MAY 31, 2014 - SIERRA "BULLET" MATCH - ST. ANTOINE

The SIERRA "BULLET" MATCH was held in St. Antoine last Saturday with a good crowd of 20 shooters competing in 4 classes. This match is traditionally one of the best attended of the season and for several shooters it is the first match of their schedule. A big welcome to Brian Pettipas for whom this was the first ever fullbore match.

The match consisted of 3 relays of 20 rounds on score shot in strings. Maximum possible score for the match was 600. One shooter would shoot while his/her partner would score the entire string and a third shooter would get ready on the mound. It was clear that people came here to shoot - with the first relay starting with unlimited sighters, some shooters continued firing their sighters while others were already done with the relay! For sure, a good time was had by all present.

We were treated to wonderful weather - sunny all day with only a hint of clouds on the horizon at the end of the match. Those who did not get touched by the sun went home with wind-burns because we had a steady 20-30km/hr wind blowing downrange off the Norththumberland Strait. This was tricky at times as this tail-wind would switch back and forth with flags pointing in different directions at the same time. The first two relays were pretty consistent but as the third relay wore on the wind changed more frequently and rapidly. More than a few shooters suffered the effects of over or under adjusting for the wind - hopefully a lot of learning took place today.

Thanks go to the Sierra Company who have been the prize sponsors of this match for many years whether the economy was doing well or not. Canadian shooters have few options for their supplies and the Sierra Co. has always stood tall in their support for them.

Thanks go to several people for making this match possible. Ron Surette was the Match Director and did an excellent job of organizing this match. Michelle Cormier was the statistician. Daniel Chisholm with several helpers, set up the scoring system which worked beautifully and presented the results on ISSF targets in metric units - wow! Thanks also to all who helped set up and take down the target backers and flags. Congratulations to all the winners and to all shooters for a really enjoyable match.

RESULTS:

FTR CLASS
Paul Bastarache - 197 - 197 - 199 = 593 (on count back)

Francis Bezeau - 198 - 198 - 197 = 593

Gordon Holloway - 197 - 199 - 194 = 590
Conrad Leroux - 194 - 198 - 197 = 589
Harrison Brown - 196 - 192 - 192 = 580
John Holleran - 198 - 186 - 191 = 575
Maurice Bennett - 191 - 192 - 190 = 573



TR CLASS
Daniel Chisholm - 187 - 190 - 190 = 567
Don Coleman - 193 - 185 - 186 = 564
Michael Lutes - 185 - 188 - 183 = 556
Ron Surette - 185 - 184 - 182 = 551
Michelle Cormier - 185 - 182 - 178 = 545
Mark McMullin - 190 - 183 - 168 = 541
Ken Geddes - 180 - 160 - 183 = 523
Edgar Poirier - 173 - 183 - 166 = 522

FO CLASS

Bert deVink - 199 - 197 - 200 = 596

JC Gautreau - 196 - 194 - 199 = 589

BR CLASS
George Cook - 198 - 199 - 194 = 591
Brian Pettipas - 198 - 195 - 193 = 586
Tom Nowlan - 186 - 180 - 169 = 535

FOURTH ANNIVERSAY OF THE FULLBORE BLOG

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! - BONNE ANNIVERSAIRE!

On May 10, 2014 the FULLBORE BLOG turned 4 years old. It was conceived and was given birth by Daniel Chisholm at that time and has grown into what it is now. Who knows what good stuff the future will bring? One thing for sure - it will be on this Blog!

You might be interested in the following:

1. There have been 100 posts of matches, announcements etc.

2. The Fullbore Blog was accessed 22405 times.

3. The RSO Training day has drawn the most interest with 1246 views followed by the Annual Prize Matches of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island which together have 360 views. The third item of interest is "Running a Match at Batouche" with 186 views.

4. The number of views per country breaks down as follows:
             Canada - 14413             U.S.A. - 3485
             Russia - 944                   Germany - 869
             Ukraine - 303                  France - 175
             Malaysia - 163                United Kingdom - 138
             China - 137                      Indonesia - 103
             Japan - 69                       Brazil - 55
             Turkey - 42                      Poland - 34
             Taiwan - 26                     Italy - 24

MESSAGE FROM RNBRA PRESIDENT - MIKE LUTES

MAY 25, 2014 - MEMORIAL/McGILLEVARY MATCH - BATOUCHE

It was a cool and windy day at Batouche on Sunday. Temperature hovered around 9C and the wind ranged from 0 kph. to about 20 kph. - everyone had lots on their hands to deal with and were surprised from time to time at how much a bullet could be off course with only a little wind showing on the flags. A humbling experience to say the least. As the day progressed and warmed up a bit, the neighbourhood blackflies saw an opportunity to relieve us of our excess blood - par for the course in New Brunswick. Thankfully, the rain did not materialise until much later in the evening!  For most of us this was the first time this year we shot at 800 M and 900 M. We were rusty and it showed in our performance. Many of us also had to deal with unfamiliar loads as the bullets we were used to last year simply aren't available this year. There were also a couple of times when the velocity of some shooter's rounds did not reach the speed of sound, which is a must for the target scoring system to register the shot.

Three relays of 2 sighters with 15 on score were shot - max score for FTR was 270; for MTR also 270 and for TR max score was 225/45V.

It was a good crowd of 19 shooters that attended shooting FTR, MTR and TR classes. George Cook was also there shooting his 6BR in long range benchrest. His long years of experience gave him the edge, shooting very respectable scores with many "V-bulls". Congratulations to the winners and to all for a good shoot (and another learning experience).

RESULTS - FTR (V-bulls count as 6)

Paul Bastarache - 240

Conrad Leroux - 231 (on count back)

Bert deVink - 231

Paul McIlveen - 230

Matt Wolf - 228

JC Gautreau - 227

Emmett Hartz - 217

John Holleran - 213

Kevin Gallivan - 209

Ryan DeMerchant - 201

Harrison Brown - 184

Ash Pardy - 151

John Stamp - 65

RESULTS - TR

Mike Lutes - 217/16V

Don Coleman - 212/17V

Daniel Chisholm - 210/19

RESULTS - MTR (V-bulls count as 6)

Wayne Kaye - 212

Mike Leroy - 206

RESULTS - LONG RANGE BENCHREST

George Cook - 160 (2 relays at 900)



The Winners: Mike in TR; Paul in FTR; Wayne in MTR



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.