2015 Berger Bullets Southwest Nationals Long Range Championship

2015 Berger Bullets Southwest Nationals Long Range Championship Held on the Middleton Tompkins Rifle Range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility

February 11-15, 2015

Shooters,

The 7th annual Southwest Nationals has now ended. The over 300 competitors, a record turnout

I might add, who attended this incredible affair were treated to bright blue skies, balmy

temperatures in the 80s and, with the exception of Wednesdays warm up match at 600,

moderate wind conditions. This years Championship was highlighted by the commissioning of

our new building, pictured above, and the naming of the range for one of the greatest men in

shooting, Mr. Middleton Tompkins. Mids contribution to the sport are not only as a great

shooters but National and World Championship level coach and a former member of the Board

of Directors at the NRA.

The ceremony included many distinguished individuals and included a fly over, fireworks, and

hundreds of individuals. At one point I think there was not a dry eye in the house!

The Southwest Nationals Championship consists of three days of intense shooting and consists

of an individual Palma course and a total of four 20 shot strings of fire from 1000 yards. This

years match was unique in that for the first time ever a Palma rifle won the overall, which when

looking at the talent level in the Any Rifle division is quite an accomplishment. As a matter of

fact twice as many Palma rifle shooters scored a 1230 or better than there Any rifle brethren.

Seems to me to be a good case for all Palma all the time but hey maybe I am biased. This

years overall Champion title lands squarely on the small but sturdy shoulders of Mrs. Trudie

Fay. She busted out of the gate Friday with a dominating win in the Palma match and frankly

never looked back. Second Palma went to Marine Reservist Justin Skaret and third in the

division was won by Phil Hayes. The Any rifle division saw a real shootout between Bryan Litz

and John Whidden with Litz getting the nod. Third Any was Allen California Kid Thomas

Full results images below for the Sling Division

The F-Open division was the tightest battle in this years event with Bob Sebold just edging out

Christine Harris by a single point to claim the winners prize and local up and comer and one of

the nicest guys I know, Mr Dan Bramley took third place.

This years FTR winners needs no introduction as Derek Rodgers is simply a winner through and

through and it is worthy of noting that his winning score was a mere two points less that the F

Open winners. Now I may not remember everything but I think this is the closest that the two

divisions have ever finished. Second overall was Scott Harris and rounding out the top three

was Rocky Felix. Rocky is known as a prolific tester around here and Rock, I think it has paid off

my friend

Full FTR results below

I would like to thank the dozens of vendors who contributed mightily to this event, I cant ever

remember seeing a prize table with so many big ticket prizes on it. Also the work of Walt

Berger, Eric Stecker, Michelle Gallagher, Melissa Cisnaros and the countless crew from Berger

Bullets, without whom which we just wouldnt have a match at all. And finally to all the

competitors who came to enjoy nearly a week with us here in shooters heaven. Congratulations

to all the winners and I look forward to seeing you all back next year. Until then heres a shot to

help you remember just what shooters paradise looks like

Yours in sport,

Rick Curtis