2016 MEMORIAL DAY MATCH

On Saturday May, 2016, the Shongum Sportsmen's Association (SSA), sponsored a Memorial Day vintage military rifle marksmanship match held in honor of the men and women of the American military services whose sacrifices have made our freedom possible.

This vintage military marksmanship match was created formerly run by the New Jersey Arms Collector's Club (NJACC) and held at the NJACC Club Range in Allamuchy. Shongum Sportsmen's Association has maintained the tradition of running Military-themed vintage shoots when the NJACC lost use of its range. We are fortunate that many members from both clubs work to keep these matches alive by running, participating, and competing in these matches.

This premier vintage military rifle marksmanship event attracted top shooters who came from the four corners of the tri-state area to celebrate our country's history by competing against fellow collectors with the firearms that helped make the USA what it is today.

Contest rules for the smokeless powder events required shooters fire 10 rounds in 2 minutes at a target placed at the 100 yard line. For the black powder events the targets are also placed at 100 yards but shooteres had five minutes to place five shots in the X-Ring or near about. The two (2) contests for smoothbore muskets were shot at 18th century combat range (25 yards) with special care being taken at that distance so the muzzle flashes did not to set fire to the targets.

The match this year consisted of nineteen (18) rifle and one (1) combination rifle and handgun event named after the most decorated US soldier in WWII, Audie Murphy. Trophies were also available to be awarded for the highest scoring shooter under 18 years old and the female shooter with the highest score of the day.

Participants brought ultra fine examples of historic American military firearms including Trapdoor Springfields, Krag Jorgensens, US 1917 Enfields, 1903 Springfields, M-1 Garands and the ubiquitous AR 15 clones. This year to mark the 140th anniversary of the Little Big Horn battle, particpants were allowed to use any rifle of the many types used by indian warriors in their fight against the US 7th cavalry on that long ago warm Sunday afternoon in Montana.

There was a virtual museum-like collection of shooters in attendance who brought some of the most iconic American military rifles in original outstanding condition. Notable among the notables, historically minded participants brought an authentic Spencer 1865 carbine, a Burnside 5th model carbine, and a Hall rifle. There were five (5) Krag Jorgensen model 1898 long rifles and three (3) Krag carbines; the largest gathering of Krags in recent recorded NJACC match history. Also seen was a rare Iron Frame Henry reproduction in .44WCF caliber, a very nice 1917 US Enfield made by Winchester, four M1As, an authentic near mint 1903A4 Springfield sniper rifle, and a plethora of ARs and M1 Garands.

       

    Chris C. came dressed in the authentic uniform of a sergeant in the 12th Infantry Division Phillipine Scout. An altogether fitting and great way to honor the brave men who served in that unit.

Competition began under bright skies at just shortly after 10:00A under the watchful eye of shoot chairman Stan G. and Range Safety Officer Dave J. who dressed coolly for the event. Despite the large number of events Dave ran the line with military like precision and the match was completed in time for a leisurely lunch of neo-military style cuisine.

Lunch was prepared under the aegis of the NJACC's own President, Food Stylist, and Boss of the Sauce Chuck C. who worked with Barbara F. to pull together this epicurian event to usher in the beginning of summer. This year's military grade menu included SPAM, well grilled hamburgers, and boiled 100% all beef Coney Island Hot Dogs. The dogs and burgers were served on fresh buns and were suffused with warm chili and bedaubed with mustard, ketchup, or sauerkraut and topped off with a generous serving of old fashioned baked beans just like grandma used to make. There was also a fixin' bar for the burgers to die for that would have had them eating their hearts out down at White Castle. All in all, a fabulous gourmand like treat well worth the price of admission alone. America's favorite delicious nuitricious deserts, Yodels, Devil Dogs, Ring Dings, Ding Dongs, potato chips, fritos, cheeto puffs, and apple pie were also available to top off this exquisite dining experience.

After the usual lunchtime banter, the winners of the rifle matches were announced with some memorable and outstanding acheivements. High score of the day went to Jack S. with a 99-3X in the Fallujah Match using an AR-15 followed closely by Andy G. with a 98-3X firing an M-1A in the Khe Sanh contest. John M. was the big winner of the day taking home three well deserved trophies including the coveted Audie Murphy award in a close match up with last years' winner. John was followed by Paul M. who took honors with three wins and shut down the competition in the Little Big Horn contest once again using a fine repro Winchester Model 1866 Yellow Boy rifle.

There were no winners of the Young Warrior or Rosie the Riveter awards since no one meeting the strict club guidelines entered either contest. A big hand goes to Tom P. who performed the unsung but necessary task of scoring targets and compiling match results.

Congratulations to all contest winners and thanks to everyone who showed up and participated in this match making it a success.

The next joint Shongum/NJACC match which commemorates VJ-Day will be held in August.
Details and further information are posted on the NJACC website at www.njacc.info

Shoot Results Follow: