getting more shooters for CBA

  • 4K Views
  • Last Post 16 May 2017
GWarden posted this 10 February 2017

If our organization is like many other shooting venues, the age of our group is getting older, and younger shooters are not entering the ranks. We have a dedicated group that do a great job of making the CBA a quality shooting organization. New postal matches are being introduced to get more shooters involved in our cast bullet shooting. Pete, a member of the CBA got me interested in cast bullet shooting, and I've never looked back. I look at all rifle purchases from the angle of how will it work with cast bullets.

So, what I'm getting at, how do we try and keep coming up with new ideas to introduce younger shooters to our cast bullet shooting? How many of us take time to actually take our time and introduce younger shooters to our sport? I saw one great new CBA postal match to introduce younger shooters to. The “bunny match” seem to just be the ticket to introduce my son inlaw and grandson to. Why not introduce someone to one of the postal matches, pay their entry fee and then just let them see how challenging and enjoyable cast bullet shooting is. The “bunny gun” match is one great idea. Entrants can use their .22rf, they don't need to make the investment in equipment , but can use their existing rimfire. It just might be the thing to spark an interest. If nothing else, what a great way to spend time with family members.

Bob

Attached Files

Order By: Standard | Newest | Votes
SierraHunter posted this 10 February 2017

I have a feeling, that at 23, I may be the youngest CBA member. I've tried talking a few guys my age into shooting cast, but most of them have some semi auto and say they can just buy steel cased junk.

Most people my generation are lazy. Why cast, and load ammo, and pick up brass, if they can go to the store and get wolf, which will go bang as fast as they can pull the trigger?

I've found next to on one my age who has any interest in precision shooting.

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • RicinYakima
  • papertrl
RicinYakima posted this 10 February 2017

I am very sorry you don't have anyone close to you to share your interest. But you always have your 'net friends! Ric

Attached Files

SierraHunter posted this 10 February 2017

If I stuck around one place longer then a few months at a time, I may have better luck. I move around quite a bit for work.

Attached Files

JeffinNZ posted this 10 February 2017

I have a feeling, that at 23, I may be the youngest CBA member. I've tried talking a few guys my age into shooting cast, but most of them have some semi auto and say they can just buy steel cased junk. Most people my generation are lazy. Why cast, and load ammo, and pick up brass, if they can go to the store and get wolf, which will go bang as fast as they can pull the trigger? I've found next to on one my age who has any interest in precision shooting.
I am inclined to agree with you on the generational thing.   I would love to see a correlation of AR15 sales to 5.56mm ammo sold.  I suspect the ammo consumption is exponential.  Would also like to see if younger people of handloading; I suspect not.  Throw away culture or disposal items and income.  I am training my girls that if they want to shoot CF cartridges they have to handload them.  I'm not buying Kiera factory Hornet ammo at $80 a box of 50 when we can load cast for a fraction of that to cover her needs.  It's more principle than cost really. 
Stick round here and soon you will be as old and cantankerous as the rest of us. 

Cheers from New Zealand

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • papertrl
Scearcy posted this 10 February 2017

I have a feeling, that at 23, I may be the youngest CBA member. I've tried talking a few guys my age into shooting cast, but most of them have some semi auto and say they can just buy steel cased junk. Most people my generation are lazy. Why cast, and load ammo, and pick up brass, if they can go to the store and get wolf, which will go bang as fast as they can pull the trigger? I've found next to on one my age who has any interest in precision shooting.
I am inclined to agree with you on the generational thing.   I would love to see a correlation of AR15 sales to 5.56mm ammo sold.  I suspect the ammo consumption is exponential.  Would also like to see if younger people of handloading; I suspect not.  Throw away culture or disposal items and income.  I am training my girls that if they want to shoot CF cartridges they have to handload them.  I'm not buying Kiera factory Hornet ammo at $80 a box of 50 when we can load cast for a fraction of that to cover her needs.  It's more principle than cost really. 
Stick round here and soon you will be as old and cantankerous as the rest of us. 
Hopefully SH won't get as cantankerous as the rest of us.

Attached Files

SierraHunter posted this 11 February 2017

I wouldn't count on that! 🙄

Attached Files

SierraHunter posted this 11 February 2017

One other thing that comes to my mind is the kind of competition shot. Most younger guys are getting into run and gun type competition since the hot guns these days are high capacity auto loaders. Maybe hosting a 3 gun or USPSA type match once or twice a year would draw younger shooters. You know, something we can actually win 😉

Attached Files

David Reiss posted this 11 February 2017

I am working very hard to get new & younger members. There are some programs in effect at this time to get new members and so far they have been successful. More programs are in the works and others are being discussed. Soon you will read in an upcoming issue of the FS about a “membership scholarship” for junior shooters. 

