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The map above shows an example of the COF planned for the May 2012 Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge, and Gunslinger Long Range Rifle Challenge.  The highest point on the 2011 Challenges is shown as 880m in the foreground. The May 2012 matches will also be in the valley of Dead Mans Creek, but this time further up the valley, and much higher from the eastern ridgeline. Elevation will be from 750m in the valley, up to around 1400m on the ridgeline. Most stages will be high angle shooting - at elevations up to 500m above the targets.  The actual positions of Firing Points, Targets, and shooting ranges will vary according to actual site conditions.

Introduction

This page describes the stages and Course Of Fire for the practical long range shooting competitions provided by Gunslinger PLRS.

Gunslinger Rifle Challenge, shooting out to ~1620m.

Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge, shooting out to ~1000m.

The location for this event is Dead Mans Creek on Sawdon Station, near Lake Tekapo, in the South Island of New Zealand. The course will be laid out with most firing points along a ridgeline, and firing down onto targets on the valley floor. The firing points will be laid out over approximately four kilometers, and competitors will be required to walk down between the firing points, carrying all their gear. There will not be any access to vehicles.

Friday 25 May 2012 - Practice Day (optional)

Saturday 26 May 2012 - Competition Day

There is a maximum of 32 competitors at this event. Competitors will be squaded and will move around the course in squads. This is an individual competition, but competitors are encouraged to assist each other with range estimation and spotting. Where possible, shooting buddies will be squaded together.

Ten competitors from New Caledonia are confirmed for this event. Bonjour! They have a combination of .338 and .300 calibre rifles, so many of the spots in the Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge are already taken. So get in quick for the remaining places.

Round count is 60 rounds for each competition challenge.

The competition day will be structured with the start point at the highest point on the ridgeline. The route up is about 4km long, following a 4wd track, and will rise about 700m - so it's a steep climb, that could take two hours. Various options exist for getting up to the start point:

• Helicopter ride up (additional charge), and starting from 8:00am (instruction on safe approach and exit from a helicopter will be provided)
• Walk up with all gear, and will need to set-out at 6:30am
• Walk up, with some gear being taken up on quad bikes / trailers (no additional charge, generously provided by Gun City), and also need to set-out 6:30am
• Two other quad bikes for competitors will be permitted, but prior permission must be sought, and preference will be given to anyone with a medical requirement (there's not a lot of room along the ridgeline to have many vehicles)

Spectators are permitted, and camping is available.  Breakfasts and dinners will be providedat the Shearers Quarters on the Friday and Saturday. Competitors must provide their own lunches.

Match fee is:

• $160 per competitor,
• $60 per spectator,
• $70 per competitor for helicopter ride up to start point (optional).
  

The match is operated by Gunslinger PLRS Limited. 

• Match Director and Chief Range Officer
  • Shane Cossar
• Range Officers
  • Bill Terry
  • Lake Sinclair
  • Matthew Bruce
    

Competitors should also familiarise themselves with the Gunslinger PLRS Standard Operating Procedures.

Schedule

Practice Day, Friday 25 May, in Dead Mans Creek

• Start time, 8:30am
• Finish time, 5:00pm

Competition Day, Saturday 26 May (time indicative, and include Safety Brifings)

• Start time for those walking up, or requiring bag taken up, 6:30am, in Dead Mans Creek
• Start time for those taking helicopter up, 8:00am, in Dead Mans Creek
• Finish time, 5:00pm

You can register for Gunslinger PLRS events by contacting the Match Director, Shane Cossar, at shane_cossar@hotmail.com or by registering online at

www.enteronline.co.nz

Site Specific Range Rules

The match is open to competitors with the following categories of firearms; either a bolt action or semi-automatic rifle capable of hitting targets at up to 1000m (or 1600m for the Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Challenge).  Typically the rifle should be capable of less than 1 moa accuracy.  

Only one rifle per competitor.

No shared rifles between competitors.

Competitors with .338 calibre rifles will be in the Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Challenge.

.375, .408, .416, and .50 calibre rifles are not permitted in the competition, but are welcome on the Practice Day, but will be restricted to use only on some targets.

Ammmunition is restricted to a maximum muzzle velocity of 3250 fps. 

Armour piercing, incendiary, tracer, and steel core ammunition is prohibited.

