This event originated in our neighboring country to the south, Mexico. It began with the shooting of live animals. This aspect of the matches is no longer acceptalble by many so we now shoot silhouettes of the animals. There are four different animal shapes we use for targets and they are shot at four different distances from the firing line. First is the chicken which is shot at a distance of 40 yards at the Western Sportsman's Range. Second is the pig at a distance of 50 yards. Third is the turkey which is at 75 yards and last is the rams at 100 yards. These distances are approximately, so don't hold me to that as an exact distance.
Each shooter will shoot at ten animals, one shot each and must knock the animals off the rail in order for it to be scored as a hit. There is a time allotment of five ninutes for the ten shots required. Shooters compete in relays of four, one shooter for each set of animals. The match requires a minimum of forty rounds, ten at each set of animals. Most shooters bring extra rounds to practice before and after the match.
Any STRAIGHT CASED caliber is acceptable although most seem to prefer .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum. Some use the .45 ACP and .38 Special. I have had shooters compete using the old 45/70 Govt .
Most shooters prefer a bullet weight of 158 grains or heavier in order to knock the rams down as they are the biggest and hardest to get to fall. I hope this information provides you with the basic idea of what we do in our Big Bore Pistol Match and I would like to personally invite you to join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month. We are normally there at least one hour before the matches begin at 1:00 PM so we can practice and fellowship with each other. If I can be of assistance in answering further questions or giving directions to the range feel free to call or e-mail me.
Hank Williamson (Match Director) |
