Blog

Posted on

MRPC Skeet Match August 2025

What a day!!!

August 3rd: The sun was shining, the clays were turning to dust, and the BBQ was a smokin’!
 
A couple dozen of the boys were looking to get tuned up today before they go to another province to show what we got!  And tuned up they did!  Our great Shaw had but one flaw, Rob was on the job, Brian was flyin’, Bernie was on a journey and Savitzski was frisky, making the top 5!  Hundreds of dusted clays, good food, great conversation!  

Results Senior Division:

1st Rob Ledrew
2nd Bryan Laymee
3rd Bernie MacPhay 
4th Mike Kelly
5th Kaz Savitzski

Results overall

1st Shaw Lundrigan 
2nd Rob Ledrew
3rd Bryan Laymee. 
 
We are blessed, we have one of the best gun clubs in the country!

Photos:

Click on thumbnail to enlarge

Posted on

2nd MRPC PRS (Precision Rifle Shoot) in 2025

Does it get any better?

Lots of laughs, great competition, a delicious lunch, and fun shooting on a beautiful summer day!
 
Metro’s .22 NRL (kind of)  Rifle match’s this weekend brought out a diverse group of competitors from Halifax to Sydney Mines, from 14 to 74 years of age (Happy Birthday to our Treasurer Richard Rose) , all out to improve their ability with a rifle while enjoying the competition! And improve they did, what a match!
 
Gary and Joe set up 6 different stages for the competition that proved to be challenging. From shooting off the top of a wobbly tire at 4” plates at 50m; man that was tough! On to a dueling tree, with microscopic targets, at 25m then out to prone 100m shots, then shooting through ports!!! We were runnin’ and gunin’ with steel plates a clanking! It was awesome!
 
These .22 Matches are the future of the shooting sports, they are challenging, you’re moving and they don’t require ‘special equipment’; you don’t have to be a millionaire to compete! If you have a .22 rifle you’re a competitor! Great example Saturday: 14 year old Liam Decoast decimated the 50m gongs shooting a stock 10/22 with a 3 x 9 scope! He tied with individuals shooting $4,000 guns! It ain’t the tools people – it’s the carpenter; you have an extra $10, don’t save it for years to buy an Anchütz, buy .22LR ammo now and your shooting will greatly improve!
 
On a personal note, I’m very proud of what the Metro Rifle and Pistol Club has accomplished these last few years. We have a million dollar facility at our disposal. We have increased our membership, with one of the highest percentages of RSO’s in the Country. We offer FREE rifle coaching every Friday evening, and FREE Pistol coaching Wednesday evenings, and with a dedicated group of volunteers, we are now offering top quality competitions in a communal environment. All this for $75 a year! We have the BEST club in the country!
 
P.S. Competitors loved this match so much they wanted a provincial’s!
Metro is now hosting a provincial competition in NRL .22 Rifle! Saturday October 4th. Free training and practice every Friday evening 4:00pm till 1/2 hour before dusk. See you there!

A picture is worth a thousand words

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge

Results

Youth Division

Gold – Liam Decoast
 

Seniors (over 55) Open Division

Gold – Olaf Kuehlmann
Silver – Peter Campbell
Bronze – Joe MacHoll
 

Senior (over 55) Production Division

Gold – Mike Kelly
Silver – John MacQueen
Bronze – Richard Rose
 

Semi Auto Division

Gold – Mike Holland
Silver – Troy Leblanc
Bronze – James, McQuade
 

Open Division

Gold – Justin Ward
 

Overall (Match Score)

Gold – Mike Kelly
Silver – Olaf Kuehlmann
Bronze – A 3 way tie!!! (Great Shooters eh!)
John MacQeen
Mike Holland
Justin Ward
Posted on

First ever MRPC PRS Match (NRL22 Clone)

Sunday, June 29th, 2025: What a day to remember—Metro’s inaugural practical .22 Shooting Match went off with more bangs, clangs, and yoga poses than a geriatric CrossFit class! Six stages of pure rimfire pleasure, and most of the competitors haven’t laughed this hard since someone tried to zero a scope with the lens caps on.

