 yds

    • 21"  @ 750 yds

    • 42"  @ 1,000 yds

  • ALL SIGHTERS will be shot on the electronic targets.

  • If we revert back to paper targets, sighters will be fired on steel swingers only.

  • Each target will be numbered, corresponding to the Shooter's Bench Number.

  • In the FIRST Relay at each distance: You will have 5 minutes for sighters at the 500yd and 750yd stage, and 7 minutes for sighters at the 1,000yd stage. After sighters are shot, and a slight delay to clear all but 5 rounds of ammo from your bench, you will have 5 minutes to shoot for record group.

  • After sighters are fired the shooters will be allowed to check their Personal  Electronic Devices, but during firing for score, all tablets or smart phones must remain face down, out of sight of the shooter and spotter.  Spotters calling the scoring shots from the tablet rather than the scope will not be tolerated.  Once all firing has been completed, shooters and spotters can check the groups on the tablet/smartphone. 

  • (Unchanged from 2013): In the 2nd and 3rd Relay at each distance: At the invitation of the Line Rep., you will be allowed to place (prepare) your equipment on the bench during target scoring. It is important to note that SAFETY FLAGS must remain in the guns during that period, and that all shooters must remain standing away from the bench.

  • (Unchanged from 2013): In the 2nd and 3rd Relay at each distance: You will have 2 minutes for sighters at the 500yd and 750yd stage, and 3 minutes for sighters at the 1,000yd stage. After sighters are shot, and a slight delay to clear all but 5 rounds of ammo from your bench, you will have 5 minutes to shoot for record group.

  • (Unchanged from 2013): If more than 5 shots are on your target, and crossover fire cannot be confirmed (bullet hole size) by scoring officials, you will have the option of a re-shoot, or to keep the group measurement with the extra shots.

• Events for 2024!

  • *We ask that you submit your Bench Match entries EARLY.... so that we can plan ahead...equipment, food, etc.*

  • Bench Match Initial Entry Fee: $90.00, $70.00 each additional Class 

  • Re-Entries: $40.00 

  • Entry Fee:  Spouse & Children (under 15 yrs)   $40.00

  • *Please pay in advance if at all possible!*

  • A percentage of the original entry fees will be paid back in prize money. Many vendor donated prizes awarded! 

  • In addition, there will also be a drawing for nice door prizes to be given out. 

  • Three days of shooting and fun!

  • On June 21st 2024, (Friday P.M.) there will be a Free Bar-B-Q for Shooters and family!

  • * If you are bringing non-shooting family members, please let us know, when you send in your entries to ensure plenty of food for the Bar-B-Q.   Please feel free to bring your family. 
    All children must be supervised by an adult at all times, while on the shooting grounds. 

  • There are plenty of things to do and see within reasonable driving distance:

  • Devils Tower -- Mt Rushmore -- Crazy Horse -- Caves -- Deadwood -- Custer State Park -- Bear Country -- Dinosaur Museum -- plus other museums -- horseback riding, and of course, shopping.
    There is a campground east of town.  It has showers & pool.  Mountain View Campground (307) 283-2270.
    Another campground east of town is at the trail head.  This is primitive with only restrooms.
    West of town are more campgrounds in the forest, also primitive. 
     

• Motels:

  • Best Western     (307) 283-2800
    Bear Lodge     (307) 283-1611
    Arrowhead     (307) 283-3307