Saturday 12 March 2022

This week's update from Frank: - As a group choice the decision was made to shoot paper targets outside. We just got set up when a light rain came. The covered mound let us continue and Nigel was up to the challenge with his trusty Air Arms air rifle with a score of 70 to start. We all knew he would be hard to beat, and so it turned out, with Nigel following it up with a score of 80 and a total of 150, 30 points ahead of second place Frank. Geoff was third with 110. Mark did well with his springer just off the pace on 90. The next was paper silhouette target animals and they proved very popular , the bonus was that no blood was spilt. Nigel elected to go for head shots with the inherent risk if he missed it would be a zero but 3 points for a hit. Well Nigel didn't miss, and as a result top scored with 19. The last shoot was for numbered targets . John jnr Scored 9/10 to top score with Brian and Frank on 8. The rain didn't stop it being a fun day and no one got wet, that is except Mark who kindly changed targets when the rain was the heaviest. Its no wonder we love air rifle. Last week I talked about shooters processes and every one can be different but for me it is to setup the rifle / pistol on your target so that it sits up pretty well lined up so that you don't need to force the sight on to the target. Check the scope focus and lock your face on to the comb making sure you are still eye centered and all the time breathing naturally. At this time it is useful to check hold it must be consistent and light. Do not Boa Constrict your hold. All rifles - air rifles included - have a lock time. That is the time when the trigger is released to when the bullet / pellet is clear of the muzzle. In that fraction of a second it is vital that your hold is uniform from shot to shot. Also follow through for a second or two after the shot has gone. To come next week shot release and mental preparation. These shooting hints are what I do, and you might deal with it differently. Books have been written about Target Shooting and more eloquently than I have. If you can take something from my ramblings I think my effort has been worthwhile.