Gun Judging

[Roger Fisher]

Interesting subject and there is no definite answer.  I question why there are less entries each year?  I didn't get my plain Jane J Beck finished past the side plate, not that anyone would have been worried about my entry.  I admit to building plain rifles and that carving and engraving work is beyond me at my age.  But by @!*% my rifles are shooters (so far)   I agree that an entrant that has the engraving and carving well done but suffers from not being perfect should get the nod over a plain jane rifle because $#*! at least he or she tried and did fairly well.  I managed a 1st place with my smoothbore a couple or three years ago and she was and is plainas a stump; but well built.  I like the idea of a seperate 'tent' where the builder can sit down with a 'judge' and have the builders mistakes pointed out. After the ribbons are handed out the judges are very busy and really don't have the time to go over many rifles in detail in person with the builder. builders.  I yet do not know where some of my 'points' came from on a few of mine.  For the above reason.

[M.D.H.]

Roger,
The sad thing is that I stood there for the better part of 40 minutes after the guns were handed out.  Not one builder came up to me to ask about their gun and the critiques it may or may not have had.  Or if I had judged it or if I know what judge had looked at it.  And from what I understand it's not too common for individuals to come up and ask. 

I personally reached out to a young man to discuss his carving and finish, but no one approached me. 

Otherwise it seems as if most are more content to complain about the score, but do nothing to understand the reason.  Heck we may look at something differently next year if someone were to show and explain something. 



Matt