Bob's idea is a good one, as is mine for a AR platform postal match. Daniel (SierraHunter) has helped me with posts on Facebook which garnered a couple new members. I have also posted on other forums, which has resulted in over 20 new members just recently.

Here are a few things you can do:

-Post on other forums about the CBA (be sure and add a hyperlink to the CBA)
-Talk to other people at your range
-Donate a one-year membership for a junior scholarship (details will follow in the FS)

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

Attached Files

GP Idaho posted this 11 February 2017

SH: That should make for high comedy, watching a bunch of old guys dashing about firearms in hand!  lol Gp

Attached Files

SierraHunter posted this 11 February 2017

SH: That should make for high comedy, watching a bunch of old guys dashing about firearms in hand!  lol Gp

Entertainment is half the fun. And don't under estimate old men. One of the top 3 gunners in the country is in his 70s. Lots of old guys shooting run and gun.

Attached Files

MarkinEllensburg posted this 12 February 2017

Efforts to improve the forum should help to attract more members.

Attached Files

Mbirdsley posted this 19 February 2017

I just joined a couple of months ago. I am 31 years old.  I actually joined because I want to get into some sort of competitive shooting but, not something as intense as three gun.  I Have been reloading for about a year and a half.  Started casting as a way to shoot my T/C triumph with out having to shoot barnes TMZ's all the time.  So far I have had time to get my Ruger sr9c and my Iver Johnson Cadet bores slugged.  I think next week ill start poring for my 9mm.  trying to get there just other problems are getting in the way.  Hopefully by spring ill be shooting some postal matches.

Attached Files

OU812 posted this 19 February 2017

Picture found in gallery of 2007 nationals.

 

Attached Files

John Alexander posted this 19 February 2017

I don't know why OU812 posted this picture  but I believe it and the implied question asked require comment.

The confederate battle flag displayed at this match was not displayed by the CBA but by the the two shooters pictured who are from South Carolina, H.L.Yarlbrough on the left and the late David Crump on the right. I have known them both for over 15 years and have had many discussions with each -- always about cast bullets shooting.  In that time I have never heard either make a racist remark or joke. Both have made contributions to the CBA including helping new shooters get started in cast bullet shooting.

I cannot remember hearing any shooter at any CBA match discussing politics, race, or religion.  I think it is understood that a CBA match is not the place for such discussions just as these discussions are banned on this CBA forum.

To answer the implied question in the post, anybody with an interest in shooting cast bullets will find that they will fit in at any CBA match. They will also be made to feel welcome and receive assistance if they want advice or support with their shooting.

Anybody should feel welcome at any CBA match and if there is evidence of this not being true the CBA Board of Directors would like to hear of it.

John

 

Attached Files

Bud Hyett posted this 19 February 2017

The attributes which I talk to candidate shooters: 

  • Relaxation - Quoting Warren Page in his book, The Accurate Rifle, “it (shooting bench-rest) takes so much concentration and effort that for a few hours each week, you forget who all you owe money to and when the next payment is due."
  • Setup -  The cost of molds, pots, lubri-sizers, lead, upfront so there are no surprises which dull the new enthusiasm. 
  • Savings - The cost is amortized over the years and savings do accrue.
  • Benefit - A shooter does not save money, but gets many more shots for the same money. 
  • Ethics - Shooters are trustworthy, I can leave thousands of dollars worth of rifles and scopes in a rack and no one will bother it.
  • Switching Over - Jacketed bullet fouling needs thorough cleaning for cast to shoot well.  
  • Unseen Benefits: - The shooter learns; 1) accurate range estimation in the field, 2) wind effects, 3) how ot subconsciously judge wind in the field, 4) effects of light on target, and, 5) consistent shouldering of the rifle.
  • Hands-on - Finally, I offer to have them stop by my reloading shed and work through a demonstration.

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

Attached Files

Bohica793 posted this 21 February 2017

I personally would love to shoot in a CBA match and if one ever gets within 4 hours of Fairhope, AL I will.  Unfortunately, all of the matches I see listed are in locations that require me to get on an airplane to visit.  When will there be any matches down in my area?

Attached Files

David Reiss posted this 21 February 2017

Bohica793,

My suggestion is to talk with Bill Higgins, the Regional Director for your area. His info can be found here.
He will be able to best answer your question. 

 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

Attached Files

Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 21 February 2017

i have always thought we should have wallet cards printed up by cba specifically to hand out ... short message, cute graphic, and cba address and room on back for we members address and phone number ...  i would buy a couple hundred to start with  myself .

