Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Target shooting and range information. Competitive shooting, ranges, competitions, clubs and events. Free shooting targets.

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 25 Apr 2018, 6:39 pm

Thanks Joffa.
We had a good day for the Anzac Shoot today. 14 shooters (twice the number of last year) and a few spectators. Everyone had fun in a easy going and and safe atmosphere.
I'll put up a full report soon but time to chill after a day of organising and shooting.
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 26 Apr 2018, 5:27 pm

Sheffield Rifle Club
ANZAC Day Memorial Shoot
2018


It was great to see a good number of guest shooters from various clubs join in as we opened the Sheffield Rifle Club ANZAC Shoot up for the first time in 2018. It was an overcast day and quite chilly but luckily the rain held off and the wind was quite well behaved for a day out at the Sheffield Range.

Since 2016, we have been shooting the event as an ‘in house’ comp for fun and to remember the diggers in our own way by flinging lead & copper down range at a good rate of knots. This year, we decided the format worked well enough to open it up for other TRA or SSAA shooters to join in. A total of 14 participants joined in and a number of interested spectators attended. We did have 18 registered entrants but there were a couple of no-shows and also a late withdrawal or 2. There were 5 shooters from the Sheffield Club and the rest attended as guests. For the first time, we had about 5 entrants firing various milsurp rifles with open sights and everyone else was using hunting/varmint style rifles of various makes and chamberings.

The milsurp shooters were all happy to join in the fun, even though they were shooting against scoped rifles. Seeing the old rifles put through their paces was quite a bit of fun in itself and we agreed on the day that if we get 3 or more milsurp iron sight entrants at future events, we will create a sub-division for them to compete against each other.

The idea for the ANZAC Shoot came about in 2015 when ANZAC Day happened to fall on a Saturday and during our regular shoot, one of the members remarked that, “we should be shooting at Turkish Helmets”. From there, we got to thinking and devised our own format for the shoot to make it as inclusive as possible and provide a change of pace for the club shooters, who are more accustomed to TR & F-Class Shooting. The event is essentially based around the NRAA “Field Rifle” rules, with a few tweaks and time limits to add to the pressure, because after all, the Diggers never had the luxury of target shooting gear and limitless time to set up each shot.

The shoot is primarily about having fun but also about knowing your rifle and your own abilities and putting them both together under mildly challenging conditions. As some shooters found out, if you just rock up and don’t know your kit, you will find it hard to get on target… luckily, these targets don’t shoot back, though! Similarly, it is about choosing an appropriate tool for the job. That is why it was designed as an open event. Competition for the Perpetual Trophy and the Cool Hand Luke have no divisions within the rules and frame work allowed. Hitting the target consistently is the name of the game; not allowing handicaps for those who choose to make it harder for themselves.

The 200yd Details

We shoot a total of 10 rounds at 200yd, plus 2 sighters. Those rounds are split between two details of 5 rounds in 3 minutes. You can use a sling or not.

First detail is your sighters and then 3 minutes to place 5 rounds on target from your choice of a sitting or a kneeling position. Rounds may be single feed or mag feed but your loading time for mag or breech feed is included in your three minutes.

Second detail is standing, with an optional post to rest on (a wobbly one, because there is no perfect rest in battle: it is ANZAC Day, after all). Again, you have 3 minutes to place 5 rounds on target, including load time.

Surprisingly, most shooters performed better standing, supported, than they did in the sitting or kneeling position; which should technically be a more accurate and stable position to shoot from. It was commented that this shows how little these positions are used these days by your average shooter, with few shooters taking full advantage of the opportunity to properly support their shot from these positions and some stating that they had never actually shot from these positions at all.

Another thing that arose during the 200yd shoot was that most shooters got all their rounds downrange in half the time allotted. We are considering reducing the time limit to 90sec for next year’s shoot: just to turn up the heat a little.

After all shooters had completed their details, one of the Milsurp shooters offered a chance for people to ‘have a go’ of his 303brit Jungle Carbine. Needless to say, there were a good number of volunteers so the Sheffield President and a couple of others went off to light the BBQ at 300yd mound while a god almighty racket broke out at the 200yd range with more than one old rifle getting a bit more of a work out.

Lunch was a relaxed and casual affair with a BBQ for all and a good chance for more of a chat and mingling amongst all present. It was great to see shooters from all over the state and from different clubs and shooting disciplines having a simple feed, a good yack and a bit of a laugh. It was also great to see a number of people making contact and keen to promote ‘cross fertilisation’ for disciplines and an attitude of camaraderie and co-operation, rather than the factional rivalry that can sadly be too common in the shooting sports.