To everyone who said, “I’d love to shoot, but I’m scared I’ll embarrass myself”—trust me, you missed your chance to blend in. None of us had a clue what we were doing, and that was half the fun. Watching a bunch of us seasoned “vintage models” attempt to shoot from a tank trap was like witnessing a herd of turtles navigate a jungle gym. If you ever wondered whether the age group 50+ and tactical shooting mix, the answer is: not gracefully, but we nailed it!

Big thanks to Gary and Joe for the props, and Sheldon for RO’ing. We shot from ladders, tank traps, benches, and through ports—basically, if you could climb on it or crawl under it, we shot from it. We learned more about eye relief than we ever wanted to know, and a few guys discovered “stability techniques,” which I’m pretty sure was just code for “lean on the nearest sturdy object and pray.”

The best part? It was cheap, it was fun, and it was the perfect warm-up for the upcoming Hunters Cup and next PRS match. Plus, we refueled with BBQ that was almost as smokin’ as the barrels.

To quote Mike: “In summary: I left as a better shooter—mostly because I now know I can hit a target while contorted like a pretzel. That’s what matches are for!”

Results:

Bolt Action

  • Joe MacHoll: First Place (the legend grows)

  • Gary Latimer: Second (so close, he could smell victory’s aftershave)

  • Richard Young: Third (right on Gary’s heels and possibly his shoelaces)

Semi Auto

  • Mike Holland: First Place (dominated so thoroughly, we checked his rifle for rocket fuel)

Over All Winner

  • Mike Kelly (The Undisputed Master & Trophy Hoarder)
The original Text and photos
were presented by Mike Kelly
on Facebook
Posted on

Project Mapleseed Rifleman Course May 16th, 2025

Metro Rifle and Pistol Club at Cape Nova

On May 16, 2025, five enthusiastic members of the Metro Rifle and Pistol Club (Gary, Loren, Sidney, Olaf & Joe) traveled to the Cape Nova Rifle and Revolver Club’s range in Queensville, NS for an inspiring and educational day participating in a Project Mapleseed event.

What is Project Mapleseed?

For those unfamiliar, Project Mapleseed is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe, responsible, and skillful rifle marksmanship among Canadians of all ages and experience levels. Founded with the mission to foster a lifelong appreciation for shooting sports, Project Mapleseed focuses primarily on .22 caliber rimfire rifles, which are ideal for beginners due to their low recoil, affordability, and accessibility.

The program is designed to be inclusive and approachable, offering structured training and certification opportunities that emphasize fundamental skills such as sight alignment, breathing control, trigger discipline, and proper shooting positions. Project Mapleseed events are held across Canada, often in collaboration with local clubs, and aim to build confidence and competence in shooters while promoting firearm safety and ethical shooting practices.

The Day’s Activities at Cape Nova

The day started with a comprehensive safety briefing, underscoring Project Mapleseed’s commitment to safe firearm handling. Following this, the fantastic expert instructors (Guy, John and Jason) guided participants through essential marksmanship techniques, including:

  • Shooting Positions: Prone, kneeling, and standing positions were demonstrated and practiced to help shooters find stability and consistency.

  • Sling Use: Instruction on how to properly use a shooting sling to improve accuracy and reduce fatigue.

  • Fundamental Skills: Emphasis was placed on sight alignment, breath control, and trigger squeeze-key elements that separate a good shot from a great one.

These sessions were designed not only to improve shooting skills but also to instill a deeper understanding of the mechanics and discipline involved in marksmanship.

Celebrating Excellence: Olaf’s and Mike’s Achievement

A special congratulations goes to our own member Olaf from the St. Peters area, who distinguished himself by earning the coveted Rifleman Certification – the only participant to do so that day. This certification is awarded by Project Mapleseed to shooters who demonstrate proficiency in all fundamental skills and consistently meet or exceed accuracy standards set by the program.

