CMG's Steel Safari

presents
The
Steel Safari
June 6-8, 2008
Blue Steel Ranch, Logan, NM
www.ColoradoMultigun.com/steelsafari

NEWS, PURPOSE, REGISTRATION, CONTACTS, SCHEDULE, RULES. FAQ, LOCATION

NEWS
2008 Steel Safari Results Posted: ss08results.txt
The match staff is taking a couple months off; we'll start planning the 2009 Steel Safari in Aug/Sept.

PHOTOS FROM MATCH
(click image for album)
VIDEO FROM MATCH WILL BE POSTED SOON!

DEMIGOD LLC > 2008 Steel Safari Match Report

5/16/2008: A limited number of slots have become available
The "Light Rifle" category has been discontinued due to lack of applicants.
Match is full as of 1/10/2008. Confirmations and wait-list notifications will start going out on 1/16.

PURPOSE
Colorado Multigun's Steel Safari is designed to test a competitor's skills shooting rifle in practical "hunting-type" challenges in the natural terrain using what gear he can carry.

Shooters should expect:

two day-long field stages each involving movement through approximately 3 miles of rugged desert terrain;
each field stage will have approximately 10 shooting stations;
each shooting station will have 6 target opportunities
to locate, range, and engage targets at each station under a time limit
movement between stations during each field state will not be timed;
however, shooters are encouraged to move briskly to avoid procedural penalties if passed
local altitude of 4000'
to carry gear used during the courses of fire
to engage rifle targets from 200 to 700 yards (few engagements outside this range may be required)
Standard targets sizes are 6"x12" or 12"x12", but some vary.
fantastic geographic features for a hike-and-shoot match
an optional long-range side match with an emphasis on KYL ("know your limitations") and speed, for prizes
a good prize table

Rifle: Any 243/6mm up to 300 Winchester Magnum. 3200fps limit.
Shooters can use any ancillary equipment as long as such equipment is carried during every stage. (See Rules for details.)

PRIOR MATCH REPORTS

article | Blue Steel Ranch 2007 Steel Safari Practical Rifle Match

article | Blue Steel Ranch 2006 Steel Safari Practical Rifle Match

PHOTO ALBUMS FROM FACILITY

(each thumbnail takes you to a full photo album)

REGISTRATION
Cost of entry is $185 per shooter. $40 for entry into the optional long-range side match.
COMPETITOR ENTRY FORM AVAILABLE HERE: 08Application.pdf
ANNOUNCEMENT SHEET AVAILABLE HERE: 08Announcement.pdf MUST READ, CONTAINS CRITICAL INFORMATION

CONTACTS
GENERAL EMAIL: ColoradoMultigun@gmail.com
Match Director: Zak Smith, 970-232-4468 (CELL)
Asst Match Director: Michael Field
Asst Match Director: Mike Kolar
Sponsor Coordinator: John Sternberg, 240 S. Eudora St, Denver, CO 80246; 303-377-2241 - Direct; 303-589-6042 - Mobile. johnm1a@qwest.net
Link to Colorado Multigun staff bios and contact info.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 6 JUNE
0800-1600 Sight-in/Check Zero (Front Range)
1300-1800 Long-Range Side Match (Back Range)
1800-1830 Mandatory Shooters' Meeting (Back Range)

SATURDAY 7 JUNE
0700-1300 Course of Fire (North or South - Start @ Front Range)

SUNDAY 8 JUNE
0700-1300 Course of Fire (North or South - Start @ Front Range)
1400-1600 Award Ceremony and Prizes

Shooters must be present for both days of the shooting portion of the match and shoot during their scheduled time-slots. There is no "shoot through" at this match,

