Thunder Hole Smoke-Out

Annual Long Range Match — Next: May 14-16, 2027

About

The Smoke-Out match uses true period-correct rifles and cartridges and must be shot with single shot rifles (or replicas) available in the pre-1900 time period. Targets are out to 600 yards.

The match is a relaxed, relay-type format where up to 10 people may shoot on each relay, with each shooter firing in sequence. Shooter #1 fires a round, then Shooter #2, Shooter #3, and so on. You have plenty of time to get ready for your next shot — nobody is rushed.

The Smoke-Out is a 3-day match (Friday through Sunday) where
- Day 1 is for side matches - pistol caliber rifle, rifle caliber lever rifle, rimfire long range and a 400-yard offhand match
- Day 2 is a gong match at 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards
- Day 3 is a silhouette match at 200, 300, 400, 485 and 500 yards

The range is open Thursday for sight-in.

Learn more about our regular long range program on the Thunder Hole Long Range page.

2027 Schedule

  • Wednesday, May 12
    Range opens for dry camping at 12:00 noon
  • Thursday, May 13
    8:00 am – 5:00 pm — Range open for sight-in
  • Friday, May 14
    8:00 am – 10:00 am — Sight-in
    10:00 am – 4:00 pm — Rimfire Silhouette Match; Lever Action Side Match (pistol & rifle); 400-yard offhand
  • Saturday, May 15
    8:00 am – 9:00 am — Sight-in
    9:00 am – finished — Single Shot Gong Match (40 rounds)
    12:00 pm – 1:00 pm — Lunch
  • Sunday, May 16
    8:00 am – 9:00 am — Sight-in
    9:00 am – finished — Single Shot Silhouette Match (40 rounds)
    12:00 pm – 1:00 pm — Lunch
    After match — Awards!

General Guidelines

  • Black powder and smokeless powder are allowed
  • Lead bullets only — polymer-coated bullets and gas checks are OK
  • Any period-correct sight is allowed, including Malcolm-type telescopic sights
  • Separate categories for men, women, non-telescopic sights, and telescopic sights
  • Shooting from the prone position, sitting with cross-sticks, or from a bench (stool OK for sitting)
  • Black powder and smokeless are in the same category

Quick Facts

  • Next match: May 14-16, 2027
  • Where: Thunder Hole / WHC Range
  • Entry: $70
  • Extra lunch: $10

Register & Downloads

Registration Form Match Flyer Schedule & Match Rules Smoke-Out Scores American Sharps Shooter Jan 2025 Newsletter American Sharps Shooter Jan 2026 Newsletter

Please share the page or match flyer to help spread the word! We hope to build this into a decent regional match.