Otter Creek rifle match recap

Otter Creek Long Range Match Recap

I attended the 600-yard rifle match put on by Chris Palmer and John Weiland just outside Beulah on May 30, 2026. Impressive organization with 36 sponsors, lunch wagon, and extensive prize support including three free suppressors and various discounts (35%, 50%, 250% off, $50 off). All kids received free packages, which was a nice touch.

The competition drew 72 shooters from a wide geographic range - Billings to Minnesota and beyond. Shot at three target arrays at 600 yards with challenging conditions including following winds and slight right-side switching. Targets ranged from 20-inch sighter plates down to 4-inch targets on a KYL (Know Your Limits) rack where you had to hit to advance.

Standout Performances and Participants

The preteens scored surprisingly high, with a couple placing in and near the top 10. Mix of experienced and veteran shooters using varied setups - some brought benches with front rests, others shot prone with bipods, and one shooter used a tripod setup. Equipment diversity was impressive: light guns, heavy guns, some with brakes, others with no muzzle device, and suppressors throughout.

Equipment Observations

Caliber variety included everything from 30-cal rifles to specialized competition rounds: BRs, Dashers, BRAs, one BRX, GTs, Creedmoors, various 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges, a 25 Weatherby, and some 7mm options mixed in. The range of equipment showed this was welcoming to both casual and serious competitive shooters.

Beautiful country and perfect weather made for an excellent shooting experience overall.