Shootout at Cavern Cove 2022 Preview

April 24, 2022

As I sit down to write this, steel is moving about on the range in preparation for our third Shootout.

While last year's match was promoted as "big and close," I always had misgivings about calling it that. We only have so many targets, and those are the same targets that we use for every monthly and annual match. So, while we don't use targets smaller than 16" square during Shootout, we don't do that at other matches, either.

And last year's Shootout was written for a specific purpose with a specific feel to the stages. While we pulled the steel in a couple of feet, I always felt that there is more to a match that promotes itself as "big and close" than just dropping pistol steel at 10 feet and rifle steel at 15 feet.

Folks who shoot a "big and close" match have other expectations about the shooting sequences,movement, as well as the size and location of the steel.

And, I'll be honest, I don't have much experience shooting "big and close" matches, let alone writing them.

All that being said, this year's Shooter's Book was designed from the ground up as my first attempt at a true "big and close" match. While I am still struggling with how to do it, I hope that the ten stage offering pleases all y'all.

We again offer a video walk through of the stages for all to enjoy. Maybe, after that catches on, we can do away with the walk through on the range.

Hope you enjoy this year's match, and, we'll see you on The Firing Line!