The summer season begins with the BFTA Championships at Newbury. Last year 124 shooters competed for this coveted title with the winner, Ian Taylor, adding the World Championship later in the year. This would be the first chance for shooters to show how their regions winter leagues had prepared them for the GP season and allow the big guns to jostle for top spot. Who would challenge for honours this year?
Newbury is the home ground of the BFTA; the shooting terrain is deciduous woodland set atop a hill.
Various inlets allow the wind to play its part sufficient to hamper any course being cleared. It is a beautiful setting and today was alive with the sights and sounds of spring. There were many birds on show active in preparation for the nesting season and it was a delight for all to see the majestic Red Kite's aerobatics.
The day started early for those setting out the 40 shot course and competitors began to book in around 8am. Shooting commenced at 9am after a short safety briefing from Roger Moy the BFTA Chairman. Squads of 10 were called at regular intervals and soon each lane of the course was full and stories began to unfold.
It has been 6 months since a national field has been assembled so today offered a chance for distant friends to catch up on any news. Two FT characters it's always a pleasure to meet are Andy Calpin from NEFTA and Mark Bassett from WAFTA.
The course began with a kneeling lane; the second target though only 35 yards was an early clue that there was more wind effect than the sunny conditions suggested. By lane 5 a range of distances had tested the competitors and now it was standers. They looked deceptively easy but even the close 20 yarder was causing problems. Lane 6 I'm sure was an optical illusion because the second target looked closer than the first but my scope said they were the same! Such a puzzle is a credit to those who designed the course; in my head was "trust the scope" but it was only a voice and I didn't listen. There then followed a few lanes with one challenging and one gettable target before once more we faced some standers. The course then skirted a small copse which was offering shelter from the wind and the remaining targets were more affected by the breeze from the adjacent field. The last lane was kneeling and target 39 at 40+ yards was sure to offer a challenging end.
Despite the tricky wind some shooters were compiling good scores. First report was that Roger Moy had finished on 38 and some forty shooters later he was joined by Nick Murphy. Neil Daniels and Mark Williams came close on 37 but none of the later shooters could challenge first or third place so shootoffs ensued.
At a now windier lane 1 Nick was successful and further up the course Neil secured 3rd place.
Well done to Neil
And RogerAnd to BFTA Champion 2009 Nick Murphy.So the summer season begins and Newbury has asked questions of us all. I'm on a diet of plenty of practise before GP1 at Harriers in two weeks time.
Many thanks to the Newbury team for a superb course and an excellent event!
Friday, 27 March 2009
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365 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 365 of 365Sounds even better than it sounded before Gregory.
GP1 is full, no elbow room on the line Sunday, the plates will be down to bare metal by the time we shoot 'em!
But they do paint them at lucn time.
Lanes 4 and 5 for us Greg and I notice that Lee Hadlington is on lane 1.
The website says that GP1 is full but there are a lot of lanes in the afternoon with only 2 shooters.
Extra room for anyone who just turns up I 'spose.
Where are you seeing the info about lanes Shaun?
Season's grades are up. I see that Daz is promoted to AA, well done Daz
On the link for GP1 on the Far Coley Website.
Fun at Stamford Bridge tonight!
Don't think I know a Jonathan Saunders, doesn't ring a bell.
I shot with him at Redfearn last year. He shoots an Anshutz I recall. He was B grade last GP season.
The boy for me to beat then, a new PB has to be set!
Too right! I'm with Peter Montanez who has remained in B grade.
Evening Boys. C'mon the reds.
That's me screwed then!
Hiya Roy, didn't know you were a Communist, POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
That 'tosh does give you a slight look of Stalin though!
Yes, keep the red flag flying!
ABC - anything but Chelsea (unless they're the only English team left, or they are playing Man U)
Still waiting for the wife to return from the MHell Roy.
You've got the long walk on Sunday Roy.
"The long walk"....sounds a bit sinister.
I've never come back from Merry Hill with what I went for.
I hope to get a wife and son back!
Why? Have you not been fed yet?
Best keep that comment to yourself Shaun lest you're not allowed out to play.
She arrives!
Well, that's the food shopping done. Good job you can't buy guns online anymore!
Just spoke to TC and although the website shows spaces he has four extra lanes in the afternoon!
Football's just not rugby or tennis ... thank God!!!!
I can't see Steve Cheung booked in for Sunday, I hope he got his car sorted.
this is unreal!
Phew!
