Thread: NZDA prize shoot

It used to be 140-150 would win the Big Balls when it was that.

Are there new targets with bigger scoring rings or are shooters all just better than they were ?
Its a backward step if scores werent consistent with years’ gone by.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

It used to be 140-150 would win the Big Balls when it was that.

Are there new targets with bigger scoring rings or are shooters all just better than they were ?
Its a backward step if scores werent consistent with years’ gone by.

It seems what happened was some bright spark on the NZDA national executive ordered these targets without consulting the Competitive Shooting Committee and managed to get the target size wrong, in short it was a stuff up, because of this they cannot be used for any national or regional competition.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

It used to be 140-150 would win the Big Balls when it was that.

Are there new targets with bigger scoring rings or are shooters all just better than they were ?
Its a backward step if scores werent consistent with years’ gone by.

Yes all the scoring rings were larger, the 10 which should be 11mm is now 15mm.

I love the thought of these shoots that have been going for many years, and like many shoots that had large numbers turn up in the past the participation numbers are declining.
Which makes me ask why?

Is it lack of available time, lack of promotion or a combination of reasons

I remember hearing stories of 200+ at NZDA National positional shoots and people taking home firearms and many other products......what happened?

Originally Posted by 19Badger

I love the thought of these shoots that have been going for many years, and like many shoots that had large numbers turn up in the past the participation numbers are declining.
Which makes me ask why?

Is it lack of available time, lack of promotion or a combination of reasons

I remember hearing stories of 200+ at NZDA National positional shoots and people taking home firearms and many other products......what happened?

All of the above would be my guess. People being time poor, clubs seem to be declining in general, more instant gratification-based society, perception that more "gear" is needed, difficulty settings such that people are fearful of being shown up, etc. But also, I don't think the NZDA 4P shooting has moved with the times and progression of their core audience (i.e. hunters). Most of the NZDA clubs offer more "practical" style shooting competitions that are more for "hunters" (whatever that means these days with the vast range of what is considered by some to be a "hunting" rifle).

I used to compete NZDA 4 position a bit a few years ago but basically not at all now. A decade ago I won the first Big Balls competition at Taupo with my .243win (100gr projectiles) and at the same event won B grade to place second overall with my 22LR on about ~175points. Back then I was actively practicing 4P shooting with a sling but without all the jackets, pants, and boots, etc..

I have moved on to other shooting disciplines now - looking for more variety and a more dynamic discipline (hence I am chasing the SPARC series events at the moment). Personally, I don't have the focus / drive to pursue what I see as a very static shooting sport (i.e. same positions, on similar flat ranges, at the same targets with the same gear / rifles) that ultimately doesn't reflect the bulk of the shooting I was doing then or still am doing when hunting. Don't get me wrong though, NZDA 4P shooting teaches excellent and fundamental unsupported positional shooting techniques that apply very well to shooting out in the hills (e.g. position and support mechanics, trigger control, visualisation, natural point of aim, etc) - but bipods, scopes & reticles, hand loading, etc. have come a long way in the last decade and more... NZDA 4P shooting is great as a standardised national shooting competition but personally I think the NRL22 model is better suited to our current society / community.

Sorry, a bit off topic I suppose.
But well done Lars for making it along and 163 is a great score! My father, who taught me to shoot, made it along this year to Taupo as well. I believe he took out the hunter competition and did ok in the graded shoot as well.