AUSTRALIAN TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED for CAMP PERRY USA 2012 July 29 - August 10. BE PART OF THE TEAM, AND THE EXPERIENCE...

Camp Perry – 2012 National Matches (the XC World Cup) (CMP, NRA & OHNG)

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Fellow Australian shooters.

Why not make 2011 the year you attend another country, and shoot?  Why not make it the USA, and shoot the Camp Perry National Matches with thousands of other shooters?

The AIHPA now have a fantastic support base in the US, and you, thanks to your AIHPA membership, can make the incredible shooting trip to Perry with little effort for an over-amazing experience.

At this stage, the costs for Perry 2012 is look like being around the average A$4k mark, based on the end of 2011 exch rate of $1 to $1.  This included the XC shooting events costs - airfares (budget), rifles, ammunition, accommodation, car hire, match registrations, etc.  Note, that the 2011 trip cost around $4000 only thanks to the AIHPA's contacts and relationships built by the few from years of previous trips.

URGENT:  If you are interested in attending Camp Perry, then we need to order ammunition in January - YES, over 6 months BEFORE Perry.  Even if now, you are only thinking of going, it will greatly help to let us know your interest.

For any other questions, or info on your visit to Camp Perry, simply emails us (info) and we will keep you informed.

The TENTATIVE (TBC) schedule as follows:

EQUIPMENT FOR PERRY:

Note:  Good idea to purchase new scope and stand in the US, then sell when return to Aus (help you, and help local shooters).

Note: It is possible to borrow carts at Perry, but only a chance if arranged MONTHS in advance.

As for packing cloths.  The weather is always very warm to hot, and mostly very humid.  Shorts and tee-shirts are must.  Anything long is typically not worn.  It is recommended to travel light there, as many things are cheap to purchase there, and there is a lot of local shooting related items and clothing that is hard to resist buying (eg. some members take 2 tee shirts, and return with 20...)

BOOKING THE EVENT:

- Jan,    Organise a Passport if not one already.
- Jan,    Confirm attendance and purchase ammo (qty based on shooting either CMP week, NRA week, or both).
- Feb,   Join the NRA of the US (a good investment, it is cheap, and get the best magazine in the sport every month).
- Feb,   Confirm accommodation needs (based on number of nights, with arrival and departure date - and confirm if hut or module required).
- Feb,   Purchase a shooting Coat from US vendor (if not taking own, or already have one).
- Mar,   Register for CMP matches via on-line website entry.
- Mar,   Purchase scope stand and spotting scope (if not taking own, or already have one).
- Mar,   Organise firearms (qty's and dates needed) - transport to and from Perry.
- Mar,   Begin to organise flights (March is sometimes best price availability).
- May,  Register for NRA matches via on-line website entry.
- June,  Complete the electronic VISA entra https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- June,  Organise car hire and other transport needs.
- July,   Organise travel insurance.
- July,   Organise some US currency.

 

Camp Perry – info, and things to consider:

WHERE IS PERRY:

Camp Perry is in Ohio USA, about 5 miles west of Port Clinton.

WHAT IS AT PERRY:

Camp Perry is a National Guard base.  It consists of multiple firing ranges, out to 1000 yards, various types and levels of accommodation (varying in price as one might expect), has food outlets, local PX (mixed business), and gun/trade resellers and manufacturers to lighten the wallet of any shooter.  WiFi is available on base FREE.

WHAT GOES ON AT THE PERRY BASE:

The base is used for training the Ohio National Guard.  However, for over a month each year, it plays host to the “US National Matches”.  Thousands of shooters go through Camp Perry each year.

WHEN ARE THE MATCHES:

Matches are shot during July and August each year, subject to confirmation.

TRANSPORT – TO AND FROM USA:

Each person must shop and organise their own transport to and from USA.  Suggest to organise travel insurance before departing Aus.

TRANSPORT – TO AND FROM PERRY:

Some people take the opportunity to do some site seeing, travel, etc, while in the US.  Others fly direct to an airport before going on to Perry.  The choice is yours.  Be wary of dates and time.

