NATIONAL RIFLE JOURNAL ASSOCIATION Summer 2020 – Volume XCIX No. 2 £4.25£4.25
DEEP SHOOTING CLEAN YOUR CLUB We show you IS BACK! how... How electronic targets are allowing safe, socially distanced shooting at Bisley
RANGE REFURBS CLASSIC ARMS 300M RED DEER ON THE HEATH
NRA35.cover.indd 1 24/06/2020 15:06 HenryKrank
Henry Krank
100-104 Lowtown, Pudsey, Mail: [email protected] Web: www.henrykrank.com Follow us on facebook: Henry Krank West Yorkshire, LS28 9AY, UK Fax: 01132574 962 Open Mon -Sat,9am -5pm facebook.com/henrykrankcoltd NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION Summer 2020 – Volume XCIX No. 2
5 CEO INTRO As rifl e shooting gradually returns after 24 lockdown, NRA CEO Andrew Mercer explains what the organisation is doing to keep the sport going while keeping members safe
6 NEWS The latest news from the NRA and the wider shooting world
8 THE RANGES REOPEN Updates on work done to the Bisley ranges during lockdown, and how the fi rst days of civilian shooting post-lockdown have been 24 HOW TO USE ELECTRONIC TARGETS 12 COMPETITIONS IN 2020 With electronic targets so vital to safe Find out more about the NRA’s plans to shooting now, here’s how to get the most restore a partial competition calendar out of them Cover photo by Paul Deach
Managing editor: Colin Fallon 13 REMOTE TRAINING 26 DEER IN THE DANGER AREA Graphic design: Christopher Borgman An update from Peter Cottrell on what How a scheme to introduce red deer to the Advertising sales: happened to NRA training courses during heath has been a huge success fi [email protected] lockdown Contributors: James Adler, Charles 30 REGIONAL UPDATE Brooks, Robin Carter, Peter Cottrell, 14 COOPER’S CLASSIC Nic Couldrey reports from a club that has Nicholas Couldrey, Alan Fitch, Steve How a rifl e resembling the 300m Walther recently deep-cleaned its facilities Proud, Derek Stimpson, Georgina Thatcher, Nick Tremlett, Richie Vallance, used by the legendary Malcolm Cooper John Webster was built 31 OBITUARIES Stock photography: Lee Bowditch, Remembering the life of David Friend David Cary, Paul Deach, Jon Hawkins, 18 HISTORICAL APPEAL Charlie Hoare, James Marchington Derek Stimpson runs through the historic 32 TRADE MEMBERS fi rearms of all kinds that are in use at Bisley The full Trade Member listing for the NRA NRA chief executive: Andrew Mercer Chairman: David Lacey Address: National Rifl e Association, 22 NEWS FROM THE NCSC 34 MESSAGE 10 Bisley, Brookwood, Surrey GU24 0PB There’s been plenty of work going on at the We talk to John Webster about his long and T: 01483 797777 F: 01483 797285 National Clay Shooting Centre successful career in shooting W: www.nra.org.uk To contact the NRA editorial committee, please email: [email protected] The National Rifl e Association Journal is 26 published on behalf of the National Rifl e Association by Future plc. Address: Future Publishing, Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA, United Kingdom T: 01225 442244 E: [email protected]
All contents © 2020 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Future plc is a public Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne company quoted on the Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford London Stock Exchange Chief fi nancial offi cer Penny Ladkin-Brand (symbol: FUTR) www.futureplc.com Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244
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NRA35.contents.indd 3 24/06/2020 16:42
Chief Executive | WELCOME Staying safe, staying secure NRA CEO Andrew Mercer discusses how the NRA is meeting the challenges of 2020, from social distancing to lead ammunition questions
s lockdown restrictions were gently eased, we opened Century, Stickledown and National Clay Shooting A Centre ranges on Saturday 23 May. Having proved our procedures, and mindful of future changes in regulations and guidance, we are planning to steadily open the rest of our ranges over the next few weeks. We are progressing slowly to ensure that visiting shooters feel safe and shooting at Bisley poses no greater risk than any other outdoor activity. All of us share the responsibility for keeping safe and complying with COVID-19 guidance. Bisley covers a large area, and ensuring we maintain social distancing is important to us as individuals, and to protect the wider reputation of target shooting. With our ranges largely closed, we were pleased that Barclays Bank UK plc agreed a £750k overdraft facility for the NRA. T e arrangement was agreed by Trustees as a pre-emptive measure to bolster the Charity’s liquidity given the uncertainty over the ef ect the COVID-19 crisis will have on our f nances. T e 2019 NRA Trustee Annual Report and Accounts are available on the NRA website. We are planning a series of new autumn competitions, probably restricted to TR, MR and CSR, under the auspices of the ‘NRA Imperial’. T e meetings will be organised by the National Shooting outdoor sport shooting. Currently police, military, security service Centre, with shooters competing for honours awarded by the use and so on, along with indoor ranges, would be exempt. Non- NRA. A survey of competitors suggests good support, but the f nal lead rif e ammunition poses signif cant challenges for .22 rimf re decision to proceed is dependent on our assessment of current and and smaller-calibre centref re rif e bullets. T e move to non-lead future COVID-19 regulations and restrictions. Much will depend will require technical and regulatory changes, and range safety upon the availability of accommodation, hospitality and markers; criteria would also need to be reassessed. and the conf dence of the likely competitors. T e UK game shooting community’s recent decision to support We have been encouraging and assisting regional clubs with a move to non-lead shotgun ammunition has contributed to applications for various grants throughout the lockdown. I was concerns that it will be dif cult to save lead in ammunition for encouraged to learn that Sport England awarded £28 million to hunting. We have argued that the risk posed by lead on shooting 7,668 sports club applicants; 99 per cent of applications have been ranges can be controlled; though it is easier to recover lead bullets reviewed, with a 70 per cent approval rate. To date, 23 shooting from rif e ranges, compared to lead shot from many clay shooting clubs have received emergency funds totalling £50,159. grounds. An EU ban on lead in ammunition is unlikely to be MoD ranges are planning to reopen to civilian clubs in August; enacted until mid- to late 2022, which should mean it would not we are currently working through a number of issues regarding apply to the UK. T ere are, however, risks that the UK government operating procedures and risk assessments with Warminster and could agree to comply with such EU directives. regional commanders. I hope you and your family and friends are well and in good T reats to the use of lead ammunition continue. T e EU are spirits; and that you manage a session on your local range some progressing proposals that would restrict all lead in all hunting and time soon.
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NRA35.chief_exec.indd 5 24/06/2020 13:10 NEWS REPORTS SHOOTING RANGES REOPEN INDUSTRY’S AFTER LOCKDOWN MOOD IMPROVES T e shooting industry is feeling a lot more positive about the post- coronavirus future, two surveys conducted by industry publication Gun Trade News have revealed. In an initial survey at the end of March, two thirds of shooting-related businesses said they planned to close down and wait for the virus to recede. However, a second survey six weeks later painted a happier picture. T ough many businesses did indeed shut, they indicated that they were raring to go and would largely be reopening soon. Some 55 percent of respondents said they would be back open by early July, with the vast majority of them feeling Shooting grounds and outdoor ranges can Shooting activities must follow social that although there was some ground reopen in England as shooting gradually distancing guidelines, with groups of no for concern, they would survive. restarts after a period of complete more than six congregating outdoors and Furthermore, nearly 30 per cent shutdown during the coronavirus maintaining a two-metre separation. of respondents felt the coronavirus outbreak. T is ruling also only covers England – outbreak would make little dif erence For nearly two months, most forms other parts of the UK are proceeding at overall to their business this year, while of recreational shooting were of cially their own pace with easing restrictions. more than one in f ve businesses were prohibited as going out to shoot would Scotland, for example, has said that “non- identifying this as a time of opportunity, constitute a non-essential journey. contact outdoor activities in the local area” when they could in fact improve upon Now, as part of the government’s phased are permitted – this is broadly understood their previous performance. plan to open the country after lockdown, to mean within f ve miles of where you live. Furloughing has been commonplace socially distanced sports can take place. As this issue of the Journal went to press, in the shooting industry, with 60 Nigel Huddleston, the parliamentary Scotland was moving to phase two of its percent of businesses saying they under-secretary for sport, tourism and post-lockdown plan, which meant more applied for some form of government heritage, conf rmed that shooting is restrictions would be lifted. support. T ankfully, they tended to included on this list, and said that “any T e NRA has transferred this guidance to f nd that support easy to get, with most facilities associated with outdoor sports its ranges at Bisley. To f nd out more about reporting that the process had been a and physical activities, including shooting how they have opened safely, read the straightforward one. ranges, can now reopen”. dedicated feature starting on page 9.