300yd: Cool Hand Luke

The final detail of the day we call “Cool Hand Luke”. It is shot prone at 300yd off sandbags, folding bipod or elbows with no rear rest allowed. After 2 sighters, you then have 2 minutes to place 10 rounds on target, again including loading time. Magazines can only have 5 rounds loaded at a time, so you have to decide if you are going to single feed or take time to break your shooting position and load your mag/mags. The ‘Cool Hand’ also has its own prize for the smallest group of the detail, with no runners up, regardless of what that groups scores in total. You can win the Cool Hand prize, even if all 10 shots are in the 1, as long as it is the smallest group between the furthest two bullet holes.

It is surprising how much pressure this detail can put you in when you are not used to it, with any rifle stoppages or failures severely hampering your overall chances for the top spots. Still, it does afford a chance for a bit of a laugh and a good ribbing when experienced shooters feel the pinch. At one stage, one shooter had a stoppage after 6 rounds, which ended his run but he ended up with 7 holes in his target and his opposite only had 9 hole in his. Let’s just say there was a good bit of stirring going on behind the line after that one… That shooter wasn’t the only one to Fail To Finish the detail due to pressure or equipment malfunction/user error.

The Cool Hand Luke has proven, each year, to be the deciding detail: with shooters either significantly rising or dropping in the placings by the end. It is those who can stay steady and cool under pressure through out the whole shoot who do best. As they say, “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”.

So Who Won?

Well, it’s good to see a new name go onto the Perpetual Trophy this year and it can’t be said that we stack the comp to favour Sheffield Shooters because a guest took the honours. This year we added medals to the prizes, as previously the prizes have been only novelty value in the theme of ‘A Care Package From Home’:

(initials only as I don't have permission to name people online)

1st prize: Perpetual Trophy, Gold Medal & Brandy Soaked Fruit Cake.
C. K.

2nd prize: Silver Medal & Commemorative tin of ANZAC Biscuits
ME :thumbsup:

3rd Prize: Bronze Medal, Billy Tea & Corned Mutton
E. S.

Cool Hand Luke: Bronze Medal & Hand Knitted Beanie
ME :drinks:

What Next?
As mentioned already, a few modifications and additions to next year’s event are on the cards. Among the changes being considered are:

Reduce time limit at 200yd
Introduce “Mil-surp Iron Sights” Division with it’s own prizes
Possibly add “Mad Minute”
Historical Paraphernalia Exhibit

All in all it was a fun and friendly day with heaps of positive feed back from all participants and plenty of smiling faces at the end of the day. Most of those in attendance have commented that they are keen for the next one and a few are also keen to come down the range for a shoot from time to time. We even made a few bucks for the club and that will go straight back into improving the range and facilities.

See you on the range!

2018 ANZAC 1st Prize.jpg
Very happy Chappy. Steady shooting and knowing his gear won him the day. He was always looking a chance!
2018 ANZAC 1st Prize.jpg (627.39 KiB) Viewed 12923 times


2018 ANZAC Lunch Time copy.jpg
Everyone milling about over a BBQ for lunch. I've blacked out faces as I don't have permission to publish individual's images. One of the guests brought his young son along, who was a marvellous help and did a great job on the BBQ (with a little help from Dad & Yourstruly). One of the members also brought along his daughter who help out in the butts with the two ladies who kindly gave up their time to score for the day (one being the Treasurer and a damn fine shooter and the other is Mrs Gwion).
2018 ANZAC Lunch Time copy.jpg (182.25 KiB) Viewed 12923 times


2018 ANZAC Cool Hand Luke.jpg
Dressed up in my old Great Coat in the spirit of Anzac Day with prizes in hand. I was lower mid-field going into the Cool Hand. Maybe next year I'll get my name on that bloody trophy!
2018 ANZAC Cool Hand Luke.jpg (162.19 KiB) Viewed 12923 times


2018 ANZAC Cool Hand Luke GROUP.jpeg
Cool Hand Luke winning group.
Shot with "Mr Stumpy": Zastava left hand mini Mauser, 223rem, 18" varmint barrel, 50gn zmax, 3-9x40 Vortex DB, crappy Chinese "Atlas" knock off bi-pod with sling.
2018 ANZAC Cool Hand Luke GROUP.jpeg (95.89 KiB) Viewed 12923 times
Last edited by Gwion on 26 Apr 2018, 6:33 pm, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Bent Arrow » 26 Apr 2018, 5:54 pm

Sounds like an absolute hoot. If I still lived in Tasmania I'd be down there in a flash. The wife and I have been talking about coming down for a holiday, might have to line the ducks up and drop in when your shooting
Bent Arrow
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 753
South Australia