Is this one of the best Champions League games ever?
Drogba is an embarrassment to men
Roy. I'll meet you there at 10:30am, okay?
You've got that right.
I have to confess to being a closet liverpool supporter. Swifty'll be to exhausted to shoot on Sunday.
OK Shaun.
Greg, you can come out now, the football's over.
Sites showing 8 places left.
So 4 extra lanes of 3 people taking 3 mins each at best. Hardly fair on the afternoon boys.
there may be more Jon as anyone turning up on the afternoon is allowed to shoot.
Footballs over.
goodnight G I'll report tomorrow about the Furnace Mill experience
Nighty-night Shaun
Whats the point of booking in at all then?
I remember the Welsh GP two years ago, just turned up and a couple of places left ok to shoot. Full would have been a different matter and a wasted journey or that was what was implied!
I remember when we first started & were learning the ins & outs of the competitions that we were told that it was a BFTA rule that no one can be turned away from a shoot, which is why they have these add on lanes, 1a, 1b etc.
Most of the time it isn't necessary but every now & again.......
I think the booking in is all about gauging how many will be there & organising it as smoothly as possible.
Goodnight then bloggers, speak to you all tomoz.
I heard the same "rule" Greg
What's the point of booking in? To allocate people to lanes
Just back from Furnace Mill and what a little treasure it was. Beautiful woodland setting.
Myself and Roy enjoyed 3 hours of practise. The course is more for HFT so distance is limited but it was great for standing and kneeling. Will definitely visit again.
The point i am making is after the Welsh GP 2007 and what was inferred- Meaning full house you wont shoot. Ever since then booked in but only heard what you say amongst yourselves.
Now if the 75 places are filled in the afternoon for whatever reason and other people are allowed to shoot who just turn up, thats what you call fair is it not?
What this means is after 25th lane a severe hold up - 10 shooters at best 30 mins hanging about that morning crew didnt have. MFTA champs a right disaster for that reason with more than 12 in the que in front waiting to shoot lane 1, took their time as well 50 mins.
Same with the winter leagues, spoils the day.
Yes Jon I must agree that at the Clubs Cup / Masters after starting at lane 16 and shooting up to lane 20 then having to wait at lane 1 for around 60 mins , you do lose the will to live ..could have been better ..Maybe everyone needs to be on a stop watch.
Yes, Furnace Mill is indeed a hidden treasure. Beautifully tranquil and picturesque. As Shaun said, it is more suited to HFT, but there is scope for lengthening many of the lanes. The only possible downside is that many of the firing positions slope backwards as well as from side to side.
Was well and truly beaten by Shaun in a 321 match which had much barracking and needle. Then I managed to escape without fulfilling my losers obligation of paying for the tea. Sport at its rawest.
Evening all.
Whilst I agree with the points raised about queueing it's difficult if the BFTA have a policy of everyone who turns up being able to shoot. Of recent years the most participants in a GP was Harriers in 2007 with 154. It was thought that this year the economic troubles might mean low entry numbers but that is not the case so far; we are only 21 off a full house at Millride.
Evening bloggers. No 49th for me tonight due to yet another medical appointment, sheesh I'm a wreck!
Jonny, I'm not taking an opposing stance to you on this, I accept your point but I was just repeating the reason for this situation as I understand it. Not ideal but to some extent we are the victims of our own success.
Roy, I'm glad that you & Shaun had a nice time while I was beavering away at my Warehouse duties! I hope you learned your lesson taking the Chairman on at 321, it does get a bit cut throat doesn't it? They're not the harshest rules either, Jonta would have you pay a penalty for missing as well!
Was there no beer had after lads?
Evening Greg, no beer was not an option Roy has household duties and I had to go to Decathlon AGAIN!!
Are we visiting the Emerald on Sunday?
Definitely beer and more time next time. You would have been very welcome to have joined us Greg, but I guess somebody had to keep the country going while we were enjoying ourselves.
I found today's shooting to be very confidence building, and am getting to feel comfortable with the new gun.
Emerald,Why not!
What did you buy this time, I'd have thought you had most of their stock already? Only a matter of time before they open an FT section, Quechua 10-50 scopes £49.99!
evening bloggers.
a cold beer and Corrie on the tv, heaven...
No more room for adjustment Roy, all the clicks sorted, range spot on, trigger at pixie's breath pressure?
47 from you on Sunday then!
Hiya Phil, I've come upstairs to escape the dratted Corrie!