RULES

Equipment

The competitor may use only one rifle during the course of the entire match, including the Long Range Side Match.
Rifles must be equipped with a sling suitable for safely carrying the rifle muzzle up or muzzle down.
All equipment used including, but not limited to spotting scopes, range finders, bags, bipods, tripods, slings, tripods, shooting sticks, gloves, or other shooting support devices, etc are permitted, but must be carried for the entire match (clothing and consumables excluded.
All rifles must be equipped with a functioning safety.
Cartridge/bullet/ballistic requirements:
1. Maximum bullet caliber = 7.62mm/.308", minimum caliber = 6 mm/.243"
2. Maximum muzzle velocity = 3200 fps.
3. Rounds that do not strike targets with sufficient energy to cause the target to react in a manner observable to the R.O. will be scored as misses.
4. Armor piercing, steel jacketed, tracer and incendiary rounds prohibited.
5. Competitors may be required to submit as many as 5 rounds of ammunition to match staff for testing at any time and cooperate in the testing of their ammunition when requested.
Since each competitor will serve as the Range Officer (RO) for the competitor following them, it is essential that they be competent and adequately equipped to spot bullets hits or misses on targets at long range. This requires that each competitor have good binoculars.
Range rules of the Blue Steel Ranch shall apply.

Scoring

Each target that is called a "hit" by the RO shall score one point.
A "hit" is a bullet that the RO judges to have impacted on the correct steel target plate. The RO's judgment on hits or misses is final and not subject to appeal. However, if the RO has doubt about his call the benefit should go to the competitor. For example, if the RO observes the target move slightly upon a shot, but is unsure whether it was caused by an edge hit or a hanger strap hit, a hit should be awarded to the competitor.
Targets not located and/or engaged, targets engaged after time has elapsed and targets missed shall score no points.
The competitor with the most points after completing both courses of fire shall be the winner.

Standard Operating Procedure

The competitor shall be completely prepared and ready to begin the course of fire at their assigned start time. Late competitors will be moved to the last start time for the day. The competitor shall start on the course of fire immediately when directed by the Match Staff. The Match Staff may advance the start times if the course is running ahead of schedule and competitors are requested to cooperate in this regard.
Competitors are expected to walk directly from stage to stage without excessive rest stops. Those that do not keep up and thus delay other competitors may be required to skip one or more stages and/or fall back as required by the match staff to maintain the match schedule. Competitors will receive no points for stages skipped nor will any match fees be refunded.
The trail for each course of fire shall be designated with a specific color of survey tape. The competitor shall follow the trail between stages by traveling from ribbon to ribbon and shall not take any short-cuts.
Each competitor will serve as the Range Officer (RO) for the competitor following them on the courses of fire.
Each stage shall have a Holding Area. The Holding Area shall be designated with two strips of yellow safety ribbon. The competitor shall not wander about nor advance beyond the Holding Area until directed to do so by the RO.
Upon arrival at each stage, the RO will read the stage description to the competitor. When directed by the RO, the competitor will load their weapon then immediately assume the start position.
Unless otherwise noted, the start position shall be as follows
1. Standing at first shooting position
2. Rifle loaded, with safety engaged, held at port arms.
3. Pack on back with all gear and equipment on your person.
Each stage will have between 1 and 3 shooting positions. Each shooting position shall be designated with a stake, painted mark or other object. The competitor shall remain within reach (with arm or leg) of the position designator when engaging targets. If requested by the RO, the competitor will demonstrate that the position designator is within reach of the competitor's body.
Upon the start signal the competitor shall have a fixed amount of time (5 minutes unless otherwise noted) to locate, range and engage each available target with one only round from each shooting position. All targets will located so as to be visible from the start position unless otherwise noted.
The competitor is responsible to communicate to the RO as to which target he is engaging so that the RO may direct his attention to the correct target and properly observe the shot.
After each shot, the RO will immediately advise the competitor whether it was judged to be a "hit" or a "miss". No other information may be provided to the competitor regarding the location of the bullet impacts until the after the competitor has engaged all of the targets for the stage.
Upon request, the RO will provide the competitor with information concerning elapsed time or time remaining for the stage.
The RO will announce when the stage time has elapsed at which point the competitor shall immediately unload the rifle and demonstrate to the RO that the rifle is cleared of all ammunition.
The RO shall then move clear of the stage area to allow the on-deck competitor to be briefed and shoot the stage without distraction.