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 26 Apr 2018, 6:13 pm

Do it, mate. Just drop me a PM. :thumbsup:
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by sungazer » 26 Apr 2018, 7:01 pm

Hey looks like you had a good time. We have a similar day that has been in the past a 303 Invitational that we may open up a bit more to include other service rifles this year and included more people or at least more invites. Really just a bit more organized and not leave it to the last minute.
One of our members is a true 303 and old military gun nut in the nicest possible way. He had made up to the original sizes and colours the targets used of the period. The Turkish hats.
Austac don't let me forget your invite and anyone else with a 303 in Vic let me know the event will probably be in July. Date yet to be confirmed as the official shooting season is just starting and dates are still being moved around pennant and other competition dates.
IMG_6006_s.JPG
sungazer
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1525
Other

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Daddybang » 26 Apr 2018, 8:09 pm

I've never been a club shooter but the more I read about this one I'd love to find one similarly run up here!! Great work :thumbsup: :drinks:
This hard living ain't as easy as it used to be!!!
Daddybang
Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
 
Posts: 2012
Queensland

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Bent Arrow » 26 Apr 2018, 8:31 pm

Gwion wrote:Do it, mate. Just drop me a PM. :thumbsup:


Thanks, I'll do that for sure
Bent Arrow
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 753
South Australia

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Heckler303 » 27 Apr 2018, 7:14 pm

Damn, that looked like a lot of fun! Glad to see more milsurp shooters coming in, I'd really like to have attended it myself but , alas.

I'd be interested in seeing the guy shooting his Jungle Carbine, never really tried pushing them beyond 100m before. I still bet the Pattern 1914 would flog all of them but, ah well :)
If something doesn't work, apply rule .303!
Title_II wrote:If you carry a fun in Australia you will go to jail.
User avatar
Heckler303
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 824
Tasmania

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Diesel » 30 Apr 2018, 10:30 am

Gwion wrote:Would be good to see you there, Diesel. Too bad you can't shoot on the day but maybe some other time.

Cheers


Apologies, came close, the daughter played the Last Post at the Dawn Service, then absolutely nailed it on the bugle at the 11am service but things went a bit downhill after that, the wife suffers from kidney stones and it wasn't pleasant. You can't fault the LGH though. Next year the daughter is either going to uni or doing a army gap year so I will be free. I WILL start turning up soon.

For something different, and staying on track as it is the centenary of ww1, I even had a 1917 Steyr with 200 1938 Wehrmacht surplus chicken stamped rounds ready to go if anyone wanted a try(sounds like they did have a go at 200) and an original Erfurt Kar98.

Really good to see you had a good crowd and everyone enjoyed themselves. That is what it is all about.
Diesel
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 35
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Diesel » 30 Apr 2018, 10:48 am

Gwion wrote:Finished upgrading the 200yd mound for Wednesday's Anzac Shoot.
After decades of neglect it has previouly been merely an uneven hump conered in cow pats and rabbit holes. Still a bit of work to do but we're quite happy to have it at this stage before the Anzac Shoot. Fenced, new gate, levelled and dressed with a good cover of road base to reduce the need for mowing and weeding...
:thumbsup:

20180422_133800.jpg


The 200yard mound has a bit of history, it was done up properly in 2005?by a keen member to support military shoots and four steel supports were sunk for removable posts(a six inch treated pine pole), it was fenced and looked after by him for a few years then when he left its use was actively discouraged by management and it sunk into disrepair. We resurrected it again in 2011, cleaned it all up and fixed the fencing and gate. It was used a few times(there are quite a few of my missing .303 cases lyiung in the grass around there I am sure) then those of us who actively supported military shoots left and as far as I knows it wasn't looked after again until the new management took over. Nice job

When facilities aren't used they rapidly deteriorate, it is a shame.
Diesel
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 35
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Diesel » 30 Apr 2018, 10:52 am

Heckler303 wrote:Damn, that looked like a lot of fun! Glad to see more milsurp shooters coming in, I'd really like to have attended it myself but , alas.

I'd be interested in seeing the guy shooting his Jungle Carbine, never really tried pushing them beyond 100m before. I still bet the Pattern 1914 would flog all of them but, ah well :)


They go well, I shot mine off the 500 yard mound there twice with good results.

