SGT Alvin York Shoot

https://prwarner.wixsite.com/sergent-york-shoot
Looks like a good time. Anyone here planning on attending.?

Didn't know about this shoot. Not too far away so I might have to look into it. Thanks for posting.

Hermit Tim said:

Didn't know about this shoot. Not too far away so I might have to look into it. Thanks for posting.

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The York Shoot has been on-going every year for about 30 years now.
It has always been held the last Saturday of March since the early 1990's. I missed the first year, but I competed in the second year and for around 20 years thereafter. However, I haven't gone for the past few years since my eyesight went downhill and I can no longer get a tight group.
There used to be upwards of 200 -250 competitors, but I heard that last year there were only about 100. But, the weather was bad last year. Anyway, the York Shoot is usually the first over-the-log shooting match of each year. It is also one of the biggest, and IMO one of the best.
Of course that early in the spring, the mountain weather is fickle. I remember one year we had a lot of cold rain. Cars, trucks, and camper trailers bogged down in the field. A farm tractor arrived to tow people out of the muck. Other years were dry and the field solid. Sometimes sunshine, sometimes rain, sometimes snow flurries. Often windy.
Competitors come from all over the eastern half of the US and there used to be some regulars who came down from Canada. A family of Mennonites usually came down from Ohio or Indiana. They were good shots, as I recall. Various members of the York family usually competed as well.
For new comers, I recommend first just going to see it. Just watch and see how it is done and what you need. Then sign up the following year.
These over-the-log, or chunkgun shoots are more popular further north throughout the mid-west. The York Shoot is the only one this far south that I am aware of.

If you look in the photo gallery, the background picture that is mostly obscured by the picture gallery on top of it - on the left side, the man in the maroon shirt, bib overalls, and ball cap is me.
Most of these pictures are a few years old.

The bottom rifle is my "chunkgun". .50 caliber, 46" heavy barrel, weighs 16 1/2 pounds. The protrusion on the forward end of the stock is a "cant block". Mine is part of the stock, but some are attached and are removable. This is what the barrel rests on when shooting prone with the barrel on a chunk of log or homemade rest.
Look again at the photo gallery. The third picture on the top row, the bearded gentleman in overalls receiving a prize is Paul #. He built my chunkgun for me to my specifications.
You don't need a special "chunkgun" to compete in the Alvin York Shoot. Any traditional style muzzleloader, any caliber, flintlock or percussion, with fixed sights can be used. But, these special target rifles can be difficult to compete against. >)



The other guns in my main battery are, starting from the top; 1. .50 percussion that I made myself. 2. .50 flintlock made by J. Fahling. 3. .62 fusil made by Caywood that I bought in the white and finished myself. 4. my chunkgun, described above.
All are left-hand, as you can see.

That's great. I have always enjoyed the movie about Alvin York and his heroics. I'm glad they do this . Would love to attend one year. Sounds like alot of other shoots I avoid though. Never understood why people have to" game it"

I like a good competition but every event people have to take it to extremes and make it specialized for that shoot. Not realistic to me. Using the hunting rifle you normally use is great. Not a special built rifle or competition. Always sucks the fun out of it for me.

JamesT said:

I like a good competition but every event people have to take it to extremes and make it specialized for that shoot. Not realistic to me. Using the hunting rifle you normally use is great. Not a special built rifle or competition. Always sucks the fun out of it for me.

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Plenty of flintlock and percussion longrifles can and do place quite high. I used my percussion longrifle (pictured on top, above) when I started attending the York Shoot, and for several years thereafter.
Due to the 60 yard distance and the usually strong cross wind, heavier calibers seem to do best. Probably .45 to .54 are most popular.
These "over-the-log" shoots are also known as "chunkgun" matches for a reason. Some of the heavy, bench-rest type "chunkguns" are capable of putting 10 shots into a 2 inch circle from 60 yards. (remember only fixed, open sights, round balls, and real black powder are permitted) Most shooters, however, can not match their rifle's capabilities. Since I came down with glaucoma I'm lucky if I can keep all my shots within an 8 inch circle - and that puts me near the end of the pack.
If you and your hunting rifle can put 10 shots into a 3 inch circle from 60 yards, then you would be in the money, or in the case of the York Shoot, you would be in the meat. (meat prizes with various other prize items donated)
Dress up in 1920 - 1930 styles, too. Lots of fun.

