Saturday October 22nd

Taranaki Air Rifle 22.10.22

With no competition arranged shooters were free to try different pellets and different energy levels at different ranges out to 50metres. Air rifles have come a long way from the old break barrel Springer's of yesteryear. Some are still using Springer's but they are harder to shoot well compared to Air pre charged rifles. Commonly known as PCPs . A measurement instrument known as Chronograph is used to give pellet speed multiplied by pellet weight and that tells shooters what muzzle energy level there is. Compared to a Rim Fire Target Rifle. The Air Rifles we shoot with would have less than 1/4 of the energy of a Rim Fire 22 owing to the lighter projectile but some Air Rifles can get very close to the speed of a 22 Rim Fire. Although the pellets are light they can be very accurate out to 50 metres, but in saying that they are very wind affected. Pellet selection is so important. Pellets come in different weights , makes and sizes and what works for some mightn't work for others.

Air Rifle shooters turn up at Eltham Pinny Drive Range every Saturday morning and Wednesday morning for the challenge of knock down and paper targets and a good old chatter about what is best. By the way we sit at tables with scopes and a rifle rest so what could be easier. We will soon find a rifle if you want to have a go.

For the first time this Saturday we had timed rounds of 5 minutes so everyone moved through promptly. Tim W proudly announced on hitting 5/5 then further announced it took more than 5 shots to knock down a further one. Nigel K had a very tidy 11/12 that was not bettered all day. As the day went on groups were harder to get because of the shifty wind.

To look forward to is the 30/50 metre club challenge in November.

Christmas BBQ Saturday 10^th – lunch will follow a themed shoot.

Cheers Frank