Michael/Big Medicine,

I would like to thank you both from my heart for what you two have done in these Postal Matches.

These matches, as you know, force us to attempt to better ourselves as riflemen and it has surely helped me!! We have a great group of participants that understand that the competition really is individual.

I have started on my reloading and casting adventure because of these matches. When I shot only factory ammo my shooting was good, but reloading and now casting has opened up a whole new world for me. I know that when I do pull the trigger now, the boolit will absolutely hit where I aim. Sometimes my aim is off in the passion of the moment but I always have a clear picture in my mind of what happened.

The prizes...Big Med, you do a wonderful job along with Luis (our coffee friend) of soliciting prizes from companies that I am sure are bombarded every day for prizes and donations from folks all over.

Time is precious and you two have little enough of spare time for this endeavor. My sincere thanks to you both for you sacrifices which have made many of us much better riflemen.

Dave :cool:

Thanks Dave, but Ranch Dog is the man. He is the guy that does all the work, and I have to say that he has brought more enjoyment in shooting for me in the last 4 years because of these matches. I was to the point that I hardly ever shot anymore.....now that and hunting are all that I think of ;) Marlin Firearms Company owes Ranch Dog also, I know that because of all the fun I have shooting these matches there are several new Marlins in the gun safe :D

Here's to Ranch Dog!

It has been a lot of fun. No telling how many fish got to live this summer because of the match.

I'm already making plans for next year. ;)

A big thank you from me also. It has been fun, but can be downright aggravating at times too. 4 shots in a tiny little group and the 5th shot............... :(

Still, never got as aggravated as when I used to golf. ;)

Although I've not participated, I too would like to thank these two fine gentlemen for their time and efforts. I've enjoyed popping in and checking the results while out working. Perhaps next year I can get some targets in if RD continues hosting the match ... work in the oilpatch is just too busy for me to participate this year.

- GL

Don't feel bad gringo, I've had the same problem this year. Too much work to get done. The crew IS putting the final touches on my "shooting house" today and next week... then my range will be back open.

I appreciate your kind words, Dave and others but the efforts of each shooter keeps me going and interested too.

Big Med has done an outstanding job of rounding up the prizes, Steelbanger is getting ready to get busy with the certificates and then it's time to start sipping Luis' coffee!

I'm sorry I couldn't get more shooting done. it has been an eventfull year for me, some good, some bad, but always busy. Kid graduating and going off to college, my mother getting sick, cars breaking down, work being slow, cats needing operations, and I did find time for a couple local matches. Just couldn't get to shoot the 1894 much at all. And then it was so bad I didn't even measure the targets!
But I'm always glad to be involved, I'm always glad to hear the coffee is enjoyed so much, and I keep track of the going-ons throughout the match.
Maybe for next year I'll start on an 1894 regimen again and do better!
Thanks to all that participated.
And BTW, there's some chickens over at MarlinOwnersForum. Maybe next year I'll start bugging them earlier.

Luis

Well said VTDW, thanks Ranch Dog for all the long hours and hard work...I'm already looking forward to next years shoot..

Danny

...I'm always glad to hear the coffee is enjoyed so much, and I keep track of the going-ons throughout the match.

Luis... I don't think you realize that the coffee has become the Holy Grail of the match! I personally couldn't make it through a hunting season without my ration!!!

The only person I share it with is family hunters and my Father-in-law, Mr. Cervantes. He is 86 and we bring him to the ranch from Corpus Christi every couple of weeks so that he can help me with the chores and he truly appreciates the flavor at the end of the day as we sit on the porch enjoying what God has laid at our feet!

I wish we got more participation from MarlinOwners, we might have to hit them hard next year! I did get one fellow off of the Cast Boolit forum (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/) and may be next year more will join in. Heck, may be next year I can join in!!! Let's see... I guess Dave slapped my face and I owe him 5 bucks :(

Michael,

I'd rather you owe me than beat me out of it. :D