Graham M wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:38 am
That ceiling looks like Dudley range
Been ages since I went there, and I have heard that prone rifle is getting less and less whilst benchrest and pistol are growing. You do seem to be increasing your membership though because of it. We still seem to be trying to attract young members with prone smallbore rifle and gallery rifle. We did talk about installing removable benches for benchrest, but that's about as far as we got.
I used to love pistol, both smallbore and centrefire, but these days my shoulders just don't seem to be able to hold an air pistol steady enough. Just getting up and down for prone rifle is a struggle these days.
Poor old sod.
Good spot!
Prone rifle numbers are unfortunately dwindling, but whilst we still put forward members for the county teams I'm encouraged to keep it going for as long as possible. We try to attract juniors that go through the proficiency program to continue with prone shooting when completed, but I fear that the amount of equipment and clothing is often a barrier to entry to prone, although its currently the only Olympic discipline we offer. The odd few juniors with potential come through the ranks, but those ones often move on to Rugely where they have the experience and contacts to take these kids as far as they can go.
The removable benches we use are these ones:
https://www.nsrashop.co.uk/products/top ... 0440617478
Well put together, sturdy with no movement - going to this from our all in one bench made everyones average in benchrest jump. Worthwhile investment to be honest.
Our club does well in benchrest competitions, mainly the Hendon League as we're regulars, it's probably the fastest growing aspect of our club - the fact you don't need jackets, spotting scopes, mats, slings (and dare I say decent eyesight) is definitely a draw for casual shooters to take it up.
With regards to getting up, and the aging population of prone shooters, everyone fights over firing point 4, it's against the wall and we installed a hand rail to assist getting up and down!
Prone shooters regularly shoot on Weds nights if you'd like to pop over and catch up one night :)