Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only 2019 Safari Rifle Challenge

Well, another year has passed and the 2019 shoot is coming soon. Here is the info.....


Safari Rifle Challenge
World Championships in Libby, Montana
Saturday June 8, 2019 8am - 4pm

The Event: This is a family oriented shoot featuring both life size and moving targets. It is designed to simulate events encountered on an African Safari. Targets will be scored and times will be announced, but since all prizes are awarded by random drawing, you will be competing purely for the glory of sport! Participants will be expected to cheerfully help with reset of targets, powering the moving targets and any other menial labor that may be necessary for the greater good. ALL shooters must be at least 18yrs old and pre-registered. There is a $20 participation fee which will also entitle you to a commemorative match shirt.

The Guns: This is a big bore, dangerous game rifle shoot. Essentially .375/9.3 caliber or larger cartridges in single shot, bolt action or double rifles with minimum muzzle energy of approximately 4000 ft/lb. If you have an antique double rifle in a smaller caliber that is capable of taking big game then bring it! Paradox guns firing single lead balls will also be allowed. Sorry, but no handguns, pump or semi-automatic firearms. You will need about 30 rounds. ABSOLUTELY NO LIGHT LOADS!

The Rules: All guns will be placed in the racks with actions open. When it is your turn to shoot, you will be directed to get your rifle by the range master. SAFETY AND MUZZLE CONTROL ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE! The start position will generally be low ready with a round in the chamber, finger off the trigger and the safety on, unless otherwise directed by range staff. A range master “PH” will stay beside you at all times while on the course. On most stages, there will be a limited amount of ammunition allowed in your gun when starting the stage, extra rounds will have to be loaded from the belt, pocket, butt stock etc. We reserve the right to change the course of fire based on our disposition, your disposition, the untimely demise of the targets, comments from the peanut gallery, weather or whatever other factors may be present. All distances are approximate and subject to change.

The Course of fire: Shooting positions will vary from standing on your hind legs and shooting offhand, to kneeling and seated. Frequently it will be a combination of positions. Some stages may require the use of shooting sticks which will be provided. Many stages will require you to fire at a target, move to another spot, reload and then fire at a second target. All movement will be done with an empty gun and all reloading will be done once you are safely at the next shooting position. If you have any physical issues that preclude a certain activity we will cheerfully accommodate you.

The 10 stage course is specifically designed to NOT favor any particular style of rifle or sight system. Distances will vary between 5 and 75+ yards. Targets will vary from life-size broadside buffalo and elephant heads to clay birds, water jugs and steel gongs.

Location: Libby Shooting Sports Complex on Farm to Market Rd. across from the Libby Airport.

Shooting starts at 8 am SHARP! Please arrive plenty early to check in and get setup. Remember to bring lawn chairs, hat and sunscreen, food and drinks (NO ALCOHOL ON RANGE PROPERTY). Water and soft drinks will be available for purchase in the clubhouse.

Please email safaririflechallengeyahoo.com to sign up or request more information.

Sounds like a train load of fun.

Looking forward to, “not” being able to attend......again! I’ve wanted to go, as it’s right in the neighborhood, but can’t seem to make it! memtb

Well dang memtb.

I hate the concept of reality! There’s always a chance....but. I don’t want to get my hopes up! memtb

10-4, I can send ya a 577, 500 Nitro or 505 Gibbs. I don't have a LOTT ; ]

gunner500, We’ve got a “Lott” of rifearms.....but we don’t have a “Lott”! I appreciate the offer of the aforementioned “light field cannons”.... I may have to put on my “big girl panties”, to use any one of those offered! I’m thinking the “fire” may have a virus....the word “Lott”, seems to be visible on a “Lott” of different threads! memtb

Wouldn’t that be.....a “Lott” of fun! memtb

LOL, 10-4 memtb, but dang, if I was in Wyo I'd have to make that shoot if at all possible, I would go for the education alone.

It hurts every year, to “not” make it! It’s not a guaranteed “no go” again, just unlikely! If you decide to make it one year, maybe you would inspire me....I’d like to meet you and shake your hand! memtb

Same here Sir, and I can certainly see work or family commitments getting in the way.

