August is almost over and before you know it the Dixie Grand will be starting. Two registered ATA events over the weekend included shoots in Fayetteville and Durham. One midweek BIG50 Wednesday at Buckhorn and a two-day event in Boone.
17 shooters found their way to Ft. “Bragg” Liberty Saturday and some great scores were broken. Joe Nalley and Eric Blakeney tied with 96’s in the singles with Eric winning by reverse score. David Parker picked up a ½ yard punch for his 95 to lead all handicap shooters. Joe Nalley won the doubles with a 94 and Joe and David Nelson tied for HOA with 277’s. As always thanks to all that shot and to all that scored, loaded birds, set targets, Marty says a big THANKS!
A similar sized crowd decided to attend the shoot at the Durham County Wildlife Club and Megan Smith won the singles (99), doubles (90) and HOA with a 268. Michael Stanton garnered a ½ yard punch for his 95 in the handicap. Thanks to all that shot and worked, and I know Scarlett says thank you!
Buckhorn will host a BIG50 this Wednesday and the weather looks marvelous with temps in the mid 70’s and light winds. It should be perfect for shooting at BGC. I really appreciate the effort hosing these shoots with Chris Powell, Eric Sherer and Allan Davis heading it up.
The Watauga Gun Club in Boone NC will host the Glenn Miller Memorial this Saturday and Sunday. 200 handicap and 100 pairs of doubles Saturday with a Low Country Boil prepared by Tim Wilson. Sunday 200 singles and how long has it been since a shooter broke 200 straight in the Valley? Morgan Shaw said that Glenn’s son Ed Miller will be riding out Saturday to enjoy the festivities. Should be a great time for all in the North Carolina mountains.
If there are any Kolar owners out there listen up. I bought a used 740 bore Kolar back in 2006 and had a few bright moments with the gun and shot pretty good doubles with it for a while. Now I know you cannot run Kolar triggers lubed up but after several trips to Racine for “doubling” I just slowly decided to stop shooting the dubs. Fast forward to 2024 and it looks like Kolar has a “stage 2” upgrade and I dropped my trigger off at the Grand. It should be here Wednesday, and we will give it a test maybe this weekend. I fed it one ounce on the first shot and 3dram feds on the second shot. Only time and targets will tell if it was worth the $$. I know some of you would say hey you can barely break 1 bird much less two…..lol
The Dixie Grand is just a month away and I hope the weather holds up for the event. I know it will be a little cooler and the fall colors will be interesting to deal with at the home grounds. With the shoot growing in popularity, it will be interesting to see what the 2024 attendance will be. It looks like the 2024 Grand was about the same as 2023 in attendance according to sources.
I looked at the Cardinal Classic in Marengo Ohio and there was one NC shooter in attendance. NC State Singles Champ 2023 David Smiley in Event #6 Eagles Golf Car Doubles won Class A and great shooting David. Not sure if attendance was up but it is hard to follow the Grand.
That is about it for this week. Great to see temps getting a little cooler and before you know it freezing temps will be upon us. Hello to Scott, Ronnie, Cowboy, Tim, Bobby, Phil, Mac, John, Will, Mark, Thea and Anne and until next week…….smokem.