Olaf’s achievement is a testament to his dedication, steady hand, and “the quality of training, profound advice and useful tips provided by his fellow club members” 😁
His success was met with enthusiastic cheers from both participants and instructors, inspiring all present to continue striving for excellence.

The next day the course was held again and Mike Kelly, our club president, showed his excellent and versatile shooting skills. Not only did he obtain a Rifleman Badge, he also was awarded the highly sought after Elite Rifleman badge! Mike’s “score” tied the Canadian Mapleseed record that is held by a young lady in Alberta. Mike shot a 247 and a 248 out of a possible 250! Congratulations Mike!

Why Project Mapleseed Matters

Project Mapleseed plays a vital role in the Canadian shooting community by:

  • Encouraging Safe Firearm Use: Through rigorous safety protocols and education.

  • Making Marksmanship Accessible: Providing affordable and beginner-friendly training.

  • Building Community: Connecting shooters across regions and skill levels.

  • Supporting Youth and New Shooters: Offering pathways for young people and novices to develop skills in a structured, supportive environment.

If you’re interested in learning more about Project Mapleseed or joining future events, please visit their official websites:

Project Mapleseed Homepage: https://mapleseedrifleman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleseedrifleman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/876956559007450

This event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19RqobqC17/

Cape Nova Rifle and Revolver Club: https://www.capenova.com/

Photo Gallery

Photos: Courtesy of Mapleseed Project, Olaf Kuehlmann, Loren Pemberton

Posted on

2025 Provincial Spring 22LR Rifle Shoot in Stellarton

Braving the Elements to get there: MRPC Takes on the PCMRA .22LR Indoor Shoot

April 27th, 2025-A Day for the Record Books (and Raincoats)

What do you get when you combine five determined Metro Rifle & Pistol Club members, a rain warning from Environment Canada, and a trunk full of rifles and .22LR ammo? An epic road trip to Stellarton for the PCMRA’s  indoor shoot-plus a story worth telling.

The Journey: Like “The Fellowship of the Ring,” But Wetter

Our adventure began in North Sydney, where four of us – Loren, Garry, Joe, and “Big Mike” – piled into the truck (thanks Gary for taking us with you) and set out to pick up Olaf in Aulds Cove. The weather? Let’s just say Noah would’ve stayed home. But shooters are a stubborn breed, and not even a monsoon could keep us from our targets. Special thanks to John Campbell for letting us practice at the Bullet Box beforehand; his facility is so good, we almost forgot what daylight looked like.

A Warm Welcome (and Even Warmer Donuts)

Despite arriving a little later than the official 9:00 am start (thanks to hydroplaning and Cape Breton not being in the centre of Nova Scotia), Bob MacKay, the event organizer, greeted us with open arms. Hospitality was in full swing: coffee, donuts, and muffins flowed freely, fueling both our spirits and our sugar levels.

The Competition: Legends, Newcomers, and a Lot of Xs

The field was stacked with legends like Al Roland and Bill Giles, whose shooting skills and knowledge are only matched by their willingness to share tips with us mere mortals. Bill Giles, by the way, put on a clinic-60 shots, all 10x hits, except for one: “only” a ten. (We’re still not sure if he’s human.)

For MRPC, the internal rivalry was fierce but friendly. Garry Latimer clinched the gold with a stellar 593/600 and an impressive 49 Xs-congrats, Garry! Loren, who’s only been shooting for a year, took silver (watch out for this guy), while Joe nabbed bronze and Olaf, in his Stellarton debut, came a close fourth. “Big Mike” had a rough day, but made it through with his trademark grin and promises of revenge in the fall.

Supporting the Next Generation

A big shoutout to the Pictou County Military Rifle Club for their “budget class,” where rifles (including scope and accessories) can’t exceed $1,200. It’s a fantastic way to welcome new and younger shooters into the sport-because everyone deserves a shot at greatness, even if their gear doesn’t cost as much as a used car.

Behind the Scenes: The Real MVPs

Events like this don’t run themselves. Thank you to everyone who helped with scoring, range safety, and keeping things running smoothly-your work is the backbone of our sport.

Tradition, Steak, and Cape Breton Pride

After three rounds of 20 shots each, we wrapped up, swapped stories, and debated the next day’s election (because nothing says “Canadian shooting sport” like a side of politics these days). On the drive home, we honored tradition with a pit stop at Mother Webb’s in Antigonish – refreshments, steak, burger, fish and laughter all around.

Rolling back into Cape Breton that evening, we agreed: there’s (almost) nothing better than a day spent with friends, doing what we love – even if it means cleaning our rifles during the coming week 😁

Until next time: shoot straight, keep your powder dry, your spirits high, and your rain gear handy

Posted on

MRPC AGM 2025

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2025

Metro Rifle and Pistol Club
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Date: March 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: East Bay Firehall, NS

1. Call to Order

  • The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by President Mike Kelly.

  • It was noted that the previous Treasurer had stepped down. Richard Rose was announced as the interim Treasurer pending elections.

2. Financial Report

  • No detailed financial report was presented. Richard Rose gave estimated numbers and projections to the members

  • Member G. Langille inquired about the annual tax cost for our property, which was estimated at under $1,000 per year.

  • M. Kelly discussed the buildings on the property and mentioned plans to purchase a sea can to meet storage needs for winter shooting activities. The sea can that was purchesed for the skeet range was not paid by the club.

3. Section Reports

Rifle Section – Gary Latimer

  • Rifle Nights (centerfire and rimfire) will be held every Friday from 4:00 PM until 30 minutes before dusk, running from May 2 to the end of October.

  • Practice nights for provincial shoots and other competitions were also highlighted.

Shotgun/Skeet – Robert LeDrew

  • Skeet shooting will continue every Sunday at 12:00 PM.

  • Plans to expand the field and include a trap field were discussed.

Pistol Section – Terry Eldridge

  • Terry Eldridge was unable to be present at the meeting.

  • It was mentioned that Pistol Nights (centerfire and 22LR) will be held every Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 30 minutes before dusk, running from May to the end of October.

  • Practice nights for PPC and other competitions will be announced on the club website.

4. President’s Report – Mike Kelly

  • The President discussed provisions for purchasing handguns through Olympic pathways in conjunction with the NSSF for members training under these programs.

  • Plans for 2025 were outlined, including the introduction of rifle shooting courses modeled after Project Appleseed in the USA, named ‘Project Mapleseed’.

    • The course will focus on traditional rifle marksmanship fundamentals.

    • Level 1 courses will be piloted this year by M. Kelly and G. Latimer, with plans for future expansion.

5. Old Business

  • Updates on the 300m range project:

    • Difficulty in securing a contractor has delayed work; a potential start date is set for the first week of July.

    • The design will be twice as wide as the current 100m range, using similar construction methods. Most materials are available, but concrete block prices have risen to $150 per block.

6. New Business

  • The national Range Day (https://nationalrangeday.ca/) ist the first Saturday in June. To host an event to promote shooting sports was discussed:

    • Activities will include public drop-ins, rimfire pistol/rifle shooting, and skeet shooting.

    • Costs (if any) for public participation will be finalized later.

    • Volunteers and Range Officers (R.O.s) are needed; a sign-up list was circulated.

  • Announcement: MRPC was featured in NFA Magazine for its “Hunter Challenge” event, which will be held again on September 13, 2025.

  • Mike Kelly contacted Cabels’s. The grant from Cabela’s we received can be used for training-related expenses.

  • A club shoot in support of Conservative candidates in the Federal Election on April 28, 2025 is scheduled for April 13 or April 21, 2025.

7. Questions from Members

  • Getting some telephone poles that are being replaced in Grand Bay was discussed; however, they won’t be available for club use due to contractor restrictions.

8. Elections

  • Motion by William Brenna to elect Richard Rose as Treasurer was seconded by Ian MacNeil and carried unanimously.

9. Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by William Brenna and seconded by Ian MacNeil.

  • Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Minutes Prepared By: Ryan LeDrew
Date: March 31, 2025

Posted on

The Hunter Challenge (Top Shot 2024)

The match that almost wasn’t

For over half a century I’ve been listening to hunters talking, “shot that deer a mile away” and “I hit geese flying at 100 yards all the time!”
With so many exceptional hunters in Nova Scotia, we decided it was time to have a match to prove how exceptional we are!
Only a couple dozen of the very best and mentally tough, yet humble, came out to go Hunter against Hunter! Hunters in the Youth Division came from as far as Annapolis Valley, and we had Skeet shooters from PEI, all looking for the prestige that comes from winning… and that $500.00 Cash Prize for 1st Place!
 
Lots of people talk the talk, but our competitors came out on a frigid Sunday morning, Dec. 8th and walked the walk! Sure, I got lots of emails saying “We should cancel” and “It’s too cold”, but those people stayed home and got pedicures while they watched “The View”. They missed the toughest and most attended match in the history of the Metro Rifle Pistol Club! It was awesome!
On a personal note, what really fulfilled me as match director, was hunters watching other hunters shooting and then yelling advice! Cries of “your bullets are hitting just above the steel plates, aim lower” or “your shots are below the birds” were being yelled routinely! Hunters were actually helping other hunters shoot better, and get higher scores! It was a match of congeniality and comradery at its finest, and I was glad to be a part of such a prestigious event!
Next year’s date is September 13th! Mark it in your calendar now!
 
1st Place – $500.00
2nd Place – $300.00
3rd Place – $200.00
Applications open June 1st, limited to 50 people, I’ll see you there… if you’re tough enough!
 
Match Results
 
Youth Division
1st – Nathan Kelly (East Bay)
2nd – Tristen Speiran (Annapolis Valley)
 
Master Class
1st – Mike Kelly (East Bay)
2nd – Shaw Lundergen (Lock Lomond)
3rd – Allan MacLeod (P.E.I.)
 
Expert Class
1st – Robert Ledrew (Grand Mira)
Tied 2nd – John MacQueen (Sydney)
Tied 2nd – Richard Rose (North Sydney)
3rd – Noah Anderson (North Sydney)
 
Marksman Class
1st – Jack McCarron (Sydney River)
2nd – Fred Martell (North Sydney)
3rd – Sheldon Whitty (Gardiner)
 
Tyro Class
1st – Joe McHoll (Gabarus)
Tied 2nd – Peter Campbell (Sydney)
Tied 2nd – Allan MacEachern (Sydney)
3rd – Richard Young (East Bay)
 

Have a look!

Click on a photo to open the gallery

Posted on

2024 Langille/Bert MacDonald Memorial Shoot in Stellarton, NS

On November 17, 2024, the Pictou County Military Rifle Association (PCMRA) hosted a highly anticipated .22LR Indoor Rifle Shoot at their range located in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. This event attracted a diverse group of participants, from seasoned veterans to newcomers, all eager to engage in friendly competition and share their passion for target shooting.

THE START

The day began with clear skies and a full moon visible over Cape Breton, creating a picturesque backdrop for the event. Members from the Metro Rifle & Pistol Club coordinated their travel to Stellarton, with five members making the journey across the Canso Causeway  to the mainland. Although registration was set for 9:30 am, the MRPC received special permission to arrive at 10:00 am, allowing them a bit of extra time for a coffee and a small breakfast.

3 Classes

  • Sporting Rifle
    (3 shooting positions, no scope, no bipod etc.)
  • F-Class Open
  • F-Class Budget
    (with specific restrictions on rifle weight and scope power, held for the very first time)

The Participants

Shooters were welcomed into a warm and supportive atmosphere that PCMRA events are known for.

The event saw participation from 22 shooters, showcasing a mix of experience levels. Notably, MRPC members included both seasoned shooters with up to 40+ years of experience and newer members, who had only been shooting for a few months and never attended such a 60-shot-event before. This blend of experience fostered camaraderie among participants, as they shared tips and stories throughout the day.