We’ve got lots of “never ending” work to do around the place. The wife has worked her behind off to make our lives better, and now that I’m retired, she/we want to travel the US before we “croak”! With time and money “limited”....we’re “juggling” activities! Which is what makes many things including the African trip, a difficult agenda! memtb

Looks like I can make it this year!

Great excuse to shoot the 375

Guy

I fully understand and concur, you both may want to time it like Wife and me, we want to die together, completely broke and exhausted.

Our kids probably don’t quite see it that way! memtb

Hmmm... Winchester, or Ruger?







Both are chambered for 375 H&H, both shoot well. I've only hunted with the Ruger Number One.

Looking forward to seeing some cool rifles, meeting some good folks and SHOOTING!

Guy

Take the Winchester.

I need to go shoot something with the Winchester. You know, like a rock chuck or a coyote or something.

Guy

If we ever make it, the wife will shoot the box stock Win. Model 70 ( much heavier, little recoil), I’ll use what I’m comfortable with! But first, we have to get there! memtb

LOL

BOTH! of course.

More than a few people bring two rifles and then just pick the one most appropriate for that stage. Whatever you want to do, the more the merrier!

This sounds like a blast. Get the Heym 500 BPE out and the #1 450-400, bring the 375 for a light rifle. Montana is just a long ways to travel.

Gunner my plan is not to die with $20 in my pocket and a vacation day:)

LOL, sounds about perfect to me GSP.

I really should head up there some day! This shoot inspired a similar shoot I run here in Phoenix.

http://arizona-rifleshooting.com/safari-rifle-shoot-PRGC.html

WE got our date scheduled, Saturday 13-April-19!

so if you're in the southwest come join us to warm up (in both senses of the word) before heading to MT in the summer!

Poole

Looking forward to the Libby MT shoot.

Probably bring my Ruger Number One, as a fellow has offered to buy the Model 70 and I really don't need it.

Either way, 375 H&H is the choice.

Have a lot of dark in my life lately. This is shining like something good ahead.

Regards, Guy

Guy, I hope that you get to participate and have a great time! Fire a few rounds for me, as it looks like I’ll never get there! memtb

Never Say Never!

DANG, but why's it gotta be so far away...... ????

I'm trying to think of how a guy could have any more fun for a 20 spot.........but I ain't coming up with anything.

[quote=Yoder409]DANG, but why's it gotta be so far away...../quote]

Good things come to those who travel! And you are correct, there is no better bargain for a $20 bill.

JCS271 - just handloaded 50 rounds of 375 ammo for practice.

270 gr Hornady round nose soft point over 69 grains of RL-15. I've used that powder charge with a 260 gr Nosler Accubond to take 3 black bears. Ya, I know, not Cape Buff, but there weren't any of those running loose here in Washington.

Really looking forward to the shoot! I want to see the cool rifles that I'm sure will be there!

Guy

I won't be able to go but this is an interesting shoot. One question, I have a Marlin 45-70 and wondered would that work in this competition? I haven't checked the energy of my loads and I didn't see any mention of lever guns in the rules.

Sorry but we try and stick to traditional Safari type rifles single-shot, bolt-actions and doubles. There are a few people that are grandfathered in from the very first two shoots that we had but when they are gone that's it for lever guns. I think you should look at this as a good opportunity to buy a new big bore bolt action rifle. It's kind of a win-win!

Thing is, the big 1886 cartridges (.50-110, .45-90, .475 Turnbull etc.) on modern steel actions are probably better "safari" stopping rifles than nearly all doubles. They're just not traditional and tend to get Africa types riled up and feeling threatened.

Tag!!!!

Jay and all, this was my first time at the Safari Rifle Challenge and it was an absolute hoot!

Well set up, well run, lots of fun. Great people! Can't fault those kids at all, they did a great job! I met a lot of great folks today and thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks for persisting in running this shoot - I've been wanting to get to it for several years.

Regards, Guy

Well, the 2019 Safari Rifle Challenge is in the books and Lance Brewer of Snohomish Washington is the reigning champ. He used a Colt Sauer in .375H&H to finish 26 points ahead of second place finisher Tor Carter. Gene Gordner and Dennis Wehling tied for third.



We had a full house with shooters from 11 states and 3 Canadian provinces.



The weather was threatening but happily we (and our guns) stayed dry for the entire day.