6 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.news.indd 6 24/06/2020 13:10 NEWS | NRA News
SCOTTISH BOOST FOR GENERAL NOTICES F CLASS WORLD SHOOTING BUSINESSES CHAMPIONSHIPS Te eagerly awaited F-Class A successful campaign has seen the Scottish which can provide up to £25,000 to support World Championships (FWC) in Government overturn its exclusion of individual businesses. Bloemfontein, South Africa, in April shooting from a government handout If you have a Scottish shooting business 2021 have been postponed to April designed to soften the blow of coronavirus. and are interested in applying, you can 2022. A vote within the international Te funding from the Scottish search for the eligibility criteria and further F-Class community was taken after Government, designed to help tourism in details at: https://fndbusinesssupport.gov. concerns were expressed about the Scotland get through this period, comes in scot/coronavirus-advice ability of teams to attend In 2021 as the form of three grants worth £100m. well as all the uncertainties around Originally, no sporting tourism planning for an event in 2021. businesses were eligible for any of the Te organisers, SABU, have money. Now, however, the cabinet confrmed that the FWC will now be secretary for the rural economy and held in April 2022, and that they hope tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP, has admitted to confrm the exact dates in about that sporting businesses had been two weeks time. Tey intend to reissue ‘inadvertently excluded’ from this support. individual invitations to each member Tey will now be eligible for one of the country with the new dates, but they three funds: the £20m creative, tourism will also put the dates on their website and hospitality enterprises hardship fund, when fnalised: www.sabisley.com
AUSTRALIA MATCH CALLING NOTICE Te highly prestigious Australia Match Applications to the GB Veterans Rifle NEW RANGE: for international Target Rife Teams Team to the World Championships 2023 was due to be held at Bisley during the I am greatly honoured to have been CHOBHAM NRA meeting in 2021. Unfortunately, elected by the NRA Council as Captain it has had to be cancelled, as the of the GB Veterans Rife Team to RIDGE Australian Target Rife Team will not compete in the World Championships An attractive rural range that looks now be coming to Bisley in 2021 and in South Africa in 2023. across the danger area towards the the match cannot be held without their David Richards and Stephen Penrose main Bisley site. On a clear day, to presence. Te match is normally held have graciously accepted my invitations the south of the range you can see on a four-year cycle (approximately) to be Vice-Captain and Adjutant. Guildford Cathedral, complemented in and an alternative date and possibly Due to COVID-19 it is too early to the east by incredible views of London venue is yet to be decided. be prescriptive about numbers, plans and the Wembley Arch. and timetables. Te dates for the SABU Te range consists of multiple and World Championships have not yet steel plates from unknown distances been fxed ofcially, but are likely to be between 200 – 900x. Shooting period at the end of March, possibly from 16 will be from approx. 10am-2pm March to 1 April. depending on stoppages. If you are interested in selection, Current ofer is £500 for maximum please email me at charles.brooks@ of fve people, inclusive of NSC RCO. penningtonslaw.com before the end of Tere is a range building with September 2020. Requests for further a troop shelter providing a dry information will follow after receiving haven during inclement weather your initial application. We will want to and impressive down range views. run a number of selection and training Ablutions consist of a portaloo, days, hopefully starting in the Spring of and there is a car park conveniently 2021. Please feel free to email or speak situated near the fring point. to me if you have any questions. Visit the Chobham Ridge page on the Charles Brooks NRA website for more information.
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NRA35.news.indd 7 24/06/2020 13:10 UPDATE | Bisley
Shooting recommences at Bisley As the lockdown in the UK gradually lifts, civilian shooting has been returning in a gradual and safe manner on the Bisley ranges
n 13 May 2020 the Government Unfortunately, the guidance did not Consequently the ranges opened on announced that Covid 19 specifcally mention rife ranges. While 23 May 2020 for the frst time since 25 O restrictions were to be relaxed the NSC and NRA were in no doubt that March. Te NSC staf had implemented a little. People would be permitted to go shooting could be conducted safely, there processes to mitigate the risk of exposure outside more than once a day for exercise, was some doubt among the authorities. to the virus for shooters, visitors and staf. alone, with members of their household, However, following the submission of It was important that NSC procedures were or with one person from outside their detailed risk assessments and procedures sufciently detailed to promote confdence household as long as they followed social to Guildford Borough Council, they in Bisley as a safe place to work and visit. distancing guidelines. agreed that we could conduct shooting Te patience and good humour shown by all Outdoor sports courts and other activities safely at the NSC and within with these new, sometimes inconvenient, outdoor sporting activities were permitted the government guidelines. Tis was arrangements is greatly appreciated. to reopen if those responsible for them closely followed by confrmation from Populating the markers gallery, on any were ready to do so and could do so safely, National Police Chiefs Council and the of the ranges, at this stage was deemed following public health guidance. Indoor Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for to present an increased risk to staf, facilities such as clubhouses were to be kept Sport, Tourism and Heritage that target and therefore the decision was taken closed, apart from toilets and throughways. shooting was permitted under the new to, initially, only shoot at weekends on Clubhouse bars and restaurants were guidelines providing that social distancing electronic targetry in one-hour slots, with permitted to ofer takeaway services. was observed. one frer per target and one waiting in a
9 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.bisley_ranges.indd 9 24/06/2020 16:48 UPDATE | Bisley
Socially distanced shooting on Century Range
The patience and good humour shown Sanitisation protocols were in place at every by all with these new arrangements fi ring point is greatly appreciated
specif ed area. Distances shot would be their allocated time. On arrival they were to Century Range (100, 300 and 600 yards), go to the unmanned desk where they would Stickledown Range (900 and 1,000 yards). f nd general information and electronic On arrival, visitors were required to target instructions. NSC staf were located follow a one-way circuit to the ranges/range in the gazebo (behind a table) to provide of ce. T e requirement to sign in at the information, answer questions and ensure range of ce was relaxed, so there was no social distancing guidelines were followed. need to visit the of ce unless ammunition or the withdrawal of a f rearm had been pre-booked. T is reduced the likelihood of a queue and allowed shooters to go direct to the Zero Range or, if they were content with their zero, direct to the Main Range. Queueing systems and waiting areas were put in place on each range and at the range of ce. In addition, NSC staf were on hand in all areas to provide assistance to anyone that needed it and advise on details of lane allocation. At each key point, copious amounts of hand sanitiser, latex gloves and alcohol wipes were provided.
On the range Using the electronic Shooters were asked not to arrive at the targets was key to maintaining distancing range any more than 15 minutes before
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NRA35.bisley_ranges.indd 10 24/06/2020 16:48 UPDATE | Bisley
THE NSC DURING LOCKDOWN
Because of the coronavirus restrictions, the NSC and NRA ceased all non- essential activities on 23 March 2020. All civilian shooting on the ranges operated by the National Shooting Centre was suspended. T e only range activity that was permitted to continue was Police and Military f rearms training. T e reduction in activity, coupled with clear instructions that all non- essential movement should cease, forced a reduction in staf ng to the Reception. T e perspex screens were were being eroded by rain and the team bare minimum. Most staf were f tted due to the circumstances and we were constantly shovelling sand. T e placed on furlough. T e small team look forward to the day when we can sand is now so dry it is being blown remaining were charged with providing remove them. away, and we are struggling to get a remote service to the membership, the stop butts to hold their prof le. supporting police and military range Range Maintenance However, in recent weeks the weather use, resetting thousands of range In order to maintain range safety, the has been ideal for growing grass. bookings, rescheduling training courses, scheduled stop butt maintenance has T e weather combined with the servicing range infrastructure and continued. Century Range has been reduced grounds team has made it exploring options for an autumn series deleaded and is now well prepared for dif cult to keep on top of the estate. of competitions. A signif cant portion of the return to shooting. Several members of staf , not normally this work has been achieved. T e gallery ranges have not been associated with grounds maintenance, ignored. Cheylesmore Range has had have enjoyed operating a ride-on Range Offi ce 20 tonnes of sand added to the stop mower in the sun. Unfortunately when T e refurbishment of the Range butt and has subsequently been the weather deteriorates so do the Of ce started before the lockdown reprof led. Melville Range has been volunteers, but the work they have done was announced. It is now complete deleaded and reprof led.Winans Bay is excellent. and provides a professional, modern, B has been prepared for use as an T e quiet that has descended on spacious and airy environment in additional zeroing facility during these Bisley suits the wildlife, which has which customers can be welcomed. T e times of social distancing and is now become much bolder in recent times. newly refurbished of ce provides an available to book. Deer and badgers can be seen regularly improved working environment with a in the most unusual places. Last week segregated of ce area where NSC staf The Grounds there was a roebuck outside the NRA can process bookings and allocate range T e 2020 weather has been challenging. Main Building standing in between the space independently from the Shooters’ It is not long ago that the stop butts two steel deer.
Apart from a 10-minute hail storm, relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions. the weather was f ne, making the day Gatherings of up to six people are now pleasant and enjoyable for all. A strong, permitted providing that social distancing gusting wind ensured that long-range is observed and the gathering is outside. shooters did not become complacent. For NSC staf are transferring this into range those who needed refreshment or warming procedures, which we hope will encourage up after the storm, “Fat Tony’s” provided a Af liated Clubs to return to the ranges in takeaway service of hot drinks and food. greater numbers. T e conduct and acceptance of the We hope that before you read this changes of all those in attendance was article, the restrictions on the NSC ranges impeccable, with social distancing observed will have been relaxed a little more and and good humour throughout the day. the dark days where no shooting was Fat Tony’s was on hand to T e Prime Minister made another permitted will be little more than a dim provide refreshments announcement on 28 May 2020, further and distant memory.
