The inaugural Jericho Resonance Precision Challenge, held last weekend in the scorching Valley of Achor, pitted 75 of the nation’s most devout precision riflemen against 12 stages designed to test both their ballistic acumen and spiritual fortitude. Under a density altitude hovering consistently above 7,000 feet, competitors battled unpredictable 10-15 MPH crosswinds and mirage emanating suspiciously from the 'Pillar of Fire' stage props.
The 'Pillar of Cloud Prayer Position' stage proved particularly vexing. Competitors were required to engage a 1.25 MOA 'Sin Target' at 680 yards from a kneeling barricade, utilizing only their weak-side shoulder while simultaneously reciting 1 Timothy 6:12. Many struggled with the unnatural barricade geometry compounded by the theological requirement, dropping points despite holding solid DOPE for their 6.5 Creedmoor and 6 Dasher loads. Frank 'The Psalmist' Johnson, running an Impact Precision action in an MPA Comp chassis, with a 26-inch Bartlein M40 contour barrel chambered in 6 Dasher pushing 105gr Berger Hybrids at 2920 FPS, meticulously trued his ballistic solution, securing 9/10 hits.
The 'Goliath's Demise Cold Bore' stage demanded a perfect first-round hit on a 0.75 MOA steel plate at 1000 yards. The wrinkle: competitors had to cast out a 'spirit of doubt' before their shot, a task that surprisingly correlated with lower SD/ES values for their handloads. Mark 'The Shepherd' Reynolds, known for his sub-7 ES 6GT loads, attributed his cold bore first-round impact to superior barrel harmonics and the calming effects of genuine repentance. His Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 with the Mil-XT reticle made reading the wind off the distant 'Philistine' flags straightforward.
Ultimately, consistent performance across all stages, especially the 'Deliverance Barracks Barricade' where shooters had to perform rapid engagements from a standing tripod while rebuking 'demonic influences' at 300, 500, and 750 yards, separated the top finishers. The ability to maintain rock-solid positional stability and make precise wind calls, often through tears of spiritual conviction, proved decisive in the challenging conditions.
