It was a lovely "fall" day in New Brunswick even though the summer has a couple of weeks to go. The temperature on the way to Peticodiac was a little cool but there was a hint of humidity and when the temperature came up in the late morning and early afternoon it did become a
little more muggy - but not enough to hinder our shooting or our enjoyment of getting together for the 6th Annual Martin F. Topf Rimfire Championship. This is a great time of year for shooting!
Yes there was some wind - or to say it more correctly, the Petitcodiac winds did not disappoint. As is typical, the first relay was very quiet with an occasional hint of a breath of wind from the right. Five 250s and six 249s were shot during that first relay. This was cut in half during the second relay which gives you some idea of how the wind conditions had changed. It was stronger, came from several directions, dipped and curled and rose from the range floor.
Looking at one particular wind-flag gave a false reading of what the bullet had to go through on it's way to the target. This may have worked during the first relay but at least 2 or 3 flags were necessary to make a predictable shot. Even then, there were some close calls and heart rates went up and down - a lot - during the shooting. It was challenging.
Congrats for some fine shooting are due to Dan G. who not only shot a 500 target but was able to keep the shots close earning 27Xs. Also to John McC and Bert deV. congrats for their 500 targets.
Covid-19 played a role as well - not only in the shooting but also in the awards presentations and the lunch. John C. had provided for a nice lunch which was eaten between the first and second relays. Thanks to Dorothy McC. for the dessert. All the usual precautions (2m apart, hand cleaning, face masks, shooting screens etc.) were observed as much as possible.
The match was organised by match director Volker T. who also was the head scorer. Dan G. verified the scoring and stats. The range safety officers were Dan G., Darryl K. and John McC. Targets were set and changed by Chris S., Grant H. and Mike C. My apologies if I missed anyone. There were some good cookies, brought by Barb J., available during the shooting and Dan G. brought the Timbits. Many many thanks to all who made this such an enjoyable shoot.
RESULTS - OPEN CLASS RIMFIRE BENCHREST:
Dan G. - 250/17X + 250/10X = 500/27X
Bert deV. - 250/11X + 250/13X = 500/24X
John McC. - 250/8X = 250/11X = 500/19X
John M. - 250/12X + 249/11X = 499/23X
Gerald D. - 250/11X + 249//11X = 499/21X
Mike C. - 250/10X + 249/10X = 499/19X
Chris S. - 249/15X + 249/9X = 498/24X
Cecil H. - 249/13X + 249/9X = 498/22X
Darryl K. - 248/10X + 250/11X = 498/21X
Malcolm McA. - 248/9X + 250/11X = 498/20X
Matt McA. - 249/16X + 248/11X = 497/27X
David C. - 249/12X + 247/6X = 496/18X
Barb J. - 249/8X + 247/8X = 496/16X
Volker T. - 24612X + 249/12X = 495/24X
Grant H. - 247/10X + 248/5X = 495/15X
Norbert S. - 248/9X + 247/3X = 495/12X
Bruce B. - 247/11X = 247/10X = 494/21X
John C. - 247/9X + 242/4X = 489/13X
Don M. - 249/9X + 238/6X = 487/15X
George M. - 245/7X + 242/2X = 487/9X
Charles McQ. - 250/7X + 236/4X = 486/11X
After the shooting was done, we all helped to break down the range and then went to th clubhouse for the awards presentations. The awards for the best single target during the regular schedule was shared by Bruce B. and Mike C. with a score of 250/18X. The high match score was awarded to Volker T. with a score of 500/32X. The top 3 shooters in today's match received cash awards, and personal trophies and plaques.
A very nice feature of the Petitcodiac Sportsmen's Club is the draw for prizes for those who did not receive a shoting award. This was organized by John C. Many thanks John and the PSC for a very enjoyable day of shooting.