11 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.bisley_ranges.indd 11 24/06/2020 16:48
NEWS | Competitions Competition comeback? Plans have been drawn up for the safe restart of competitions at Bisley
he Imperial Meeting is the fagship Overall, there were numerous very coupled with clear procedures across all event for the Association and covers positive and warm comments, many elements of the sport. T multiple shooting disciplines. Apart grateful for the opportunity, even if unable Social distancing in some form will be from two World Wars, it has been shot to attend. In terms of the likely number part of our lives for some considerable time. every year since 1860. Te announcement of competitors, responses suggest all Te message from shooters is clear: there of the cancellation of the Meeting in March, three disciplines will have well supported is enthusiasm to get back to competitive as the nation went into lockdown, was no ‘Imperial’ Meetings. shooting so long as it is safe. We are working surprise. But calls from several quarters We recognise the many challenges and up the Risk Assessments and procedures to consider staging events later in the year hurdles, for example: together with each Discipline Rep, to be able led to a rethink of the shooting calendar at to react quickly if, and hopefully when, we Bisley and a revised plan to stage some of Accommodation and caravan sites must are given the green light. the Imperial competitions. be open and fully accessible As we gradually ease out of restrictions, Food and beverage (club houses) must PROVISIONAL CALENDAR we have been drafting plans for be able to trade, albeit under ‘Covid-19 August competitions in late summer and early Secure’ guidelines Match Rifle Meeting 27-31 autumn – additional events to the already A heightened cleaning and hygiene busy schedule at this time. regime to cover shared ablution blocks, September Positive feedback from shooter toilets and multi-use buildings will be in Civ SR Meeting 3-6 surveys and the recent opening of some place GR Nationals 5-6 ranges for recreational shooting provide Social distancing must be observed encouragement that we can deliver this around camp and on the ranges. F Class 10 - 13 ambitious programme. Squadding may be altered to conform; NRA Adaptive 16 Tree disciplines with proposed capacity on some ranges reduced; TR Target Rifle Meeting 12-19 ‘Imperial’ Meetings – MR, CSR and ammunition issued once each day; new TR – were surveyed to gauge the likely procedures for proving clear and keeping Cadets/Schools 25-27 participation in their respective events. register / score cards October Understandably, those unsure or unlikely New protocols for butts duties and target Cadets/Schools 2-4 to attend mainly cited three issues: 1) their marking to ensure social distancing vulnerability/concern about maintaining Target Shotgun Festival 3-4 social distance; 2) timing around school We are busy drafting programmes for Historic SR 3 term (teacher or parent perspective); each event and expect a fnal Go / No Go Civ SR League 4 3) access to accommodation, food and decision by latest mid-July. Te decision to The Trafalgar 17-18 beverage, and the possible lack of a social hold these events will largely depend on any element to the Meeting. further easing of government regulations, GR Autumn Action 24-25
12 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.competitions.indd 12 24/06/2020 15:33 Training Update Peter Cottrell reports on how NRA training plans have progressed during lockdown
raining courses were suspended have frm news, we will contact probationers manual, which can be downloaded from the in mid-March, leaving some 45 and let them know, prioritising those NRA website. Tprobationary members in limbo partway through their training. Te online system for renewing an partway through their training Modules. Te eight regional RSO courses planned RCO qualifcation has been in place for 15 Since the lockdown, we are pleased to between March and June will need to be months. Despite being an open book test see another 60 new members join the rescheduled for the latter part of the year, with no time limit, the frst time pass rate Association, of which 30 are eager to together with Bisley RCO and RSO courses, is only 77 percent, with some applicants embark on probationary training and a plus Club Instructor courses. displaying a concerning lack of knowledge. further 16 will undergo the Membership Similarly, skills courses can be When prompted to read the RCO manual Assessment – all to be arranged on the rescheduled from September providing rather than simply rely upon years of resumption of training. Te question opportunities for disciplines to engage with experience, the vast majority pass at the increasingly being asked is: When might new shooters and promote their discipline second (and fnal) attempt. that be? for the latter part of 2020 and looking What is clear is that social distancing towards 2021. NRA RCO Manual now on website and the need for self-discipline (especially Te latest RCO manual is available regarding minimising face to face contact RCO Renewal Process via the NRA website (NRA / Training and good hand hygiene) will remain part We continue to deal with RCO renewals & Development / RCO Downloads). of our lives for some considerable time. We during the lockdown, so if your Additional hard copies can be obtained are actively working up the protocols and qualifcation has recently expired or is from the training department via training@ risk assessments to deliver courses as soon about to expire, do not delay. You can nra.org.uk for £8.15 incl. p+p. as we are able. Achieving social distancing apply to renew your qualifcation up to six in classrooms is relatively simple, but months after expiry – beyond this grace Skills Courses issues such as shared frearms and 1-1 period, we usually require you to attend a Skills development courses have proved instruction need particular attention. Te fresh RCO course. popular in introducing shooters to a current regulations preventing the opening To renew, go to the NRA website and particular discipline, building knowledge and of accommodation and food outlets are complete an online open book test (NRA / confdence to participate in competitions. especially challenging. Training & Development / RCO Renewal). A number of courses are scheduled for later Training courses scheduled from the Tis test serves as a ‘remind and revise’ in the year, and we will look to add extra beginning of August remain on the calendar session for the duties of the RCO; all the courses to meet demand – look out for and will be kept under review. As soon as we answers can be found in the latest RCO course dates on the NRA website.
National Rifle Association 13
NRA35.training.indd 13 24/06/2020 15:35 Reviving A Legend Robin Carter reports on his attempts to craft a 300m rifle based as closely as possible on the one wielded by Malcolm Cooper
t this time, with our ‘indoor’ Malcolm Cooper, who sadly passed away discussed his need with the designers. He shooting curtailed by this in 2001, is a legend in British shooting. was given un-machined blanks of the action A dreadful virus, rather than focus Between 1970 and 1991 he won 160 and bolt from the Walther Jagd rife with our 300-metre article on the future, we international medals, 14 European titles, their blessing. Te Jagd was a hunting rife will look a little bit more about where its and seven world titles. He still holds most but was the only fullbore rife that Walther history comes from. of the UK 300-metre records! Malcolm produced at that time that was close to a Tis article is not so much about the lifted British shooting to the top ranks match fullbore rife. history of the event, but about a particular in the world, and set British records that Malcolm machined the action, ftted rife that has its place in the heritage either still stand today or are only just a match barrel (I believe from Lothar of the 300-metre event. Te Malcolm being matched or beaten. Walther), a match trigger, and the frst Cooper-built rife that comprised his own In those days – the early 1970s – Accuracy International rife was born. He special action in a Walther GX1 stock was Malcolm was also the Walther importer, a developed it, and was soon making his a milestone in 300-metre fullbore rife competent gunsmith, and the owner and mark in the world with it. Te original was development, and was also probably the founder of Accuracy International, then in 7mm/08 calibre, which by switching frst Accuracy International rife. a small business. Now AI has grown to be barrels allowed him to also shoot it as a the world-renowned maker of sporting and 7.62x51 mm (.308 Win). Malcolm military rifes. Tis, our subject rife, came Tis rife was shot successfully for many about because he could not get exactly what years until Malcolm built his frst pure AI lifted British he wanted for the 300-metre class, and rife using all his own components. Te he set about building his own. Te stock action from this original was ftted into a shooting to the top was naturally a Walther; he used the GX1 Standard rife stock and was used by his ranks in the world small-bore rife stock, which was his choice wife Sarah to set even more British Ladies of small-bore rife, and he then set about records (some of which still stand!) Tat and set British building a fullbore action to compliment it. rife with the original action No.1 is now As the Walther importer and a world- believed to be in a museum in New Zealand. records that still level Walther shooter, he would have been Te original GX1 stock from the original stand today a regular visitor to Walther at Ulm, and rife was consigned to storage, and this is it’s only logical to presume he would have where our story starts!
14 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.300m.indd 14 24/06/2020 15:41 Rifle Restoration | 300M
From yesterday to today My wife was in the Great Britain rife squad in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with Malcolm and Sarah as team mates. She decided in 2011 to return to shooting fullbore as a retirement pastime, and being a nostalgic type, thought it would be nice to shoot again with a similar and familiar stock to the one she had used before. She had always used a Walther GX1 copy stock with various actions for fullbore, including one built by Malcolm, so the frst route for us was to fnd a Walther GX1 stock. Our frst contact was our friend Bill Welsh, now also sadly passed on. Bill, who had been the sales manager at Accuracy Malcolm Cooper shooting the Walther Special at Bisley in the early 80s International, said, “I have just the one for you. It was in my loft for 30 years, and I know who has it now!” We were able to The morning was spent in the contact the present owner, who was happy to sell it. Bill told us of the heritage of the Zero range ‘running in’ the barrel, stock and verifed it was the actual original stock from Malcolm’s frst 300-metre and zeroing. The signs were good: Walther special. He was glad that it would a one-hole group be going to someone who valued the heritage of a special piece of shooting history, and also one who knew Malcolm stamped Keppeler, Langenau, and the blanks of the Walther Jagd rife, and the well and was in the GB team with him. serial number was 00** so it was certainly Jagd bolt, to build his early rifes. Keppeler early. Te barrel would need replacing as machined the Jagd blanks, and then Building the rifle it had seen better days. I needed to do stamped them as a Keppeler! Johannes So now we had the stock, and after some remedial work on the extractor and confrmed that our action was in fact initially ftting a 7.62 Sportco action, we ejector, but the general fnish was good. I machined from a Walther Jagd blank. So started planning to fnd an action similar spoke to Johannes Fritz at Keppeler to get now we knew that I had as close as I was to the original Walther Jagd. Te original an idea of the age, and guidance on what I likely to get to the original action. rife was built as a 300-metre rife, and our should check. I described the action, and Malcolm’s rife action was much of his restoration objective was to return it to received some advice on the work I should own design and work, just on a Walther this purpose. So after initially considering do – and some interesting history points! blank, but now I’m left wondering how building in the original 7mm/08 calibre, Dieter Keppeler, the founder of much he infuenced Dieter Keppeler to we decided for ammunition practicality to Keppeler, had been a design engineer at consider building his own rifes. use the 6mmBR calibre that we shoot with Walther from 1958 to 1987, and would our modern Keppeler 300-metre rifes. have been part of the Walther design team Restoration decisions I initially considered a new Keppeler when Malcolm Cooper was building his We made the decision to have the action action as I knew they still made round action in the late 1970s. Not possible to rebarreled. As we were not due another actions as well as the square fat-bottomed now verify as all have either now passed or trip to Germany for a while, getting it modern actions, but the diameter was are unreachable, but could they have met, to Keppeler would be impractical, so we bigger, and a new modern action did not and discussed the project? It was a small decided to have the work done by Mik ft the ethos. I then spotted an early 1980s team at Walther, so it was very likely. Maksimovic at Dolphin Guns. Mik has round action Keppeler for sale in calibre Keppeler started his own business done some good work for us on other 6mmBR, and discovered it was also the specialising in 300-metre match rifes in rifes, and we were impressed with the same diameter as the original Walther 1982, some time after Malcolm built his standard of his craftsmanship. He ftted Jagd. Te plot thickens… Jagd special, and was also still working as a one-in-eight twist, Bartlein stainless Te action we obtained was in 6mmBR, a designer at Walther. He initially used the 6mmBR barrel, and did some remedial
