Postal Match?

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

On the GAF site there is a section on Postal Matches, but running a search I have not found any mention here in the Barracks since early 2010 ... Are the postal matches a thing of the past?

[Pitspitr]

No, the postal matches really aren't a thing of the past but they have gotten put on the back  burner. As we've been more success with our musters the people who participated in the postal matches have focused more on the musters. In September when registration opens be sure to register and I suspect we'll have people join you.

[Mustang Gregg]

Col Pitspitr:

I don't reckon I can get in on this next one.  
So good luck, GAF Marksmen!

Mustang Gregg

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

In September when registration opens be sure to register and I suspect we'll have people join you.

Thank you for the reply.  Curly Bear Brown and myself will be signing up in September. 

TwoWalks Baldridge
Scout

[Pitspitr]

I don't reckon I can get in on this next one.  

Maybe we could grant you a dispensation and allow you to use a Berretta and an M-4

[Pitspitr]

Thank you for the reply.  Curly Bear Brown and myself will be signing up in September. 

TwoWalks Baldridge
Scout

Glad to hear it!

[Mustang Gregg]

Thanks, Col:

I'll see if I can find an old antique rifle of some kind in Afghanistan.

hahahahah

Respectfully,
MG

[pony express]

Thanks, Col:

I'll see if I can find an old antique rifle of some kind in Afghanistan.

hahahahah

Respectfully,
MG

It's my understanding that some of the "locals" there would be willing and able to "whip up" about any kind of old antique rifle you would want, given a few pieces of scrap iron and some files and chisels.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

It's my understanding that some of the "locals" there would be willing and able to "whip up" about any kind of old antique rifle you would want, given a few pieces of scrap iron and some files and chisels.

The birth place of the reproduction:   

[Willie Dixon]

TW, I'll be signing up for the postal match.  Looks like fun.  I'll at least be able to shoot one of my colts, probably my walker for Ss & Gs. If I get my reloading equipment in time, which in theory I should, count me in for my 44-40 or my 56-50 too.  

Also, I have a question, is it really only 13-1/2 yards?! Or is the 50 feet supposed to be 50 yards?  I know with the size of the target, etc, it can be 13 yards.  I just want to double check, thanks!

[Pitspitr]

It is 50 feet... and there IS a reason. Most everyone can come up with a place where they can shoot short range and in order to shoot to point of aim in short range a rifle that is sighted in for 100 yards will usually also be on target at 13 1/2 yards or about 50 feet.

When we started the postal match I had been running one myself for a few of the IWP reinactors I knew from the internet. When I proposed using the rules and targets I had already been using, I got overruled on the distance, with their thought being that shooting at that close a distance just couldn't be challenging enough. We ran the postal match in that format for several years but it was frustrating to shoot it because you had to figure out how much hold under to use. A few years ago the GAF had a little shake up and I had the chance to re-write the postal match regs. We haven't had the participation in the recent matches that we had before, but we've had fewer perfect scores...which leads me to believe that in this case 50 is challenging enough.

[Willie Dixon]

Colonel Pitspitr, I in no way was saying it was a bad thing, just double checking was all, sir.

Back in the USCG we had one at 30 feet, pistol and rifle.  Had to hit about a 3 inch circle with double-hit on the pistol and the burst on the mp5.  That was harder-n trying to run away from a pissed off bull your buddy tried to cow-tip!

Thanks for the info Col. I know for a fact that if you say it's challenging enough for your marksmanship skills, it'll be plenty hard for me.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

challenging enough for your marksmanship skills, it'll be plenty hard for me.

Last week, 3 of us shot the "reduced-size M1885 Army Rifle A1 Target shot at a range of 8 yards" with Colt 51's - Colt 1860's, very humbling to say the least.  I might have done as well if not better throwing marbles at the target. 

[Willie Dixon]

Fair enough TW,

I'm actually going to go out and try that this weekend, can't wait! with my Open Top Navy in 45lc (how I wish they had one in 44) I think I've finally found her pet load, shooting about a 2" group at 30 feet on a bench, so I know she'll do her part... which means if I blow it, it'll all be on me.

[Pitspitr]

Colonel Pitspitr, I in no way was saying it was a bad thing, just double checking was all, sir.

I didn't take it that way. I just get a lot of questions about it and a lot of folks don't seem to understand that just because it's that close, it isn't neccesarily easy.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

I didn't take it that way. I just get a lot of questions about it and a lot of folks don't seem to understand that just because it's that close, it isn't neccesarily easy.

I suggest that people think about this before asking.

Great shots might say "It's not that hard" - Bad shots will say "It is almost impossible"  the best thing to do is try shooting it.  That would save the asking and increase the knowing.  Sure told me that I am in the "Bad Shot" group.

[Willie Dixon]

Col. Pitspitr,

I'm glad to see that we're both on the same page.  With everything in type it is often hard to get a proper sounding of another's intentions.  I've been excited about the 'postal match' and just wanted to double check I was spacing right.  Thank you kindly for everything.

TW,

you don't fall into the "bad shot" group.  You fall into the "needs to practice fundamentals" group.   There is no "bad shot" group except for those that give up.  Also, I've met a lot of really awesome shots in my life, never once did they ever call any target "not that hard"

Dutifully,
WD

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

TW,

you don't fall into the "bad shot" group.  You fall into the "needs to practice fundamentals" group.   There is no "bad shot" group except for those that give up.  Also, I've met a lot of really awesome shots in my life, never once did they ever call any target "not that hard"

Dutifully,
WD

Willie, I really do belong in the bad shot group.  I use to be in the good shot group and then old age started practicing more than I do.  Hands shake, eye sight fails ... but the fun factor increases.  I use to get upset if I did not put three for three in the black or at least had them touch.  Now I am thrilled to see a hole in the paper. 

[Niederlander]

The postal matches are of lot of fun, and they give you a good reason to go shoot your old military guns.  I've made up a set of reduced scale targets to use with miltary style .22's, too.  I may try to set up a postal match with those after the July muster.

[cpt dan blodgett]

Can jacketed bullets be fired from the rifle for postal matches and are there velocity restrictions?