Pete: Re: Silhouette range-Yes CVR is working toward the goal of having some berms in the future.  As you know, it is very difficult to see or call misses because of the flat land and field backgrounds.  The last fall match saw a rusty sheet steel background berm at the Turkey line installed and this helped quite a bit, as the misses were easily spotted.  There are some other improvments in the works as time and money permit.  Since we have the only silhouette range in Iowa, and fairly close to home, I guess we should feel pretty fortunate.  Now as to the 45-90, you're right, it's probally more gun then is necessary, but fortunately I'm not too recoil sensitive, (knock on wood) right now, however I do wear a pad.  Last year I shot a 45-70 all year, and I like to pick just one gun and stick with it all year for all the different matches if I can.  I think it works better for me, to get real comfortable with just one rifle and how it preforms. I usually pick one in the Spring and shoot it all year, regardless of the type of match.  This next year I'm planing on shooting the Browning I just chambered out to 45-90, since what little shooting I have done with it this fall indicates its going to shoot great.  Last fun match they had at Ackley a couple weeks ago, it went 49/50 out to 500 yds, so some of the first testing I've done with it seems to be working ok.  I am really more concerned to get it right to shoot the mid and long ranges  next year to 1000.  Right now it looks pretty promising, but I won't really know till spring as all I can shoot it to a few times this winter will be to 800 yds.  As you know, there is a very big differance between 800 and 1000yds, so only time will tell if it will hold up well at 1000yd.  Once I do get the particular rifle on line, I do usually use two or three specilized loads depending on the match, like the "chicken load" thing.    Best regards steve witt

Pete:  The berms certainly do help for the Turkeys, but, It's the chickens that really vanish in the afternoon light.  These definately need some type of berm or backboard.  They are tough enough as is, but when you can't see them -well !!!   Yep, I plan on using the Browning 90 on the Buffalo as well as all the other Ackley matches.  A 90 does give one an edge, I think, on the Buffalo, and yes they are still stuck in the dirt, as you say.  As far as the 1000 yd target goes, we have actually been shooting this distance for a couple years at Ackley.  The last couple years we have been holding a couple mid/long range matches a year.  Usually the mid-range 200 to 600yd is on Sat and the LR, 800-900-1000yd match is on the same weekend Sunday.   Target size for the LR is not standard 6'x6'.  We make it tougher, and I think in the long run this makes for better spotters and shooters.  The 800 yd target is about 3' wide and 6' tall.  The 900 and 1000yd target is a Buffalo shape about the size of a yearling, main body is about 4' tall, give or take,  and it is about 6' long.   10 for record at each distance, after about 5 minutes worth of sighters and spotters.  I love the LR as it keeps you and your spotter on your toes.  Great fun, you'll have to try it sometime.    Best regards steve

Pete:  Before your shooting days are over, and I hope that day never comes, you really must experience 1000 yd shooting! At Actley, as far as I know, you can use any position you wish including sitting on the ground or sitting on a low bench as long as you are using cross sticks.  Many, but certainly not all, shoot prone as it seems to be the most stable position.  As far as the mid range targets go, the same sitting rule would apply.  The MR  targets are usual distances anywhere from 200 to 600 yds. The shooter is told the distances.  The targets them selves are a little hard to discribe as to size and shape as they are a variety of steel animal targets of approximate life size.  The targets might vary from match to match, and are often switched around as to distances, but they would include a black bear, wolf, coyote, pig, ram, mountain lion, buffalo head(front facing), deer, and maby one or two I've missed.  The odd shapes at various distances can sometimes play tricks on the old sight picture.  Never the less it a good time.  Hope to see you next year.    Best regards steve witt

Hi, 

I have the same question, as does Shep_Madera. I would like to find a place near where I live. I’m in California in the San Francisco Bay Area. I recently got my Sharps 45-70 and I have been doing a lot of shooting and loading for it. Yet I would like to compete with it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Yes, I know I’m not in the heart of where these big guns are most popular. Yet I’m not going to stop me looking.