MAY 10, 2014 - FREDERICTON CENTENNIAL MATCH - BATOUCHE

Eight shooters and one guest showed up at Batouche Range for the Fredericton Centennial Prone Fullbore Match on Saturday.
Despite the uncertain weather forecast, it had been decided to proceed with the match. As soon as the match began, the rain started quite heavily and most shooters decided to stop after the 300m range was completed. The wind was challenging and the temperature was cold.

The 500 m range was entered by only one shooter, Gordon Holloway, plus some instructional shooting for guest Allain Turgeon. A big welcome for Allain - hope to see him at many more matches.

Match Director and RSO: Conrad Leroux
TR Class: Don Coleman (winner); Mike Lutes and Daniel Chisholm
FTR Class: Gordon Holloway (winner); Harrison Brown; Conrad Leroux; John Holleran; Maurice Bennett

Thanks to Conrad who forwarded this match write-up. Thanks also to all who participated and  who voted to let their fees stand instead of accepting a partial reimbursement.

MRS. LILIANE STEWART PASSED AWAY

MESSAGE FROM DCRA:

It is with great regret and sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Liliane Stewart on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014. Mrs. Stewart was a Life Governor of the DCRA, Honorary Commandant of the Bisley Team and, with her late husband, an enthusiastic supporter of target shooting in Canada.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized but it is anticipated that it will be on Tuesday, May 13th, in Montreal. The DCRA has been specifically asked to participate in this ceremony.
It is hoped that as many members and friends of the DCRA as possible, especially Bisley Team members, will attend the service, wearing full #1 dress; blazer, tie and Stetson. We will make further details available as they are received.

FURTHER MESSAGE FROM DCRA:

DCRA
May 6, 2014

It is with great regret and sadness that we inform you of the death of Mrs. Liliane Stewart on Saturday 3rd May, 2014. Mrs. Stewart was a Life Governor of the DCRA, Honorary Commandant of the Bisley Team and, with her late husband, an enthusiastic supporter of target shooting in Canada.
The funeral has been scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, 13 May, at the Notre-Dame Basilica, 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal. The DCRA has been specifically asked to participate in this ceremony.
It is hoped that as many members and friends of the DCRA as possible, especially Bisley Team members, will attend the service, wearing full #1 dress - blazer, tie and Bisley hat. Since this will be a military funeral, the wearing of medals by those eligible is encouraged.
It is likely that there will be a very large attendance at the funeral service. DCRA members will be seated together if possible, but it is advisable to be at the Basilica by 10:15 am in order to achieve this.
If there is sufficient demand, the DCRA will charter a mini-bus and driver to travel from Ottawa to Montreal and back on the day of the funeral. There will be a very early start on Tuesday morning, so local accommodation is recommended.  It may be possible to arrange for overnight accommodation at the "Connaught Hilton" for the nights before and after the service. Members who wish to take advantage of this must advise the DCRA as quickly as possible, not later than noon EDT on Thursday 8th May. Please write to Kathy Corcoran  kcorcoran@dcra.ca or phone her at the DCRA Office at 613-829-8281. We will inform you on Thursday afternoon whether or not such arrangements are possible.

Keith Bornn
Match Director & Secretary-Treaseurer
DCRA
613 829 8281
MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL LUTES:

We in the RNBRA were saddened to learn of the loss of Mrs. Liliane Stewart this weekend. Our condolences go out to her family and many friends .
The RNBRA recognizes the support and contribution the Stewart Family have made to shooting in Canada and we will participate in any coordinated effort to honour their contribution.
Please keep me informed of details concerning funeral parlour, coordinated flower arrangements and/or charitable donations.

Michael Lutes
Interim President
for the Governing Board of the Royal New Brunswick Rifle Association

MAY 03, 2014 - ALL COMERS SEASON OPENER AT BATOUCHE

Well, here we have it - the season opener at Batouche. Sixteen shooters came out and sorted out their equipment, the electronic targets and especially the e-readers. It was amazing to discover how much we had forgotten over the winter. It was good to see some new faces - a big welcome to Mark McM., John S., and Harrison B.