Acceptable rifle configurations include:

1. Suppressor or muzzle brake
2. Rifle scope, any magnification, with mil-dot or any type of reticle
3. Attached shooting support eg bipod, monopod
4. Attached shooting aids eg bubble level, angle degree / cosine indicator
   

Competitors must be self sufficient and carry their rifle, ammunition, equipment, and enough provisions for a long day in the field.  Recommended equipment includes:

• Eye protection
• Rifle sling
• Day pack
• Binoculars, including with mil-dot type reticles
• Laser Range Finder, including binoculars with LRF capability
• Ballistic calculator, printed ballistic data cards, manual or electronic calculators
• Portable weather meter
• Lunch, snacks, water
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Windproof / waterproof outer clothing layer

Hard rifle cases are not suitable for use during the match.  Drag bags with shoulder straps and Eberlestock type packs are recommended for carrying rifles between stages, and between firing points within a stage.  Otherwise some sort of pack or vest will be required to carry gear.

Mandatory Equipment:

Competitors and spectators must use hearing protection.  Eye protection is recommended.

Gunslinger PLRS Challenges are long range rifle shooting competitions on field style ranges.

For information about two annual US PLRS style competitions - the Shooter’s Bash and Snipers Hide Cup - visit Rifles Only at:
www.riflesonly.com

To read a review of "Absolutely Diabolical"  The Allegheny Sniper Challenge September 25-27, 2009, by Ian Kenny, visit Shooting Voodoo at:
www.shootingvoodoo.com

The following organisations support these Gunslinger PLRS matches:

www.guncity.co.nz

www.belmontammunition.co.nz

www.nzguns.co.nz

Administrative Rules

No competitors or spectators shall smoke or light any type of fire at the competition site (but is permitted at the camping area).

No competitors or spectators shall bring any dog to the competition site (and is not permitted at the camping area either).

Scoring and Prizes

The winner of the Gunslinger Long Range Rifle Challenge will be the individual that achieved the highest score for those stages.

• First prize, $300 cash

The winner of the Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge will be the individual that achieved the highest score for those stages.

• First prize, $300 cash

Other prizes to be announced.

Practice Day

Practice Day will have the following stages:

• Any Which Way You Can
  • Clyde
    • 100m target board for sight-in,
    • Bench and chronograph (CED M2)
  • Big Joe
  • Dot Drills at 100m
    
  • Orville
    • Tennis Balls ~200m,
  • Ma
    
    • Metal targets at ~ 300m, ~500m, ~700m, ~900m, ~1000m, ~1200m, ~1500m
  • Black Widows
    • Range estimation using mil-dot style reticles using RETS from Impact Data Books

Night Shoot

There is no night shoot at this event.

COF - Gunslinger Rifle Challenge & Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge

The Gunslinger Rifle Challenge and Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge has the following possible stages (five rounds per stage):

One stage is Known Distance (KD) on target boards and are scored on a points per hit basis:

• Kelly's Heroes

Eleven stages are Unknown Distance (UKD) on metal targets and are scored on a points per hit basis:

• Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
• Pale Rider
• Blood Work
• The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
• Absolute Power
• The Rookie
• Magnum Force
• The Eiger Sanction
• Sudden Impact
• Heartbreak Ridge
• The Gauntlet

Two stages are Known Distance (KD) on metal targets and are scored on a points per hit basis:

• Dirty Harry
• Unforgiven

Generally stages have a maximum time limit of 7 minutes, which includes; target acquisition, range estimation, firing, and any movement to other firing points - and the clock starts when the competitor is called to the firing line. There is no preparation time. The Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, and the Pale Rider stages have a maximum time of seconds.

Most stages are shot by an individual competitor on a firing point or firing points. Some stages are shot as a firing line, with competitors in a row.

Competitors will not usually be advised of ranges to targets and must have some method of range estimation eg mildot reticle and / or range finder.  The use of ballistic data cards and / or ballistic calculators are recommended.  Competitors must carry all equipment with them between stages and within a stage eg using a pack (hard cases are not suitable).

Competitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the metal targets and sizes listed on the reactive targets page.

Other stages may also be added.

Kelly's Heroes
One firing line, with multiple target boards.  Multiple shooting serials.