? email address where prospect could send and ask for free e-copy of FS ?

etc .

ken

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • John Carlson
Scearcy posted this 21 February 2017

Ken

That business card is not a bad idea at all.

Jim

Attached Files

John Alexander posted this 22 February 2017

in a similar idea I asked Lee Precision to put a similar card into their mold boxes a few years ago. Lee agreed to help out and used up 100,000 cards over a couple of years.  We got 40 -- 50 new members and some are still showing up. There are probably still cards in the pipeline. The card offered free digital copies of TFS and a $5 off the first year's dues.  David Reiss just got another similar batch printed which we hope to get distributed by smaller custom mold makers along with their molds.

Several years ago I had several thousand tri-fold color brochures printed which gave room for a more complete pitch and an entry blank that could be sent in. Still seems like a good idea but ,with a few notable exceptions, CBA members and even Board members showed little interest in getting them distributed to gun shows and on the counters of the local gun shops. It too produced some new members but hard to tell how many.  With better cooperation it might have done a lot more. 

John

Attached Files

2coldhere posted this 25 February 2017

I used to drive three hours to get to the nearest match and could only get to one of them a year.  Solved the problem by running my own military score matches.  Now I only drive an hour and a half to get there and with the gas savings I bought another K31, an 03A3, and a 71/84.  Ok, you caught me on that last one about the gas savings.  Needed one for every category.

Attached Files

acfirearms posted this 25 February 2017

If our organization is like many other shooting venues, the age of our group is getting older, and younger shooters are not entering the ranks. We have a dedicated group that do a great job of making the CBA a quality shooting organization. New postal matches are being introduced to get more shooters involved in our cast bullet shooting. Pete, a member of the CBA got me interested in cast bullet shooting, and I've never looked back. I look at all rifle purchases from the angle of how will it work with cast bullets.

So, what I'm getting at, how do we try and keep coming up with new ideas to introduce younger shooters to our cast bullet shooting? How many of us take time to actually take our time and introduce younger shooters to our sport? I saw one great new CBA postal match to introduce younger shooters to. The “bunny match” seem to just be the ticket to introduce my son inlaw and grandson to. Why not introduce someone to one of the postal matches, pay their entry fee and then just let them see how challenging and enjoyable cast bullet shooting is. The “bunny gun” match is one great idea. Entrants can use their .22rf, they don't need to make the investment in equipment , but can use their existing rimfire. It just might be the thing to spark an interest. If nothing else, what a great way to spend time with family members.

Bob

Attached Files

acfirearms posted this 25 February 2017

I have used every chance I can get to bring up,brag about,and in other words ways to get people into casting bullets. I think a possible way would be to have a casting event at gun shows. yes it would have to be out side in the parking lot or on the loading dock behind the the event building. I had one at a local club meeting and got a lot of lookers.( can't say I converted any) the point is we have less people who reload so maybe we have to start with that.  If casting “how to” events were made public (free) I would think you would see an increase in membership. maybe we should have tee shirts that say something like “I am a bullet caster” would you like to try?   AL

Attached Files

Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 25 February 2017

ac: ... casting demonstration ... great idea.

how about :  indoors, preferably at the youth section ( our local show sometimes has a bb gun range for yutes ) ...

2 ( + ) men sitting at a table .. big pile of shiny completed bullets not greasy  .. from different molds, 22 to buffalo bill's favorites. ...... one guy obviously pouring the mold ( simple ladle .. easy to get started ) ..... and dumping something into a bucket that 2nd member picks out bullets and shows them off ...

a sharp eye with some study sees that the pot is cold, there is no melting lead, and the molder doesn't really have fresh hot castings to dump ... he is dumping cold castings from the bucket they previously filled .  when the 2nd member takes one out to show, he also puts one back in the bucket.

kinda like the ever-flowing fountain from a bucket you see in shopping centers ...

if caught :   ” congratulations on your shooter's IQ !  you would make a great CBA member ... here's a cba card with my  home phone number and let's set up a real casting session ... what kind of bullets would you like to try ? ... where do you shoot ? ... i know a place where we just shoot with other cast bullet guys .. we are pretty laid back and probably have a coffee and donut for every 10 shots we take ...  many times we just shoot up our bullets so we can load some more ...  if you would like to have a little more fun shooting with your rifle or pistol lets get together and bring your family  ... “

sort of thing .  variations welcome

ken

Attached Files

Pepe Ray posted this 15 March 2017

The idea of handing out business cards strikes me as a good idea. Promoting and supporting at once. If there were a sample of an accepted version I'd be moved to have a few dozen reproduced for my use.

Would this require an earthquake to create a card that was acceptable to the membership? Or would the membership trust in the honor and intent of the individual to create his own?

How say you?

