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Terry Eldridge Center Fire Match 2024

The Terry Eldridge Centre Fire Handgun Match was a blast—literally!

On September 21, 2024, nine brave souls gathered to test their mettle in a showdown of epic proportions. With seven stages and a total round count of 84 shots fired, participants aimed at targets ranging from “Hey, I can hit that!” at 3 meters to “Is that even a target?” at 50 meters.

The Competition: A Comedy of Errors and Triumphs

As the sun shone down on this beautiful fall day, the competition was as fierce as a cat fight over the last piece of tuna. Each participant was determined to outshine the others, leading to some unexpected moments. Rumour has it that one competitor mistook the target for a very dark coyote before realizing he was at a handgun match, not a hunting trip. In the end, the winners emerged from the chaos:

1st Place: Mike Kelly (who apparently has a sixth sense for hitting targets)

2nd Place: Joe MacHoll (who was just happy to remember which end of the gun goes bang)

3rd Place: Sven Kummer (who may or may not have been just shooting too fast)

Mike clinched victory with an impressive score of 823 out of 840 possible points—proof that practice makes perfect.

Rookie of the Day Award Goes To…

Bob Crane won the gold medal in the rimfire class during his very first handgun competition! Talk about making an entrance—Bob’s probably already planning his victory speech for next year’s event.

Thank You and Goodnight!

The event kicked off promptly at 2 PM because nothing says “serious competition” like being on time. The organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped with setup and teardown; after all, many hands make light work—especially when those hands are holding snacks! Thanks, Bob.
Another big thank-you goes to the ROs keeping the competition efficient and safe.

As the day wrapped up, participants left with smiles on their faces and stories to tell. It was another fun-filled day at the range, where laughter echoed as loudly as gunfire. Until next time, keep your aim steady and your jokes even steadier!

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2024 Small Bore Rifle Competition in Stellarton, NS

Sunday, April 15th: As dawn broke over the rolling hills of Stellarton, NS, the air buzzed with anticipation. It was the 2nd day of the annual 22LR indoor match, hosted by the prestigious Pictou County Military Rifle Association (PCMRA). MRPC members were ready to test their mettle against the best in the region.

The scene was set for a match unlike any other. However, amidst the excitement, there was a notable absence — their coach, Gary Latimer, whose expert guidance had propelled the team to greatness in practise, was called away to Florida. Despite his absence, his spirit lingered in the tips and tricks he had imparted to the team.

Undeterred, MRPC members took to the firing line after just one brief afternoon of preparation at home. With newly acquired firearms in hand and adrenaline coursing through their veins, they faced the challenge head-on.

Among the seasoned (local) veterans boasting perfect scores of 600 out of 600 possible points, there emerged two unlikely contenders: Ethan Huang, wielding a vintage, classic Canadian Coey with a 6x scope straight out of the last century, and Noah Anderson, armed with his gleaming new Ruger Precision. Noah was shooting scores of 95 and 93 on a few targets. Bravo. Their determination to get competition experience was palpable. 

As shots rang out and targets were peppered with precision, the battlefield came alive with the thrill of competition. Joe MacHoll, armed with his new Bergara rifle, taken off the wall after hanging there for a year, showcased his prowess with impeccable accuracy, earning accolades as the top Metro performer in the F-Class category. He shot one target (10 shots) with 9 X’s and a 10 = 100 points. His highlight of the day.

But it was not just about individual triumphs; it was about the collective achievement of the MRPC team. Despite facing hurdles and equipment challenges, they rallied together, pushing each other to new heights of excellence.

In the end, as the dust settled and the final scores were tallied, MRPC emerged victorious. Their triumph was not just measured in points and X’s on paper, but in the bonds forged on the firing line and the memories made in the heat of battle and in conversations with other competitors in the clubhouse.

A big ‘THANK YOU’ was given to the organizers, the ROs, the helpers, the scorers, and everyone helped to make this event such a success.

As the ‘Cape Bretoners’ (called to the line that way) gathered to celebrate their success, amidst laughter and shared stories, they knew that this was more than just a competition—it was a testament to the indomitable spirit of camaraderie and determination that defines the MRPC family and other shooting clubs in Canada and all over the world.

And with hearts full of pride, they looked forward to the next challenge, knowing that together, they could conquer anything that came their way. That’s the way they felt on their drive home to Cape Breton.

TO OPEN THE GALLERY CLICK ON A PHOTO
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AGM 2024

Our Annual General Meeting was held on Monday night (March 11, 2024) with 104 members attending.