As far as the P14 flogging all the others? Well we will never know will we?
Diesel
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 35
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 30 Apr 2018, 3:00 pm

Diesel wrote:
Gwion wrote:Finished upgrading the 200yd mound for Wednesday's Anzac Shoot.
After decades of neglect it has previouly been merely an uneven hump conered in cow pats and rabbit holes. Still a bit of work to do but we're quite happy to have it at this stage before the Anzac Shoot. Fenced, new gate, levelled and dressed with a good cover of road base to reduce the need for mowing and weeding...
:thumbsup:

20180422_133800.jpg


The 200yard mound has a bit of history, it was done up properly in 2005?by a keen member to support military shoots and four steel supports were sunk for removable posts(a six inch treated pine pole), it was fenced and looked after by him for a few years then when he left its use was actively discouraged by management and it sunk into disrepair. We resurrected it again in 2011, cleaned it all up and fixed the fencing and gate. It was used a few times(there are quite a few of my missing .303 cases lyiung in the grass around there I am sure) then those of us who actively supported military shoots left and as far as I knows it wasn't looked after again until the new management took over. Nice job

When facilities aren't used they rapidly deteriorate, it is a shame.


Thanks for the background, Deisel. The 200 had almost no fence left and was degraded by cattle. The steel sleeves for posts are still there but only two that we found. Still a bit of work to do on it but it is a good start.

Look forward to seeing you down the range soon.
Cheers.
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 30 Apr 2018, 4:00 pm

sungazer wrote:Hey looks like you had a good time. We have a similar day that has been in the past a 303 Invitational that we may open up a bit more to include other service rifles this year and included more people or at least more invites. Really just a bit more organized and not leave it to the last minute.
One of our members is a true 303 and old military gun nut in the nicest possible way. He had made up to the original sizes and colours the targets used of the period. The Turkish hats.
Austac don't let me forget your invite and anyone else with a 303 in Vic let me know the event will probably be in July. Date yet to be confirmed as the official shooting season is just starting and dates are still being moved around pennant and other competition dates.
IMG_6006_s.JPG


I like those targets, SG.
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 05 Jun 2018, 4:12 pm

A small contingent of 5 shooters and a few spectators arrived on Sunday, May 20th to a beautifully still and fine Autumn day.

The annual club shoot off was shot over 3 ranges of 300yd, 500yd & 600yd. We shot a typical detail at each round of 10 scoring shots plus 2 sighters.

Conditions were perfect and this was reflected in the top scoring shooters. It was neck and neck between 1st & 2nd with both place getters managing a Possible of 60/60 at either 300yd or 500yd.

In the end, the defending One Day Champion couldn’t quite pip the challenging Secretary, who has spent this season tuning in both his rifle and his shooting; and it showed. On top of his Possible at the 300yd range, the Secretary also managed a pair of 59’s at 500yd & 600yd, making him very hard to beat.

A little way behind it was also tightly fought out for 3rd with T. Lee pipping the Treasurer while 'yours truly' was well and truly asleep on the mound way back in 5th place.

As the conditions were as close to perfect as you will ever get, there is not a lot more to say, except that we all had a great time and there were some smiling faces with medals around their necks.

A big congratulations to all on the winners’ dias and especially to the two who managed to shoot a “Possible”!

We will present the inscribed medals and the Perpetual Trophy at the AGM/Presentation Event to be held in July.
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 25 Jun 2018, 8:14 am

Hi all.
We are having a winter lay off at the range due to wwt and boggy conditions. We will see how things are in August.
We hope to raise funds to do track improvements so that we can shoot through next winter.
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by sungazer » 25 Jun 2018, 9:17 am

Need to migrate to the main land we lay off over summer to hot for TR shooters in the leather shooting jackets and too hot even for me by the time you shoot, check score and score chat and F around your near on sun stroked.
sungazer
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1525
Other

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 26 Jun 2018, 2:06 pm

sungazer wrote:Need to migrate to the main land we lay off over summer to hot for TR shooters in the leather shooting jackets and too hot even for me by the time you shoot, check score and score chat and F around your near on sun stroked.


You're welcome to come shoot in summer if we can come shoot up your way in winter! :LOL: :drinks: :thumbsup:
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Gwion » 09 Oct 2018, 10:10 am

Shooting has resumed at Sheffield for the season.
Woohoo... bang bang!
User avatar
Gwion
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3978
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by Diesel » 21 Oct 2021, 8:19 pm

Has the Sheffield rifle club disappeared?
Diesel
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 35
-

Re: Sheffield Rifle Club, Tasmania

Post by TasDan22 » 08 Apr 2023, 1:52 pm

I’m new to the sport and live in Westbury. I’m looking for a club where I can learn good technique and improve my shooting. I hunt rabbits on our property and use a .22 with scope and 5 round mag, but am finding it hard to find a suitable club. Sounds like the Sheffield Rifle Club is what I’ve been looking for. Can I get in touch to find out more please?

Regards,
Dan
TasDan22
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 2
Tasmania

PreviousNext

Back to top
 
Return to Target shooting - Competitive shooting - Shooting ranges