National Rifle Association 15
NRA35.300m.indd 15 24/06/2020 15:41 300M | Rifl e Restoration
The Cooper Special under test on the range
work on the bolt and action. T e original scratch and dent. But it had spent many is superb, and it is a dark walnut with action on which it is based was designed years in the Accuracy International shop, a delicate tiger stripe which, like a for no more than the .22 Hornet calibre, then later in Bill’s loft, and then with an hologram, is only visible from one so with modern safety thinking, 7.62x51 owner probably unaware of its history. I direction. It is a stunning piece of wood, was a shade optimistic for the design, and did not know what marks were original which has made it dif cult for me to f nd Mik’s work included some improvement and what had been added. To add to that, a piece to inlet in for the bolt cut out. I’ve to the locking lug f tment. As the Keppeler many of the original equipment control not found a good match yet! recoil lugs were also a little dif erent to the stickers had been removed. T e stock to the casual observer is a Malcolm Cooper action, he also machined I kept the EC stickers that were left. standard GX1, but it has been altered. an alloy block bedding and f tted that T e ones on the side of the cheekpiece Malcolm was not tall, and the stock has into the stock, bonding it to the original are untouched, and I sealed them on so been slightly shortened to f t him exactly. alloy block f tted by Malcolm for the same they are protected. T e fore-end has the It’s been done carefully to mirror exactly bedding system nearly 50 years ago. original small metal button inlet into the same lines as the original, and unless I have done a delicate and sympathetic it, proudly proclaiming “AI, Accuracy you know your Walther stocks well, you restoration of the stock – always a dif cult International Ltd, Portsmouth.” would not know it was not standard. T e decision on a piece of history. If it had Malcolm always did select special pistol grip has been carefully eased to suit been straight from Malcolm’s hands I stocks for his own rif es, and this one is shorter f ngers and then been skilfully would have left it as it was, with every no exception. T e grain of the walnut re-stippled. T e butt plate and hook are original, and the cheekpiece has been relieved on the top to clear the longer If it had been straight from Malcolm’s fullbore bolt throw with the cheekpiece hands I would have left it as it was, raised. I did not know what were original with every scratch and dent marks, and what was not, so I took a decision on what looked like fresh marks
16 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.300m.indd 16 24/06/2020 15:41 Rifle Restoration | 300M
and decided to remove the worst of the will go to them for their museum in Ulm, scratches and dents. Te bolt cut-out had If you have a to be the only Malcolm Cooper rife in been patched with a crude piece of plain small piece of their collection. But in the meantime, we wood, and now with its fourth action intend to use it. in the stock, that needed replacing. I walnut with the grain Range test carefully blended in a piece of walnut, but So how does it shoot? Te frst before you comment, I know the grain length wise and the opportunity to test it was the frst match is wrong! It is temporary, so at tiger stripes vertical, 300-metre date of the year at Bisley in some time when I come across a piece with March 2018. Te morning was spent in the correct grain and tiger stripes, it will you are welcome the Zero range ‘running in’ the barrel, get done again. If you have a small piece of and zeroing. Te signs were good: a one- walnut, with the grain length wise and the to donate it hole group! But that was only at 25 yards, tiger stripes vertical, you are welcome to so the wife looked forward to the next donate it. shooting, a more practical RPA Trakker morning and returning it to its spiritual I refnished it with oil, and was greatly sight in 8 click per minute and metric home, the Bisley 300-metre ‘shed’ for relieved to see that the areas I have direction will be used as my wife, a very a full 300-metre match course. Sadly worked on are looking perfectly blended good 300-metre shooter, attempts to get Mother Nature had other ideas: not only with the whole stock. as close to Malcolm’s records as she can. was there a full-on gale, but the targets On a visit to Germany in 2018 the were not even visible in the blinding snow. The end in sight action was confrmed as a Walther Te next available opportunity was a Te sights I’ve used are standard from (stamped Keppeler!) by the staf both Club TR shoot at the Tetford range. Te the era: an 18mm metal element at Keppeler and at Walther in Ulm. Te sighters found the card, and at 300 metres foresight, and for photographs I’ll use a Walther people were delighted to see this it was soon totally at home. It proceeded period Walther small-bore sight. But for rife, and when we retire from shooting it to shoot an incredible group on the NRA target, with eight of the ten shots hitting the inch diameter marking disc or the wire in the middle. She enjoyed it so much, she went on to shoot it at 500 and 600 yards as well, where it was equally accurate. It was successfully shot for the rest of the year at the Tetford TR shoots and also at its home, the Bisley 300m range, but its now sat in lockdown, sulking with all our other rifes. When these restrictions are lifted, we hope to restart, and again shoot ‘indoors’ from the 300 metre ‘shed’ on Century range 10, where you are welcome to join us, staying dry in the rain or sheltering from the tropical sun (we can always hope), and see the highest tech of modern fullbore prone rifes, as well as on occasions see historic pieces like the one in this article.
TRY 300M
300 metre is a demanding discipline with in target shooting that all can enjoy, it can be shot very successfully with a NRA 7.62 TR rife, if you would like to try it, contact the NRA 300 metre representative who can advise The Keppeler Walther Jagd action and the you how you can join us. Alloy bedding [email protected]
National Rifle Association 17
NRA35.300m.indd 17 24/06/2020 15:42 I acquired my No. 4 in the late 1960s, which I used from 100 to 1000 yards with target sights, and with battle sights on the BSRC Running Deer range. It came from a Iconic arms, member of another club and cost me £10. I still have it, now with a scope ftted. I remember discussions in my early shooting career about the rear locking lugs on the bolt allowing dynamic stretch in the iconic site action and bolt, and whether this afected accuracy at short range, but allowed Derek Stimpson reflects on the sheer variety of better accuracy at longer ranges. In fact Classic and Historic firearms available at Bisley it is understood that the resulting barrel vibrations from the stretch mean that low- s I write this article, some I have written about the wide, indeed velocity ammunition has a tendency to forms of shooting have opened, remarkable, variety of arms used, not only shoot high and higher velocity ammunition A so we may practise our sport at historic meetings, but on many other to shoot low. Tis tendency can be reduced again a little, while taking into account occasions at Bisley. Tese are of all classes, by using the best quality ammunition and government instructions and social both military and sporting arms, and rifes, the heaviest barrel possible. distancing. Tis will mean limited activity shotguns, and pistols and revolvers. Of course with a historic rife you and poses the question as to when full don’t have much choice. Using diferent meetings like the Trafalgar will be able to British Classics ammunition with varying muzzle velocity take place once more. We have seen the Te name Lee Enfeld of course is therefore an issue in relation to shooting cancellation of this year’s Imperial, and immediately springs to mind in relation the Lee Enfeld or potentially other rifes thus the 2020 IHAM will not take place. to any historic arms discussion. Te frst with rear locking lugs. Tis topic could Te Imperial is a most historic event, and centrefre rife I used at Bisley, as a cadet, form a separate article, along with many of Bisley an iconic and historic site. It always was a No 1 Mk III Lee Enfeld – my ears the other topics we touch upon. gives me great pleasure to see and write stufed with cotton wool. Some shooters prefer the Mauser actions about the use of historic and classic arms at Te Lee Enfeld No 4 is the rife about with front locking lugs. Tat design, which Bisley – and indeed to shoot them myself, which many visitors comment, “My dad includes the P14s made for Britain in and encourage others to do so. used one of those in the war!” the US by Winchester, Remington and
18 www.nra.org.uk Classic Arms | WHY NOT TRY
Eddystone during the First World War. Tese bolts are not as slick and thus actions are not as fast to shoot. Te British troops’ rapid rate of fre with SMLEs during the retreat from Mons is reputed to have caused the enemy to think they were facing MG fre. Rapid fre is certainly a potential advantage in shooting Historic CSR. Te heavier Mauser action was widely adopted as the sporting and big game bolt rife action and still used today. Various versions of Lee Enfeld are in use in CSR and Historic CSR matches, and of course IHAM, the Trafalgar, and seen generally in use on the ranges. If you wish to shoot Target Shotgun Te classic British .303 cartridge was adopted as a compressed-load black powder with a historic shotgun then there cartridge in 1888 and switched to cordite are some alternatives in 1892 when the new nitro-cellulose propellants appeared in Europe. Te frst loadings were with an RN 215gn bullet. Te Lee Metford, so called for its shallower Metford rifing, designed for black powder fouling, was the frst in the Te .303 is a good game cartridge and line, and the ‘Long’ Lee Enfeld the frst in was much used in Africa and India. Ten, the line of Lees with Enfeld rifed barrels in the early 1900s, Britain prohibited the Lee-Speed .303 regulated by Holland & shooting the cordite cartridge, soon to .450 (Martini Henry) and .303 cartridges Holland and another in 8x50R. be replaced by the ‘Short’ SMLE, later in India and Sudan for all except British designated No. 1. military personnel. Anyone found with one Looking Further Back Te .303 British cartridge, like its 1890s could be shot. Tis was an issue for hunters Of course there are the Lee Enfeld contemporaries, the 7mm Mauser or 7x57 and produced a range of variants from .450 predecessors, the .577 Snider and (also .275 Rigby), the 7.92mm Mauser, 6.5 calibre, still in use today – the .470; .465, .577/.450 Martini Henry with their black Mannlicher and 6.5x55 Swedish, continued .475 No 1 and No 2, and so on. powder cartridges. Te former was the in use for many years and are all still in Tose of us who shoot sporting rife may frst breech-loading issue rife (converted regular use. Tese were introduced as use these in the IHAM and Trafalgar in from the ML Enfeld), and the Martini was military cartridges but quickly adopted for the sporting rife competitions, and in the the frst issue custom breech-loading rife sporting rifes, where they are still in use. BSRC annual Big Game rife match against adopted for the British army, and so often Te choice of cartridges available these the Australians and South Africans, which referred to as the Rorke’s Drift rife. days for every purpose is enormous, but simulates hunting conditions. You may Tey are satisfying to shoot, especially these historic cartridges still work well, have seen my previous Journal articles with black powder. When making up hand- and for many purposes they don’t need about that. loads for Martinis with paper-patched improving, other than with use of modern Te .303 was often used as a stalking bullets, I used to dip the base of the patched bullets perhaps. cartridge and BSA produced Lee-Speed bullet in liquid beeswax, of which, being rifes in that calibre. For India and Africa a beekeeper at the time, I had a plentiful they made the same rife chambered for supply. Today, I leave the paper plain and Lee-Speed .303 with stalking safety, magazine cut-off and 8mm Mannlicher or 8x50R to avoid the use a lubricated wad. Tey shoot very well bolt dust cover engraved aforementioned ban on non-military with ‘nitro for black’ loads, but if you are “Shot and regulated by use of the .303. Both are bottlenecked shooting in the NRA historic competitions, Holland & Holland” tapered cartridges and very similar, which black powder loads are required. facilitated use of the same action and feed, and more importantly easy adaptation of Pistol Progress the same magazine. Te name was due to Bisley’s reputation as a historic site came to Joseph Speed, the factory manager of the the fore again in 1998 when it became the RSAF at Enfeld 1891 to 1909, who took frst Designated Site in UK for what became out the patent. Te illustrations show a known as Heritage pistols.
