Kongsvinger Open 2005
 

By Frank Sparby (FYF-52555) and Henning Wallgren (A-25335)

 

Kongsvinger is a small town, located about an hour east of Oslo in Norway. Now if you want to shoot a great match and visit a spectacular country at the same time, this might be the thing for you. Kongsvinger Open, an IPSC level III sanctioned match, was held for the 4th time in June last year. Over 150 shooters from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and United States showed up and enjoyed the 15 high quality stages. Located in the middle of the Norwegian woods, all shooting bays are next to each other and you’ll never have to walk more than 15 yards to get to the next stage. Every possible shooting challenge was present, from super-fast speed shoots to field courses to the Norwegian version of a “Jungle Run.” The “Jungle”, providing tree trunks and roots as natural obstacles. Inspired by our love for the Arizona desert, even cardboard cactuses were seen on a stage, ironically called “Snowflake”. There were 4 long, 6 medium and 5 short courses with an average hit factor well over 8. The match is very professionally run with IROA personnel on every stage.

 

Pictures from last year’s match:

“Hammock Hill” IPSC Range, located in the midst of the Norwegian Woods…

 

Match Director Frank Sparby talking with shooter Even Skaarer. Long time IPSC shooter, Johan Hansen, seen on the right. The World famous IROA “Big Gee” in the background, keeping us on a tight leash.

 

Swedes’s like to take it easy…

 

 

And when you’re done shooting, you should go and see the Fjords, where the ocean runs deep into the mountains… Henning Wallgren, Brian Enos and Bjørn Elseth hiked to the top of “Prekestolen”, one of the spectacular wonders of the Norwegian Fjords. It’s a 2,000 feet drop right behind us, and no guard rails in sight.

 

So, if you’re like some of us, who like to travel to new places and shoot a good match, you may want to consider this year’s match. Go to www.triggerfreeze.com and look for 2006 Kongsvinger Open. The dates for this years match is June 10th – 11th. It is also the 2006 IPSC Norwegian Standard Championships.

 

Shooters comments about the match:

 

Steinar Haugli: Nordic Champion Open & Standard 2003, National Team, Norway.

“KO is the best match's in the Nordic region for years. It’s getting better and better every year. Well built stages. Real DVC!!!”