Cowboy - Serial One

1 Firing Line / Firing Point
Roundcount 2 total – 2 minutes maximum
1x Playing Card Target per shooter
(Target Board)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Range = _____ m
Cold Bore
Draw card then identify and shoot that card

1 Point per hit on card, or
3 Points per hit in square
Record what card you drew

Crapgame - Serial Two

1 Firing Line / Firing Point
Roundcount 3 total – 3 minutes maximum
1x 3” Roundel Target (high visibility) per shooter
(Target Board)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Range = _____ m
Shoot the target below your ID number

Points per roundel – 8, 9, or 10 per hit

Hint:  Accuracy and precision. 

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
One firing line, with five metal targets.  Two shooting serials.

1 Firing Line / Firing Point
Roundcount 5 + 5 = 10 total
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg

Thunderbolt - Serial One

2x Square Targets, white (12”)
Fire closest to furthest – 2 shots – standing
___ seconds maximum
1 Point 1st target, 5 points 2nd target

Hint:  Snapshot, alternative shooting position.

Lightfoot - Serial Two

3x Round Targets, yellow (8”)
Fire left to right – 3 shots – kneeling
___ seconds maximum
1 Point 1st tgt, 3 points 2nd tgt, 5 points 3rd target

Hint:  Rapid fire, alternative shooting position. 

Pale Rider
One firing line, with five metal targets.  Two shooting serials.

1 Firing Line / Firing Point
Roundcount 5 + 5 = 10 total
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg

Preacher- Serial One

2x Square Targets, white (12”)
Fire closest to furthest – 2 shots – prone
___ seconds maximum
1 Point 1st target, 5 points 2nd target

Hint:  Rapid fire.

Club - Serial Two

3x Round Targets, yellow (8”)
Fire left to right – 3 shots – prone
___ seconds maximum
1 Point 1st tgt, 3 points 2nd tgt, 5 points 3rd target

Hint:  Rapid fire. 

Blood Work

1 Firing Line / Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
5x Groundhog Targets
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Know Your Limits
Fire closest to furthest
1 shot per target
Advise “no shot” to stop – and keep any points

1 Point closest, 2 points next, 3 points next, 4 points next, and 5 points furthest per target hit
Miss and lose all points to that shot

Hint:  Know Your Limits. 

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

3 Firing Points
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
1x Hostage Target, white, (IPSC)
1x Round Target, red (6” R), swings to side
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
From FP#1 fire 1 shot prone at Round Target, then move
From FP#2 fire 1 shot standing then 1 shot kneeling – both at IPSC Target, then move
From FP#3 fire 2 shots at Round Target – from behind barricade (not prone)
3 Points per hit (only on correct target)

Hint:  Know how to use alternative shooting positions – standing, kneeling, and sitting – plus the use of alternative support for the rifle.  And remember to dial down the magnification (to increase the field of view) for the snap shots.  Once again don’t push a bad shot – you’ll be penalised for hitting the wrong target.

Absolute Power

1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
4x Round Targets (15”R)
(painted heart, club, diamond, spade)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
2 Minutes preparation
Then draw 1 card, and every minute after
(targets drawn in random order)
Only 30 seconds to shoot the target drawn

3 Points per hit
Hits after 30 seconds not scored

Hint:  Know how to quickly calculate firing solutions on multiple targets.  Acquire the nominated target, estimate the range, call the wind, calculate the solution, and take the shot.  Don’t waste preparation time just getting set-up – communicate with your spotter or squad, and get ranges estimated early.

The Rookie

1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
4x Round Targets (15”R)
(painted heart, club, diamond, spade)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
2 Minutes preparation
Then draw 1 card, and every minute after
(targets drawn in random order)
Only 30 seconds to shoot the target drawn

3 Points per hit
Hits after 30 seconds not scored

Hint:  Know Your Limits.  The closest target is also the smaller size in moa, but the largest target is further out  and will be more affected by wind.  The safest option is usually to start on the largest target, confirm your dope and then switch to the smaller target to increase your points.  Remember to advise the RO what target you are going to shoot!

Magnum Force

1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
4x ½ size IPSC Targets, brown (15”H 9”W)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Fire left to right
Switch to next target only after a hit
(on the correct target)
Take all 5 shots

5 Points first shot hit, 4 points second shot hit,
3 points third shot hit, 2 points fourth shot hit,
1 point fifth shot hit

Hint:  Overcome three common problems on this stage.  First, get the ranges right – double check with some visual observations comparing each target in relation to the others.  Second, get your elevation turret changes right – are you going up or going down for the next shot?  Thirdly, don’t push a bad shot – you only have one spare round.  

