On Saturday, December 12th Northside Sportsman’s Club will hold its Annual Battle of the Bulge shoot which 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.
It was named The Battle of the Bulge because of the bulge it created in the American lines at the onset of the battle.

For an excellent history of the Battle of the Bulge, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bulge
This match is intended to honor the memory of those men who, a generation ago, were surrounded at Bastogne, or were members of Patton’s third Army that relieved Bastogne on Christmas day 1944.
If you wish to dress in a period uniform, you’re welcome (and encouraged) to do so.

Course of fire, 2 stages:

Stage 1: 16 rounds slow fire, 16 minutes, any position, at 200 yards.  Proceeded by 3-minute sight-in, up to 5 rounds slow-fire.  Preferred rifle 8mm K98, but any period bolt rifle acceptable.  Iron sights only.  This replicates the German side.

Stage 2: 24 rounds rapid fire in 3-minutes at 200 yards, any position, from an M1 Garand.  Again, proceeded by 3-minute sight-in, up to 5 rounds slow fire.  24 rounds in 3 eight-round clips.  If changing position between clips, no loading of clips until in next position.  This simulates the American side.

Additional points:

• All targets will be #27 full torso black and white, 24” x 45”.
• No target shooting coats or shooting gloves allowed.
• Period military uniforms welcomed and encouraged.
• 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 with 30 rounds and 3 clips, and a military bolt rifle with 20 rounds.

Optional: spotting scope, shooting mat, and sling.

Check the weather and dress accordingly.