New Website

[35isit]

This is section I Awards, Trophies and Prizes. 2. No match will be sanctioned by IHMSA where the value of any prize, merchandise, or cash award to be competed for exceeds twice the value of the entry fee paid by the competitor. Trophy value is not included; although, this rule does apply to any merchandise, prize, or cash which is awarded in lieu of a trophy.

This is the rule regarding prizes. I suppose if the entry fee was $100.00 per gun you could pay back $200.00. I don't think there would be many takers. I enjoy just shooting for fun also, but if shooting for money will get MY club to shooting 60-70 guns a day I will welcome it. But I firmly believe it has to be an option by the shooter and the Match Director.

I have stated here and maybe another site. I will continue to shoot silhouette as long as I can afford to and am physically be able to do so. No matter what rules are passed, how much dues are and how much a fellow shooter spends on their guns.

[Robert Becherer]

I, along with many others here have stated ,shoot against myself.I really don't care what class the guy next to me is shooting in.Many new people may be intiminated watching others shooting and knocking down target,but it has to be explained that when and if they compete,they will be shooting against themself and their ability.Their goal is to shoot better that their last score,not someone elses score.That's what the different classifications are for. For many years I shot in AA class. It didn't bother me one bit. It was not until last year that I moved to AAA in big bore.Most times there always one target somewhere that sticks one of it's middle digits up at me and says HA HA HA missed me. ;) But thats ok,I enjoy shooting this sport.

[kg4tyr]

This is my opinion only. Craig's idea of "shoot for loot" may have some merit. There are many ways to do it. I will not expound on them here. It is done in trap shooting all the time. They continue to call their organization the Amateur Trapshooters Association. Last year a shooter was eligible to win $100,000.00 for shooting 100 birds and winning.

I personally do not blame the officers and board members for not posting in discussions here. As volunteers they as well as the match directors should not be open to abuse. There are some things we all disagree with. I sincerely wish they would post there reports here.

I'm not sure they would be open to abuse. Just asking for some input and updates from them. I would suspect they would be more open to abuse by not posting on the forums, and projecting a "closed door policy" to the members. As you all know, I am all about participation, and after checking, since this website opened up early last year, the Pres has 0 posts, and the VP has 9. This does not appear to be an open door type policy. I think the members deserve more, if nothing more than a weekly "hello". Just to let us know you're here and listening.

[MetalCutter]

I think it’s tough to have an informal discussion regarding important issues on any forum like this. Any member and/or board member can make a statement in an open discussion that somebody takes issue with and then be attacked under the veil of anonminity. Let’s face it; people will type something in the middle of the night with emotions running high or after a few too many cocktails that they would never say to that person in a face-to-face encounter. Misunderstandings can easily happen. My suggestion? If you’ve got a question, concern or suggestion, call or email your directors or board members directly and discuss it with them in a civil tone. Don’t get satisfaction? Become a match director, state director or board member and work for the changes you want. Last I checked there are numerous positions begging for candidates. Another suggestion, don’t just complain about a problem, have an alternative or solution! These views are mine and mine alone. Flame suit on!

John Dunn
Texas State Director

[RockinHRacin]

I will say this now. If IHMSA moves to a cash/prize based organization, I will not shoot in it. The only thing keeping the cheaters from cheating right now is pride and honor. Give them a little incentive and they'll call their gun a Production gun even though it doesn't meet the rules of it. And worse, the scrutiny my gun will go under just to ensure the previous doesn't happen will take all of the fun out of shooting. Right now I drive 2.5 hours, EACH WAY, to shoot in 2 matches a month. Why on earth would I want to continue that just to endure the pain this would bring.

I shoot to become a better shooter. I want to shoot better than a girl (PROPS TO KESHA FUSSELL!) Don't suck the fun out of it too.


Just my $0.02...

Chris

[Justin Cider]

Right on Metal Cutter. I went back to the original post by ToneDuddy since this thread starting rambling, and yeah, think that guy would ever say what he did to those people's faces? Nope! Bummer about him leaving IHMSA, I'll sure miss him...

[MetalCutter]

Regarding cheating……….been shooting IHMSA since 1985 and haven’t seen much of it. Mostly just a couple guys getting caught up in rule technicalities but not purposely cheating. Have seen “two” incidents of outright cheating. Both times they were called on it. Really sad, just sad. If this so important that you’ve got to cheat to win I really have to question your priorities in life. Come on guys, this is supposed to fun. Show up early, help set up the range, shoot the best you can, spot for your buddy, visit with friends, make some new ones and help the match director pick up after the match.

John Dunn
Texas Sate Director

[gibar]

Regarding cheating……….been shooting IHMSA since 1985 and haven’t seen much of it. Mostly just a couple guys getting caught up in rule technicalities but not purposely cheating. Have seen “two” incidents of outright cheating. Both times they were called on it. Really sad, just sad. If this so important that you’ve got to cheat to win I really have to question your priorities in life. Come on guys, this is supposed to fun. Show up early, help set up the range, shoot the best you can, spot for your buddy, visit with friends, make some new ones and help the match director pick up after the match.

John Dunn
Texas Sate Director

I have seen it at the Intl's(Fartville) and even a match director do it. Yes it is sad.

[ihmsa70]

Make it a handgun match, instead of a match requiring elaborate sophisticated custom built guns to compete. I don't care how many replies that state, "There are classes that make it easy to compete with shooters who are on your skill level", (very few shooters are willing to spend the amount of money it takes to compete in the present classes).
If you want new members, you will have to make it possible for country boys to compete with over-the-counter guns that are available to country boys!
Instead of going this route, we are adding classes that are still less attractive to the average shooter. ( half-scale, hunter pistol, etc.)
This ain't goin to get it, folks!
Clyde IHMSA70L

[19 Turkeys]

If you want new members, you will have to make it possible for country boys to compete with over-the-counter guns that are available to country boys! Clyde

Clyde,

I have actively promoted what we call Standard Handgun here in SW Oregon. Basically, it is Field Pistol with any revolver or semi-auto that has a barrel length of 6.5" or less. You must shoot it without sight adjustments to put fixed sight guns on an even keel with adjustable sight guns. I have a couple of IHMSA members that shoot it for fun and it has garnered zero new members.

Personally, I have no idea what the answer is, and I do agree with you that adding Practical Hunter will have zero impact. Look at last year's financials in the March 2012 IHMSA News. There were only 52 entries in Practical Hunter. 99% of those were probably current members.

Steve W.