Safety

Competitors shall practice good muzzle control and firearm safety at all times. Competitors that do not handle their weapons safely will be disqualified from competing further in the match with no refund of match fees.
1. Do not ever allow the muzzle of your weapons to point at anyone.
2. Do not load your weapons until directed to do so by a range officer.
3. Do not put your finger on the trigger until your sights are aligned with your target.
4. Obey all Range Officer commands immediately.
Rifles shall be loaded only upon the command of an RO. Rifles shall remain unloaded at all other times. Rifles may be carried between stages with an empty magazine inserted and the bolt forward, but at all other times, magazines shall be removed and the bolt opened. Rifles shall only be carried muzzle up or muzzle down. Horizontal carry of the rifle is prohibited. Any time the rifle is set down on the ground, it must be pointed in a safe direction.
Any unintentional discharge of weapon shall result in the disqualification of the competitor without refund of match fees.
Safety glasses and ear protection are required to be worn at all times by competitors and spectators when in the vicinity of any weapons being fired.
Violation of any safety rule will result in match disqualification (DQ).

All information and rules subject to change. Be sure to check periodically for any changes. CGMA reserves the right to penalize or disqualify competitors that cheat, fail to follow the rules or behave in an unsportsmanlike manner.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is registration limited?
A. The match will be limited to 30 shooters to ensure schedule goals are met. Match alumni will have queue priority until Jan 15th.
Q. How much ammo do I need to bring?
A. The main match will require no more than 120 rounds. The Long Range Side Match will require up to 30 rounds. You may want additional ammo to check your zero.
Q. What kind of weather conditions can I expect during the match?
A. In June, temperatures can range from cool (40*F) & wet to dry & very hot (100*F). Strong thunderstorms are common. Wind is almost always present and can sometimes be very strong. We shoot rain or shine. Come prepared.
Q. What kind of country is the Blue Steel Ranch?
A. The Blue Steel Ranch is located in New Mexico's high desert at about 4000' ASL. The terrain is rugged with numerous canyon s and arroyos. The vegetation is mostly cactus and sage with occasional Pinyon Pine. Rattlesnakes are often found in this country.
Q. What rifle do I need for this match?
A. To keep it fair for everyone, we cannot give specific guidance on equipment. You will be shooting at targets at least 1 MOA in size from approximately 100 to 700 yards in the main match, and to 1000/1350 yards in the long-range side match.
Q. Is this a lost brass match?
A. No extra time will be allotted to pick up brass, and any brass left on the courses of fire will be disposed of by the match staff.
Q. What kind of gear do I need besides my rifle and ammo?
A. You will need sufficient food, water and clothing to spend the entire day walking and shooting out on the courses. The courses are in entirely natural terrain and offer no amenities. Suggested gear includes: Hiking boots; Backpack; Raingear; Water & food; Sunscreen; Binoculars; Rangefinder; Ammo (approximately 60 rounds each day); Bipod, shooting sticks and/or beanbags; Shooting glasses and ear protection; Emergency gear
Q. Do I need a compass or GPS to navigate the courses?
A. The courses are all marked with brightly colored survey ribbon. If you can follow the ribbons, you should be able to find your way.
Q. How do I get to the Blue Steel Ranch?
A. Head to Logan NM and then follow the path on the Google map at the bottom of this page.
Q. Are there motels and restaurants in the area?
A. Few. Try Tucumcari.
Q. Will I be able to check my zero when I arrive?
A. 0800-1400 Friday is allotted to sight-in and zero-check on the front range.
Q. Do I need to carry a handgun?
A. No. The handgun requirements for the match have been eliminated.

LOCATION / DIRECTIONS

View Larger Map

GPS coordinates for the parking area / front range:
UTM 13 S 645794 E / 3904352 N (Lat/Lon: 35* 16.409' N / 103*23.823' W)

Lodging is available in Logan and Tucumcari.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS MATCH POSSIBLE