Long Range Rifles Branch
of the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain

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Metford Trophy

The distant target merrily bobbing around in the mirage greeted competitors as they adjusted spotting scopes on the 1000 yard firing point of Bisley's Stickledown Range. This was the first stage of the Long Range Rifles Branch competition for the Metford Trophy.

The competition comprises the aggregate of 15 shots at each distance, 1000, 1100 and 1200 yards and is fired with muzzle loading match rifles. The 1000 yard stage took place on the afternoon of Friday 3 August with the 1100 and 1200 yard stages following on the morning and afternoon respectively of Saturday 4 August. There was an excellent turn out, with thirty members of the Branch taking part and travelling from throughout England, plus Wales, Jersey and France.

The fresh 3 o'clock wind added an element of comfort in the bright sunshine but its gusts and lulls combined with the mirage to make for a challenging two days shooting. A rifleman's technical skills can be honed at shorter ranges, but at these extended ranges experience is essential to learn how to deal with changing wind, light and atmospheric conditions.

Jacques Mallarme got off to an excellent start at 1000 yards scoring 57.2 in the tricky conditions. His nearest rivals were Martin Tebbs on 52.1, followed by John Whittaker on 51.4. This was a commanding lead, however with another days shooting at further distances much could change!

One of the most consistently high scoring members of the Branch is Phil Senior. Building on his 41 at 1000 yards, Phil bettered that at 1100 yards with a score of 44.1 and top score at the distance. Close behind was Robert Player on 40.3 and Charles Higginbottom on 39. Shooting at this distance left Charles on an aggregate of 87 points, Jacques and Phil tying on 85, and John Whittaker on 84, with several others close enough that the leaders couldn't afford to make mistakes.

Moving back to 1200 yards Phil Senior maintained his performance level with 39 for the top score. Mike Hall was the second highest scorer with 35, and Mike Mott third with 34.1.

Whatever personal satisfaction there may be for achieving a top score at one of the distances, this match is about consistency and the winner needs a good performance through all the ranges. With an aggregate of 124.1 Phil Senior as the clear winner. Second place was Charles Higginbottom on 115.1 and third Jacques Mallarme on 113.2.

Long range muzzle loading is a demanding discipline and the Metford Trophy competition is an especially gruelling course of fire in the August heat. Ultimately though the sport is a hugely rewarding and the Trophy winner can be justifiably proud of a great achievement. Full results are available.

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