National Rifle Association 19 WHY NOT TRY | Classic Arms
on the ammunition used. A limitation may be the fve-round magazine. Tey are generally not expensive. A good starting point may be a Hungarian 1891/30 or a A Webley Fosbery was the first pistol shot at Bisley under the Polish M44 carbine. Firearms Act exemption Another is the Swiss Schmidt Rubin 7.5x55, perhaps also a rarer 10.4mm Vetterli. Swiss rifes tend to be like their Time spent watches and shoot well with the GP11 military issue ammunition. shooting groups Greek or Romanian Mannlicher 6.5s are with different ammunition at, say, also interesting and shoot well, but again, choose your ammunition carefully. 200 yards will be well spent and You may consider something a little diferent among the rarer ones, including tell you what your rifle likes best for example a Carcano 6.5mm, or a Guedes 8mm M1885. Te Japanese Arisaka is also less common When certain pistols – efectively ammunition or improve accuracy with but an interesting and potentially centrefre and .22 rimfre cartridge pistols handloads. Certainly time spent shooting accurate rife. Tey are modifed Mauser and revolvers – became prohibited, the groups with diferent ammunition at, say, design. Te Model 1905 (Type 38) HBSA and others, working with the Home 200 yards will be well spent and tell you 6.5mm or the later 7.7mm Type 99 long Ofce, were able to create an exemption what your rife likes best. If you are lucky, it and short rifes. in the Firearms Act, Section 7(1) and 7(3), may be cheap factory ammunition! A short to save historic pistols. Some may be kept list might include the following: Tis is certainly not a complete list but at home without ammunition, as part of may underline the sheer variety available a collection and may be exhibited, while Te German Mauser G98 of First World and whet your interest. Tere are also others chambered for a current cartridge War vintage, or K98 from the Second the sniper versions of rifes with scopes have to be kept at a ‘designated site’. Pistols World War. Efective in competition – replacing the military or target sights and kept at the site can also be fred. I was though the fve-round magazine may be work done to improve their accuracy. Or privileged to fre the frst shot of ‘Section a limitation. As with many rifes, they are you can try something diferent and shoot 7’ at Bisley with my .455 Webley Fosbery, individuals, and much depends on having in a fxed bayonet competition. kept at Bisley with other Heritage pistols. I a good one, with a decent trigger and a If you wish to shoot Target Shotgun with kept those frst six cartridge cases; one was good set of sights. Swedish, Danish, and a historic shotgun then there are some presented to Dr Christopher Roads, HBSA Norwegian versions in particular are alternatives – the Winchester Model 1897 President, in recognition of his eforts in favoured by some shooters. on the previous page is one such. We have creating Section 7. Te US Springfeld .30-06 Model 1903 not even touched upon the Muzzle Loading We have come a long way since then. or the earlier US Krag-Jorgensen Model classes for rife and revolver, as that will be Te NRA have ofered remarkable support, 1898 in .30/40 Krag – both interesting enough to fll another article. including use of the new Cheylesmore rifes that shoot well. A good addition to Tere is something special about range and armoury. Another of my pistols, a Springfeld would be an American scope shooting well with a frearm 100-plus years a Nagant 7.62, was borrowed by a flm – a Winchester A5 or Unertl Optical Co, old knowing that with your own hand- company for a historic scene, reminding us as appropriate to the rife. loaded ammunition, that suits the rife, of another use of arms in collections. Te other Krags are the Krag Jorgensen you can shoot accurately enough to win 6.5mm M1895 from Norway and the the competition or even beat shooters with Foreign Firearms 8mm Danish version. modern state of the art rifes. With good reason, we have spent time Te Russian Mosin Nagant 7.62x54R If you are a historic shooter then I on the British military rifes. Tere are of (sometimes called 7.62x53R) Model am preaching to the converted, though course many other military rifes shot in 1891/30 (the year the cartridge was perhaps you will be enthused to try another competition alongside them. Each rife type adopted) and later versions. Like others rife or class. has its proponents, and its foibles, and they it has its foibles, such as a heavy military If you are not, then perhaps I will are all individuals. trigger, but these are easy to fx. A good have sparked your interest in acquiring, One decision that has to be made one is nice to shoot and can be accurate shooting and enjoying an arm which is not is whether you wish to use factory – later ones in particular, and depending only historic but full of character.
20 www.nra.org.uk FoxFirearmsUK.com
0161 430 8278 or 07941 958464 and [email protected] EUROPEAN (and further!) DISTRIBUTOR OF SEB BENCH-RESTS AND BIPODS
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efore the lockdown, the National into a lounge area where our customers to be bold and start from scratch, so we Clay Shooting Centre (NCSC) was can relax in comfort. Marcus and Neil did hired a machine to collect as much of the B in the midst of a signifcant change an outstanding job moving the door and debris as possible and prepare the ground program centred on modernising the lowering and widening the reception area. for fertiliser and seeding. Te clear up was a facility to a point where once again it is Te fnished article has transformed huge task, which we carried out in shifts so worthy of its name. Te plan was to create the clubhouse into a welcoming and as not to disrupt our opening times. a look and feel that not only appeals to our professional sports setting where clients Te grass seed was laid the day before elite shooters, but also our members and can relax while waiting for a lesson, or the lockdown, which gave it the best customers. Te technology was old and the passers-by can enjoy our breathtaking possible chance of success while the range general appearance required attention. views and catch up on a bit of work. First of all, the reception area was given a Te café has also had a similar facelift substantial facelift. We set to work opening along with a new consolidated menu to up what was a small hatch similar to a ticket include our new ‘Bisley Banger’ Sausage. ofce into a more inviting environment Out on the ranges we were keen where our staf can engage appropriately to revitalise the grass that has slowly with our customers. Te old assortment of wasted away. Years of fallen clay debris, cathode-ray TVs needed to go, along with accompanied by continuous sweeping, has the large cleaning cupboard they were sat left the range layouts quite bleak, perhaps on. Te left-over space was transformed more akin to a lunar landscape. We needed
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NRA35.NCSC.indd 22 24/06/2020 15:49 NCSC | UPDATE
A new-look reception area greets you as you enter the NCSC building
20 years and beyond. We have replaced The fi nished our trap control system boxes, which will article has not only increase the reliability of the equipment, but also of er new programs transformed the to help coaches select specif c targets and routines for their clients. clubhouse into We have worked on improving membership to of er a better service as The grounds have been a welcoming and rejuvenated with new grass well as increased access to our facilities. professional setting Membership is now managed by a central database, which will increase ef ciency Rebranding and our ability to inform members of Concurrent with all this work, we felt it was was closed. T e lockdown period has been future events, special of ers, results to time for a change regarding the NCSC tough for all and the NCSC staf were competitions and so on. We will shortly be image and overall branding. We have furloughed throughout. T e Bisley range issuing a new membership card, which will designed a new logo and over the next few complex was now being cared for by a insert directly into our new trap control months we hope to introduce a new small team in preparation for reopening. systems. Virtual tokens will then be loaded uniform and some items of merchandising, We tried to maintain the momentum and on to your card at reception, eventually some of which will be available for sale to look for improvement opportunities where removing the need for our old token boxes. our customers. possible. T e dry weather meant we needed to water the ground regularly and we Reopening also managed to repair some areas of the As this article is written, NCSC has shooting layouts that were in need of some reopened for two weekends initially for our TLC. T e before-and-after photographs are members. Social distancing measures are in typical of the work being carried out. place and there is a new process for booking As well as the grounds, a considerable and paying for a layout before arrival. T is amount of work has been carried out is working much better than expected and addressing some of the other long overdue will probably set the standard for future issues to prepare for reopening. We have operations at NCSC. Next weekend we will started a refurbishment program on all of be opening for three days to all our our traps and associated equipment. T is customers, non members included. We will is a long process, but we are slowly getting gradually increase our opening days as and through it and hopefully this will ensure A new logo compliments the changes going when the government restrictions relax the longevity of our facility for the next on at the facility itself and the demand dictates.
National Rifl e Association 23
NRA35.NCSC.indd 23 24/06/2020 15:49 BISLEY | Electronic Targets B e s t target practice With some members reporting inaccuracies in the electronic targets at Bisley, here’s what you need to know about them and how to get the best from them
he NSC employs electronic target the calibration will, to a certain degree, be systems originating from three compromised. A pasting error of just 5mm T diferent manufacturers, all of is approximately the width of a scoring which record shots accurately. However, the ring and can cause an anomaly between the concept of shooting at an electronic target monitor score and the paper score, should is diferent from shooting at a standard they be compared. target with a marker, and is not always well Te target frame moves in the wind; understood. Tere are some facts that must at the upper edge of the target, this an be accepted: arc of 150mm or more. Tis is exactly the same for an electronic or paper target; If maintained correctly, the electronic unfortunately the results on an electronic targets employed at the NSC will record target are subject to much greater scrutiny. shots accurately in comparison to the electronic centre. Methodology It is impossible to paste a paper target Before shooting at the electronic targetry, it It is possible to increase the life of the face to the same degree of accuracy that is important that the rife has been zeroed target skins by ofsetting the electronic the target electronics can measure. and you know that you are going to hit the centre, thus moving the MPI around the T e Hythe frames within which the screen centrally. Beware – any damage to physical face of the target. However, I targets are mounted do not hold the sensors will be charged to the individual/ acknowledge that until we can broaden target static, particularly in strong winds. club. More than 50 percent of the reports our understanding and acceptance of the When shooting at the target, the frer is of a malfunctioning target are due to targetry, this is probably a step too far and aiming at the centre of the paper target poor marksmanship and misses. Quite could damage the reputation of the target face. Te shot is recorded against the surprisingly, this applies equally at 100 or systems. electronic centre. 1000 yards. It is common practice for live quarry T e centre of the paper target face and shooters to zero on the short-range the electronic centre are unlikely to be Te following procedure is suggested: electronic targets. Due to this, they are 100 percent concentric. Aim at the centre of the paper target face checked regularly against a paper target. and adjust your sight setting to obtain Electronic targets are ideal for a quick When the shot strike is displayed on the a Mean Point of Impact (MPI) over the ‘check zero’ or marksmanship training. monitor, it scores the shot in comparison centre (v-bull) of the target face displayed It is recommended that an initial zero is to the electronic centre. Tere is no on the monitor. checked on paper. relationship to the paper target face. When You should not look for the bullet strike Te skill in marksmanship is consistency, Kongsberg targets are received, they bear on the paper target face – you must trust i.e. maintaining the point of impact a black circle aiming mark; there is no the electronics and adjust to the monitor. accurately on the point of aim in all target face. Target faces were added by the Do not request your target to be re- conditions. Tis is equally applicable to the NSC approximately four years ago at the centred during a competition or during a electronic centre of a target that relays the insistence of shooters. shoot where you are recording data. point of impact to the monitor. All electronic targets employed at the Once content with your zero, continue NSC claim an accuracy of 1mm or greater. to shoot. Keep in mind that your rife is In summary: zeroed to the electronic centre on that T ere is no relationship between the Variable Factors individual target. It may not be zeroed target electronic centre and the paper Te NSC target staf go to great lengths and to the centre of the paper target face, target face, which is afxed solely to religiously employ a specially manufactured though it will be close. provide an aiming mark. ‘jig’ to ensure the target face is located Falling back and wind changes should be You must adjust your settings to the fall consistently. In addition, the target system addressed in the normal manner. of shot shown on the monitor is electronically calibrated regularly. If you change lanes and shoot on a Trust the electronics and enjoy your However, when the target is re-centred, diferent target, you will need to adjust. shooting.
24 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.electronic_targets.indd 24 24/06/2020 15:53
FEATURE | Red Deer
threatened by the difculties of managing such an area. Te Ministry of Defence and the NRA are jointly responsible for the condition of this Return of the special area. Both parties have entered into arrangements with Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) as an expert partner organisation for the conservation management of the area. Native Red Natural History Lowland European Heathland is at the heart of this wildlife value. Tis habitat exists only in a narrow climatic belt along the North Atlantic seaboard and is Deer Revisited dependent on certain soils and altitude. A decade on from the reintroduction of red deer Once a valuable pastoral resource, to the Bisley heath, James Adler & Steve Proud heathland gradually lost its economic investigate the effects of the project importance during the industrial revolution. Te UK lost 85 per cent of its heath between 1850 and 1980, with all the en years ago we saw the start a fundamental land resource for both the remaining lowland heathland in England of one of the largest single- UK armed forces, as part of the Defence being able to ft on the Isle of Man. T site conservation projects in Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Heathland’s biodiversity is recognised as southern England: the return of red Pirbright Range Complex, and the NRA’s being of international importance. deer to a 720-hectare heathland grazing centre at Bisley. Heathland’s great value for wildlife is compartment in Surrey. Now the deer are Te land was originally bought by the refected in the wide range of thriving and the habitat is beginning to government in 1877 and has remained environmental protection that the site respond favourably to their actions. undeveloped and little disturbed since enjoys. Under UK law it is a Site of Special Te Pirbright Range Danger Area (RDA) that time. Te public were allowed into Scientifc Interest (SSSI) while it also is located only 25 miles from central the area until the 1970s, when a review safeguarded by the European Designations: London in one of the most populous parts banned access to the area owing to the Special Area of Conservation (for the of the country and yet is an unspoilt haven, danger of unexploded ordnance and a undisturbed peat and wetland areas) and home to threatened and rare species. Tere 14km long security fence constructed. Te Special Protection Area (for three are no paths, no people and no dogs. It is lack of disturbance has created the thriving threatened heathland bird species; the
truly Surrey’s last wilderness. Te area is wildlife community, albeit one that was nightjar, Dartford warbler and woodlark). Image: Jon Hawkins James Adler (Red Deer Darting) Images: David Cary (Dartford Warbler);
26 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.red_deer.indd 26 24/06/2020 13:11 Red Deer | FEATURE
T e breeding strategy of these bird species SWT were held to discuss the project’s (nesting on the ground or within the feasibility. Natural England was keen to heather sward) makes them vulnerable to introduce stock into the area and looked to disturbance from people and dogs; the RDA the partner organisations to consider this. therefore provides the perfect sanctuary. An agreement between the MOD and SWT was signed in the summer of 2006 that Management And Problems allowed the Trust to manage the Defence T e RDA had not received any formal Training Estate in Surrey for habitat management since it was bought by the conservation. T e creation of the SWT MOD. On most heathland sites this would Species such as the warbler grazing team with specialist staf in 2007 thrive in this untouched area have resulted in a rapid transition from and the green light from the DEFRA heath to scrub to woodland. T e area grazing animals welfare group gave impetus remained as heath due to large f res that and rarer species and reduce biodiversity. and direction to the Pirbright project. have swept across the site. T e site burns On other sites heathland managers use a By October 2007 a working group had regularly as the vegetation grows up and variety of methods to combat these been set up with a group of core provides suf cient fuel. With the invaders, including mowing, tree and scrub organisations whose task it would be to emergency services not being able to enter cutting, turf stripping and grazing using work out the details, organise any the area, the f res burn much of the site, domestic livestock. Due to the access necessary works and manage the herd often lasting for days and occasionally restrictions on the RDA, none of these were within the RDA. After a comprehensive breaking out of the area to threaten local possible. T e international importance of series of meetings that covered everything homes. T is keeps the f re brigade camped the site meant there was never an option to from stock type to biosecurity, from around the perimeter fence for long periods do nothing as this would allow the site to escapes to f re plans and from monitoring of time. turn into secondary woodland with a loss to management, it was agreed that the Obviously this created problems for the of species and landscape value. What most appropriate species to introduce into people who had to evacuate their homes, followed was the beginning of one of the the RDA were red deer. Goats were also for the emergency services who would f nd most exciting conservation projects ever considered for introduction but this has their resources stretched, and for the embarked upon in the UK. not proved necessary thus far. With the shooters at Pirbright and Bisley who would stock type carefully chosen, the project not be able to train or f re. It also caused Beginnings moved towards implementation. problems for the wildlife. Less mobile After observing some of the ef ects of deer species would be incinerated, while others grazing elsewhere on UK heathland, the Project Development And Funding that escaped found that their habitat had idea of introducing a herd of large deer to SWT applied for the government’s Higher been destroyed. Consequently several the RDA was born. Between 2005 and 2007 Level Stewardship funding (HLS), the aim decisions were made. T e military ceased animal welfare meetings involving Defence of which was to deliver signif cant use of tracer and phosphorous grenades. Estates, Natural England, Defence Deer environmental benef ts in high-priority T e f re brigade instituted a series of Management, RSPCA, DEFRA, the Deer areas. An application was submitted to changes to their responses to heath f res Initiative, consultant deer specialists, and Natural England and was successful in its and have enjoyed greater success in stopping f res that start outside the RDA The heath is unlike anywhere else you’ll burning their way into it. Finally, DIO fi nd in the busy south-east of England created a wider f re break on both sides of the fence and improved perimeter access and f re plans. All of these measures will hopefully help reduce the incidence of f re and the disruption and the damage it causes. Unfortunately, just as large f res are a bad thing for wildlife on heaths, so is a lack of f re when it is the only check on vegetation change. T e risk of a reduced incidence of f re within the RDA is that it may lead to encroachment by scrub and coarse grasses and a consequent build-up of biomass, which would give a future f re greater intensity. Scrub and coarse grasses can
Image: Jon Hawkins James Adler (Red Deer Darting) Images: David Cary (Dartford Warbler); overwhelm the more fragile, interesting
National Rifl e Association 27
NRA35.red_deer.indd 27 24/06/2020 13:11 FEATURE | Red Deer
bid for funds. T is funding, together with a live-catch and transport the animals. It also Defence Deer Management manages the budget from DIO and SWT, provided permitted the carrying out of a stock bought by SWT in accordance with a suf cient resources to get the project of comprehensive series of blood and health mutually agreed management plan. the ground. Deer specialists Dr Jochen tests, selected and undertaken by Peter T e herd movement patterns have been Langbein and Neil Brooks provided their Green (the BDS’s veterinary advisor), and tracked using GPS collars on two of the expert advice on how best to create a safe the f tting of GPS collars. hinds and both the stags. T e collars take a deer compartment. T e works included: T e deer were transported from GPS f x every hour and send that Warnham to specially constructed deer- information to the computer system at Building 5.1km of new Tornado wire, holding paddocks within the RDA. T is SWT’s Pirbright HQ. T is data has been solid knot deer fencing. T is was to fence 25-hectare safe haven allowed the deer to analysed using the Trust’s Geographical of the range f oors and create holding settle in a more natural area than the farm. Information Systems and allows SWT to paddocks and f re refuges. A number of the deer were pregnant and by monitor how the animals use the site. T is Installation of f ve deer grids in regularly the end of the calving season there were unique opportunity has allowed SWT to used access points. eight rapidly growing calves running with monitor the animals’ movement and Installation of 20 culverts in stream and the females. Six of the calves were dispersal patterns, behaviour, feeding ditch exits from the RDA. successfully caught, ear tagged, identif ed habits and response to seasons and stimuli. Installation of 45 badger gates. by gender and weighed to give an idea of 11km of ground proof ng to the existing their performance over the coming years. Conclusions security fence. T is involved the adding In September 2010, SWT bought two T is pioneer project has safeguarded one of weld mesh to secure between the stags from Warnham. T ese two, a f ve-year of the last wildernesses of southern ground level and the chainlink. old and three-year-old, ensured the England. T e years of careful planning and 5km of raising the razor wire coil to covering of the hinds during the October the work of the project team have led to ensure that stags would not entangle rut. T e stags were transported in full animal welfare, sustainability principles their antlers. antler in two separate vehicles and released and agreed best practice being successfully into the same paddock as the hinds. delivered. T e introduction has gone T e enclosure was completed in Since the paddock’s gates were opened, surprisingly smoothly so far. In addition, October 2010. the herd has been under constant remote the information and knowledge gained surveillance. T e animals’ impacts are being will be made widely available to provide a Arrival Of The Animals studied by monitoring the site’s f ora and useful evidence base for other land SWT bought its f rst 22 red hinds from the fauna and the herd is being managed in managers facing similarly dif cult issues. Tb-accredited herd at Bailing Hill Deer response to these factors along with direct Already the project has been visited by Farm in Warnham in March 2010. T is observation of the condition of the both the Danish and German Ministries of farm not only has one of the most animals. T is is one of the things that make Defence to consider heathland respected red deer bloodlines in the the project so unique; the animals are on management on their sites. country but also has the advantage of site as conservation grazing tools rather We are immensely proud that the possessing a robust handling system and than as trophy or meat stock, and animal partners have worked together to face this suitable crushes, which allowed SWT to welfare remains of the highest importance. unique challenge. Folders of risk assessments, plans and minutes of meetings had to been created to achieve the A stag is released ahead of the rut reality of deer grazing on the ground. Now that this has proved possible and successful, we have a united range of organisations behind the project. We were particularly delighted that the project was recognised by being awarded the coveted Sanctuary Award for environmental contributions to MOD land both within the UK and abroad. Next time you shoot at Bisley in October, listen out for the roar of red stags in the rut. T e sound ref ects an age when these animals roamed naturally across the Surrey heaths, and now it bears testament to the great lengths gone to in order to conserve and enhance this very special
area and its wildlife. Image: Charlie Hoare
28 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.red_deer.indd 28 24/06/2020 13:11
NEWS | Regional Clean break Now is the ideal time for Clubs to perform a thorough deep clean and de-leading routine, says Nic Couldrey
n the Spring Journal I referred to from surfaces including foors, ceiling/roof Telfords Range, operated by Kings spaces, ducting, target systems, bullet trap, I Lynn St. Michaels Rife and Pistol Club backsplash curtains and the air handling in Norfolk. Te Club has generously agreed equipment/flters. Te cleaning waste may to share its recent experience of deep- contain lead and unburnt propellant and cleaning an indoor range. should be disposed of in accordance with Te Club decided to engage a specialist regulations. Tis includes waste water, sand contractor to perform a thorough or granulate rubber, vacuum cleaner waste deep clean of the indoor range. Several and ventilation flters. contractors were approached; the contract Te frequency of deep cleans is a was fnally awarded to Resilient Ballistics, function of range use, specifcally the type based in Lincolnshire. Te work took three of frearms used on the range, type of operatives two days to complete at a cost of ammunition and the number of rounds £2,600 + VAT. fred, particularly accurate fre, which Jason Ess Secretary of KLSM R&PC concentrates lead around the mean point of said: “I am pleased to confrm that the impact. Club ofcials should also consider de-leading and deep clean of our range the characteristics of the range, the has been completed and has been a major efciency of the ventilation and extraction improvement. Te works were undertaken systems and the porosity of surfaces down by Resilient Ballistics over two days and the range. Small ranges or tube ranges will this will now allow us to set up an improved require bespoke cleaning procedures. system of cleaning and maintenance Depending on the premises, facilities moving forward, with other improvement such as toilets, training rooms, tea and works in the near future, which logistically cofee-making facilities, storage etc. may could not be completed in the same time need to be included within the scope of the frame and will require a longer close-down deep clean. Soft furnishings, carpet etc. of the club. may trap lead and unburnt propellant and “Resilient Ballistics worked with us should be removed. throughout and we would be happy to of the regular safety inspection routine. Records of inspections, maintenance, recommend their services to other clubs.” Appropriate equipment, including vacuum faults, cleaning and de-leading should be Te pictures included here show the cleaners designed to avoid the risk of kept for the statutory minimum period and fring points and view down the range explosion and foor washer/scrubbers, be stored securely. Documentation will be including the back plate after the clean. should be used by trained operators vital in the event of an incident or claim on equipped with suitable PPE. Tis is the club. Key Points and lessons learned specialist work and should be performed Te coronavirus pandemic has closed Indoor ranges require frequent deep by specialist contractors, not club members indoor ranges, so clubs have an opportunity cleaning to remove lead and other on a best-endeavours basis. Dry sweeping to perform cleaning and maintenance hazardous materials from surfaces and and dusting surfaces should be avoided to work in preparation for the eventual range structures. Keeping the range clean prevent dust becoming airborne. relaxation of government guidelines and is the single most efective way for club Done properly, deep cleaning is a the resumption of shooting indoors. ofcials to minimise the risk to members protracted, time consuming process I have recently spoken to two contractors from exposure to harmful materials that particularly if a range is heavily used or has that provide deep cleaning services to may be found on indoor ranges and ensure not been cleaned for a long period (greater indoor range operators; both are happy to range contamination is not inadvertently than 12 months). Frequent cleaning and receive enquiries from Clubs. transferred to members’ homes. de-cluttering the range will help keep deep www.deleading.com Club ofcials should observe the build- cleaning costs manageable. www.riferanges.co.uk up of dust and debris on the range as part Te clean includes the removal of dust See you on the ranges!
30 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.regional.indd 30 24/06/2020 13:10 NEWS | OBITUARIES OBITUARIES
DAVID FRIEND 1934 – 2020
of his extraordinary shooting jacket. He and the vagaries of the wind was one of the made it using a pattern borrowed from his factors that drew him to Match Rife in the tailor, and the result was a garment more 1980s. He loved the challenge of judging the akin to a trench-coat, weighing almost as wind, the technical elements of shooting at much as the cow from which the leather very long range, and became ever-present in came. With his famous coat, ever-present English Eight competitions and the Hopton. pipe, weathered tweed fshing hat and Over the years he won most of the trophies extraordinary eyebrows, he was instantly on ofer, though the Hopton itself eluded recognisable. And such was his propensity him. He was selected for the England Elcho for smouldering tobacco, he was often team on several occasions. Te frst was in mistaken as being on fre from a distance. 1992, and the last, his ninth, was 24 years Having established himself in the later, in 2016, when he was in his eighties. family business, David was able to resume In 2002 he scored 223 ex-225 in the match, competitive shooting, and concentrated on a difcult day, when the next closest on Target Rife for many years – very score was a full 11 points adrift of his total. successfully. As early as 1963 he came third Tat he could stay competitive into David Friend was a remarkable man. A in the Queen’s. He was a regular on the his 80s was not only a result of inherent superlative shot, a unique Bisley character, Sussex and GB teams in the 70s. In 1971 skill but also his constant desire to ‘move and an inspiration to so many. So it was he achieved the then record of 224 ex-225 with the times’. He was eager to try new with great sadness we learned of his death in the Palma Match, in Camp Perry. He also techniques or components, and was on Sunday 17 May, in Brighton Hospital, captained the winning England team in instrumental in helping a fellow Sussex just four days after his 86th birthday. the National Match in 2006. Te pinnacle man, Colin Moon, develop wooden rife His shooting career spanned over 70 of his Target Rife career was winning the stocks, which were the ‘go-to’ stocks for years, during which time he excelled at Queen’s in 1977. His winning score of 283 Swings and similar actioned rifes. David’s Target and Match Rife. But this was just was low, and in his unassuming way he had outlook enabled him to continue winning at one aspect of a man with many talents, who no anticipation it would be enough. He the highest level. As recently as 2016, at the contributed to causes as diverse as passing was chaired of the range to great acclaim, age of 82, he won the Wimbledon (MR) with on leather working skills, the Burgess Hill pipe ablaze, his bearers struggling with the an amazing 100.14 at 1100 yards. Shed, a community art and crafts workshop, additional weight of his jacket. His interest in innovation extended the Burgess Hill library, and the restoration His win in the Queen’s was achieved by beyond shooting, He surprised us last year of Oldland Mill in Sussex. superior wind reading on a difcult day, by buying a Jaguar E-Pace after decades of David started shooting at his school, allegiance to Land Rovers. Tis willingness Hurstpierpoint College. By his own to embrace change was also refected in admission he was, at that stage, a solid but his enthusiasm for encouraging aspiring unspectacular member of the school VIII. shooters or supporting community-based From school he joined the navy, training at projects close to home, such as the Oldland Dartmouth, and ‘retiring’ from the position Mill. He was one of a small team who of midshipman after three years. He then started work restoring the mill in the early joined the family business, Friends for 1980s, resulting in its return to full working Leather, originally established by his great- order in 2008. great-grandfather as a leather merchant. David was a modest, thoughtful, generous Never one to shirk progress, David took the man with a dry sense of humour. He was business into new territory, successfully universally liked, and a fxture on the developing and producing high-quality North London Rife Club veranda, in quiet fashion handbags and briefcases. contemplation, pipe pufng and pewter His association with leather made him tankard in hand. He was a dear friend and instantly recognisable at Bisley by dint inspiration, and will be sorely missed.