The meeting minutes are as follows:

President Mike Kelly opened the meeting by welcoming all in attendance and beginning with a short update on the 300m range development which covered the progress to date with the major excavation work done and is currently being in a holding pattern while we build up capital to continue with the construction. Depending on Club finances, the construction will continue as the money allows.

A discussion on range safety officers and the requirements to be one for booking the range was had. The Secretary requested we create a clear policy on this, as it is a topic of friction that gets raised to him on a regular basis. After much discussion amongst the members and executive a Motion was put to the floor by Ian MacNeil and Seconded by Tom Kummer as follows:

“An RO has to be present in order for anyone to shoot on any Metro Rifle and Pistol Club Range. The RO has to have the NFA Range Safety Officer Course or an equivalent as determined by the Club President, Vice President or Club Chief Range Safety Officer.”

A vote was held and the motion was passed. This is now the most up to date policy for range use for our Club.

There was a discussion around the Cape Breton Trap and Skeet Club. We were informed by the President the Trap and Skeet Club no longer exists and that the former members are now members of the Metro Club. They have expended the majority of their former operating funds, and the Trap and Skeet range is almost complete. The CFO is requesting several final items like signage and flagging be completed before he will issue an operating permit. We were informed that the planned shot mitigation curtains have not yet been addressed, but that the range will go into operation without them, and they will be added at a later date. The question was raised wondering if this was outside what was promised to CBRM when requesting our Development Permit, and the President stated the curtains were never a requirement and went over the permit with the group.

The President did his annual report and covered the placings of multiple shooters in various competitions over the last year. We had many of our shooters win and place high in the rankings in pistol, rifle and shotgun events. Congratulations were given to all for their great performances.

The Secretary read the Financial report. Notable in it were that club membership had dropped significantly to 360 members for 2023-24. The mortgage on our range was renewed this year and the interest rate on the loan has increased. Our mortgage payments have raised slightly but not significantly because our remaining balance is less than $20k on the loan. Land taxes have increased but not prohibitively so because most of our property is under a forest management plan.

An Election of Officers was held.

There were no challengers for President, Vice President or Chief Range Safety Officer, so Mike Kelly remains as President, Terry Eldridge remains as Vice president and Sheldon Whitty remains as Chief Range Safety Officer.

Myself, Andy Maxwell, tendered my resignation, citing having served as Secretary and eventually a combined Secretary/Treasure after the resignation of former Treasure Fred Martell several years ago for a combined term of 15 yrs.

I suggested that the position of Secretary/Treasure be split again, as it traditionally was. This allows for a five-person Executive Committee which prevents tie votes should there be dissention amongst the Executive on an issue in the future, where currently we have had a four member board which allows that possibility.

A call for nominations was made.

Ian MacNeil nominated Noah Anderson, former treasurer for the Trap and Skeet Club, for the position of Treasurer. The Nomination was seconded by Tom Kummer and Noah accepted the nomination. Failing to find any other nominees, a vote was held and Noah Anderson is now the incoming Treasurer for the Metro Club.

Sven Kummer nominated Ryan Ledrew as Secretary, and it was seconded by Bert Hooper. Failing any other members accepting nomination, a vote was held and Ryan Ledrew has accepted the position of incoming Secretary for the Metro Club.

A motion was made by Allan Spinney that the outgoing Secretary be given a Lifetime Membership as recognition for his 15yrs of service to the Club. The motion was seconded by Allan McEachern and the vote passed.

A discussion was held around increasing Club competitions and events and Section coordinators were discussed so that the responsibility could be shared around to help lighten the load. As such the Club called for nominations for 3 Coordinators to help the Executive committee, a Rifle Section Coordinator, a Pistol Section Coordinator and a Shotgun Coordinator.

Nominations were held and went as follows:

Rifle Section Coordinator- Gary Latimer, Moved by Andy Maxwell, Seconded by Terry Eldridge

Pistol Section Coordinator- Terry Eldridge, Moved by Joe MacHoll, Seconded by Tom Kummer

Shotgun Section Coordinator- Noah Anderson, Moved by Jason Reid, Seconded by Bernie McViey

All were called to a vote and approved.

These Minutes respectfully submitted by

Andy Maxwell,

Outgoing Secretary/Treasurer
Metro Rifle and Pistol Club

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I want to add my thanks and congratulations to our new incoming Secretary, Treasurer and Section Coordinators. I  hope you enjoy your time on the board as much as I have over the last 15 yrs. I would also like the to thank the members for the Lifetime Membership voted on on my exit. It’s much appreciated though unnecessary.