Thanks to John Campbell, owner of The Bullet Box in Sydney, Metro members were able to practise at the range during a special event.

Notable Performances

Among the first-time competitors, Gary and Loren stood out, with Loren achieving an impressive score of 99 out of 100 points on one of his paper targets.

The internal Metro competition concluded with Joe scoring 594 points, emerging as the victor, closely followed by the MRPC president and ‘Big Mike.’

The official match competition: The competitors shot in 5 relays, 2 targets, 20 shots at a time. This way they had to go to the line 3 times. In a nail-biting finish, Joe lost second place by just one 10 instead of an 10X. The overall winner of the day was veteran shooter Bill Giles, who demonstrated exceptional skill (as always) throughout the competition.

Acknowledgments

The success of the event was largely attributed to the efforts of Bob MacKay. The PCMRA organized the shoot and provided coffee along with a delicious lunch for all attendees. A heartfelt thank you was expressed to all organizers, range officers (ROs), helpers, scorers, and everyone involved in making this event a memorable experience. Some of the shooters won door spizes provided by Hirsch Precision Inc.

Participants also appreciated the opportunity to meet ‘legends’ of the sport, including Al Roland, who was responsible for scoring all targets during the event. 

Conclusion

The .22LR Indoor Rifle Shoot at PCMRA not only showcased competitive shooting but also highlighted the bonds formed within the shooting community. With friendly competition at its core and support from experienced members, this event exemplified what it means to be part of such an engaging sport. As participants left Stellarton, they carried with them not just scores but memories of a great Sunday spent among friends and fellow enthusiasts. The day was filled with laughter, shared stories, and a strong sense of community among shooting enthusiasts.
Posted on

PPC Provincial Championships 2024

MRPC Participants

Metro Rifle and Pistol Club Dominates Competition

The Nova Scotia Rifle Association (NSRA) held the annual PPC (Police Pistol Combat) on Sunday, September 29th. It was originally developed as a training tool for police officers, teaching them to shoot at a black silhouette target.

What happend

If you’re older, you probably remember the classic Hallmark Greeting Card TV commercials featuring the now-famous quote, “Hallmark, when you care enough to send the very best.” Last Sunday evening, that’s exactly what they called us: The Hallmark Team! Metro cared enough about winning to send our very best—and win we did!

As the last embers of our campfire died, dawn broke on this Sunday morning rife with anticipation. The crisp morning air was charged with intensity. From the moment the sun broke the horizon, the team instinctively knew it would be a record-breaking day—and indeed it was.
Gary had coffee and eggs going just after sunrise, Mike was organizing trigger weights, and Joe was plotting strategies. Sven and Lars were setting up target stands as Chris pulled into the parking lot, searching for a gun to shoot in the match. Soon, competitors began trickling in. Nearly two dozen shooters, the best from clubs across the province, arrived with determination in their eyes, envisioning the coveted trophy and gold medal in their home display cases.

The Match

The match started fast with a mag dump and smokin’ hot reloads on the fly. Rapid-fire rounds and lightning-fast reloads filled the air with the sound of continuous gunfire. Brass casings flew in all directions. As the competition progressed, targets were moved to increasingly challenging distances, separating the skilled from the novice.
Despite the grueling morning, the Metro team clawed their way to the top, maintaining high scores and becoming the favorites to win. However, the outcome of any competition can be unpredictable.

Lunch

One NSRA member, who was starting a restaurant in Dartmouth (koshio.ca), delivered exceptional sushi. Bob’s homemade burgers were equally impressive, complemented by BBQ sausages and his wife’s delicious cookies. Ohhh – good stuff. As competitors slowly made their way back to the range, some wondered if the hearty meal was a strategy to slow down the competition. Nevertheless, the Metro team pressed on, determined to maintain their excellence throughout the afternoon.
Then as I slowly waddled out to the range it dawned on me, that was their strategy, feed us till we almost burst; slow us down and put us to sleep! Would it work?