The Eiger Sanction

3 Firing Points
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
1x Pepper Popper Target, yellow (28”H 8”R)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Start at closest firing point to target – FP#1
Move out to next FP only after a hit
Take all 5 shots

5 Points first shot hit, 4 points second shot hit,
3 points third shot hit, 2 points fourth shot hit,
1 point fifth shot hit

Hint:  Keep your heart rate down and your breathing under control.  Get your gear organised so you can pack it up and move quickly between the firing points.  And be able to get to a stable firing position – again, and again, and again.  This can be done in three shots.

Sudden Impact

ONLY 1 ACTIVE SHOOTER, AND 1 SCORER
OTHERWISE GO BACK TO STAGING AREA
1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
1x Coyote Target
(with swing-out vitals)
Find the target within arc of fire,
between _____ deg and _____ deg

1 Point per body hit
3 Points per hit on vitals (red flag)
No score if can’t find target in time limit

Hint:  First, you need to find the target.  But only multiple hits on the vitals will win this one.  With a stable firing position, natural point of aim, good trigger control, and consistent follow-thru there’s no reason why you can’t get five hits here.

Heartbreak Ridge

1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
2x Pepper Popper Targets, yellow (28” H 8” W)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
3 Shots at closest target, then
2 Shots at furthest target

3 Points per hit

Hint:  Know how to calculate adjustments for high angle shooting.  Shooting based on line-of-sight ranges will miss here.  Having an analogue ballistic calculator (eg Mil-Dot Master) is better than simply adjusting a ballistic drop card, but using an electronic ballistic calculator (eg Horus Vision) is best (because it accounts for wind and other factors over the full time-of-flight).

The Gauntlet

3 Firing Points
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
1x Deer Target (swing-out vitals – heart, lungs)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
2 Shots from furthest firing point – FP#1, then
2 Shots from mid firing point – FP#2, then
1 Shot from closest firing point to target – FP#3

1 Point per body hit
2 Points per lungs hit (white flag)
3 Points per heart hit (red flag)

Hint:  Centre-of-mass hits won’t win this one - you must aim at the vitals.  By the time you’re on the last firing point your windage and elevation should be sorted, then concentrate on follow-thru to repeat hits on the lungs or heart to boost points.

Dirty Harry

1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
4x Pepper Popper Targets, white (42” H 12” W)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Range = _____ m, _____ m, _____ m, _____ m
Start at closest target, with
1 Shot at each target, and
2 Shots at the furthest target

3 Points per hit

Hint:  This one is all about one shot hits.  More than any other stage you need correct ballistic calculations, excellent wind calls, and accurate, precise shooting.  Take your time.

Unforgiven

1 Firing Point
Roundcount 5 total – 7 minutes maximum
1x IPSC Target, white (30” H 18” W)
Direction Of Fire = _____ deg
Range = _____ m

5 Points first shot hit, 4 points second shot hit,
3 points third shot hit, 2 points fourth shot hit,
1 point fifth shot hit

Hint:  Shooting l-o-n-g range was the reason you bought your .338 calibre rifle.  There’s no sugar coating this stage though.  Simply put, to hit this you need to be very good - or very, very lucky.  Ask the whole squad to spot, but only heed those who actually see trace or impact.  And you need to be include coriolis and spin drift in your calculations.

Legal:  In consideration for being permitted to attend this practical long range shooting event, the competitor is agreeing to the following:
The competitor holds a current firearms licence, including any endorsements applicable to the firearm being used.
The competitor expressly assumes the risk of taking part in the match, which includes; instruction in the use of firearms, the discharge of firearms, and the firing of live ammunition.
The competitor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend Gunslinger PLRS Limited, its staff, and the match location owner, from all fault, liabilities, costs, expenses, claims, demands or lawsuits arising out of or connected with the competitors presence at and / or participation in the event; the discharge of firearms by the competitor or other competitors; the competitors presence on or use of the event location.
The competitor understands, and will at all times abide by, all event Standard Operating Procedures, Course of Fire and any other rules and procedures stated by the Match Director or Range Officer/s.

Disclaimer:  Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix.  You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.