JamesT said:

I like a good competition but every event people have to take it to extremes and make it specialized for that shoot. Not realistic to me. Using the hunting rifle you normally use is great. Not a special built rifle or competition. Always sucks the fun out of it for me.

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If you take a look at photos of the old-time shooters with their rifles it is apparent many of them were purpose-built, even back then.

You are correct. I know what you mean. I ha e seen those photos as well. I didn't word my thoughts clear enough. Looks like a great time nonetheless.

I've got a son in Florida and a niece in Nashville - just might have to make a road trip from Minnesota to check this out.

Rancocas said:

If you look in the photo gallery, the background picture that is mostly obscured by the picture gallery on top of it - on the left side, the man in the maroon shirt, bib overalls, and ball cap is me.
Most of these pictures are a few years old.

The bottom rifle is my "chunkgun". .50 caliber, 46" heavy barrel, weighs 16 1/2 pounds. The protrusion on the forward end of the stock is a "cant block". Mine is part of the stock, but some are attached and are removable. This is what the barrel rests on when shooting prone with the barrel on a chunk of log or homemade rest.
Look again at the photo gallery. The third picture on the top row, the bearded gentleman in overalls receiving a prize is Paul #. He built my chunkgun for me to my specifications.
You don't need a special "chunkgun" to compete in the Alvin York Shoot. Any traditional style muzzleloader, any caliber, flintlock or percussion, with fixed sights can be used. But, these special target rifles can be difficult to compete against. >)

View attachment 189431

The other guns in my main battery are, starting from the top; 1. .50 percussion that I made myself. 2. .50 flintlock made by J. Fahling. 3. .62 fusil made by Caywood that I bought in the white and finished myself. 4. my chunkgun, described above.
All are left-hand, as you can see.

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The good thing is you are "right handed"..........

If you are able to go to one of the longrifle shows, say, Alabama, Lake Cumberland, or Knoxville you are likely going to see examples of old time purpose built so called "chunk guns"....Designed specifically to cut the X.

Rum River said:

I've got a son in Florida and a niece in Nashville - just might have to make a road trip from Minnesota to check this out.

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I made my hotel reservations today. The plan is not to shoot this time, just check it all out.

Wow, I'm already saying this time........

I cast roundball today and readied my rifle for the match. Haven't been there since 1998, looking forward to it.

I shot in a practice match for the YORK match this past weekend with the Yadkin valley longrifles. I discovered that my kentucky style rifle with its butt drop and sharp Cresent brass butt plate isn't any fun to shoot prone over a "log". I should have listened to the fellows and just shot from the bench. I had to try now my shoulder is paying the price.

I've read about this match some years ago and from what I've read some of these "chunk guns" are really heavy. Some guy made the barrel for one out of a car axle, I think.

One I pondered over this past weekend was near 20 lbs.

I won’t be shooting, but definitely looking forward to checking it all out.

For those that have attended before - how many vendors have there been in past years? Just curious.

Rum River said:

For those that have attended before - how many vendors have there been in past years? Just curious.

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Not many. Mostly a few guys put out a blanket with some items for sale on it. Sometimes they set up a table. In years past a Amish/Mennonite family would set up a tent and sell food and/or crafts such as handmade turkey calls and scenes painted on feathers. A local group usually has a food booth.
Maybe since this year is special with the 30th anniversary, there might be more vendors.

Plenty of port-a-potties are available for your convenience at the shoot site. The small park at the York grist mill also has toilet facilities, and is usually cleaner.

Down the road apiece is the historic York home. It is open for tours. Across the street from it is the old York grist mill that is sometimes open. Also there are two or three small shops in that area catering to the tourist trade.

The site of the shoot, as well as the York home is down in a hole; "The Valley of The Three Forks of the Wolf". Wolf River, that is just a small stream. Beautiful valley!
Up on the mountain south of all that is Jamestown. Not much there either, but there are a couple of restaurants. Going north, you enter Kentucky before you reach a town, Albany. On the way up to KY you pass the Forbus General Store. Can't miss it. Big chainsaw carvings of bears and whatnot out in front. Interesting place to look around in.