This competition was organised by the Historic Breechloading Smallarms Association and took place on Century Range at Bisley. There were various matches being shot at the same time and all sorts of interesting and exotic rifles were on display, many of which I didn't recognise. There were dozens of Enfields of all types and quite a few Martini-Henrys and Martini cadets.
I entered the "Territorial" competition (Classic Service Rifles pre 1919)twice using my Long Lee and my P14. The course of fire was: <!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Prone</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->: Deliberate fire; 2 sighters (convertible)+ 10. <!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Snaps</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->: Prone; 2 sighters (non convertible) + 10 exposures of 3 seconds. (Charger loading not allowed). <!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Double Snaps</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->: Prone; 2 sighters (non convertible) + 5 exposures of 5 seconds, 2 shots per exposure; starting loaded with not more than 6 rounds, chargers not allowed.
This is a general view of the range. It was a very well organised shoot with a friendly atmosphere. I tapped up quite a few people for advice on loading Martini Henry cartridges.
Here's our hero Strangely Brown (mercifully a rear view) as Range Controlling Officer for the snaps. Poor old Mick has been very unwell lately and was coughing and spluttering and had almost lost his voice. Clearly this man is officer material. I just love it when he's forceful.
Here's Mick getting ready to shoot. As you can see he is praying for a miracle - not surprisingly as the prat had left his shooting glasses at home! (Be honest, we've all done something similar!)
In this one Mick's shooting snaps with his beautiful No 1 Mk 1*. I found the double snaps VERY challenging and really disgraced myself. I should have put up a sign, "Don't boo the juggler. He's doing his best."!
All in all it was a great day out thanks to people like Mick who so freely give up their time to organise and run things for the rest of us.
How did I do? Need you ask? I was absolutely bloody useless but I enjoyed myself proving it and that's all that matters, eh?
Brian
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