APRIL 30, 2016 - SEASON OPENER AND RANGE MAINTENANCE

It was a gorgeous day for being at the range. 
Seven shooters - Harrison B., Gordon H., Don C., Nick M. and a friend, (didn't get his name - hopefully someone can provide it), Mark McM. and Mike L.  turned out, cleaned up the RNBRA club house and re-faced 6 targets until about 12:00. This was a great crew who really jumped in and got a lot of work done. The mice won't recognize the place.  
Gord left with a trailer full of junk for the dump.  
In the afternoon, they even got a few shots in to sight their rifles and work the bugs out of their equipment, (there was no registration taken or money collected as these folks certainly earned their afternoon on the range).
Mike left before the shooting began in the early afternoon.  Shooting was enjoyable, sun, no bugs and up to 5 minutes in wind correction at 600 with a good mirage. 

FEBRUARY 20, 2016 - FULLBORE EXECUTIVE MEETING

MEETING OF THE FULLBORE SECTION EXECUTIVE

A meeting of the Fullbore Executive took place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 with Chairman Bert deVink, Vice-Chairman Gord Holloway, Treasurer Daniel Chisholm, Secretary Don Coleman, Electronic Target Trustee and DCRA Representative Adam MacDonald, and RNBRA Past-president Michael Lutes in attendance.

AGENDA: (* denotes action item completed)
1.     RNBRA 150th Anniversary
After a discussion about the 150th Anniversary of the RNBRA, and based on a suggestion made by Ken Kyle at the AGM, it was decided that the Fullbore Section would strike a special commemorative pin and present this to all shooters at the APM and the "Any Rifle/Any Sights" match. 
It was decided that Adam MacDonald would arrange for a special "Any Rifle/Any Sights" match at Springfield.
*Bert deVink will price this item and forward a proposal to Conrad Leroux and members of the Fullbore Executive.

2.     Conflict in Dates - RNBRA APM and Eastern F-Class Championships
As the Eastern F-Class Championships are to be shot on July 1-3, 2016, it was decided to move our APM to the July 9 and 10, 2016. This will necessitate moving the Military Rifle match to July 2, 2016 and the Precision Rifle rain date to July 3, 2016.
*Bert deVink will change the schedule and advise Paul McIlveen of these changes.
*Bert deVink will also book Batouche Range for Thursday July 7th and Friday July 8th for range preparation.

3.     Course of Fire at the APM
A number of changes to the course of fire at the APM were proposed, and after much discussion it was decided that the following course of fire be adopted:

Saturday - Day 1
John Gibson Memorial - 2+10 at 300m
Prince of Wales - stage 1 - 2+7 at 300m
Prince of Wales - stage 2 - 2+10 at 600m
Alban Emery Match - 2+15 at 600m
Governor General's - stage 1 - 2+15 at 600m

Sunday - Day 2
Prince of Wales - stage 3 - 2+15 at 800m
Governor General's - stage 2 - 2+15 at 900m
Governor General's - stage 3 - 2+15 at 900m
(118 rounds, not including shoot-offs)

4.     PEI - APM
*Mike Lutes will book a large cabin at "The Birches" for the nights of August 5th and 6th, 2016
*This was not available but has been booked for the "Atlantics".

5.     Financial Matters
           i)     Balance: Treasurer Daniel Chisholm, reports that we have about $5600 at this point in time. This also includes the Amortization Fund to replace the electronic target system when it becomes necessary (at the rate of $10 per match/per shooter). This sum also includes an Emergency Fund. No funding has been received yet from the RNBRA.
*Daniel to search out the actual amount for the Amortization Fund in 2015. ($1860)
*          ii)     Electronic Target Markers: It was decided that the purchase of one more electronic target marking system is necessary for the efficient scoring of most of our matches. For a larger shoot such as the APM we have an arrangement with PEI to borrow their 2 target marking systems. Daniel suggested that we should test and eventually obtain a "Repeater Unit" which would elliminate some of the reception problems with the current unit. This would also allow us to operate without the large server unit. The purchase of an additional (refurbished) target marker and the Repeater Unit would be $1860US. It was decided we would go ahead with this purchase. Bert deVink will prepare a proposal to be submitted to Conrad Leroux and the Board of the RNBRA requesting the funding for this equipment and also for improvements to the target frames.
*         iii)     Budget: A budget related to Fullbore Shooters' activities during 2016 is to be submitted to the RNBRA for discussions with the Province of New Brunswick. Mike Lutes will review our previous submissions, adjust for activities during 2016 and circulate this to the Executive before submitting it to the RNBRA.
           iv)     Match Fee: It was moved  by Daniel Chisholm and seconded by Mike Lutes that Match Directors be exempt from paying the $25 match fee for any match that they are the Match Director. Carried.
            v)     Targets: Gord Holloway will make a tally of the target  bed-sheets and target faces that will be needed. Daniel Chisholm will order these from the DCRA. 
*          vi)     High Performance/Out of Province Shooters: The costs of representing the Province of New Brunswick at various matches across the Maritmes and in Ottawa as well as at Bisley is increasing. We believe that shooters who shoot in out-of-province matches should be given financial assistance. Promoting this high performance shooting is a mandate of the RNBRA and so Bert deVink will prepare a proposal for funding assistance for these shooters.
*          vii)     Plaques; Two small plaques will be purchased for the "All-Comer's" Match (TR and FTR); 3 plaques are required for the "Alban Emery" match (TR, FTR, F-Open) and 2 plaques are needed for the RNBRA Smallbore TR and MTR matches (Junior TR and Junior MTR). In addition $50 will be withdrawn from the Burge/Snow Fund, $50 from the Lockett Prize Fund and $75 from the Alban Emery Prize Fund. This to be funded by the interest generated by these funds.

