Vortex Optics Extreme Invitational a big hit

[Len Backus]

Press Release from Vortex Optics:

Vortex Optics Extreme Invitational a big hit

Vortex optics held its inaugural Vortex Extreme Invitational July 16, at Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf near Tremonton Utah and the event was everything claimed in the invitation. It tested long range shooting skills, it was physically challenging and it was hot.


Participants were required to traverse the six-mile course the old fashioned way – running, hiking walking – all the while knowing a portion of their score was based on how quickly they finished. Strong legs and lungs were a big asset. Final scores were based on course time and how well each team of two shot. Shots ranged from 200 to 1200 yards, no shooting benches were allowed and each station featured a tough offhand standing, sitting, or kneeling shot. Even highly experienced shooters found the shots could be quite humbling.

"The goal of the event was to bring industry leaders together for a day of hard-core shooting in a new format that tested physical fitness, long range marksmanship, team communication and strategy," said Mark Boardman, Vortex Optics marketing manager. Scenarios mimicked many of the same pressures faced when that big game trophy steps out and you only have precious seconds to find the target, get a range, dial elevation, dope wind and execute a shot - often times with an increased heart rate and breathing heavily. No easy task.

Vortex has a variety of high-quality optics built for long-range precision shooting – many of which were represented on the course by shooters. "It was great to see the amount of Vortex Optics on the course the day of the event," said Boardman. "Andy Christiansen from Christensen Arms was running one of our new Viper HS LR riflescopes and finished in the top three. He's a heck of shooter and climbed those hills like a billy goat."

There were a variety of firearms on the course. Some participants keyed on the lightest weight rigs possible, while others committed to grind it out with their favorite heavy guns. If you could hack it to pack it you could bring it. Each strategy had its own merit and participants found success with both.

From the invitations to the course to the trophies awarded to the champions, everything was top notch. "We're a younger, edgier company, yet deliver a high level of class, performance and professionalism in what we do and the products we produce," said Boardman. "The Vortex Extreme echoed those qualities. Spirit Ridge was the perfect venue and we're really happy with how everything turned out. The Vortex Extreme is something we're looking to grow and evolve over time and we're already excited about next year."

To check out images from the shoot click the following link: Vortex Extreme Inivitational - 2011 | Facebook


First Place: Wasatch Arms
Score: 39
Kevin Norman
Landon Gines
Second Place: G7
Score: 55
Todd Sholly
Tyler Scoffield
Third Place: Christensen Arms #2
Score: 62
Courtney Crane
Andy Christiansen
About Vortex Optics: American owned, Middleton, Wisconsin based Vortex Optics designs, engineers, produces and distributes a complete line of premium binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, tripods and related accessories. Dedicated to exceptional quality, value and unrivaled customer service, Vortex backs its products with its unconditional, transferable, lifetime VIP-warranty. Built on more than 20 years of experience in the optics industry, Vortex is rapidly emerging as a leading brand in the optics market.
Vortex - The Force of Optics | Vortex Optics - Home

 

[devins]

Sounds like a blast! How do we get invited to the senior division?

 

[royinidaho]

I've shot that course. Walking it, under pressure, would really suck! Climbing the first steep hill in the Zuki Sidekick had all wheels scratching, in low range...

I figure I'll be there next year if only to call "color"....

 

[lazylabs]

Those times are pretty good, 10 min miles with a couple minutes of shooting time..... ouch

 

[royinidaho]

I've shot that course. Walking it, under pressure, would really suck! Climbing the first steep hill in the Zuki Sidekick had all wheels scratching, in low range...

I figure I'll be there next year if only to call "color"....

 

[T-Chaser]

I've shot this course four times in july alone . Every time you go, its a different temp, or pressure, it really keeps you in tune with your shooting. You really get a feel with your hold overs. They have a classic division, and a masters division. Classic 200 to 600 yds, no turrets, Masters, 500 to 900 yds, use anything you have. Everyone gets to try the 1000 yd moose or bear. The guides are friendly and helpful. Totally addicting. The Top gun tourney was fun. shoot there three times, get one free.

 

[devins]

So the range is open to the public? And do you have to have reservations? Where is it exactly and are there others around that are open to the public?

 

[royinidaho]

So the range is open to the public? And do you have to have reservations? Where is it exactly and are there others around that are open to the public?

Yep open to public

Yep reservations necessary as it is a bit remote and "guides" need to schedule

Location is shown on the left in this page: Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf :: White's Valley, UT :: Call Today 1-435-764-6980

There are no other similar experiences in existence that I know of. This experience is a level or two above going to a range. And a level above ambushing rocks, due to the competitive nature of the sport.

It's a real live, high desert, mountain, sage brush experience. No trees. No shade. Hot and dry.

You best be prepared. That is fully ready to make that first cold bore shot every time.

Funner than heck.

 

[devins]

Thanks so much for the info Roy. It does sound like a great time. I had a similar idea to set up for fun with a group of shooters from our church but I would get hung up on safety issues with farmsteads off in the distance. We have some pretty open areas around here but it would worry me in the heat of competition if everyone would always be absolutely on top of their safety game. So it just remained an idea. The guides have got to help. And the really open terrain, LOL. Thanks again.

 

[royinidaho]

Thanks so much for the info Roy. It does sound like a great time. I had a similar idea to set up for fun with a group of shooters from our church but I would get hung up on safety issues with farmsteads off in the distance. We have some pretty open areas around here but it would worry me in the heat of competition if everyone would always be absolutely on top of their safety game. So it just remained an idea. The guides have got to help. And the really open terrain, LOL. Thanks again.

The "guides" do nothing but keep score and ensure the rules of the game.

The shooter team has to find find, range, engage and shoot the target all on their own. However, I've noticed, that if there is a group shooting together, the first shooter is at a bit of disadvantage. But the wind is the great equalizer.