The closest airport to Camp Perry is in Toledo.  Toledo to Perry is approx 45min by road.

The most accessible airport, with minimal connecting flights, is Cleveland.  Continental fly direct from LA to Cleveland (no stops).  Cleveland to Perry is approx 1.5hrs by road.

TRANSPORT – GROUND FOR PERRY:

While at Camp Perry, it is possible to make some great friends, and get lifts to and from town.  And, after a decent initial shopping spree on arrival, much of what one might want is usually available on base.

To and from the airport is the biggest transport issue to be sorted.  This is best sorted between those going, and group into workable parties.  Things to consider are when arriving, when departing, amount of luggage, etc.

Bus/Coach transport is possible, but may require changes.

Depending arrival times, we have a WONDERFUL volunteer who can pick up 1 or 2 shooters to get to Perry.  This must be arranged well in advance – there cannot be any surprises at pickup.

The best recommendation is for all parties talk through arrival and transport, to come up with a plan that best fits – ease, simplicity, costs, times, etc.

CAR HIRE:

Car hire is VERY cheap, but the insurance is VERY expensive.  It might be wise to organise suitable international insurance from Australia, rather than at the rental company on arrival.

The biggest issue with car hire is the amount of cars that are needed to be hired, for however many people.  As an example, 2 people with luggage will fill a small car.  3 people with luggage will fill a large car.  However, while on base, 1 car will fit 5 people…while other cars just sit there costing money.  Perhaps an alternative is 1 car, and multiple trips to and from airport?  Or, 1 car amongst parties, and some bus it out to Port Clinton?  This should be discussed between parties well in advance.

ACCOMMODATION:

There are various styles levels of accommodation.  In the past, Australian’s have used the base accommodation, being either “Huts” or “Modules”.

-         Huts, are just a room with 4 beds.  Amenities are separate and common amongst other users - like in a caravan park.  The huts are approx 5m x 5m, but it is tight with 3 or more people, luggage and shooting carts.  They have power.  Best to have 2 people per hut – half the costs.  Bedding (sheets, pillows, etc) are not supplied.  Buy cheap at Wal-Mart, then throw when leaving.  Also, there is no air conditioning, but a small cooling AC is around $120 at Walmart.  There are no kitchen facilities.  Can buy a fridge at Wal-Mart for around $150 to suite 2 people.  Both fridge and AC can be sold at end at reduced price, or kept for future years use.  To put this in perspective, staying in a hut is the closest thing to camping, only in a basic room.

-         Modules, are rooms with 2 beds, and en-suite.  They are very cramped but nicer in presentation, and have air conditioning.  There are no kitchen facilities.  Did fridge per Hut.  Best suited to 1 person per, but 2 can squeeze in.

ARRIVAL TO PERRY ON FIRST DAY:

There will be a lot you will want to do on arrival.  But the most important thing is settling into your accommodation.  Check out the lay of the land, the surroundings, and think about what you needs (food, drink, laundry, etc) needs will be over the coming days.  After unpacking, make a list of things you’ll need, and go shopping in town.

This shopping task may seem straight forward, but nearly every first timer buys too little or forgot something.  Within a day, some may need to head back to town, and then time and vehicle availability can be an issue.

FOOD AND DRINK:

Refrigeration is the issue to overcome, to keep food for a few days.  Huts and Modules do not have fridges.  So one may buy a fridge, or could buy an esky, and maintain it with ice (ice is available on base).

There is hot food available on base.  There are many take-away outlets that open later in the day for the shooters after the matches.  There is a mess hall that serves breakfast each morning – but this hall is quite a walk from most accommodation.  And, given most mornings are a 5am rise, it may be better to eat in room with stuff you’ve purchased at shops…

SUBSEQUENT DAYS:

Shooting days are all squadded, and are early starts.  Finish times vary with the type of match or weather delays.  In the past, we’ve had some days finish at 7pm, and other days at 1.30pm.