You're not fooling anyone Phil!
Today was a set of football goals in my attempt to save the fence panels, a tennis racket and some t-shirts. They has no scopes though!
I had a go Greg and it's poetry!
As dead as a nun's sex life!
If we're on about Roy's Steyr, I had a go to.
modesty prevents me from detailing the 50 odd yarder that dropped first shot, suffice to say Roy was suitably impressed.
V Nice.
I've seen the dreamie look that crosses your face when you've handled those Steyrs before young Sir, only a matter of time before you're all Steyr'd up & all!!!!!
I like your descriptive powers Shaun.
I'll be OK Greg if there's no wind, no long targets, no timer, no pressure, and there are a few more targets. Have you got your race face on yet?
Roy, and the targets are clearly numbered!
Just been practicing it in the mirror, very impressive if a little disturbing!
A couple of little jobs to do before Sunday, like bailing some fill out of my new seat, mustn't forget!
Greg good to know that your bowel will be regular.
Ah! Well. Yes. Ahem.I think we'll change the subject.
Well, talking of which, I took the wrong tablet tonight & now it looks like I may well be a frequent visitor to the smallest room.
I think I'd rather talk about Greg's bowel movements than about me shooting at the wrong targetson several occasions.
Early forecast for Sunday is sunny 5mph wind.
Any score forecasts for Sunday
This will be my mantra for the season
Ideally = all 50
Challenge = 40
Realistic = 35
assuming favourable conditions.
The allusive 70% is always on my mind, except when I'm thinking about my bowles!
In real terms my PB is set at 35 so make that the norm & reset the bar a little higher.
Shaun, you're the keeper of all stats, what was my average score last Season?
Ideally would like a B grade %.
Easy Peasey for you now Roy, your problem will be missing B altogether & going into A!
Targets for the new Season;
1/ No more double dinks
2/ No hitting the wrong target
3/ Get atleast 50% of the disciplines
Anymore?
Greg, behave yourself.
WL or GP Greg
Was Phil J there on Saturday Roy, did he mention the Butler Creeks?
GP Shaun.
Of course the other big comp of the w/e is Club Agg6, I have Pete O'Tool & Dave Pitt above me & Roy equipped to invade Poland below, not to be sneezed at!
54% in GP
67% in WL
Right I'm settling down for the second half. Blog ya later!
Room for improvment there then, the only way is up!
Yes and no Greg.
Unfortunately I won't be with you on Sat. Off to the Far East tomorrow (have tickets for the farewell tour of Riverdance)and will be returning sometime on Saturday. I can hear a sigh of relief from Daz that he'll still be safe in the Knockout Comp
Have you got your race face on yet?You mean you have a choice and you pick that one?
so, 3 out of 4 semi finalists same as last year, 3 out of 4 are English again, just swap Arsenal for Liverpool.
Boring or what?
Hasn't the footy season finished yet? I thought it was a Winter game!
Will you be there Saturday Mr Gee? I've just been talking to Paul & he may well put in an appearance.
Just a pity there's so few English players.
Goodnight all!
Hello again Greg let's persuade Paul to come to the Emerald
I am contractually bound to attend the gamefair at Catton Park this weekend. If I am required to attend on Sunday then I shall be shooting on Saturday and if I'm required on Saturday then I shall not be shooting this weekend.
That's husbandly contracted.
Good idea Shaun.
Good night mate.
Phil, so GP1 is out but ClubAgg6 may be possible? Can't you arrange it the other way, say you'll definitely take her Saturday & then shoot at Harriers?
I won't be at the GP, but may make Millride. All pray for me.
Fingers crossed.
Goodnight bloggers.
All the percentages depend upon how easy the course is and how others do.
Missing the point of why we shoot - That should be enjoyment but again depends upon the course layout.
Hi Chaps , my not be at millride on Saturday as going to Wales to collect a new gun for my collection...so if I cannot make it up there by 15.00pm will come straight home so good luck on Sat club agg. and good luck to the Millriders for the start of the Grand prix season on Sunday..Karl
Is that a Dominator Karl?
Can't blog tonight chaps as I'm off for a curry and a few beers; I should recover by Saturday!
More like another Steyr.
Used to use an LG10 barrel on No2 gun.
Hopefully, I'll be at Millride tomorrow.
If not, can we decide if we need to add any info to the website regarding the GP?
There are already directions, but we may want to add some more info, maybe not.
Evening all!