When I took over as Secretary many years ago the Club was realing from the loss of our indoor range and membership was under 50 members. Over the years we have managed to build back to membership levels we couldn’t dream of at the time,reaching highs of over 500 at one point. We have built a shooting structure at the DNR range, a pistol bay at DNR and now have our own property again with our own range and more in development. These achievements seemed insurmountable at the time but the Club has bounced back from the brink and grows stronger every year. The credit goes to the members. Without your continued support our Executive team could not have done it.I want to thank those on the Executive I served with over the years for their work and commitment to the Club. Many don’t relaize the amount they do behind the scenes to grow our Club.I look forward to seeing where the new Executive members take our Club over the coming years.

Thanks-Andy

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Sept. 24, 2023 – PPC Provincials

Firsts and Firsts -  Part 2

Warm guns back in their cases after a great evening practice: Sitting around the campfire, cooking, talking to friends, laughing. I imagine that’s the future, the founders of the Nova Scotia Rifle Association had hoped for way back in 1860; they wouldn’t be disappointed.
 
That’s exactly how Metro started the PPC Provincials.  Joe, Andy, Terry, Jack and Stephanie, Gary, and myself were grilling steaks, potatoes, chanterelles picked earlier in the day, now drenched in butter, on hot maple coals. We laughed and poked fun at each other about missed shots and other screw-ups we had under the pressure of practice. And Gary, who looked like 50 Cent with all the bling; 2 precision rifle medals around his neck from the afternoon shoot! Silver in the open and Bronze in the Mountford-Twinning match. Ohhh Metro just rocks the Mainland eh!
 
When the campfire weened so did we, into tents right on the range that night. It was a great evening, a cheap relaxing way to prepare for the Provincials the next day. 
 
As the first flickers of sunlight pierced through the trees, you could feel anticipation in the air!  Everyone was up rarin’ to go!  PPC Provincials attract a mishmash of talent from all the shooting sports, all striving for excellence. PPC is the culmination, the mixed martial arts so to speak, of the pistol shooter world. All the sports think they will dominate because of their speed or accuracy; However all the sports get reminded of Mike Tyson’s immortal words “no plan survives the first shot!”
 
Free Pistol champions, like NSRA’s own Bullseye Bob Selig, thinking accuracy will be the key to winning the match… but will it…
The IPSC Shooter‘s, like Hnatiuk’s own Fast Felix (Chris) think their speed will dominate… will that prove true…
Newbies like Cracker Jack McCarron, his Stephanie cheerleading in the background, believe sheer tenacity will guide him towards victory; but the outcome is far from determined, it’s fragile really!
 
The leaders during the match were in a constant state of flux with scores bouncing up and down faster than a hospital elevator on a full moon Friday night!  In the end, Terry took Bronze, Joe Silver, and I took the Gold.  All our scores were close, it could have been any of us that took that Gold!

Age and experience turned out to be of the most valued asset; combined, our competitive shooting experience is starting to get close to a century!  Andy missed the podium by but a handful of points, and took 4th, Gary took 7th overall with newbie Jack on his heels is now ranked 8th in Nova Scotia!  Again, Metro shined bright taking 6 of the top 8 spots in the 2023 PPC Provincial Championship!  We are the dominant shooting club in Atlantic Canada!  What a great wrap to a summer shooting season!

A great big thanks goes out to Daniel Zaenker at the NSRA for hosting this match!  It was AWESOME Daniel!!!
 

Regards 

Mike

PPC 2023 Provincials Match Results
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NSRA Gammell + Sirtonski Matches – Sept. 9, 2023

Fast, and Furious Firsts

The older I get the more I take joy in the simple pleasures of life, like attending events, spending time with friends, shooting.  Metro R&P recently received an invitation from the Nova Scotia Rifle Association (NSRA).  The NSRA Handgun Section Chair Daniel Zaenker put on the Nova Scotia Provincials (Gammell Memorial) for the Olympic Sport of Rapid Fire Pistol, on Saturday morning past and also another match, the Sirtonski Cup in the afternoon. My self and Joe MacHoll went as ambassadors for Metro. Joe journeying up from the Cape Friday and camped right on the range, I drove to Halifax in the wee morning hours. 

