"Mountain Rifle Challenge " 2026 May 2nd

[Bluumoon]

are those a sandwich?

Do they require heat or can you eat them cold?

Not a sandwich

 

[justinspicher]

Touché.

 

[Tobe_B]

It’s basically just a rolled up piece of bologna. I’d eat it cold if that’s what was offered up to me.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

If this is turning into an endurance race with cold hotdog stands I might have to rethink my plans….

 

[MuleyFever]

Looks like Ill have my Rokstock Lite if any one attending is interested in checking it out. It shipped from Stockys today.

 

[Bluumoon]

Looks like Ill have my Rokstock Lite if any one attending is interested in checking it out. It shipped from Stockys today.

Right on, I might have one as well. Hopefully lots of new stuff to ogle . @abbrown should have a 6.5 airlock, I’ll have a few different unknown suppressors, should be a good variety.

If we are lucky a some other new products will make an appearance.

 

[StevieErjavec]

I will again be hosting a Mountain Rifle Challenge here in Dolores, CO on May 2nd. This will be the third year we've run it and hopefully can continue to keep it challenging and relevant. This year I think we'll have enough guys around on the afternoon of Friday the 1st to do some rock shooting in a local canyon, this would allow for steep angle/cross canyon/ELR shooting if so desired.

This event is not approved/hyped/schilled by anyone except me and @justinspicher who helped me put it together. It is a private event, everyone needs to be on their safety Ps and Qs, and be willing to correct anyone who isn't , including me.

We will limit the group size to 12, we currently have 6 with everyone from last year planning to return

Course is currently 15 stations, but we will likely only make it through 10-12 stations. Targets range from 50 to 700 yards and requires about 3 miles of walking mild canyon terrain partially off trail (canyon/loose rock on inclines/brush/etc). Targets are mostly 8-12" steel, a couple larger and smaller targets mixed in. I've tried to mimic different hunting scenarios , so each station is run a little different, with the overall goal to test hit rates and speed (points/time=score), less focus on ability to find targets.

This year you must either impact each target to stop timer or hit the time cap (each station will have a predetermined time cap). We'll set a max mag capacity at the lowest common denominator and you will need to reload during some stages.

100 rounds should suffice for the course, maybe another hundred rounds for the canyon shooting day. I wouldn't consider this a long range comp, property location/terrain limits me on that, but I have a few between 500-700 yards. Course will test your ability to use a variety positions and utilize your gear quickly and often with an increased HR.

You should arrive ready to move out. We will each shoot 5 (untimed) rounds at a 1" target for score (and your only chance to check zero) to start the day. This will be followed by the hunter drill for score.

Some stations we'll identify targets prior to starting the timer, others you'll have to find target on the clock. We're learning we can change the approach or rules to each station to keep things fresh, we try to pull from our scenarios from actual hunting.

Guys/gals should roll like they do for Western hunting, each station will be approached how you hike. So, packs with at least day hunting gear (or full camp if you want), hunting rifles, and whatever shooting aids you'd carry into the field. Participants need to be self supported for the duration of the event (around 8 hrs) and show up ready to head into the field. We'll pause for lunch and water refills this year, lunch plans to be determined

I will require the use of suppressed rifles, not because I'm bougie, but because the neighbors aren't as bothered. I'll have a properly zeroed and trued loaner or two available.

Dolores, CO is the closest town to my place. Closest airport is in Cortez, CO (Denver Air), Durango (50 min) has bigger airlines and rental cars. Approx 6 hrs drive from Denver/Salt Lake/Phoenix. The general area is an outdoor mecca, Durango/Telluride/Moab/Pagosa Springs all within 2hrs and worthy of a trip on its own.

No fee for the event, I'll provide dinner (game meat/burgers/brats). There is nice camping within 15-30 minutes. Plenty of hotels in Cortez, one in Dolores, but Durango has nicer options 45 min away if you are bougie or want to promise your SO a trip somewhere nice.

this sounds awesome.

 

[Tahoe1305]

@Bluumoon checking in on the plan for this?

Besides all the sandwich (or hotdog??) talk, I’ve seen some suggestions of “extreme” hunting hikes, etc.

I’m a year out from an ACL repair, so “I think” I can handle that, but want to know what I’m up against to be realistic.

Also, I’m not far north of you and there are fire restrictions limiting shooting in most NF and BLM areas, so curious if that “may” effect your plan at all.

Bottom line I’m requesting some work off for this because it sounds awesome and want to make sure I don’t…. a) get beat by @grant00 and b) die hiking up a hill

.


Thanks.

 

[MuleyFever]

@Bluumoon checking in on the plan for this?

Besides all the sandwich (or hotdog??) talk, I’ve seen some suggestions of “extreme” hunting hikes, etc.

I’m a year out from an ACL repair, so “I think” I can handle that, but want to know what I’m up against to be realistic.

Also, I’m not far north of you and there are fire restrictions limiting shooting in most NF and BLM areas, so curious if that “may” effect your plan at all.

Bottom line I’m requesting some work off for this because it sounds awesome and want to make sure I don’t…. a) get beat by @grant00 and b) die hiking up a hill

.


Thanks.

You will be fine. Terrain is moderate just around the small drainage through the property. I think we crossed it twice last time. A little side hill walking. BLM or NF restrictions won't hamper our fun.

 

[Bluumoon]

@Bluumoon checking in on the plan for this?

Besides all the sandwich (or hotdog??) talk, I’ve seen some suggestions of “extreme” hunting hikes, etc.

I’m a year out from an ACL repair, so “I think” I can handle that, but want to know what I’m up against to be realistic.

Also, I’m not far north of you and there are fire restrictions limiting shooting in most NF and BLM areas, so curious if that “may” effect your plan at all.

