The Sonoran Desert FT Grand Prix
2023
2023 Slideshow
Images by Andy Picard and Garrett Kwakkestein
A little target slo-mo
A reel from inside our course!
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2023 Schedule
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Friday, MARCH 3rd:
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Sight-in 1100-1700
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Saturday, MARCH 4th:
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Sight-in and Registration: 0700-0830
Safety and Match Brief: 0830
Match Start: 0900
Lunch: After Match
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Sunday, MARCH 5th:
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Sight-in: 0700-0830
Safety and Match Brief: 0830
Match Start: 0900
Awards Ceremony: After Match
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Rifle Field Target:
Saturday and Sunday
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Red Course
15 Lanes
2 Targets per lane, totaling 30 Targets
60 Shots
Max 3 Shooters per squad
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Yellow Course
15 Lanes
2 Targets per lane, totaling 30 Targets
60 Shots
Max 3 Shooters per squad
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Competitor Classes:
Rifle:
Open PCP & Spring
Hunter PCP & Spring
WFTF PCP & Spring
Unlimited
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Awards
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Medals will be presented, placement- 1st to 3rd in all classes. No consolidation.
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Match Details
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Forced Positions: There will be one lane standing and one lane kneeling lane for each day.
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Shooting order: There will be two targets per lane. The shooting order is LEFT TO RIGHT.
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Timers: You have five (5) minutes to shoot each lane. Timers may be mandatory if this becomes an AAFTA Rule in 2023. The shooter is to initiate the timer according to AAFTA rules.
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Range Safety Highlights
You MUST wear Safety Glasses AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE RANGE. This is a range requirement and is non negotiable. Hearing protection is optional.
There is a limited supply at the main office for purchase, but no guarantee. Bring your own.
Your airgun MUST have an Empty Breech Indicator in place at all times your rifle is not shouldered and pointed down range. We will provide them for you, or you can bring your own. We take safety VERY seriously here at this range. Infractions may lead to your disqualification. Unsportsmanlike behavior is absolutely not accepted. You will be asked to leave if you behave in a disruptive manner. All safety decisions are final that are made by the Match Director. You are responsible to review the Rio Salado Safety Rules listed in the Terms on the registration form. You will be held accountable for these rules. We will discuss this again at all the safety briefings.
For Springer rifles, there are different ways to demonstrate a safe rifle on the range. For break-barrels, cracking the barrel is acceptable. Casing a rifle is another form of safety indication. For under/side-lever rifles, inserting a wooden dowel or safety cord through the barrel is acceptable. Your rifle is not to be cocked in order to be compliant.
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Restrooms
There will be restrooms located inside the airgun building.
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Air
We will have two club air tanks available. We'll fill your tanks for you for free. Make sure they are hydro'ed within 5 years and the tank is not older than 15 years (range rules).
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Bum-bag Fill
Sorry we do not have any bum-bag fill available to loan. We recommend visiting Michael's, or Hobby Lobby here in town if you need it. Shooters have reported that if you carry on your bag on the airlines and describe it as a "personal pillow", this potentially can be done without extra penalty.
Swag
Cooler Shirts! More info TBA
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​​​Food
We will be serving a fine lunch on Saturday, subject to any possible restrictions.
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Registration
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Click the red button at the top of the page to fill out form.
Entry fee is $125
Registration Deadline for swag is TBA, so register asap
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Accommodations
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We understand finding accommodations this time of year is difficult if not made early. There may be some space available at the range for dry camping. Email us with your number if you are interested.
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Hotels/Condos/Cabins Nearby:
https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/arizona/mesa/westgate-painted-mountain-golf-resort/
http://www.saguarolakeranch.com/cabins-rates/ (only 13 minutes away from range)
Also check out:
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RV/Camping/rental:
https://maricopacountyparks.org/usery (across from range)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea/?recid=35399&actid=31 (available only on a Fri, Sat, Sun)
https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/arizona/mesa
If you are ok with dry camping, and are willing to volunteer for the match, there may be free space available at the range itself. Email me your phone number so we can chat about it, if you are interested.
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Sight-in
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Small-Bore Range will be available for sight-in all day on Friday, and in the mornings on Saturday and Sunday. After-match sight-in may be available depending of staffing availability. There will be air available.
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