I have read that some of the old live pigeon shoots had substantial money riding on the outcome. I've been lurking around some of the Schuetzen boards and some of those fellows like to wager.

Can you imagine what we would have for rifles and ammo if a man could make the money shooting that Tiger Woods does playing golf?

False analogy or not? At any rate, I bet Tiger would be a heck of a shot if he put some effort into it.

In parts of the world where pigeons, gamecocks, and bulls are not considered sacred (think south of here), pigeon shooting is still a big-money game.

Some awfully big bucks are awarded in some of the sanctioned shoots around the country. Sporting Clays and 3-Gun matches can have big prize money at stake.

I've tried shooting for money, but just keep missing.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Preditor%20masters/Targets/Ruger12433shotgroup.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Preditor%20masters/Targets/CZ52720440grHorn09-09-063.jpg

I decided the dime was to small so went to a nickel. Missed that durn thing too.


http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Preditor%20masters/Targets/targetstoday-20.jpg

Bob...

Brilliant. That's making me laugh.

jonas

i like the idea.. i sometimes wonder if most shooter ever reach thier full capability..
its not like they are going hungry if they miss ,as it would have been in the old days..
i dont see a thing wrong with putting a few dollars on the line,if thats what an individual chooses to do..long as he a not gambling with my money ,i dont see it being anyone elses buisines.

Lots of IPSC guys make a living shooting. Rob Leathem, Todd Jarrett, Jerry Michlek. Those guys are tied to some of the gun companies and promote lots of products. They make part of their living from prize money, but mostley from shooting lessons and training. If the advertising revenue was there, we'd have a few Tiger's running around. Unfortunatley, shooting is not as popular as golf. What drives the money is the impact the "athlete" has on the public. Not that those listed above are not great guys and quite talented, but CBS doesnt show shooting matches on Sunday afternoon.

A different situation in Europe. I recall one of our Olympic athletes commenting on his surprise when he was nearing the end of a match over there with a good score, and actually got applause following a good shot. It was the European audience. The European top shots have fan clubs and match groupies. All the ingredients that would make advertising and endorsements profitable for shooters over here if they got the same attention. The Europeans apparently view the matches as we would a race, with all the excitement coming near the end when close top scores and the possibility a mistake changing the results dramatically gets them excited and provides some drama.

Kinda glad you missed that buffalo nickel Bob. :D:D We don't see many of those anymore.

Are those from you're .204 Ruger?

:)He would have dinged a 50 cent piece at least once. It is good that his "flinch" is as consistant as it is. He can adjust the scope for that.

Cheezywan

Are those from you're .204 Ruger?

Top one is three shots from a Ruger #1B 243. 55 grain Nosler Ballistic tip behind enough H414 to make 3950 fps over my chrono.

The bottom two are from the CZ 527 204. Both shot at a hundred yards with 40 grain Hornedy V-max's behind 26.2 grains of Alliant 10X, Remington cases and CCI BR-4 bench rest primers. The bottom group is off a sitdown bipod with a really inexpensive Simmons 3 by 9 by 50 scope on it.

I always use dimes and nickels for a group comparison its' all I can afford.

If shooting was a paying job, I'd be investigating a career change. I often thought if I were going to change jobs, I'd have to look at being a sales rep for a firearms company

Live pigeon shoots are still legal in some states.

Kudu40

Live pigeon shooting occurs on many farms nearly every day :D :D :D
At least till the pigeons get smart...

I was referring to the organized shoots that PETA and others are trying to stop. Shooting pigeons is one of my favorite pastimes after hunting season is over and the farmers like when we do it.

Kudu40

I have made a couple of bucks shooting. That was years ago. Never did find a sponser! Then again, I never looked. Jim

Two issues;
A few well heeled guys can get together and wager any amount of money on anything.
Sponsorship money is not going to any event that is abhored (live pigeon shooting) by the general public.

When the silhouette shooting was getting started I believe some thought it might evolve into a spectator sport but that does not seem to be the case.

The "Fred Coleman Shoot" held years ago in a small village Pennsylvania on Labor Day was a live bird shoot and community social event with over a hundred shooters that raised enough money from the spectators (buying barbecued chicken etc.) to support 5 community parks. It had 2 simultaneous events a single shot low gun event and a 2 shot "Hurlingham Rules" event and lasted from early morning to "shoot-offs" in the late afternoon followed by other entertainment. A 2 day preliminary shoot was held on the Saturday and Sunday preceding Labor Day in a neighboring community. It was supported by the community except for a few "antis" that bussed paid protesters in from Philadelphia etc. The last year it was held publicly, the protesters cemented themselves to the highways of the village blocking traffic and access for emergency vehicles had they been needed. They also threatened to sue the village if they were not given water etc while cemented to the streets. They brought a veterinarian to try to "save" pigeons that were wounded rather to kill them humanely. Several of the protesters were prosecuted for destruction of the traps etc. This source of revenue is now lost to the community which now tries to raise money for the park by "craft shows" etc.

You should have watered them with a firehose while they were cemented firmly in place!