The
Virginia 1000yd Benchrest club was formed in 1995 with matches being held at
the infamous Range #4, MCCDC Quantico, VA. The club was looking for a permanent
range and a range was constructed on the farm of Rob Ritchie in 1997. Just in
time to host the 1997 IBS 1,000yd Benchrest National Championship shoot. The
club continued shooting there until legal issues forced them to pull up stakes
abruptly at the end of the 1999 season. The club regrouped and was able to
secure a complete 10 match schedule for the 2000 season at the last minute
thanks to the help of the Virginia State Shooters Association high power
shooters back aboard the Marine Base at Quantico. They continue to use the
Quantico range to this day. The club hosted the 2001 and 2007 IBS 1,000yd National
Championship matchs. Due to reorginization of base leadership, the club is not
currently able to use the Quantico range. The club board has decided that the
Virginia Club will start the 2011 season at the Harry Jones Range, and we will
transition to the new Peacemaker National Range in Glyngary, WV when that range
has been constructed. The Peacemaker range has received initial approval to
proceed by the local government folks, and construction is scheduled to start
in March 2011. The property is being timbered now. We may shoot at Peacemaker
in August, but this all depends on the weather and the cooperation of the local
government, the various permitting authorities, and the range neighbors.