Hope to see you tomorrow Phil. I shall mention to the committee members your request if you are not there.
GP1 coming, who's excited?
Me!!!!!!!!!!
Bugger!
Wind forecast is now 13mph on Sunday.
But of course, it's Harriers!
It looks like I'm having to work tomorrow morning so it will be a case of going straight to Millride from Tyseley so won't be getting there till well after 1300hrs!
I GOT THE 300!!!!!
No one around tonight then?
just a quick drop by. I've added a banner to the front page and a few words on the news page pointing people to the directions.
Let me know any more ideas. Do we need to link to any B&B sites, railway stations or camping etc?
Just you & me Phil by the look of it & I wouldnt know, nice thought though.
Yo Balts, Gertrude alright?
Cant trust them weather forecasts but hope its right.
See no mention of the MFTA Masters.
Evening all. A good day's shooting at Millride. Hopefully the windy conditions will help come tomorrow at Harriers. I was amazed at how much wind the 30 yarder on lane 1 was taking.
Congratulations to Wolves and well done to the Blues!
Evening everybody. Who did what today then?
Exstatic for Wolves but great result for Blues today. All eyes on the Sheff Utd score on Monday.
Metcheck's saying 5-6 mph winds tomorrow.
Sorry, mis-type. Should be ecstatic.
Exstatic if fine for a fan just promoted!
I had 21, Phil G = 20, Phil J = 25, Jonta = 23 and all the rest were still shooting
Was the wind that bad then, or was it a cunning course?
Are you saying our scores are poor!!!!
No, it was windy. There were 6 targets out in the field which were causing some trouble.
On lane 1 there was a 32 yarder at head height that took a full kill for wind. (when I shot it anyway).
Now Shaun, I'm not saying that you shot badly........it's just unlike Jonta to drop 7. Oops,I think I've probably just been dropped from your Christmas card list
I presume that your drinking Champagne so will forgive you.
Lee's Steyr on the BBS!!!
Evening bloggers, anyone still here?
At last a blogger!
Go on then, ask me!
Do you love me?
A big score, or you're buying the Steyr, or is Paul coming out (not that way) ...
Paul is doubtful.
Yes, I'm buying a Steyr
.........not just yet though!
My score today, 25 with 9 on the silys!
You little tease.
Well done Gregor, bring Harriers!!
Any news on Paul's attendance to the Emerald?
Non commital, "We'll see." Type of thing. Translation from Paulese, "Very Doubtful."
He seemed to have a good time though without the 'score-anxiety' hanging over his head so a return to the joy of shooting. He made some noises about Connor maybe developing an interest & getting an S200 for him, maybe an off-season sport!
Itching for Harriers. See you tomorrow Greg at 10.15am
I'll be there Shaun. I've got to ladle some of these poly balls out of that bag now.
Shaun, you'll be excited to learn there is a new version of chairgun.
Oh no not the dreaded 3
Ere Phil Arby got 2nd in C
So no crossover then Roy.
well done Roy!
Yes well done Roy.
A great day out and finished with a Chinese buffet.
Info for Greg - top score from GP's in 2008 was 31 at GP6 and 31 at GP8
who won?
Thank you for your kind words, gentlemen. The new trophy cabinet should be arriving tomorrow. (It's just a bit bigger than the Birmingham City one, so there's possibly room for 1 more trophy)
Ouch Roy.
But will the trophy cab be as large as Wolves?
Shame theres no Albion fans on here Roy.
Evening bloggers.
Congrats to Andy Gillott for taking Top Gun with 47 after a Shoot Off with John Costello. To Mark for taking A Grade & Roy for 2nd in C Grade.
Ian got a commendable 41, Phil J 40, Daz 45(I think!) Shaun 38, Jon must be up there somewhere but I didn't catch his score, What was it then Jonny? Forgotton Jonta's as well (memory like a Goldfish!) Mitch 33, me 33 & apparently a new GP PB though I was certain it was previously 35, I owe you a pint Shaun.
Now, I'm going to gingerly take a shower due to very red arms, Ouch!
...........and I'm too late, the sores have been posted on FC's site, Doh!
Roy, 1963 Blues beat Villa to win the League Cup and ...
Shaun knows I'm only teasing Jon, and I'd expect no less from him. Delighted for my team though. I'm looking forward to banter with Daz, Mitch and Swifty now. Bags I shoot with Pete O'toole (Albion) on Saturday.
Tough scoring in A grade. My best ever score and only 24 points!
