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

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Metford Trophy

The Long Range Rifle Branch of the MLAGB competing at 1200 yards

The most demanding of all long range target rifle matches took place at Bisley on the weekend of 2/3 August. This is the Branch's annual Metford Trophy competition comprising the aggregate of fifteen shots fired at each distance, 1000, 1100 and 1200 yards.

The 1000 yard stage was originally scheduled for the afternoon of Friday 1 August. Unfortunately, and at short notice, this was cancelled due to the Army (Landmarc) deciding to repair the fencing in the danger area of Stickledown Range for the day. This stage was rescheduled for Sunday morning and the planned 600 yard practice session moved to the afternoon, to maintain a full weekend of shooting.

1100 and 1200 yard shoots are not often held. The importance therefore of good record keeping is emphasised such that knowledge gained from previous shoots can be applied (ie. appropriate sight settings for the distance and prevailing conditions) and the shooter quickly hit the target. This is good practice for all distances, not just the extended ranges of the Metford Trophy competition. Spending time at the beginning of the event in establishing the right sight setting through an extended number of shots reduces the time available for the match shots and increases the physical demands on the shooter. A fatigued shooter rushing to get his last few match shots off in the allotted is more liable to make mistakes (….. end of coaching tips!).

The match commenced with the 1100 yard stage will light occasional drizzle threatening worse conditions, which thankfully did not arrive. Rob Player set the lead at this range, with 45. Then followed three shooters each scoring 41, George Arnold, Dave Craven, Nigel Dennis and a bunch more all in contention scoring in the high 30s.

The first detail of the 1200 yard stage commenced and finished in sunshine, but was interrupted part way through for 10 minutes by a heavy downpour. Shifting wind direction and changeable strength kept the shooters entertained. Despite the less than ideal conditions there was some outstanding shooting. Andrew Burgess scored 43.2 closely followed by Mike Mott on 43 and Charles Higginbottom on 40.1.

Sunday morning's 1000 yard shoot did not see any significant change in conditions, remaining overcast with changeable winds that demanded shooter's attention and caught out the unwary. Nigel Dennis was way ahead of the field at this distance scoring an outstanding 57.3. His nearest rival was Dave Pearce on 52, followed by David Minshall on 49.

This match is however all about consistency through the ranges, and no matter what personal satisfaction there may be from a good individual stage score there are no prizes for the separate distances. For the trophy then, Dave Craven fought off two shooters by one point to finish with 118 and third place. Mike Mott scored one better, making 119.2 for second place, but the clear match winner was Nigel Dennis with 126.3. Well done Nigel, a fine shoot!

Dennis Chambers firing at 1000 yards

Mike Mott & Nigel Dennis

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