6.     Promotion of Fullbore Shooting in New Brunswick
After much discussion, it became clear that Fullbore Shooters generally begin shooting this discipline a bit later in life - between 30 and 40 years of age when they are a bit more established in their work and family. This is a bit different from years ago when cadets would begin shooting at an early age and move up to target rifle as a natural progression. In our opinion, our efforts to recruit new Fullbore shooters should be directed towards this demographic.
We think that holding Fullbore Matches at different ranges across the province, with a slight emphasis on the Northern half of New Brunswick, will increase this province's shooters' exposure to Fullbore shooting and may result in some new shooters. 
Gord Holloway and Mike Lutes will work on a proposal to hold Fullbore shoots across the province and will cost it. As the RNBRA's mandate is to promote shooting, this proposal will be submitted to the RNBRA Board for funding support.

7.     Victoria Day Matches in Ottawa
*Don Coleman will obtain the correct dates for these matches and the schedule will be amended.

8.     Precision/BP/Military Shoots
There was some discussion about these shoots which are booked at Batouche on Base Gagetown under the auspices of the RNBRA. There was some concern expressed that the shooters who take part in these matches be RNBRA members so that our insurance will cover them - a requirement of shooting on the base. Even if a shooting fee is not collected at these matches, any guest must pay $5 for insurance and the names of these guests must be forwarded to the RNBRA for payment to the NFA. 
*Bert deVink to send a note to Paul, Mike, Brian and Wayne who are the Match Directors for these shoots.

9.     Adjournment
Mike Lutes moved adjournment of the meeting. Unanimous.

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 - RAMBLING OF A SHOOTING BUM - MIKE LUTES

RAMBLINGS OF A SHOOTING BUM

COMPETITION = TESTING = SUCCESS

Or why we choke under pressure. 

I'm going to ramble about competition and why I think it's important to our  community.  

Shooting has been promoted as a competitive sport over its long history for several reasons which are as relevant  today as they were 150 years ago. Canada has produced many high level shooters that  have historically had significant success in international events. These matches test skill and preparation in

JANUARY 25, 2016 - RAMBLINGS OF A SHOOTING BUM - MIKE LUTES

RAMBLINGS OF A SHOOTING BUM

January 2016 - SHOOTING A HOBBY OR A SPORT

It's been a good winter so far and as of mid month we've not had much snow or cold weather in southern New Brunswick. If this keeps up it will be good for NB wildlife. Our heating and snow removal cost should be lower as well but the cost of petroleum products appears not to follow the cost of oil any more. It must be something to do with the new math?

It's decision time for me and, despite my excitement and

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Brunswick fullbore shooters wish all of our good friends in the Maritimes, across Canada, and around the world, a very Happy Holiday Season and good shooting in the New Year.

We hope to see all of you at the range
in 2016.

NOVEMBER 8, 2015 - MINUTES OF THE FULLBORE SECTION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

below are the minutes of the 2015 agm. many thanks to secretary, don coleman for preparing them early - i've had little time to post them until now - so here they are at last!

Annual General Meeting of the RNBRA Fullbore Section was held on November 8th, 2015 at the Four Seasons Motel in Sussex.

In attendance were Thomas Nowlan, JC Gautreau, Daniel Chisholm, Don Coleman, Bert DeVink, Conrad Leroux, Michael Lutes, Ron Surette, Harrison Brown, Gordon Holloway, Adam MacDonald, Ken Kyle, Dollard LeBlanc , Adam MacDonald and Mike Lutes.

The Chairperson for the meeting was Bert deVink and Don Coleman recorded the minutes.

1. New Business arising from a call from the Floor

Item vii -  The 150th Anniversary of the RNBRA by Conrad Leroux

Item viii - APM course of fire by Gordon Holloway.

Item ix -  Electronic Targets by Adam MacDonald.

Item x -  Small memorabilia item to be handed out representing the RNBRA by Ken Kyle.

Item xi - Investment of the Fullbore funds by Conrad Leroux.

Item xii -Team Training by Mike Lutes

Adoption of the Agenda moved by Michael Lutes and seconded by Daniel Chisholm.

JC CUSTOM BARRELS INC. - FULL-TIME RIFLE SERVICE

JC (Jean-Claude) Gautreau has made the big leap to full-time barrel making as of October 23. He is now known by the name JC CUSTOM BARRELS. He has work requested of him from the Maritime Provinces and elsewhere.
JC is an accomplished shooter having shot BR out west and Fullbore in New Brunswick. He is a force to be reckoned with at any match.