WEATHER:

HOT!  HUMID!  Most have never had a need for long cloths, unless sun is an issue to you.

MATCHES:

Matches are mostly run for 2 shooting organisations – the CMP and NRA.

CMP matches are all service rifle, with NO sighters during the matches, run for a week, and made up of individual and team matches.  Other than the “National” service matches, there are “games” matches.  A review of the shooting program each year is highly recommended.

In most cases, games matches conflict with the national matches.  Most Australians have focused on the main matches, and not shot the games matches.

NRA matches are similar to CMP week, but the matches run for both service and match rifles, and they DO have sighters.

One may shoot each, both, or parts there of all these matches.  Australians in the past have predominantly shot both CMP and NRA weeks.

The calendar for the National Matches is usually confirmed by March each year.

Every shooter is recommended to review the official calendar for the matches.

TEAM MATCHES:

Teams matches are mostly pairs, 4-person or 6-person.

Shooters wanting to shoot in these team matches must communicate with each other, and sort teams well in advance.

Every shooter is recommended to review the official calendar for the matches.

Every pairing or team should nominate a captain, to keep things organised and moving.

FIREARMS:

We have access to guns, but mostly the main service rifle needed for the “National Matches”.

The rifles we use are AR15’s.

We need to organise gun needs months in advance.

The guns we organise are “National Match” grade, but usually better.  This means well sub MOA accuracy…not just any up-spec’d AR15.

Rifles for “Games” matches are borrowed only, and may or may not be available.  It will be up to individuals to organise these wants themselves.  They need to also factor ammunition.

Each shooter might put as much as 800 rounds through a barrel.  And, quality guns are not free.  A nominal charge is in exchange for use of the gun.  This is around $300.  Yes, some may lend a gun for nothing…if that is acceptable to you, then go for it.

AMMUNITION:

223 Ammunition is locally hand loaded.  It is the best available.

We use 77gr bullets for shortline strings, and 80gr bullets for longline (600) loaded long for single round loading only.

This must be organised by December each year, so numbers are needed.  Payment for this is up-front.  If you withdraw from Perry, then you still own this ammo.  There are no trade-ins.  If somebody else goes needing ammo, then they will buy it from you.

SHOOTING EQUIPMENT:

Shooting in at the National Matches is unlike anything we shoot in Australia.  It may require a very open mind.

There are some things that one can NOT do without during the matches:

            - Carts

            - Scope and quality scope stand

            - Shooting mat

            - Shooting coat

Of this equipment, it can be purchased and delivered to the matches – one can send goods to Perry C/o the CMP – but be sure it is organised at the base and your name is clearly on the deliveries.

Some of this equipment you may already own.  But this may be an opportunity to upgrade at cost price, less freight, or perhaps you may consider returning with the goods to sell back here in Australia – less freight in exchange for 2 weeks of use of goods.  This helps you, and helps other Australian shooters.

SHIRTS:

We organise shirts for Australian’s to wear at Perry.  They are highly recommended, and help you open conversations, and make friends.  They are like an international currency.

There is normally 100 shirts made, and we sell for $20ea, but this may vary year to year.

YOU may buy these shirts for cost price – around $10ea.  It is highly recommended to have 5 or 6, so you have changes for each day (mostly twice per day due to heat, etc), and trade/swap with other shooters.

We also give away approx 20 shirts to people that help us – of which there are many.

The balance of shirts, we sell, and the profit basically pays for the initial shirt purchase – so we break even after give-aways.

HELPERS:

There are many people in the US that help make our experience pleasurable.   And, their willingness to help year after year is due to our genuine thanks for their support.

We give most all our precious helpers a free Aussie shirt.

There are approximately 6 main people who really go the extra mile.   Lately, we’ve been all pitching in and buying dinner for them.  Everybody is expected to be agreeable to this.

COMMUNICATION:

The US is NO country to be stuck without a phone.

Using your Australian mobile phone in the US to US parties is expensive.  A cheap mobile can be purchased for $30, and $50 of credit can be put on the phone at a usage cost of $2 per day for unlimited calls.