[Mauser720]

Hey John -

My competition was public highschool ROTC, and the time frame was 1958 - 1961.

This was all indoor .22 rifles at standard 50 foot targets.

We received varsity letters for this, and we got to keep all the medals we won too. I doubt very much if this school still has a rifle team, much less an ROTC program since these things have become so politically incorrect.

Years later (National Guard) I did use the M-1 in some high power matches. I never shot long enough to be classified higher than NRA sharpshooter with it. But it was a wonderful rifle. I won a first place trophy at a national 600 yard slow fire match and also 300 yard rapid fire first place trophy at a state level match using it. You were probably using something similar. Half-minute clicks on the rear sight hood, metal bedded, National Match rear sight, etc.

(The M-16 was a real disappointment compared to the M-1 in my opinion.)

Those were the days, weren't they, John? There is nothing more fun than having all of your expenses paid for, and all you have to do is just squeeze the trigger.

Today people don't even realize that shooting is an Olympic sport.

Michael, you are absolutely correct about the need for good equipment and good quality ammo to start with. I am amazed at the difference in the quality (consistency) of some over-the-counter small bore ammo.

For pistol shooting, I've had good success with starting someone new out on a pellet pistol to learn the basics. And then moving on to a .22 pistol. And finishing up the training with a center fire pistol.

Mauser720 - Ron