Moving target backers

At the 2023 Nationals we used "recycled" backers for the first time.  Using backers from the previous years, a member (Chuck Duncan), taped all the holes over with strong white tape and crossed out any markings on them.  We had none of the backers that were used lose any tape.  They performed as well as new paper backers.  The reason for this is that with the large increase in paper costs; the backers for the 2022 tournament cost the CBA $200 and the size had to be cut from a larger sheet, due to lack of supply (we were not charged for the cutting to size).  I had saved the backer material from several other years, by doing this it has provided us with several years of backers for use on the Pioneer backer system, saving us money.  We will have to purchase backer material at Piedmont for the 2024 National.  I understand Piedmont is working on getting a backer system up and running for the nationals and I have no idea of what size paper will be used or how their system will work.

The Pioneer backer system moves at 1-inch per minute, so a ten-minute match means it moves ten inches.  It also overlaps both edges of the target so that any shot off the target is recorded.  Winds have been known to move a shot off target, but is recorded on the backer, so you might have shot five times but only 4 hit the target and the backers shows it.  Unless you are "machine gunning" it the 1-inch per minute works very well.  I am currently working on a new control system for it to aid the range officer in operating it. 

I believe the world record 5 shot group in NBRSA benchrest was shot by a 30 caliber at 100 yards and measured 0.0077!  Without a moving backer system this would never have been a record without proof of 5 shots fired.  This shows the importance of having a moving backer system for records that may be shot by us. Yes, we have seen some very small groups.