Ellis,

I don't know what other members' gunsmithing skill levels are, but my own are zero. However, I do hope to have a double rifle built later this year as a divorce gift to myself and it will be a Verney-Carron. I would be happy to learn from whoever is willing to teach newcomers and interested amateurs whatever they have time for.

Your timed shooting matches sound very like the Big Game Rifle Club of North America matches which are sponsored by these very forums. These are held twice a year in Lodi WI and the parent club, the BGRC of Australia, has held international matches in association with other groups in Maryland and California in the past. As far as I am aware, none of the participants in the Midwest in particular even know of a Colorado match. Some members come for the Lodi WI matches from as far as North Dakota.

Again, the time may be short for such an event this year, but let us talk. Perhaps, by next year, we should have the numbers that would make this a big success. I hope the BGRC USA and Australia members would step in, as would Canadian members. This is an excellent idea and with a little time, it should be possible to make a big success of it.

Good hunting!