It was a cloudy day with intermittent sun and the rain held off until the day was done.

A good time was had by all present and it was good to be at the range after such a long winter. 

RANGE SAFETY OFFICER COURSE WITH WAYDE CLIFFORD

The much awaited Range Safety Officer course was held Saturday, April 26 at the range in St. Antoine from 8:00am to about 4:00pm. The presentor was our colleague and authority in the field, Wayde Clifford. Sixteen eager students absorbed Wayde's very informative and at times, entertaining presentation.

Wayde covered the functions of the Chief Range Safety Officer of training the RSOs and of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the range. The content of the SOPs are determined by the range owners and typically include organizational information, range capabilities, range operations, shooting range rules and regulations and emergency response plan considerations.

He also covered the functions of the Range Safety Officer which include:
     1. Planning and the conduct of the firing exercise
     2. Issuing and detailing local instructions
     3. Ensuring all personel are made aware of all safety regulations through a range safety briefing.
     4. Giving orders to cease and commence firing
     5. Ensuring that communications are maintained
     6. Close control and supervision of personel and firearms
     7. Ensuring that the range facility is left in good order

Wayde further talked about the functions of others during a firing excercise with emphasis on assistant RSOs. sentries and first aid officer. A good deal of time was taken with Range Rules stressing rules for safe behaviour. Unintentional discharges , or the conditions that may lead to one, can happen to anyone and it takes the shooter, his scoring partner as well as the RSO to attempt to prevent this. Emphasis was also placed on the Pre-shoot Briefing.

Everyone was involved in creating a Range Briefing which was then shared with the group for input. Additionally, everyone was able to practice the commands of the RSO at the firing line.
We also wrote a test based on Wayde's information - it was surprising to us older fellows how much information we were able to forget from the brief time it was presented to writng the test!

Many thanks to Wayde. We now have a good complement of qualified Range Safety Officers to run our matches.
    

RNBRA PRESIDENT'S SPRING REPORT

Hi Fullbore Shooters;
Below you will find a link to the RNBRA President's Spring Report.

Michael Lutes -  Interim
President of RNBRA

 RNBRA President's Report

INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PARTICIPANTS AT VARIOUS EVENTS

Message from President of RNBRA - Michael Lutes:

The RNBRA has purchased insurance coverage for all its members with the National Firearms Association  (NFA). This insurance will cover liability arising out of our shooting activities. This will be our policy from March 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015. The policy and proof of insurance wallet cards will be received by the Secretary. The proof of insurance will then be distributed to the members.

The insurance purchased for all regular and life members covers all "legal/sactioned" range shooting activities anywhere as well as some other activities. The insurance becomes active once membership has been processed. The RNBRA believes this to be the best coverage available in Canada for our shooting members and guests.

At a match (RNBRA sanctioned event), proof of insurance will be required - this will consist of the NFA Insurance wallet card. Anyone showing up to an RNBRA sanctioned match/event, who does not have a current full RNBRA membership, and who cannot show proof of their individual liability insurance must pay a $5.00 per day guest insurance fee, and this, along with the shooter's name and the date, will be forwarded to the insurance company periodically (at least every 6 months). This method will cover guests and new shooters.

So, at a Fullbore or Precision rifle shoot the Match Director has the responsibility to ascertain that all participants have proof of insurance and/or collect $5.00 with the shooters name and date and forward this to the RNBRA. This may be a bit of a headache but necessary just the same.

The RNBRA cannot sanction events that have participants who do not have insurance coverage - we have to be sure. Any events held by clubs or other associations that cannot be sanctioned by the RNBRA cannot be included in the RNBRA sport profile/funding request to the provincial government. Also, anyone competing in such events must be full RNBRA members to be eligible for any funding assistance.

RSO TRAINING DAY - APRIL 26, 2014

RSO TRAINING DAY WITH WAYDE CLIFFORD

WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2014
WHERE: St. Antoine Range

DETAILS:

 - Wayde can handle about 24 people at this training so it will be first come first served. All participants must be full members of the RNBRA and for those who are not, Wayde will have membership forms - cost is $20.00

 - You must be 18 years or older.

