I'm starting to notice some new members to this forum from Pennsylvania, and seeing that it's still snowing here in Watsontown, my mind has drifted off to the "Groundhog Matches".
The "Western PA Long Range Groundhog Matches" are held at the "Southfork Rifle Club" near Johnstown, and the "Mifflin County Sportsmen Association" holds their version of this match near Lewistown.

The matches are similar, but not the same. At Southfork, handguns shoot with the factory class rifles at paper silhoutte targets at 100/300/500 yards. Lewistown has a class for handguns, but we are limited at this time
to 100/200/300 yards shooting at silhoutte targets. Both matches require 15 record shots. Fees are $15 for Lewistown, and $12 at Southfork.

I'm tired of shooting my Contenders alone. Don't get me wrong most of the rifle shooters at Southfork are great guys, But I'd like to shoot against some pistols! From my home in Watsontown, Southfork is a good 3 hour drive, Lewistown
is about 1 1/2 hours.

If your interested, post a reply, maybe we could get together at a match or two this summer!

Hi Den,
I'd sure be interested if the work schedule will allow it......I'm working in that area right now, how far is Southfork from Seward or New Florence?
Mark

Keep me in mind. My weekends are usually spent shooting competitive archery, but Gotta love shootin' the Contender. Your right its no fun shooting against yourself. E-mail me with some info and dates. Thanks

Here's a link for everyone. I'll try and make the matches more now that my son is older. I've got a new handgun to take you on Den. You didn't mention the trophy. See you there Den.

http://www.southforkrifleclub.homestead.com/groundhog.html

Bill

[ 01-04-2003, 17:49: Message edited by: pahandgunhunter ]

Hi Pahandgunhunter,
I went to the link you posted and look at the directions and I'm still lost. I live in the Akron Ohio area and was wondering how far a drive it would be.

I also would like to go to a few of these matches,I live in north east pa,just outside of the scranton area.I seem to have the same problem of having no one to shoot against,Im new to the long range pistol shooting sport but I do quite well for a beginner.I often shoot at the gouldsboro range,suscon road range and archabald range if theres anyone that shoots at any of these ranges and would like some friendly competition let me know and we'll get together, the snow is still falling and I havent been out to shoot lately but spring is near

HHI6818

Akron is approx. 4 hours from Johnstown. Their is a group of rifle shooters that attends the Southfork matches. They usualy stay over night in the Super 8 near the range. The bulk of your trip would be on I-80, I will post better directions later.

Contender 85

New Florence is less than 15 miles west of Johnstown.

Snowmaker

You are a good 4 hours from Johnstown.

RE: the article on long range rifle shooting. Lewistown has cleared a 1000 yard range that is totaly on club lands. Lots of work is still to be done, BUT, this club is open to pistols and long range shooting. I have spoken with officers of the 1000 yard club in Williamsport and have been to no way will we allow pistols on our range. Keep in mind, the 1000 yard club shoots on a tree farm as guest, saftey was the key issue in mind.

As I get more information I will post it here. I hope to have information from Lewistown with in 2 weeks.

keep us posted and thanks

Up-date on Ground Hog Matches

I still have not received anything from Miflin County Sportsmen, although I spoke to the President of MCSA in late January and was promised imformation would be sent to me directly.

But!

I recieved an email from "Shippensburgh Fish and Game" about their "2003 Groundhog Shoots". They have three RIFLE Classes, NO handgun classes, but the Match Directors have invited any handgunner that wants to shoot. Their classes are simple. Factory Calibers, NO 22/6 BR's or PPC's, bedding ok. Factory 22/6 BR's and PPC's, bedding ok. Custom, any gun under 17.5 pounds.

Match cost is $10

$1000 cash award for the first perfect score at a registered match. 150 is perfect.

They have registered matches 8 times, and pratice matches 8 times. Registered matches are on Saturday's, starting at 9:00 AM.

Registered Matches are:
March 29
April 26
May 24
June 28
July 26
August 30
September 27
October 25

For more information contact Thurman Finniff 717-369-2126 or George Rill 410-374-9573.

BIG CHANGE AT THIS MATCH IS DISTANECS SHOT! 200/300/500 METER'S and you are allowed unlimited sighter's in each 6 minute match.

I will be shooting here mostly this year due to the matches being on Saturday.