The afternoon

Full to the gills we shot on, maintaining our excellence! At the end of the day, The Metro Rifle and Pistol Club had attained victory! We managed to take home, not silver, not gold, but BOTH gold and silver in EVERY DIVISION!!!

Competition Highlights

Marksman Division
Gold: Gary Latimer (1196/1500)
Silver: Mike Holland (1183/1500)
Expert Division
Gold: Lars Kummer (1414/1500)
Silver: Sven Kummer (1405/1500)
Masters Division
Gold: Mike Kelly (1464/1500)
Silver: Joe MacHoll (1384/1500)

Bottom Line

The Metro Rifle and Pistol Club’s remarkable achievement of winning both gold and silver medals in every division is a feat unseen in the competition for nearly half a century.
The gods of the shoot smiled down upon us that day! We dominated the competition!! We earned that title “The Hallmark Team”! It was an awe inspiring day and I was proud to be a member of that team! But next year … we want the bronze metals too! Training starts spring 2025! Ya goin’ to run with the big dogs or stay home in the porch!

Photo Impressions

Posted on

2024 NSRA Open Rifle Precision Match

Wind

A Thrilling Display of Marksmanship

The 2024 Nova Scotia Rifle Association (NSRA) Open Precision Rifle Match, held at Bull Meadow Range Complex near Halifax, proved to be an exhilarating event that showcased the province’s top marksmen. The competition, which took place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, drew participants from various clubs across Nova Scotia, with Metro Rifle & Pistol Club making a particularly strong showing.

Challenging Conditions and Impressive Performances

Competitors faced formidable challenges, including targets positioned over half a kilometre away, just waiting to ‘pop’ over a crest for a few seconds, and unpredictable wind conditions. Despite these obstacles, several shooters demonstrated exceptional skill and composure.

Our own ‘Gary the Great’ burrowed in the grass on the ridge like a Saskatchewan prairie dog! His ‘Cadex’, one of the finest rifles known to man, at the ready, waiting…

Dead Eye Joe, with his trusty ‘laser’, dialed in just at a little over 2 MOA for the 500m shot. His laser and a razor sharp focus, in anticipation of what’s to come…

Lars, the backbone of the Canadian Forces Shooting Team, a direct descendent of Mars himself, behind his smoke pole firing a honkin’ big .168 grain pill! Anxiously awaiting the fog to lift to send a single round to its mark…

Chris King, described as a seasoned hunter, achieved a remarkable “possible” at 500 meters (all 5 shots in the bull), earning him an on-the-spot medal for his outstanding performance.

Gary, narrowly missed a silver medal due to a single shot affected by what observers called “freak winds”.

Me… I was loading bullets in the parking lot!

Diverse Challenges and Equipment

The match featured a variety of challenges, including a target at 800m, shooting the first shot (“cold bore”) with no sighter at 500m, and moving targets at extreme distances, which tested the limits of even the most experienced shooters:

▪ 2 misses on a moving target (friggin’ freak wind change!) cost Joe a bronze medal.
▪  I had a jam after the first round on a stage, that was costly!!!

Metro Club’s Strong Showing

With big Mike’s coaching, the Metro Rifle & Pistol Club had an impressive outing, securing 4th, 5th, and 6th places in the open class. In the “Classic” .308 Winchester category, Metro Club members claimed 4th and 11th positions, demonstrating the club’s depth of talent. Smoking results!!!

Camaraderie and Celebration

Following the intense competition, participants gathered for a well-deserved celebration, enjoying steaks and beverages while recounting the day’s events. What a great start to the long weekend! 
The 2024 NSRA Open Precision Rifle Match not only showcased individual marksmanship but also highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of precision rifle shooting in Nova Scotia.

Mike Kelly
MRPC President

Photos:
Courtesy of Mike Holland and Mike Kelly

©2026 Metro Rifle & Pistol Club