Pepe Ray

Only in His name.

Attached Files

David Reiss posted this 15 March 2017

Since the board has no control over any individual member, we can not keep anyone from doing whatever they want. However, as an organization of responsible & sane people, it makes sense to allow the board to discuss this suggestion. So allow me to bring this to the boards attention and see if we can come up with a reasonable option to benefit the CBA. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

Attached Files

OU812 posted this 18 March 2017

I just renewed my membership.

Most people at the range are not interested in cast until they see better grouping...I am getting there.

What we need is a mould manufacturer that is willing too make bump dies and better bullet designs. This would help make shooting cast rifle bullets more accurately, more fun and less confusing for the beginner.

Attached Files

Scearcy posted this 18 March 2017

I agree that we are just a curiosity at the range unless we are out shooting the jacketed boys. Not always easy to do, particularly if one is experimenting rather than shooting his best rifle. I am often guilty of that.

 

Attached Files

shootcast posted this 24 March 2017

Business cards would be a great way to help get the word out. Simply print a basic quantity up and keep them at the CBA store. Then a member could order a few at a time for distribution to local gun shops , shows or even carry a couple in your wallet. Whenever the opportunity exists . We could at least see if it actually works by response. Cheap way to advertise.

Attached Files

SierraHunter posted this 02 April 2017

I think you guys should look into run and gun/practical shooting type matches. I went to my first USPSA match yesterday, and is say at least half of the guys were running powder coated cast bullets, and out of the ones I talked to, one one even knew the CBS existed, although he was not a member.

Attached Files

OU812 posted this 02 April 2017

More or better advertisement in the Cast Boolit forum.

Attached Files

Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 02 April 2017

not knowing about the cba !! eek !... did you hand out the cba business cards ? ....oh wait ... we don't have any ... yet ...

ken

Attached Files

David Reiss posted this 03 April 2017

Ok, we have come up with a solution. Look for it to come out in the next FS, in the meantime send me an email and I will send you some of our promo cards, which are 3"X4". But we will not be printing any business cards, so the promo card will have to do. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

Attached Files

GP Idaho posted this 11 May 2017

I just received my latest mould from Al at NOE and included in the package was one of the CBA calling cards.  Good idea David and thank you Al.  Gp

Attached Files

David Reiss posted this 11 May 2017

I just received my latest mould from Al at NOE and included in the package was one of the CBA calling cards.  Good idea David and thank you Al.  Gp

Use that card to give to someone you know or one you meet at the range that my be interested in joining the CBA,

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • M3 Mitch
M3 Mitch posted this 15 May 2017

Considering that at many ranges most shooters are shooting from the bench - given current state of the art, CBs are not going to out-shoot jacketed bullets in terms of absolute accuracy.  But that's not why I am into CBs, I like them for offhand, and other "position" shooting, they allow shooting enough to "get good" at shooting without a bench.  Shooting at a gong is also, at least for me, more interesting and you can tell if you hit or missed right away without a spotting scope.

One caution, though, don't let other people shoot your reloads.  Unless of course you are set up as a small scale manufacturer, and have appropriate liability insurance.  I have sent many thousands of CBs down range without so much as a popped primer, but, here in "the land of the litigious" I don't let anyone else shoot my loads.

Attached Files

Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 15 May 2017

..another reason not to let others "" try "" your loads is that when you get your brass back it might not fit your gun quite the same .  i stuck a case last night just for that reason ... sigh ... smarter now ken ...

 

Attached Files

David Reiss posted this 15 May 2017

 M3 Mitch wrote:  One caution, though, don't let other people shoot your reloads.  Unless of course you are set up as a small scale manufacturer, and have appropriate liability insurance.  I have sent many thousands of CBs down range without so much as a popped primer, but, here in "the land of the litigious" I don't let anyone else shoot my loads.

We can continue to move toward more political correctness and litigation, until we completely destroy common sense. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

Attached Files

BigMan54 posted this 16 May 2017

 I know what you guys mean. Whenever I get out to the indoor range I try to strike up a conversation with some of the young shooters. They are all a bit interested in trying out the "old-fashioned" revolvers that I shoot, but none seem the least bit interested in reloading, let alone casting. They don't care about shooting more for less. They just wanna throw bullets downrange as fast as possible.  And I do mean THROW. They put their targets out at 7yds & do a victory dance in they hit the 10 ring on a small-size combat target once out of 50rds. It's very disheartening to see what the next generation is becoming. I put my target out at 50ft. And even this broken down half-blind old man out shoots these damn kids bullseye style.

I try to tell them practice makes better. But as long as wally world sells cheap Russian crap,  they have no interest in becoming better shots.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

Attached Files

Close