Took 1st place in a local woods walk today: Was I Ever Surprised!

[Maven]

Went to a very well attended woods walk today (23 - 24 shooters; 16 shots total) and was really surprised to win 1st place as my offhand BP shooting of late has been pretty poor. I think a change in meds (reduced!) helped as did holding and aiming the rifle during the week prior to today's event. However, this wasn't a "slam dunk" as I had patch/RB problems today. To wit, I determined several months ago that my .50cal. Lyman GPR shoots best from the bench with a .492" RCBS RB which I cast, + .021" muslin patches. Unfortunately they were unbelievably difficult to start and seat. On the verge of panic over having such a miserable combination, I figured I had nothing to lose by using the 100% cotton flannel cleaning strip I brought with me. Voila! It worked...in spades! Btw, I used a saliva as a patch lube and had no fouling issues for the remaining 14 shots. Also, I used Wano Scheutzen FFFg powder @ 55rgr. (vol.) and had no trouble reaching the 70 yd. targets.

[dondiego]

Congrats on a nice recovery from a panic and good shooten'.

[skeettx]

Great, and congrats on the win and the quick thinking
Mike

[OverMax]

Very good. well done.

[mooman76]

Well we all have our good and bad days. You got a good one. Congrats!

[bedbugbilly]

Well done! Sounds like you came up with a quick cure for tight balls that worked well! Hmmm . . . maybe I worded that wrong? :-)

It's nice when things come together and you have a good day! Just remember - someone has to be first and someone has to be last but the important thing is that everyone has fun!

[copdills]

you should be very proud, as we all are of you congrats

[Maven]

All, Thanks for the kind words! Today was the first time I placed first and am happy that I didn't wobble before I took my shots. Next time I use the GPR, I'll use a slightly different RB diameter and my always reliable .018" patch.

[RED333]

Congrats!!!

[nagantguy]

Good for you, maybe you just needed a little friendly competition to put you back on par!

[Buckshot]

..............Well congratulations Paul. You didn't wear that beaded breechcloth, those raggedy old moccasins and the beanie with the propeller on top this time didja? :-) It was a bit much for the spectators last time as I recall.

...............Buckshot

[rfd]

way to go, paul - congrats!

[Maven]

Thanks again, Rob. And no, Rick I dressed "normally" except for the breech cloth (day glow orange, not beaded this time!).

[rfd]

and ya did it with a "lowly" GPR .50, too. :)

[waksupi]

Blind hogs and acorns, eh? ;o)

Congratulations!

[Bowhunter73]

Congrats brother on a great shooting event and coming out on top

[Maven]

Yep Rob, a lowly GPR, which happens to be scary accurate and 100% reliable.

Ric, Thanks! While I haven't placed first before, I have been in the winners circle fairly consistently (if you don't count the medication induced F-ups for my last 2 outings). Weather permitting, I plan on using the Isaac Haines at our 12/17 shoot (North Ulster County Muzzleloaders). The GPR was sort of a test bed for my offhand shooting skills (or lack thereof) since I've done pretty well with it in the past. I can only hope I've surmounted the learning curve with the Isaac Haines.

Btw, the beaded breech cloth I used to wear (LOL!) was too distracting and uncomfortable to be of further use. Oh, did I mention the beads were on the inside?:bigsmyl2: