DARTMOOR MARKSMEN NEWSLETTER NO. 4  JUNE ’06

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunday 02/07/06 - 12 NOON 

This year’s AGM will take place at the club on the date above.

We hope to run a Fun Shoot before and after the meeting, and have a BBQ.

 The club will provide some salad and bread, please bring your own steaks, burgers, etc.

 AGENDA

1. Minutes of last meeting

2. Chairman’s Report

3. Treasurer’s Report

4. Secretary’s Report.

5. Election of officers… Gus and Alan are prepared to stand for another year, but sadly, Dave Golby is moving out of the area, so we need a new Chairman. Anyone who wishes to stand, please submit a proposer and seconder.

6. Future events

   • Grand Prix, August 6^th. Discussion

   • SWEFTA Round, October 8^th

7. Clarification of club rules

8. Maintainance, and work parties

9. Any other business

NB  Probationary members are welcome to make a contribution to discussion, but they may not vote.

FUN SHOOT….. 02/08/06

This is a fun event open to all, but aimed at, (sorry..!) new members.

Entry £2, Juniors £1.

Course…   

1. HFT course, SWEFTA rules.     50 points.

2. Zero Range.. bench rested… reset targets, 25 to 60 yds.. 8 targets, shot twice, 2 for a kill, 1 for a plate.  32 points.

3. Pistol range… 9 shots X 2 points… 18 points.  (Pistols provided.)

Total = 100 points.

Don’t forget to bring something for the BBQ..!

HELPING OUT

We appreciate that some people don’t have much time, but the club always needs tidying up, and there are a host of jobs that always need doing, from filling the air bottle, to strimming the course. Targets need checking and repainting regularly, someone has to empty the Loo, (Oh…! Joy..!) etc.etc. There are a couple of jobs coming up which would be a lot easier if we had, say 6 people rather than one or two.

If you would like to help, please let one of the committee know.

Having said that, please don’t go out into the marsh until you know where the really dangerous bits are..!

SHOOT DATES (SWEFTA)

• 15^th Oct - SWEFTA v WALES
  (Annual FT grudge match… we need to win.!) 

• 5^th Nov - SWEFTA Showdown

 I will put up maps in the club. 

FT, HFT, SWEFTA, BFTA, UKAHFT......ETC…!!!
- SOME RULES EXPLAINED

Some new members have been asking about competition rules, and what is involved, so here goes..!

FIELD TARGET - FT
Regarded as the “Formula 1” of target shooting, this discipline uses rangefinding scopes, which are expensive, and customised rifles with regulators, which again puts the price up. (You can shoot FT with an S200, but you must have a good scope.)

Most of the targets are shot from the sitting, or freestyle position, though there will be some compulsory “standers,” and “kneelers.”  You adjust your scope to find the range, and adjust the elevation turret, or “dial in,” so that your crosshairs are exactly on the kill zone. Minimum range is 8 yards, maximum, 55. Standard kill zone size is 40mm, and the British Field Target Association allow 25mm reduced kills out to 35yds, but not for standers, or kneelers. The South West of England Field Target Association permit reducers down to 13mm, and are more flexible about ranges.

Scoring is 1 point for a knock down, zero for anything else. This means you can “plate” every target on a 40 shot course, and get zero points… very discouraging…!

HUNTER FIELD TARGET - HFT 
Started by shooters who had ordinary equipment, but wanted to try target competitions.  Targets are placed behind branchs, or up trees, down holes, etc, to simulate hunting in the field. Minimum range is 8 yards, maximum for SWEFTA is 55yds, but UKAHFT max is 45yds. The UK lot are experimenting with “extreme” rules, which may go out to 55yds. Some part of your body, or your rifle must touch “the peg,” which may be hammered into the ground, or be a tree, or post, etc. Your trigger finger must be behind the firing line. The pegs and targets are set up so that some shots can only be seen from the prone position, (lying down,) kneeling, standing left handed, etc. The United Kingdom Association of  Hunter Field Target rules say you cannot sit, (Stupid rule…!) or adjust the focus of your scope. SWEFTA says you can sit, and adjust you scope, but the max mag allowed is 12X, and you cannot dial in, or rangefind. (Confused..? you will be..!)

Scoring is 2 for a knock down, 1 for a plate, 0 for a miss, or hitting wood, etc. This is more fun, as if you plate all our HFT targets, you still get 25 ex 50, (25 out of 50,) which is better than a big fat “zilch..!”

SWEFTA has a separate “Springer class.” .22 is usually “Open class,” but nearly everyone shoots .177.

AT THE SHOOT

People arrive and start shooting from about 9am. You get your score card, which costs £3 or £4. If you have time, and energy, you could enter all 3 classes, FT, HFT(Recoilless) and HFT (Recoiling.) You need a partner to shoot with. Arrange this with a friend, or ask around. You might be asked to check your rifle over a chrono.

Carry your rifle muzzle down at all times. If you place it on the ground, make sure the muzzle is over the line, pointing down range. (Even the “experts” are bad at this.!)

PCPs should be carried with the breech open, springers with the barrel or underlever unlatched, to show they are safe.

You may have to queue to start. You score for each other. FT, mark “X” for a hit, “0” for a miss. HFT, “2” for a kill, “1” for a plate, “0” for a miss. Try to remember to mark your partner’s score on his card, not yours. (Its easy to make a mistake..!)  You only load when you are ready to shoot. Targets are shot in numerical order, but if you realise you are set up for target 4, say, and you haven’t shot 3, you can say to your scorer, “Can I shoot 4 instead of 3 please.” He will usually agree, but if you accidentally shoot out of sequence, you will score zero. If you make a mistake in loading, inform the scorer, point your gun at the ground, and fire. If you drop a pellet, say, aim, and fire, and nothing happens, tough, you score zero, and don’t get a second chance..! Your trigger finger must be behind the firing line. If you have a magazine rifle, you must take the mag out, and check the gun is clear, before you move on to the next lane. Marshals are very hot about safety. Marshals are officials who are responsible for the smooth running of the shoot. They usually wear a fluorescent jacket. If you have a problem, ask them for help. If there is a problem such as a broken string, etc. you will hear a single whistle. Stop, fire your gun into the ground over the line and wait. Don’t mount your rifle, and look at targets, etc. Wait for the “All Clear,” which is 2 whistle blasts. Good natured banter is part of the game, but be diplomatic. When someone is lined up for the shot, loud coughs, or bellows of laughter can ruin their concentration, and also disturb shooters on the next lane.

Add up your partner’s card, and sign it. Check your own! Return the cards to the check-in . Last entries are usually by 12.30, and all cards must be handed in by 3.30. (SWEFTA shoots.) If scores are tied, there may be a shoot-off. (At targets, not each other..!) There is a little presentation, and certificates are given out, and everyone goes home.!

Everyone is welcome at SWEFTA shoots, no-one will laugh at you if you don’t do well, and our club needs more people to take part, so look at the fixture list, ask me for directions, and give it a go..!