National Rifle Association 31
NRA35.obits.indd 31 24/06/2020 13:10 TRADE MEMBERS’ LISTING
1967SPUD RELOADING SUPPLIES LTD DOLPHIN GUN COMPANY G.E. FULTON & SON A one-stop shop with on-line solutions Dolphin produce custom rifles for G.E. Fulton & Son has been established for all your reloading and shooting all Long Range Disciplines. We at Bisley since 1890. The shop is open equipment needs. Supplying all of the manufacture our own range of products seven days a week throughout the year UK and Europe with a wide selection and accessories. Dolphin is the largest to meet the needs of shooters calling of reloading, hand loading, and stockists of rifle components in Europe or on camp. We stock a full range of ammo equipment. F Class, Benchrest, and lead times are extremely short for target rifles, air rifles and pistols and all Varminting and Stalking are all covered custom rifle builds. We have World, accessories. by our comprehensive products list. European and National Champion Tel: 01483 473204 Tel: 01263 739923 F-Class shooters using our rifles. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 01205 368639 or 0774 7771962 Website: www.fultonsofbisley.com Website: www.1967spud.com Email: [email protected] Website: www.dolphinguncompany. HPS TARGET RIFLES LTD BENCHGRADE BRANDS LTD co.uk HPS is Britain’s premiere target Sales and Distribution of Firearms rif e supplies company. Commercial Tel: 01604 686800 EDGAR BROTHERS manufacturer and supplier of a vast Email: [email protected] The Standard in Distribution since 1947. range of top quality Target Master Edgar Brothers is one of the oldest, Ammunition, from new to once f red CAPREOLUS CLUB LTD most well-established importers and to reloading free issue cases, HPS The Capreolus Club welcomes wholesalers of firearms, ammunition of er a bespoke ammunition service experienced hunters and beginners, and and associated products in the UK and for both target shooting and hunting. is open to those dedicated and passionate Northern Ireland. Our commitment Manufacturing their own aluminium about ethical and sustainable hunting. to reliable service, depth of choice (“T e HPS Convertible”) and wooden Members can access high quality ‘Club & availability, is supported by an target rif e stocks, HPS can build you a Stalk Days’; Exclusive UK, European exhaustive range of well-known brands, custom rif e to suit your specif cation. and Worldwide hunting opportunities, ensuring our business & reputation, From ammunition, target rif es, range Unaccompanied ‘Book & Go Deer continue to grow throughout the equipment and accessories, HPS provides Stalking’ via the club’s superb Plus- industry. the target shooter a variety of products scheme, amongst many other benefits. Tel: 01625 613177 and services and should be your f rst stop Tel: 0203 981 0159 or 0208 239 7311 Email: shootingsports@edgarbrothers. for all your shooting needs. We are only Email: [email protected] com a short drive from J3 of the M50. Call Website: www.capreolusclub.co.uk Website: www.edgarbrothers.com f rst, but do come by and see us!
32 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.trade_members.indd 32 24/06/2020 13:11 TRADE MEMBERS
Tel: 01531 822641 co.uk, believe in sensible prices and 30 countries. We have supplied targets Fax: 01531 828741 friendly ‘down the range’ service, helping to the British armed services, Police Email: [email protected] UK shooters keep their rif es well fed constabularies and National Shooting Website: www.hps-tr.com since 2010. If ever you have any questions organisations for over 100 years. We also about magazines they are always happy supply a range of items to cover all your JH STEWARD (BISLEY) OPTICIANS to help. shooting needs including spotting discs, Opticians specialising in vision aspects Tel: 0115 727 0443 patches and danger f ags for ranges. for all shooting disciplines. We supply Email: sales@rif emags.co.uk Tel: 01896 664269 ZEISS – Sports for clay, game, F class. Website: https://rif emags.co.uk Email: [email protected] We also supply CHAMPION shooting Website: www.mcqueentargets.com glasses for target rif e and pistol. Rear SHOOTING SERVICES sight lenses supplied. Advice given International standard target rif es and VIKING ARMS LTD on prescription, tints, eye dominance match rif es. Rebarrelling and bedding. Viking Arms Ltd is a leading UK problems and eye safety. Barrels kept in stock including Border distributor. Our core values as a family Tel: 01275 838532 and Krieger. Actively researching – and business, shapes our emphasis on quality, Fax: 01275 835075 shooting – all calibres from 5.56mm to reliability and customer support. Our Email: [email protected] 50BMG. Manufacturers of the famous product ranges include: Magtech, Lapua, Website: www.stewardsportsglasses. AGR COBRA precision rearsight. S&B and SK Ammunition; Ruger, Merkel, co.uk Tel: 01252 816188 or 07721 660202 Henry, Mossberg, Breda and Marocchi Email: shootingservices@gif ord-grant. Firearms; Leupold and Meopta Optics; MILDOT GROUP com Pro-Shot and KG Cleaning Equipment. T e Mildot Group are specialist Defence Tel: 01423 780810 and Security consultancies based in the SPORTING SERVICES Email: [email protected] United Kingdom. T e owners have over Worldwide commercial distributor for Website: www.vikingarms.com 30 years Government & Private Sector Accuracy International precision rif es. experience. Mildot have delivered long Sales of AI rif es have soared as their WILLIAM EVANS term f rearms & tactics capacity and reputation for reliability and precision William Evans at Bisley Camp is the f rst capability programmes to Government has increased in the shooting world. Also reference point for shooting sportsmen units and assisted the Defence industry in supply a wide range of accessories and and women. We provide everything bringing products to market. ammunition geared to precision shooting from f rearms and ammunition, hearing Tel: 07508 877869 and ballistic testing. protection, to shooting socks. Our gun Email: [email protected] Tel: 01342 716427 room racks contain traditional game Email: [email protected] shotguns and rif es, clay-shooting guns RIFLEMAGS.CO.UK Website: www.sportingservices.co.uk and tactical sporting f rearms for our Home to the UK’s biggest range of rif e target shooting customers. magazines, with over 600 magazine types SYKES GLOBAL SERVICES Tel: 01483 486500 in stock. Nottingham target shooters McQueen Targets produces almost 20 Email: [email protected] Dom and Beverley, who run Rif eMags. million targets a year, distributing to over Website: www.williamevans.com
National Rifl e Association 33
NRA35.trade_members.indd 33 24/06/2020 13:11 INTERVIEWMESSAGE | Rob Sanders
We grab a word with former NRA Imperial Meetings. As for friends, some of those I met through Chairman, John Webster shooting are among those whom I count as my best friends.
How did you get into shooting and at what age? Who has been your biggest inspiration? I was given an air rif e for my 10th birthday and spent hours Simon Pattinson, the Master in charge of shooting at Uppingham shooting targets in the garden. I progressed to shooting small-bore when I was there. He did the job for 30 years, and in that time three at prep school, and from there to fullbore (.303" in those days) at dozen pupils represented the UK Cadet Rif e Team. He and his wife Uppingham School. My f rst visit to Bisley was in 1972, when I won Jeanie gave us a gift – by instilling in us a love of shooting – that the Cadet Pair with a friend at the Schools Meeting (for the record, changed our lives for the better. he got the higher score!) I have been shooting fullbore ever since. How have Bisley and the NRA infl uenced you? What is the most memorable moment in your career? Spending several days each July at Bisley for the Imperial Meeting I am lucky enough to have had many memorable moments, but acts as the perfect foil to a hectic life. T ere is nowhere else I would one stands out: around 3.45pm on 11 October 2011 at Belmont rather be. No matter what standard you’re competing at, we have in Brisbane. After a poor 900 yards in the Australia Match, GB all made great memories at Bisley and through shooting. During was third behind the USA and South Africa. At the start of the my six years as NRA Chairman, I saw it as a key part of the job to f nal range (1000 yards), as GB Team Captain I issued the unusual make sure the organisation had the wherewithal to provide future instruction that we would not start for 30 minutes or so, reasoning generations with the opportunity to make their own memories. that the variable left-hand wind would subside. An hour later, the f ags were showing a mean wind of around two minutes left, down What do you like to do in your free time? from eight left at the beginning of the detail. With the other teams My wife and I have two dogs, so walking them is a great routine and gathered round, Jon Underwood (ENG) and Chris Watson (WAL) keeps me (sort of) f t. I play golf, currently of 16. I also engage in each scored 50 under the guidance of the coaching team to win by ‘country’ pursuits: f y-f shing and game shooting. four points and set a new match record for 1000yds. To come from behind against such strong competition in such a prestigious match What advice would you give to somebody who wanted to was a great team ef ort and a great feeling. take up shooting? Don’t delay. T is is a sport you can do for life, and it has much to What was your biggest hurdle as a shooter? teach us at dif erent stages of our personal development. Shooting When playing rugby, I was used to getting myself ‘psyched’ for is essentially a process, and to improve and do it well, you have to matches. I had to learn to abandon – indeed almost reverse – this recognise that self-analysis, self-discipline and self-criticism are process before a shooting competition. Even now I sometimes key. As you learn and develop such skills, not only will you f nd that regress. It means I f ick the odd shot towards 10 o’clock – known to shooting is more fun and you get better at it, you will also likely many wind coaches as Webbie’s Corner! discover that you become a better human being as well.
What role does your family/friends play in your shooting? So what next? It’s colossal. In the early days, mum and dad were very supportive, Last year, I shot Match Rif e for the f rst time in 35 years. It has buying me my f rst rif e, an RSA Musgrave. My wife and children moved on quite a bit in that period, but the experience was enough have also played a big part, supporting me being away for a dozen or to get me wanting to re-engage. I am also keen to participate in, and more international team tours. T ey also come to Bisley, and have foster, international TR competitions for Veterans. I might also try been involved in marking targets, manning the souvenir tent and and get into wind coaching. T e older I get, the more I realise that running the cream teas at the British Commonwealth at previous life is urgent, so I had better get on with it.
34 www.nra.org.uk
NRA35.message10.indd 34 24/06/2020 16:03 U K D I S T R I B U T O R S H A N N A M ’ S R E L O A D I N G L T D PECKFIELD LODGE, GREAT NORTH ROAD, LEEDS, LS25 5LJ TEL: 01977-681639 EMAIL: [email protected]
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