Saturday 22nd July

 TARC 22.07.2023

Mirrored Silhouettes (practice day)

Several years back Nigel proposed this competition to challenge the users of lower powered airguns at close distance (15 yards). Intent was to ensure that we were all on an equal footing and it has proved to be a great leveller. Higher tech does not guarantee a win in this format. Showing up this week was a good turnout of shooters with various makes and models of airguns old and new.

It was to be a relaxed practice session when  Frank said "I've been thinking" ...... and produced a tin of painted .22 pellets. Frank continued "What if we placed these pellets on the top of a silhouette which had to be taken out while leaving the silhouette standing". It took some time for the muttering to subside amongst which were several questionable comments about people who think too much. 

Frank is the club accuracy Guru and we can but follow.

When the first shot of the day toppled the nominated pellet, it was declared a fluke, vibration, rebound and any other possible cause except a direct hit. When the second pellet flew from the Rams head subdued clapping followed, when the 3rd pellet disappeared into the catcher there were smiles and we settled into our work. Frank believed in us and as the day went on all shooters managed to cleanly dislodge pellets without the slightest move of the supporting silhouette.

John was was doing the business showing the way with the pellets. Geoff took out the first clear 12 point round to show it was possible. Others followed with clear silhouette rounds which can only be attributed to the additional accuracy demanded by our new targets. Frank met his own challenge with style and Nigel showed us how it was done with a reflex red dot optic. Keith had not participated in this format previously so obviously took no time to settle with a borrowed 2250B and shot a clear round.

After a cup of tea and good look at world events Frank changed it up again.

Pellets  were placed directly on the pedestals to be shot only after the silhouettes were cleared without disturbing the pellets. Geoff took to this format and provided a demonstration at days end cleanly taking out a consecutive four pellet set.

Wrapping up outside we all agreed it had been a very enjoyable morning, but as Frank was driving out we could but wonder "what was he thinking about".

Targets prepared with the additional "William Tell pellet"

Overall layout shooting in pairs

Targets have to be nominated

Example: right ram pellet off its back