Can Handgun Silhouette Grow without a Mass Production class?

[K2]

In states like California and Maryland without a right to keep and bear arms in the state constitution only the mass producers will most likely pay for the "testing" (destroying) of their guns so that they can be sold there.  

In other places mass production means simply more guns available and a wider potential membership.  

I think the only way to growth is to allow the current categories to stay as they are and add a few mass production categories to Big Big and Small Bore etc.

[teamnelson]

Well, since I started out using Mass Production (Ruger SingleSix .22, SBH .44, and S&W 14 .38) I am a bit biased, and would say that this would be nice.

However, most folks start out @ local matches I would think, so whatever the locals are shooting will affect how newbies feel about joining. If your local match is full of TC, XP, BF, FA, DW guns (like mine is) it can be very frustrating. Until you figure out that your not necessarily competing against Buck Rogers on the set next to you. I was fortunate to have a revolver shooter as the match director who made the extra effort to encourage me.

I think your intent is fine, but I'm not certain it will succeed unless you have folks at the local matches - experienced Silhouette shooters - who would be willing to give up shooting 40x40 with their BF for a season, so they can encourage the new Mass Production shooters through the game. Without that kind of intentional mentorship at the local match, it'll be hard for the new shooter to be happy with his low-teens scores, especially when he can't afford an Anschutz.

I realize this is asking alot, but if we're taking the long view, then it may be a good idea for the sport.

Personally, I'm bummed that my shooting buddy - my 8yr. old son - can't shoot IHMSA yet. He spots for me, coaches me, and scores for me, and waits for me to finish so he can take his Chipmunk over and shoot the .22 gongs on the rifle silhouette course. Some day ...

[dawg_doc]

Personally, I'm bummed that my shooting buddy - my 8yr. old son - can't shoot IHMSA yet. He spots for me, coaches me, and scores for me, and waits for me to finish so he can take his Chipmunk over and shoot the .22 gongs on the rifle silhouette course. Some day ...

Is this a local rule?  While we have no formal junior program (yet), we have youngsters shoot at our matches.  We had a 7 year old (I think) and a 9 year old (I think) shoot field pistol (with a .22), SB and SB UAS.  Granted, Dad is extremely conscientious about safety and the kids are very well supervised.  It takes who ever is calling the line to be very aware about whether Dad or Mom is supervising properly, but it works.  Youth and guns mean little about age.  Some 8 year olds shoot with the maturity of 18 year olds, and vice versa.

[K2]

Tell that rascal Major that Kelly will help him out getting a small air range set up on the far east side of the .22 targets!  Get that little 8 year old of yours an air pistol!  

Major knows me so this won't be a problem.  For your boy start him off with just the Turkeys and Rams on the Chicken and Pig distance until he is hitting a good deal of them.  20 targets is plenty for him until he is 11 or 12.  Start him young and he will stick with it thru his teens.  Look into 4-H.  

Well, since I started out using Mass Production (Ruger SingleSix .22, SBH .44, and S&W 14 .38) I am a bit biased, and would say that this would be nice.

However, most folks start out @ local matches I would think, so whatever the locals are shooting will affect how newbies feel about joining. If your local match is full of TC, XP, BF, FA, DW guns (like mine is) it can be very frustrating. Until you figure out that your not necessarily competing against Buck Rogers on the set next to you. I was fortunate to have a revolver shooter as the match director who made the extra effort to encourage me.

I think your intent is fine, but I'm not certain it will succeed unless you have folks at the local matches - experienced Silhouette shooters - who would be willing to give up shooting 40x40 with their BF for a season, so they can encourage the new Mass Production shooters through the game. Without that kind of intentional mentorship at the local match, it'll be hard for the new shooter to be happy with his low-teens scores, especially when he can't afford an Anschutz.

I realize this is asking alot, but if we're taking the long view, then it may be a good idea for the sport.

Personally, I'm bummed that my shooting buddy - my 8yr. old son - can't shoot IHMSA yet. He spots for me, coaches me, and scores for me, and waits for me to finish so he can take his Chipmunk over and shoot the .22 gongs on the rifle silhouette course. Some day ...

[K2]

Hi Dawg Doc

Has the Board approached you about running a functional jr. program yet?

Personally, I'm bummed that my shooting buddy - my 8yr. old son - can't shoot IHMSA yet. He spots for me, coaches me, and scores for me, and waits for me to finish so he can take his Chipmunk over and shoot the .22 gongs on the rifle silhouette course. Some day ...

Is this a local rule?  While we have no formal junior program (yet), we have youngsters shoot at our matches.  We had a 7 year old (I think) and a 9 year old (I think) shoot field pistol (with a .22), SB and SB UAS.  Granted, Dad is extremely conscientious about safety and the kids are very well supervised.  It takes who ever is calling the line to be very aware about whether Dad or Mom is supervising properly, but it works.  Youth and guns mean little about age.  Some 8 year olds shoot with the maturity of 18 year olds, and vice versa.