Hi Dave
I know that I couldn't force you to shoot a 10/22 if I want to and wouldn't try for the reasons stated above.
Enforcement of rules really isn't that hard if they are set up correctly to start with. To use the .22 auto class as an example, you require the barrel to be from the manufacture of the gun as indicated by the stampings on the barrel. This alone eliminates most of the problems and the MD (match Director) can easily check it in seconds. Trigger pull of 2 lbs or more is also very easy to confirm. In the area of Scopes for the scope classes limiting the power to 4x or 6x is also fairly easy to see.
By limiting the models to a small group the mods that give the most advantage would be a fairly short list as well again making enforcement a fairly easy process. Dealing with those who would bend the rules is also easy simply by listing their names in the "rules bender" section of the newsletter.
If it was desired to limit ammo this would also be simple in .22lr by simply requiring high velocity ammo, no standard velocity. This is easy to confirm with a $50 chronograph and most clubs today own chronographs. Center fire is reloading central and the only way to limit that is as done in Cowboy; the shape of the nose of the bullet itself. Flat and Round nose ammo limits performance accuracy wise somewhat and is much easier on targets. These restrictions would of course make a "super competitor" want to toss his cookies but that isn't who this is aimed at in the first place.
You wouldn't need to worry over the rules at every oportunity either, only when the MD suspects something is amiss. I certainly would not want to see guns being dismantled before every match, this is a sure way to run everyone off. Protest fees limit the bickering to those who a very sure there is a violation worth checking into.
The problem areas of silhouette revolve around names that promise something that isn't really delivered. In the IHMSA we have an area called "Production". To a large percentage of the shooting population this indicates a mass produced gun. This is not however what the rules lay out and the custom guns rule the production categories at AAA and INT level. In the rifle game you have the "Hunter" classes. To the general shooting public this indicates something that they would go out and actually hunt with. Reality is the top classes are shooting target rifles with target scopes of 24 to 36 power or more, equipment you just wouldn't see in a hunting camp. The problems that have risen up is trying to explain to a new shooter that our definitions of the words are different than his definition. When these fellows here of a hunter gun being specially built for the game they know they have entered into a race area.
I am not up on the particulars of the rifle game but suspect that it is much like the pistol game you don't have much controversy in "Standard" just as we don't have much in "Unlimited". 90% of our rules controversy comes from the production area and I suspect hunter is where your issues live. The racers don't like the idea of limits and the over the counter crowd doesn't like going head to head with custom equipment.
To me it could easily be a non issue simply by giving each group what they want and then sharing the range and targets. Larger participation lowers the cost of running matches so it could be a win win situation if allowed. What shouldn't be allowed at the match is either group making silly comments about the other, nothing good will come from that. Some people drive fords some chevies and some like ferarri's all can share the same road
In silhouette everywhere a lot of people have already voted silently that their interests were not being considered. They do this by simply not showing up anymore, no yelling and screaming, we just don't see them at the matches anymore. For many Match Directors this is a problem because without a certain level of participation running the matches becomes too difficult.
i guess what i have a challenge with is that you are suggesting we go backwards. you suggest limits on equipment based upon the number of manufactured units, you suggest that smithing is "simply not allowed." to keep true to your intent you will probably have to limit the quality of ammunition as well.
but heavens have mercy... we just came from there. it wasn't that the intent was bad, it was that the rules were near impossible to enforce. we have been where you suggest and found it an extremely difficult place to exist.
but... i guess i don't see a point in argueing or discussing the issue further. as long as you are setting up something separate and not making me shoot a 10/22 i guess it really doesn't matter to me. if you firmly believe this is a great idea, go for it. good luck on your endeavor. i wish you success beyond your wildest imagination.
i don't think i have ever typed "heavens have mercy before!"