Bottom line I’m requesting some work off for this because it sounds awesome and want to make sure I don’t…. a) get beat by @grant00 and b) die hiking up a hill

.


Thanks.

@MuleyFever covered it. We are using my personal property for the Saturday comp. Terrain is pretty mild, some off trail walking/side hilling.

I’ll sit down and get something more thorough out soon with needed rounds and such. I’ve moved some stations and added targets, so this biggest thing to be done is really just me figuring out par times and how to keep us moving.

Everyone should plan to be at my place just south of Dolores, CO by 0700 to cover rules and safety. My goal is to be shooting by 0800.

I said it before, but your rifle should be ready to go upon arrival, there won’t be time for zeroing.

 

[Tahoe1305]

@MuleyFever covered it. We are using my personal property for the Saturday comp. Terrain is pretty mild, some off trail walking/side hilling.

I’ll sit down and get something more thorough out soon with needed rounds and such. I’ve moved some stations and added targets, so this biggest thing to be done is really just me figuring out par times and how to keep us moving.

Everyone should plan to be at my place just south of Dolores, CO by 0700 to cover rules and safety. My goal is to be shooting by 0800.

I said it before, but your rifle should be ready to go upon arrival, there won’t be time for zeroing.

Thanks. That’s perfect! I’ll put the days off on the system! Look forward to meeting everyone.

 

[Bluumoon]

Alright Fellas,

Course is set and ready to go. Looks like we have a good size group this year (14 guys), so we'll really have to focus on efficiency to keep things moving, I've adjusted the course a little to help with this. Targets will range from 50-700 yard (generous size). Rules for each stage will vary, some stages you will identify targets prior to starting the stage, some stages you must find target while on the clock, etc. The overall focus will remain on ability to find targets and make impacts faster than the rest of us (while using improvised positions) and before you run out of the predetermined time. You must make impact on each target to stop the clock. Score= points/time

Plan for about 3 miles of walking across uneven, but not difficult terrain. It was hot last year. I recommend leather boots/shoes, there's some nasty cactus on the course. You should have a pack with whatever essentials you need for the day, I suggest your normal truck based hunting setup as really we are trying to prove to each other and ourselves what works for actual hunting. Water, snacks, ammo (100 rounds), rain gear, sun screen, etc.

We will pause for lunch and water refills likely at a spot where we can run two stations during the "pause". I'll have my truck at the spot with coolers. As stated before I'm thinking sandwich station and chips for lunch. If anyone wants to provide some stuff that'd be great, just let me know. The truck will be at the morning starting spot and mid day break, so if gear needs to be stashed that will be a good option.

I have enough stations and we have enough guys that we should have a full day.

For Saturday, plan to arrive at my place right at 0700. Goal is to be shooting by 0800 and done around 5pm.

When you arrive, park along the left side of the driveway. LEAVE YOUR RIFLE IN YOUR VEHICLE. We'll be gathering in the barn. Come say hello and find the EMPTY CHAMBER flags on the bar, you will take a flag and a PARTNER to your vehicle. You and witness verify empty chamber and flag the bolt. DO NOT touch the bolt again until flag is removed.

Once the Chamber flag goes on the bolt it will stay there until removed at the direction of the stage director, at the end of the stage you will verify empty with stage director and the flag will be replaced. The rifle bolt is not to be touched with the flag in place. 1st offense forfeit stage, second offense and you'll be a spectator.

The EMPTY CHAMBER flag is to increase awareness, but is no substitute for basic gun safety, muzzle discipline is to be maintained at all times. We are all responsible for our actions and safety. IF YOU SEE AN UNSAFE ACTION, SPEAK UP AND CORRECT THE INDIVIDUAL. The flags attach to the bolt handle (don't have to walk course w open bolt), so they are only as good as the process.

Rifle, must be suppressed, beyond that it's up to you. If someone needs to borrow a suppressor, please plan to arrive Friday and arrange time to verify zero with suppressor added. Saturday morning we will not have time to check zero, you should arrive ready to compete. If someone needs to borrow a rifle setup, please arrange ahead of time, I'll cuss your while reloading, but am happy to help. We'll see what everyone shows up with as far as mag capacity, but lets say either 4 or 5 rounds max per mag, you will need to reload during some stages.

Friday option. I am free all day Friday if guys want to get together and shoot. There is a big deep canyon about 20-25 min away we can do some rock shooting, work on shooter-spotter communication (I need practice), check zeros, etc. You guys tell me who is interested and what time you are thinking. We can also drop a pin on the shooting spot and stay in touch via Satellite text if guys want to meet later. We'll plan to grab food in Dolores Friday evening.

@hereinaz has offered to do a knife sharpening tutorial on Saturday. Friday options-I'm happy to demonstrate basic reloading. Also, I have the tools to do Tikka barrel swaps if anyone wants to see that or swap a barrel.

Saturday meal after the shoot will be burgers (thanks Tobe)/brats and some basic sides.

I'll send out my contact info via PM.

What did I leave out?

 

[Bluumoon]

@hereinaz @h2so4 @justinspicher
@Tobe_B plus one
@MuleyFever @mxgsfmdpx @abbrown

@realunlucky
@Tahoe1305
@grant00
@Mcribs
@Wizzum
@Turkeygetpwnd38

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Friday option. I am free all day Friday if guys want to get together and shoot. There is a big deep canyon about 20-25 min away we can do some rock shooting, work on shooter-spotter communication (I need practice), check zeros, etc. You guys tell me who is interested and what time you are thinking. We can also drop a pin on the shooting spot and stay in touch via Satellite text if guys want to meet later. We'll plan to grab food in Dolores Friday evening.

I'll be in town and free Friday to shoot, whatever time works out best for everyone else is good with me.