Event 2: Sabre Defense’s Blue Ridge Mountain 3-Gun Championship

April 23-25, 2010; Park City, Ky.

From the days of Col. Jeff Cooper and company's famous leather slaps at Big Bear, to only a few short years ago, the driving force behind much of the innovation in major practical shooting competition, especially as it evolved into 3-gun, has come out of the western United States. However, in recent years, with the emergence of the Fort Benning 3-Gun Challenge and, more recently, Sabre Defense's Blue Ridge Mountain 3-Gun Championship (BRM3G), the sport has yet another quality major east of the Mississippi.

"The BRM3G was begun in order to bring a major 3-gun championship to the eastern U.S.," said Andy Horner, match director, BRM3G. "With all of the matches except the Ft. Benning 3-Gun Challenge being west of the Mississippi, there are many shooters who have not been exposed to the excitement of high-level 3-gun competition. Being able to talk with, watch, and compete against the best shooters in the world face-to-face is introducing new shooters to 3-gun and is increasing interest in our sport generally."

While the eastern states may have been slow to develop major 3-gun competitions, Sabre Defense's Blue Ridge Mountain has nevertheless hit the ground running under the watchful eye of match director Andy Horner, a veteran multi-gun shooter. Taking lessons learned from competing in major matches all over the United States, Blue Ridge is unique, utilizing a remarkable expanse of land at the new Rockcastle Shooting Center near Bowling Green, Kent. As such, Blue Ridge utilizes the natural terrain features of Kentucky's western foothills, in turn delivering what are arguably some of the most challenging stage designs in 3-gun competition.

"The BRM3G has several characteristics for which it is known," Horner said. "First of all, being one of two major matches held over natural terrain, the match uses features of the land to create interesting and challenging courses of fire to test both the skill of the shooter and the effectiveness of their equipment. Stage design also sets the BRM3G apart. The stages are physically demanding and have a higher than average round count. This is not a stand-and-shoot match. We strive to create stages that require competitors to get out of their comfort zone and have their abilities tested. This is accomplished through requiring significant movement, unusual shooting positions, unusual presentation of targets, and occasional longer shots."

This unique blend of terrain, stage design, high round count and demanding match tempo have instantly elevated Blue Ridge to major status, one of only about 10 matches in the country to create such demand. In only three short years, the field has grown exponentially, comprised of novice and veteran shooters alike.

"With this being only the third year of the match, we have definitely been growing," Horner said. "The first year we had 99 shooters, then 176, and this year the match is full and we are expecting 240-plus shooters."

Held at a resort location in Western Kentucky, the Sabre Defense Blue Ridge Mountain 3-Gun is a different animal, delivering an uncommon shooting experience with a top-notch match, resort hotel and other amenities all in one location. However, what keeps the top pros from all over the country coming back is the high-octane match itself.

"The BRM3G is not a stand-and-shoot match," Horner said. "Some folks love that type of match, some don't. Fortunately, 3-gun matches around the country each have their own flavor, and shooters can attend the ones they enjoy most. The BRM3G provides an opportunity for those who enjoy a more physical and technical match."

Posted on 3/25/2010

Comments

Once again thanks to Andy and Tammi Horner for a wonderful event and allowing us to be a part of it. Big time thank you to our gracious hosts at Rockcastle Shooting Center Nick and Nate Noble.

By Pete Brown on 5/10/2010

I attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Three Gun at Rockcastle Shooting Center to see what it was like and I must say it was awesome.Like you said Andy and Tammi did a hreat job and Nick and Nate have one amazing place there at Rockcastle Shooting Center.Like I said before 3-Gun Nation has a great crew there worked there butt’s off.A job well done buy all.
Steve B.

By Steve Blanton on 5/26/2010

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