Options, Purses and Trophies...
Who doesn't like to win some cash from time to time....most all of us, I would imagine! Sometimes you can improve your chances to pick up some winnings by using your head when you enter an event.
Lewis class purses are a no-brainer. Since they pay so many scores depending on the number of entries, other than tying the hi gun score you can win with any number of scores . In fact its possible to win more than the hi gun score money if there are few or no ties with your score that hits one of the lucky numbers. You won't pay for a new gun with your Lewis class winnings but it's fun to get a check back.
Hi Gun purses are best left to the Big Dog shooters. If you don't often (or never) shoot championship winning scores, playing these purses is only giving your money away.
Class Purses where all the entry money stays in your class is a good bet if you are shooting well and have shot some higher class scores of late. The number of shooters in the class determines how much the payout is going to be. Look for one that pays 2 places which gives you a better shot at collecting at the end of the day.
Wolf Purses and other various money pots have to be judged on their own merits and what the entry fee is. Sometimes at a big shoot you can plunk down $5 for a Ford purse and hit it for some serious cash. Same is true with a Wolf purse. Entries are small and lots of folks play them so if you feel lucky...go for it!
Calcuttas or Special Events are just a euphamism for gambling. Lots of fun and you can "buy" your favorite shooter and share in the winnings if he shoots a top score. At a big shoot there are times when tens of thousands of dollars are in the Calcutta, but beware, there are lots of folks there who know the shooters so buying your favorite in an auction might not be cheap. Sometimes they "bundle" 2 shooters or more together so you get a package deal. They also offer "wild cards" and the bidding on those is usually high as you get to pick your shooter from the pack.
Over the years I have played lots of options. Sometimes hitting for some serious cash...sometimes not so much. Learn the ins and outs of the options before you play and figure your chances with your head and not your heart! I have spent all the money I ever won shooting, however I have some shooting trophies from State, Zone and Grand shoots that mean a lot to me and bring back some sweet memories of places and folks that are a lot more important than money.
Most importantly, have fun! Shoot well and try your best and the day will never be wasted.
Break em' all,
Bob