 - Wayde will not charge Fullbore people for the training. It is not known at this time if there will be a range fee - come prepared for this.

 - Start time will be 8:00 a.m. and it will last all day to about 5:00 p.m.

 - There will be an hour break for lunch - you can bring a lunch or go to a restaurant in St. Antoine. Bring something to drink for the day.

 - Wayde will be bringing four .22 cal. rifles with ammo. You may also bring a firearm if you wish.

 - The person responsible at the Range will be Ron Surette

 - Wayde will provide certificates of completion after a written and practical test.

 - Bring a pencil and paper

 - Contact bertdevink@gmail.com to reserve your spot. A "fill-in for cancellations" list will start after 24 people have confirmed attendance.

REPORT OF DCRA MEETING FROM RNBRA PRESIDENT - MICHAEL LUTES

Click on this link to view the report of the DCRA Executive meeting https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vYbG5AqOmLt9vGl7m420sScDeEiqaafducYGy8YvuEJ-T6REp1qDWvacip95/edit?usp=sharing

EASTERN F-CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS - JUNE 27 TO JUNE 30, 2014

2014 Eastern F-Class Championships - Connaught Range, Ottawa - DATES CONFIRMED

Just wanted to let you know that the event website http://www.easternfclass.ca has been updated with some VERY preliminary dates/course of fire. We have had some interest expressed in offering more team shoots next year so we are contemplating having a morning dedicated to that before the final.

Barry and I also wanted to take a step in supporting/enticing new shooters by continuing to offer a "Top New Shooter" award in the regular divisions (which last year was generously donated by Price Enterprises) and also offering a division for some form of Factory class. We would likely need a minimum number of competitors to make this practical, but if there is enough interest we will definitely offer it - further details TBD.

If you've got any questions/concerns/suggestions please post here or send me a PM.

Cheers,

Scott

MESSAGE FROM RNBRA PRESIDENT - MICHAEL LUTES

A MESSAGE FROM THE SOAPBOX:

Please forgive this intrusion but we need to act as our sport is under constant attack.

We are under attack, make no mistake, the mentality that promotes fear and prejudice in our society will be our undoing.  While we sit back and hope that things will all work out there are forces at work in our community that result in division and discontent. Deliberate or not the results are evident in wasted time, resources and energy.  We need to work together as a community, pooling our energy, resources, and experience.  Vigorous political discussion in an open forum is a good thing and must be encouraged.

We are often subjected to rumor and misinformation by those who have agendas that are unclear and would perhaps not be popular. We must stand together as shooting sport enthusiasts and discourage anything but open debate.

Our sport has been subjected to apathy and over 50 years of negative propaganda. We know that people trained in the safe responsible sporting use of firearms are much less likely to be a burden on our society. Let's  talk about that in our communities. We know that firearms are no more dangerous than automobiles, truckloads of gasoline or trainloads of oil. Why are people afraid of firearms and comfortable driving down the highway?

We have people that have been involved in competitive shooting sports from their teens into their eighties. This is a lifetime sport and we need to take the sporting use of firearms out of the closet, the only way we can do that is to stand up in our community and talk about our sport and what we get out of it. Join our clubs, our provincial and our national associations so that our political voice will be heard with strength and unity.

I often hear the argument that "guns were designed to kill people", to that I would say so were pointed sticks should we ban trees? Unfortunately it is true that war or the threat of it has been a major driver of our technology and the original development of many things that we now use regularly was to "kill people". It should also be pointed out that right or wrong our intended purpose of developing the tools of war is to deter it.

Our sport promotes sportsmanship and has no provision for any of the unsportsmanlike behavior that is common in some of the "spectator sports" that have become such a large part of Canadian culture. Shooting sports reward the athlete and have little spectator appeal, we have no "dirty hits" and certainly no need to exact revenge or employ enforcers on our teams. The only negatives in our sport are perceived by those who live in a world dominated by fear and prejudice.

Please take the time to help to educate a non shooter .

This is a personal message from the President of the Royal New Brunswick Rifle Association.
Michael Lutes