Interesting thread you started George!
If I was a new shooter, then I'd answer yes to your first, same target as the others are shooting to the second and whatever ammo I could get my hands on for the third question. But then, since the first time you and I ever went to a formal match, I never felt bad about using whatever gun I had to compete with. No, we never expected to set the world on fire, but we scared the bejesus out of some of them a time or two didn't we? You know how I feel about all of this and you're the same. But most people probably aren't as strange as you and I. I personally never thought about what I was shooting. Whether it was a high end factory rifle, a custom rifle or even if I had to take the sling off my CZ Full Stock squirrel rifle to shoot it in a formal match. Hey that would be cool...you want a factory class that focuses on the shooter and not how deep his pockets are? CZ 452/455, Savage, Marlin, etc factory rifles, no bull barrels, must be shot with sling, no rests allowed. Not free standing, heck, have seen too many bullet holes in the walls from people shooting custom rifles off a bench as it is... But sit at a bench, rest your elbows on the bench, but have to use a sling on your actual "squirrel" rifle. Bet ammo price wouldn't be a problem then! Sorry, got sidetracked there for a moment...
I went over to see what thread you were speaking of, and it looks like Paul is looking at just trying to get new blood into the game. If they are going to run this in conjunction with ARA matches, can't see them wanting to use anything other than ARA targets. But then, who knows at this point. The ARA target is going to be harder than the IR 50 target. Which would be harder than the IBS target. Seriously doubt anyone would want to use the PSL target in something like this. But this is where I might seem like I'm off in the weeds...why would the target really matter? I say shoot whatever and see how you do. If you're shooting against certain classes, it will level the field but even if not, it never mattered to me personally. But again, I'm a bit strange I suppose. But long story short, if they are doing this in conjunction with ARA matches, I would assume they would be using ARA targets for this class too.
Honestly, something like this would probably have to take hold at local club matches first to get somewhat of a foothold in the arena of competitive BR. And I suppose it's up to the local clubs to make or break this, no matter what the powers that be decide. But then, if local clubs really went all out to build the sport, it would be in better shape than it is now anyway.
Might be a lot to ask for a few guys locally to want to grow something alongside their normal shooting of whatever matches they shoot now. It takes a lot of time, a lot of hand holding and a lot of support from the local guys who you're doing this for. But again, who knows.
Looking at how you guys do it at Bland, how James and his gang does it down in Texas, and a few other places out there...anything can be done. It just depends on the people in that particular area and if they want to do it. You guys are lucky to have such a great group of people who share common desires and interests. And from that, you've built something to be proud of.
I'd say it just takes enough people dedicated to making something work to actually make it work. There are a lot of new people who would probably shoot their rifles in formal matches if:
-They knew about them.
-They understood what the rules were.
-It was worth their time and money.
-They felt that they would be competitive.
Doesn't do any good to address each point here and now, but can't stress enough about the importance of advertising what you're doing. And making it worthwhile to someone to spend the time and money it takes to "go shoot guns". And making it worthwhile is a biggie I'd think. The competitive stuff is an individual thing and I think that's what's driving this now. Personally never cared if it was a level playing field but a lot of people do care I suppose.
But advertising and participation is huge. Heck, a few years ago, IR 50 was huge in VA and NC. Now look at it. Take out Kettlefoot and the different matches that Wayne's running and what do you have? Jason is trying to build things up over his way and he does a lot for the sport. But again, it comes down to what the people locally want to do. Where I live, we have one of the few indoor facilities available for shooting BR, yet most of the people who live in this county (and there are a lot of people who shoot and hunt that live here) have no idea it even exists. And all those guys who used to shoot at Piney Hill? A few show up on Fridays to hang out and shoot a target or two and pass the time. A couple show up for formal matches. They do have the Squirrel matches that have a pretty good following. Which are more inline with factory rifles. But not long ago you would have two relays for club matches. Now, you see that only once in awhile. But to be fair, they stress sporter and 3 gun more now so that will limit the number of people anyway.
Guess what I'm saying is that times change, people change. Yes new people getting into the sport are needed for it to survive. I applaud anyone who wants to tackle this, but after it's all said and done, it really does come down to who really wants to take the time to make something like this work. And the bigger question might be, is there actually a market for this? Are there enough people who want to do it?
All of this is just opinion on my part. Good luck to all who are trying to build this. Would be neat to see it take hold.
Kenny