In spite of the weather forecast, nine members attended this first "Garand Clinic." Instructor George Rodriguez spent about two hours in the classroom introducing us to the basics of Highpower Rifle Competition.

We found out that, like other competitions, there is a lot to learn before participating in Highpower competition. We also learned some specifics about shooting the M1 Garand, some of its unique characteristics and how to use them to the best advantage. Then it was off to the range for some additional instruction and a fun match.

Unfortunately it was raining. Now, a little rain doesn't stop seasoned Highpower shooters, but since this was an introduction, we took a few liberties and moved the firing line back under the roof of the 100-meter range. This made the distance to the target about 109-yards instead of the preferred 100-yards where our reduced-range highpower targets were intended to be shot. Nobody complained about the additional 9-yards since it allowed us to stay MUCH DRYER...

Everyone shot vintage M1 Garand rifles which were essentially "as issued," in other words, they had not been "accurized."

George helped us to get into the proper positions and he explained the match stages and the preparatory commands. He also showed us how to best utilize the equipment commonly used in Highpower Rifle Shooting.

As you might expect, the "offhand" or "standing" position was considered the most difficult by most of the competitors. Many of us swore that the targets were moving around and trying to avoid being pinned down by our sights.

As with any other position, rifle shooters strive for "bone support" in the standing position. In the photo above it appears that my wrist is bent, but my wrist is actually straight. The open end of the shooting glove appears bent outward because I opened my hand to allow the rifle to rest on the area of my hand between my thumb and the fingers. This position allows the rifle to rest directly over my forearm and requires almost no use of muscle.

In this photo you can clearly see the targets dancing about merrily while the determined shooter tries to center a bullseye in his sights. This shooter is using the open-palm hold, wherein the rifle rests on the pad of the hand just to the right of the shooter's left thumb. The right arm is raised so that it is approximately parallel to the ground. This opens up the "pocket" for the butt of the rifle to rest in.

Some participants decided that they'd prefer to come back and shoot when the weather was more pleasant, and one shooter had rifle problems, but six intrepid shooters completed our fun version of the John C. Garand match. This match consisted of the following:

• Five "sighters" to help the shooters to verify their rifle's zero.
• Ten shots "slow-fire" prone in ten minutes.
• Ten shots, "rapid-fire" standing to prone in 70-seconds.
• Ten shots "slow-fire" standing in ten minutes.

Total, thirty shots for score and a possible maximum score of 300. Below are the results:

All in all it was an informative and fun clinic. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to George Rodriguez for volunteering to spend his day helping to inform and entertain us. We'll have to do this again sometime.