Another Camp Perry question

[David LaPell]

I didn't want to hijack a thread so I started this one. I have been considering maybe next year taking a trip to Camp Perry for the revolver match. I know the shooting is one handed (used to some of that with my blackpowder matches). I already have the gun, my .38 Special Outdoorsman. Now the question I have is since I could not find in the rulebook, is all shooting done double action only, or single action? I plan to take my Colt .22 along as well, or if I ever get some money together I know where a very nice 4-inch .22 Smith revolver sits. Anyone here ever get to shoot alof of these matches, we have no ranges here locally that partake of the NRA matches so I will have to alot of practicing myself.

 

[TSQUARED]

There are two revolver only matches at the Camp Perry National Matches.
The Harry Reeves match in which you can shoot any centerfire revolver (cal 32 to 45) with either iron or optical sights.
The Distinguished Revolver Match is limited to revolvers in 38/357, with iron sights firing 38 Special ammo with either a 158 gr. LRN or LSWC ammo.
There are additional specifics about trigger wieght, etc which can be found in the NRA rule books but a factory standard S&W or Colt revolver will meet those requirements.
Some of the older shooters like myself, who in the past shot revolver in centerfire bullseye matches, still shoot all the three stages single action. Many of the newer shooters shoot the slow fire stage single action but use double action for the timed and rapid fire stages.

 

[H Richard]

If you are not aware of the times, slow fire is 10 minutes for 10 shots. Most use single action. Timed fire is two strings of 5 shots each in 20 seconds each (figure 4 seconds per shot, single action is possible). Rapid Fire is two strings of 5 shots each in 10 seconds each, (figure 2 seconds per shot, takes lots of practice). The biggest problem with trying single action in the timed or rapid fire match's is the shifting of the gun in your hand to cock the hammer. This is why a offset hammer was invented back in the 50's. Total score is 300 possible, and then i'm not sure but often the entire match is comprised of 3 individual courses if fire for a 900 possible. I believe at Camp Perry the slow fire is fired at 25 yards at the reduced target, rather than fired at 50 yards.

I wish I could keep interest in bullseye up in our area, We do run a winter .22RF bullseye league indoor, but once the weather warms up everyone goes to action shooting.

 

[trulyapostolic]

The 2 previous posts have given some very sound information. I shoot a lot of these matches and can expand on what's been said... The Reeves and Distinguished Revlover matches are 30 shots each. 10 shots slow fire at 50 yards and 10 shots of timed and rapid fire (each) at 25 yards. Your gun will need to be able to pick up a 2.5 lb trigger weight, single action, to be eligible. I personally shoot slow fire single action and timed/rapid fire in double action for the very reason that H Richard stated. I'm not an authority on this (I placed rather well this year at Perry and am only 4 points from getting my Distinguished badge) but would recommend you learn how to shoot double action at 25 yards. Learning which method you prefer is something that you'll have to experiment with. I found consistency by not shifting my grip to cock the hammer however.

Most of us shoot the same gun for both matches. I consider the Reeves match to be a warmup for the Distinguished match. Because of this my gun is compliant to the Distinguished requirements which also dictates that the grips must be symmetrical (no thumb rests, no anatomicals...) and the barrel cannot be longer than 6.5" (I believe, someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Where are located?

 

[David LaPell]

I am up here in the Adirondack Mountains of NY. Like I said, I have the gun as long as the single action pull is 2 1/2 pounds (it's factory) in my Smith .38 Special Outdoorsman. It shoots better than most other guns I have owned and as long as I do the part I think it will work ok. Since I hurt my left arm at work all of my shooting since then has been one handed and will most likely be for a long time to come and I can't compete in the law enforcement matches I used to so I want to give Camp Perry a try.

 

[H Richard]

The 38 Special Outdoorsman (N Frame) with a 6.5" barrel should meet all requirements, as long as the SA triggerpull is above 2.5 lbs. If it is factory, it should be in the 3 lb range, that's where mine is. A great and very accurate revolver, the extra weight of the larger frame helps keep your hold on target.

 

[trulyapostolic]

I am up here in the Adirondack Mountains of NY. Like I said, I have the gun as long as the single action pull is 2 1/2 pounds (it's factory) in my Smith .38 Special Outdoorsman. It shoots better than most other guns I have owned and as long as I do the part I think it will work ok. Since I hurt my left arm at work all of my shooting since then has been one handed and will most likely be for a long time to come and I can't compete in the law enforcement matches I used to so I want to give Camp Perry a try.

You can get additional information on these matches, and those who also participate in them from here:

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