Sorry, this is a long read. I'm not a Debbie Downer and this isn't the rant of a grumpy old geezer. It is, however, my honest reply to Nessmuk's recent request for comments on the postal matches. In a nutshell, I don't see the point of continuing something we call a "match" when it isn't one. Each month a few guys venture out as often as they please to shoot an unlimited number of targets, and then they cherry pick the best one and submit it. This is not a match. IMHO this practice actually discourages participation. I think a postal shoot should differ from a real shoot in just two ways - you aren't physically shoulder to shoulder (which should lessen the pressure and improve your score), and you get to choose the day and time you shoot (which should also be a benefit). Be honest with yourself, anything else, shooting then choosing your best of the day target does not reveal your prowess. For any of us to believe that is nuts. We all have life demands and health issues. I'm 77 and arthritis is playing Hobb with my hands. I find it very difficult to hold and operate a handgun (think CCW ramifications). My shooting this year isn't as good as before, but I accept it and deal with it as best I can. In recent years we have had three NMDs who have each done their best to pique interest in the postals, but try as they may it hasn't happened. They have offered a varied menu of targets, distances, and positions. There have been 25, 50, and 100 yard bulls, 25 yard rondys, and (for me at least, the most fun) a 25+50+100 yard challenge match in 2020. Did YOU try that, and if not, why not? Shooting positions of standing, sitting, kneeling, prone and benchrest have been offered. What has been the participation? Each year usually about a dozen guys throw their hats in the ring, but the result in the last three years have been nothing to crow about. Even though there is no cost to compete and the postal is open to everyone, not just the 4440+ TMA members, never more than 6 guys have shot 4 or more times out of the seven postal shooting months each year. To make matters worse is the fact that there is nearly zero chatter on the forum. The postal section is sterile. What else can a NMD possibly offer to motivate people? I can't justify using more of my powder, lead, and especially my limited and dwindling supply of caps to shoot in what I don't believe is competition. Once again, I publicly thank Ohio Joe, Rob, and Nessmuk for their efforts, but I believe it's a lost cause to continue the postal. I do, however have a suggestion. Replace it with a new forum section, perhaps call it "shooters showcase." This could be where any interested shooter can display his all-time best targets and tell, maybe even show, us the gun and the load used and how he did it. P.S. I really hope that this year a couple dozen shooters prove me wrong and the postal is wildly successful.
