Thunder on the Tundra: A Rifle Match in the Wisconsin Tundra

Experiencing Thunder in the Tundra at a Rifle Match

The tundra is often thought of as a quiet, remote place. But for a weekend every fall, the peace of the tundra is interrupted by the thunderous boom of high-powered rifles. This is the sound of the annual Thunder on the Tundra rifle match held near Ripon, Wisconsin. For competitors and spectators alike, it is a chance to experience the excitement of top-level rifle shooting against the backdrop of the stark tundra landscape.

Arriving at Thunder on the Tundra

Pulling into the grounds of Thunder on the Tundra, you immediately get a sense of the scale for the event. The shooting range stretches for over a mile, with multiple shooting stations and target areas. In the parking areas, truck beds are loaded with rifle cases and equipment. Competition shooters are making final preparations, dialing in scopes and cleaning barrels before registering. Spectators set up folding chairs along the spectator rope line, laying out snacks and drinks for a long day of watching. There is an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air.

The Courses of Fire

Thunder on the Tundra features a wide array of courses of fire to test shooter's skills. Stages require shooting from various positions like prone, kneeling, offhand, and from improvised shooting positions. Steel silhouette targets are set out at ranges from 100 to 600 yards. Poppers, spinning targets, and plates that fall when hit challenge shooters to be fast and accurate under pressure. The courses of fire are set along a picturesque valley, lined by golden tundra grasses swaying gently in the fall breeze between shots.

Full Auto Exhibition

One of the highlights every year is the full auto exhibition. Shooters use fully automatic rifles like machine guns to showcase their handling and control. The rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire echoes through the valley as shooters engage targets with short controlled bursts. Spectators crowd the line to watch tracers arc downrange, vapor trails marking the path of bullets traveling at over 2,500 feet per second. The smell of gunpowder hangs thick in the air by the end of the demo, the tundra covered in spent brass.

Unique Rifles Spotted

While AR-15 style rifles are common, Thunder on the Tundra draws some more unique firearms as well. Bolt action precision rifles chambered in magnum cartridges like .300 Norma Magnum can reach out and touch targets past a mile away. Battle rifles like the M14 and FAL harken back to classic military designs. Competitors running AK-47s demonstrate techniques for delivering fast fire with 7.62x39mm steel case ammo. The variety of firearms at Thunder on the Tundra showcases both modern and classic rifle designs at their full potential.

Night Match

As the sun sets, portable lights are set up along the shooting line. The night match is about to begin. Shooting in low light conditions is a unique challenge. Shooters have to negotiate targets barely visible at distance and contend with blooming light sources. Tracer rounds light up downrange, briefly illuminating steel targets before clanging when hit. Muzzle flashes illuminate competitor's faces down the line in brief strobes of light. Shooting quickly yet precisely in the dark tests marksmanship skills in a whole new way.

Conclusion

For competitors and spectators alike, Thunder on the Tundra is about more than just the shooting. It is a chance to get together with fellow firearm enthusiasts and test skills. The unlikely backdrop of the serene tundra landscape lends the event a sense of uniqueness. Though normally quiet, the tundra comes alive with the thunder of rifle fire each fall. The mix of camaraderie, competition, and of course the guns make Thunder on the Tundra a memorable weekend for all involved.

FAQs

Where is the Thunder on the Tundra match held?

Thunder on the Tundra takes place near Ripon, Wisconsin on privately owned land used just for this event.

What types of rifles are used in the competitions?

Competitors use a wide variety of rifles including AR-15s, bolt action precision rifles, battle rifles like M14s and FALs, and even AK-47s. The matches showcase both modern and classic rifle platforms.

What targets are used during the matches?

Steel silhouette targets are set at distances from 100 to 600 yards. There are also poppers, spinners, and falling steel plates that require accuracy and speed.

What goes on during the full auto exhibition?

Shooters use select fire rifles like machine guns to demonstrate control while firing in fully automatic mode. It's a crowd favorite to watch tracers arc downrange as shooters engage targets.

Can anyone compete or attend Thunder on the Tundra?

The matches are open to competitors of all skill levels. Spectators are also welcome to observe along the crowd line. It's a great event for firearm enthusiasts!