Below are a few pictures and our course of fire. I took a lot more video than photos and will try to get them down loaded tonight. If any of you participants have good pics please post them below.





Wayne Jacobson of American Hunting Rifles putting the smackdown on some wild warthogs with one of his custom .600 OK rifles firing a 900gr bullet!



Mike Dettorre lining up on a motor driven charging hippo.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/VpBkXOcl.jpg[/img]

Taking a shot at the crossing 7' Crocodile........

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Ab49YQbl.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/JOru7QRl.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/3DeLRAQl.jpg[/img]

A few items that are ready for shipment back to Santa's Island for broken toys.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/es8hFFKl.jpg[/img]



2019 Safari Rifle Challenge Course of Fire

Main Range Events

1. Checking Zero ---- Four shooters on the line. Starting position will be two rounds in rifle, safety on. On the signal you will fire two rounds at the 45yd paper target then load and fire one round at the 100yd steel plate. Open action, show clear, muzzle up during scoring and return to the gun rack.

2. Shoot and Move---Load 1 round, safety on, low ready position. On the signal, shoot the 60 yd steel plate, move to next spot, load 1rd and shoot 80yd steel plate. Move to next spot, load 1rd and shoot the 70yd plate. Open action, show clear, muzzle up, return to gun rack when done.

3. Charging Hippo-- Rifle loaded with two rounds, safety on. On the signal, shoot the 60yd steel plate kill zone. Reload and take one shot at the charging Hippo. (Kill zones will be faintly marked for scoring purposes; you must evaluate the angle then shoot at the heart/lung area). Open action, show clear, muzzle up, return to gun rack when done.

4. Long Range Shot--Load 1 round, safety on, low ready position. On the signal, shoot the 110yd steel plate for 10 points. If you hit it then you have the option to shoot one round at the 130yd plate. If you try the far plate, score will be “DOUBLE OR NOTHING”! Open action, show clear, muzzle up when done.

5. Charging Water Jugs --- Two shooters, two rounds in rifle, safety on. The cart will start towards you on “standby” and you will then be given the shoot command. You must shoot the jug on your side then race to shoot the middle jug. Open action, show clear, muzzle up, return to gun rack when done.


Shooting Bay Events

1. Crocodile Hunting--- Two rounds in rifle, safety on, low ready. On the signal fire one round at the hanging 2’’ orange DuraSeal “croc brain” target. A hit equals 20 points and you are done. If you miss, the crocodile will immediately charge forward, and you must shoot him on the point of the near shoulder (10 points) before he escapes to the water. Open action, show clear, muzzle up when done.

2. Warthog Rodeo--- Starting position will be low ready with 2 rounds in the rifle, safety on. On the signal, shoot one round at either of the two rapidly crossing warthogs. On your shot a third warthog will rise up facing you for approx. 3 seconds. Shoot him before he disappears. Only hits that break the clay target vital zone will receive a 10-point score. Open action, show clear, muzzle up, return to gun rack.

3. Zip Line-- Two rounds in the rifle, safety on, low ready. On the signal the sliding gallon water jug will start towards you. You must shoot at the small water bottle on the stump in the corner of range BEFORE you shoot at the sliding jug. Go fast or get wet! Open action, show clear, muzzle up, return to gun rack.

4. Charging Rhino --- Two rounds in rifle, safety on, low ready. On the signal, shoot at the 4” black hanging DuraSeal diamond target. On your shot, the rhino will charge forward. (Kill zones will be faintly marked for scoring purposes; you must evaluate the angle then shoot one round at the heart/lung area). Open action, show clear, muzzle up, return to gun rack.



As I told the participants, we have recently acquired an additional 5 acres for our range and construction of an additional 3 dirt berm enclosed shooting bays (one 100yds and two 50yds) is due to start this summer. If they are ready by next June we will be able to expand our number of shooters and switch to a format of five stages running at the same time. You would just need to stroll around and shoot them all before the lunch/raffle break and then five new stages would be ready for the afternoon.

Once again, a HUGE THANKS to all of our sponsors, particularly Shawn Joyce of Diizche Safari Adventures, Dan and Andy from Skinner Sights, Wayne at American Hunting Rifles, Champion Targets and new supporter Bradley Cheek Rests!

Look forward to seeing you all next year for an even bigger and better event! JCS

Charge of the water jugs!