JC's barrels are made from the finest stainless barrel steel and samples are performing very well indeed in local, provincial, Inter-Maritime and national matches. He researches what he does, talks to other barrel makers and does a meticulous job on all aspects of this work. I, for one, am very pleased with the barrels he made for me.

Congratulations to JC and we wish him well in this endeavour.

Here are a couple of examples of his work:

F-TR Rifle - BAT "B", RB, LP; JC Custom Barrel in .308, 10.33" twist, 6 groove, 30" long

 HV Bench Rest Rifle - Borden Rimrock BRM, RB, RP;
JC Custom Barrel in 6MM PPC, 13.5" twist, 4 groove, 22" long

Here is a link to his web-site: http://www.jccustombarrels.com
You may contact him at the following:
 jccustombarrels@gmail.com 
and by phone:  506-743-6488

NOVEMBER 8, 2015 - PICTURES OF 2015 FULLBORE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Here are the guys all having a good lunch in between the AGM and the Scheduling Meeting.

Here's Michael Lutes receiving the M. Ellen MacGillivray Award for his outstanding service to Fullbore Shooting over the years.

OCTOBER 18, 2015 - MINUTES OF THE RNBRA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Minutes of RNBRA Annual General Meeting

Sussex, NB

October 18th, 2015

Attendees: Michael Lutes, Steven Stewart, Matt Wolf, Don Brown, Don Coleman, Shelley Gregan, Gordon Holloway, Lorraine Chapman, Edison Chapman, Francis Bezeau, Conrad Leroux, Paul Bastarache, Willie Cormier, April Brewer, Dollard LeBlanc, Brian Bastarache, J.R. MacDonald, Tony Wood, Charles Gregan, Adam MacDonald, Austin MacPhee, Ron Surette, Daniel Chisholm, Jean Claude Gautreau, Hugh O’Neill, Darlene Turner, Rodney Turner, Cheryl Bastarache, Daniel Bastarache, Michelle Cormier, Ken Kyle, Bert deVink, Edward Weatherdon, Ronald Mason, Amanda Bennett, Chris Lynch, Tom Nowlan

1.   Call to order @ 9:35 am. The Rule of Order (Article 10-02 of RNBRA Bylaws) was read by President, Mike Lutes.

2.  A moment of silence was observed to remember deceased comrades of the shooting fraternity.

3     President Mike asked each one of the Board members to introduce themselves and state their position on the RNBRA Board. He thanked those attending on behalf of the Board and stated that the Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to become informed of the news and business of the Association. It is a forum for discussion and input and an opportunity to honour those members who have given so much to the Association. It is also the responsibility of those in attendance to elect the President, two Vice-presidents, and three Directors at Large. Mike spoke of the RNBRA’s reason for existence which is to develop shooting ability in New Brunswick. In 2016 RNBRA will celebrate 150 years of doing that. As the provincially recognized sport governing body for shooting in NB, RNBRA receives funding from the province. As such, the RNBRA is accountable for that money. There is much work to be done and Mike encouraged those in attendance to consider what help they are willing to give. The full text of the President’s opening remarks will be included with the Secretary’s minutes.

OCTOBER 25, 2015 - ATLANTIC HIGHPOWER (FULLBORE) COMMITTEE MEETING

Wendy Reid, who took minutes for this meeting, sends the following link 2015 ATLANTIC HIGHPOWER (FULLBORE) MINUTES

Please Note: 
The Team Composition and selection of each province's team members for the 2016 InterMaritime Match and the British Team Match will change substantially. Here is an excerpt from the minutes:

Inter-Maritime Match and British Team Match Changes: 
 The team composition will change to 4 TR shooters and 4 F-TR shooters from 5 and 3 respectively. 
 Since PEI will have difficulty fielding an 8 person team, the other provinces agreed to share some of their shooters to ensure all three provinces would have enough team members and have 3 competitive teams. 
 Since PEI has difficulty getting enough range time prior to these matches, the matches will be scheduled later in June than traditionally shot. 
 These changes will be a trial situation and will be re-assessed at this meeting next year.

The following conditions and procedures will be followed in doing so:  
1. Each Province with ample shooters will (“protect”) designate 2 TR & 2 F-TR shooters to shoot on their team. 
2. The other shooters from the province (based on their own selection match/method) will be put into a ”pool” and their names will be drawn to represent one of the 3 provinces. 
3. The Fullbore Chairman from each province will coordinate the pools and draws 2 weeks prior to the event and shooters will be notified. 
4. The  teams arranged in this manner will shoot in both the Inter-Maritime match and the British Team match. 

So, for us in New Brunswick, we would have our annual InterMaritime/British Team Match trials and the top 2 TR and F-TR shooters would form the "core" of our New Brunswick Team. 
All other shooters who want to compete in these matches would enter a "pool" of available shooters which would include shooters from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and possibly a few from PEI. From this pool, each province would draw shooters in sequence to round out their 8 person teams. 
So, New Brunswick would have a "core" of our own shooters and could have shooters from both NS and PEI on our team. Likewise, both the teams from NS and PEI could have shooters from New Brunswick on their teams.