Can anyone see Jim Vickers' score on the results?
Mitch was well placed in B grade. Well done mate.
Got a link to these scores.
Nothing up on FC site, NTL 404 error.
It is there Jon but doesn't look like the finished article yet. Try clearing private data in tools.
BFTA site not FC
Better version now on both. FC had BFTA numbers in blue down the side a while ago.
Mmm well i gave up after 7 down after 26 shot. A few misses could have gone either way in that plus one didnt drop a 42 yarder net tot he 54 twisting on the fence. Win some lose some.
Cleared the hard part, all i wanted was 10 in a row to go home happy.
Followed Oneil geeza round 3 down when i was 7 down, took his time as well.
Probably blame it on not being geared up for the event, still thats 9 out of 8 Gp with an AA grade score.
Light played havoc, many i guessed the range some couldnt be bothered to range but still went over.
Good day.
Chrono played up as well, 54 ft/sec high at one point but registered 25 ft/sec fast when i went through.
Soz thats the last 9 out of 9 GP AA scores, thats all i want.
Yes, it was Jon. Heat haze was a bugger, I tried to range on the number or the cord clip, easy to make a mistake on the plate. Not much feedback from the plate either, misses all over most of them.
I ranged & shot on 40X today, even for the silys, preparation for my Leup!!!!! I was doing alright on the silys too, then I buggered up th Rams! Couldn't see down the scope, just black, I missed the first one, lost the image again then it flashed back, I found I was on a Ram, I pulled the trigger only to find it was number 3! Ended up with 11 I think.
Thats it just spent 10 mins typing out only to be hit by the Brum ALT and lag.
New ISP tomorrow, got my MAC code.
just a fleeting visit as we've got Gadget Show then Ashes to Ashes.
Thanks for the offer to have a look at my gun Jon.
Did Lee H not shoot then, can't see his score?
Phil, bring that heap Sat, i'll adjust provided the sears arent worn. Load of b... on the hammer.
General Lee didnt shoot, spotted in the kitchen sampling the goods.
Alternatively Phil you could back off the first stage, not the spring tension may be easier than adding to 2nd stage adjuster. Basically you are going to have a tad of creep.
Balts, the thread worked wonders on the ones you could see. Unfortunately none showing in first section. Reckon Rob O Neil must have missed 4 in first 8 there, 2 myself.
Even had one categorically coming in at 63 yards and i read on the low side, just spun turret up some where, try that.
Dont tell me you didnt see the Wolves on the telly earlier. With the big boys again now.
Such a shame the Albion relegated- not.
It's with great regret that I have to tell you.......it's gone. Sold the S400 to an HFT'er tonight.
Better in someone elses hands than yours Roy, AA 2 a penny.
Evening all.
Have a look at this;
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc267/Baltipal/BP200409RS44.jpg
That's 2 cylinders worth of .44 ball at 25 yards. I was told to aim low to allow for muzzle rise & that explains the 4 along the bottom, the first one actually went under the target!
When I realised it was shooting much truer than that I shot my 6th ball straight & that's the lower one in the 9 ring.
The second cylinder I went straight at it & got a 3cm group with 5. The high one is a result of the revolver jamming & having to be stripped to free the mech. I think I kind of expected the thing to fly apart when I took that shot so wasn't really concentrating on aiming.
Why did you sell the 400 Roy? I wish I had a spare rifle.
You could have set it up for HFT!
Balts liky linky no worky
Image removed.
BP??
Bit of an impulse sale really. Someone on the BBS posted a "wanted" last night. I'm thinking that if I wanted a back up gun I could get something more appropriate for FT. The amount of HFT I'm likely to do doesn't justify holding on to it. It may bite me on the backside, but hey ho!
Result Shaun. Max 3 more points needed because of goal diff. Get it done this weekend. C'mon Blues.
Soz Jon, anyone else having problems opening the piccie? I tested it & it appeared to work. Black Powder night at the 49th Jonny.
Last month I managed to get two on the paper from two cylinders! A bloke there gave me the shpiel about how I can't expect too much & how unlikely it is to even get on the paper with a Club owned BP pistol, it made me doubt myself but after tonight I know it isn't me.
Great stuff Greg.
Nah cant shoot pistol, too heavy handed.
Pass me that brummie adjusting tool please.
Taking mutley out.
Evening all!
Yes a good result for the Blues.
I've been busy compiling a new blog which will be online tomorrow after a spell check.
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