North Side Sportsmen's Association

Posted on by Posted in Events, Open to Public, Rifle

Infantry_near_BastogneOn Sunday, December 13th Northside Sportsman’s Club will hold the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bulge shoot. It will be the 71st anniversary of the battle that took place from December 16, 1944 through January 25, 1945.

250,000 German troops, including three full German Panzer divisions, were massed along the Belgian border. It was Germany’s last large-scale offensive and a great gamble to try to turn the tide of war. Soldiers on both sides would suffer some of the harshest winter conditions and experience some of the most brutal fighting of the Second World War.

For an excellent history of the battle, see http://tinyurl.com/Ardennenoffensive

Preferred rifles include the Karabiner 98 Kurtz for the German side (although the Springfield M1903 may be substituted), and the M1 Garand or M1 Carbine for the US side. All rifles must have open sights.

Other period-correct rifle types may be appropriate. Please ask.

Place: Rifle range at NSSA, 325 Mt Pleasant Road, Warrendale, PA. Open to the public.

Cost: $10

COURSE OF FIRE

We will be shooting man silhouette targets at 200 yards.

Stage 1: 3 minutes for up to 5 sighters, followed by 16 rounds slow fire in 16 minutes, any position, at 200 yards. This replicates the German side.

Stage 2: 3 minutes for up to 5 sighters, followed by 24 rounds rapid fire in 3 minutes at 200 yards. Three different positions must be used (prone, sitting, kneeling or standing), in any order. 24 rounds will be fired from 3 clips (or magazines) loaded with 8 rounds each, one at each position. No loading of ammunition until the shooter is in the next position. This simulates the American side.

Additional information:

All targets will be B-27E full torso black and white, 22.5” x 34.5”.
No target shooting coats or shooting gloves allowed.
Slings, mats and spotting scopes acceptable on all positions.
We intend to have a bonfire near the shooting line.

What to bring: An M1 Garand and 3 clips, or an M1 Carbine and 3 magazines, along with 24 – 29 rounds. Also bring a military bolt rifle with 16 – 21 rounds, a spotting scope, shooting mat, and sling. Check the weather and dress accordingly.

This match is an informal event intended to foster the memory and respect for the soldiers who fought and died 71 years ago. Period dress is encouraged. For questions, comments, or feedback, please contact Jim Wojcienowski at bulgeshoot@northsidesportsmen.com