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Unlike some matches where you’re able to keep all of your equipment either at or
close to one fixed shooting line for the duration of the match (i.e. Black
Powder Cartridge Silhouette), a Long Range match requires that each competitor
move all of his or her gear 100 yards to the next shooting line after each
distance is completed.
As a result, it’s highly recommended that you bring some type of fixed or folding
garden cart, wagon, golf cart, or other wheeled device to transport all of your
gear from the 1,000 yard firing line, to the 900 yard line, and then to the 800 yard
firing line (or vice versa) as the match progresses.
Shooters have invented, modified, and cobbled-together just about every type of
shooter's cart imaginable to move their gear between firing lines. It is
important that you pay particular attention to this aspect of the match.
Moving your equipment quickly and efficiently between firing lines will make things
much less stressful and physically draining. I would also highly encourage you
to thoroughly test your cart with all of gear on-board before you come to the
match.
Cowboy Action Carts vs. Long Range Carts
There seems to be a booming business for cart makers as they cater to the needs
of Cowboy Action Shooters and their specific equipment transportation
requirements. Although a cart designed for Cowboy Action Shooting can be used
when you attend a Long Range match, consider the differences listed below:
Cowboy Action Cart
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Long Range Cart |
— Made to carry multiple long
guns (rifle, shotgun, etc…)
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— Designed to carry one rifle (BPC
rifle only) |
— Made to carry several types of
ammunition (rifle, shotgun, pistol)
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— One type of ammunition |
— No need for cleaning
capabilities
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— Needs a cleaning cradle of
some type |
— No need to carry extra gear
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— Must be able to carry a lot of
gear (see list below)
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— Has large wheels and tires for
moving over rough or uneven
ground
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— Same |
Equipment You’ll Have To Transport
As with any match, you will need to have a variety of items to successfully
shoot the match. Listed below are some suggested items:
Minimum Items Needed:
— Black Powder Cartridge Rifle
— Ammunition
(Recommend at least 150 rounds for a two-day match)
— Shooting Mat
— Cross-sticks and soft pad / towel
— Hearing Protection
— Eye Protection
— Blow Tube
— Sight Inserts for the Front Sight
— Gun Cleaning Materials / Cleaning Kit including
Cleaning Rod
— Yellow Chamber Safety Flag
Optional Recommended Items:
— Spotting Scope and Stand
(Used when you are shooting and you want to see where your shots have
impacted on the target and when you are spotting for another shooter.)
— Small Folding Chair or Stool (Used when you are spotting.)
— Sun Screen / Lip Balm
— Hat (Helps to keep sand off your head from bullets that fall short of the
target and splash in the sand when you are in the pits.)
— Cooler with Lunch and Drinks (No alcohol allowed. There may be no break
for lunch. Most shooters eat whenever they have a spare moment.)
— Water (It's important to stay hydrated throughout the day.)
— Rain Suit and / or Umbrella (To keep the shooter dry)
— Rain Cover for Your Cart / Shooting Equipment
(To keep your shooting gear dry.)
— Insect Repellent
— Countdown Timer (To track your time remaining when
shooting for score.)
— Wind Flag or Indicator
— Clipboard and Pencil / Pen (For scoring the other shooters.)
— Elbow Pads (To cushion your elbows when laying down.)
— Small Camera and Film
— Eye Drops
— Lens Cleaner for Shooting Glasses and Spotting Scope
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Shooter’s Cart
1) How Am I Going To Transport My Cart To The Match?
If you own an SUV, truck, or mini-van, you’ll probably have plenty of room in
your vehicle for a cart. If you drive a small compact car, a cart that folds-up
or collapses for transport may be better suited to your situation.
2) What Is My Cart Going To Have To Carry?
Refer to my list of Minimum and Optional Items as a guide.
3) How Am I Going to Clean My Rifle Between Relays?
Some type of cleaning cradle will make life easier after you’ve completed your
relay so you can quickly clean your rifle and have it ready for the next time
you come to the firing line. I have an MTM RMC-1 plastic cleaning cradle bolted
to the top of my cart and leave my gun velcroed in place when I move the cart
between relays.
4) How Am I Going To Protect My Rifle and Equipment If It Rains?
Dealing with rain during a match is one of the most annoying aspects of shooting
outdoors. Unless your range has covered shooting positions, you will need
to use some type of tarp, drop cloth, or plastic sheeting to cover your gear if
it rains. Also think about how you are going to keep that cover in place when
you move your cart from one shooting line to another, and in the event of strong
winds. Many people use bungee cords or plastic woodworking clamps for this
purpose.
Go to the “Pictures” section of this web site and click on the tab marked
“Shooting Carts”. The pictures displayed are just some of the carts that
I have seen at the various matches I have attended. It’s fascinating to see how
each shooter approaches and solves the problem of moving their equipment.
Web Sites For Gun Cart Manufacturers:
Listed below are a number of gun cart makers and sources for shooting cart
plans. Although most of these carts are made specifically to meet the needs of
Cowboy Action shooters, they offer some good ideas for a cart that is suitable
for long range shooting.
Off the Wall Gun Carts:
http://www.guncarts.com
Cart-Right Gun Carts:
http://cartrightcarts.com/cartright_guncarts.htm
Shootin' Carts:
http://shootincarts.com
Gun Cart Plans:
http://www.kansascas.com/gun_cart_plans.htm
Cal-Graf Simple Gun Cart:
http://www.curtrich.com/simpleguncart.html
Folding Gun Carts:
http://brushybranch.com/folding_gun_carts.htm
Gun Cart Creations:
http://www.kansascas.com/gun_carts.htm
Back Pocket Gun Cart:
http://www.backpocketguncart.com/carts.htm
Rugged Gear Gun Cart:
http://www.shootersoutlet.com/ruggedgear.htm
By Darryl Hedges
Copyright© 2010 All Rights Reserved.
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