At Sunup, Joe started a fire, then put on a pot of coffee and breakfast.  As the sun climbed higher competitors started to trickle in, their first sight being ‘Quick Draw Joe’ with a coffee sitting by a fire as he slowly drawled, “Mornin”; Man it was a scene out of a Western. 

It’s the simple things, like watching the loss of all hope in the eyes of the mainlanders upon seeing Joe. It’s the simple things, like overhearing whispers, “The Capers showed… lost another one…”. Yes it’s the simple things that I find pleasure in as I age. 🤣

As always, Metro R&P put on a great showing, we were in the Metals for the sport of Olympic rapid fire pistol. Shooting 5 targets, a third of a football field away, in 4 seconds, from the draw is something let me tell ya! Especially when athletes that compete on the National Circuit arrive, like Glenn from Pictou and René from Quebec! That puts tension on the competitors! How did it pan out? Well, we actually won the event, keeping a provincial record score intact and taking home the Cup… again…

The Sirtonski Cup was a new experience for Joe and I as neither of us had shot it before or even knew the complicated course of fire. It went from very precise headshots behind hostage targets to smokin’ hot-speed shooting requiring multiple targets while changing magazines, to man-against-man shoot-offs. That separates the ‘wheat from the chaff’ man let me tell ya! Shooting a shot with an audience behind you hootin’, knowing full well if you miss you are out; shooting until only one person is left! Bob Selig, a legend at the Bull Meadow Range won that round by a quarter of an inch! Whoo!

Since we weren’t really sure about the match and the different stages we just shot all ‘bulls-eye’s’ (almost). Needless to say… We medaled. Actually, we won that trophy and, coincidentally, set the Provincial record score for the event as well. Yes as I age, I find solace in the simple things in life…

Regards 

Mike

Click on photo to enlarge
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Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (CFSC) on Cape Breton Island (Fall 2023)

There will be Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (CFSC) on Cape Breton Island:

September

CFSC
Monday, Sept 18 & Thursday 21st
6:00-11:30 both evenings
East Bay Firehall (by the Post Office)
3542 East Bay Highway,
East Bay, N.S.
B1J 1A3

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October

CFSC
Monday, Oct. 2nd and & Thursday 5th
6:00-11:30 both evenings
East Bay Firehall (by the Post Office)
3542 East Bay Highway,
East Bay, N.S.
B1J 1A3

CFSC
Monday 16 and Thursday 19th
6:00-11:30 both evenings
East Bay Firehall (by the Post Office)
3542 East Bay Highway,
East Bay, N.S.
B1J 1A3

CFSC
Monday 23 and Thursday 26th
6:00-11:30 both evenings
East Bay Firehall (by the Post Office)
3542 East Bay Highway,
East Bay, N.S.
B1J 1A3

Register here: https://firearmsafety.online-compliance.com/RegisterB.php?selection=courseid&courseid=914&categoryid=32

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2023 NSRA McDonald Challenge / Selig Free Pistol Match

Another two glorious matches on the mainland and another glorious showing for the Metro R&P Club!

It started in the morning with the ISSF 25m Standard Pistol Match. Shooting 12 times 5 rounds in 150, 20 and 10 seconds. One hell of a competition, scores were flipping back and forth like a sail in a hurricane! The leads changed multiple times over the course of the match but when the dust settled youth won out!

Young wiper snapper René DeHaitre (NSRA) nudged into first place on the last target’s in the 10 second runs to capture the cup! Sometimes the young do something right! This years McDonald Cup champion was René Dehaitre, Silver Medalist me (Mike Kelly), Glenn Hicks took a point from our own Joe MacHoll to take bronze. 

The afternoon ISSF match, the Selig 50m Free Pistol Match: Same order as in the morning. After many years the trophies stay on the Mainland for the next 12 months  😁

Great Fun, Great Sportsmen, good food (a fantastic BBQ with homemade burgers, sausages, hot dogs, beverages, and deserts), and overall an awesome match! Thanks Daniel for hosting and the NSRA!

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2023 PPC Training

The Club is sending a Team to the PPC Match (Provincials) in Halifax
PPC – Police Practical Combat Shooting
 
Since the 1940’s this was the required shooting qualification for Law Enforcement. It is shot with a service sidearm, centerfire revolver traditionally but most now use centerfire semiautomatic pistols. Red Dot sights are  allowed the last few years because Police are now using them. Recently .22 caliber rimfire pistols became an allowed firearm as well. Rimfire pistols shoot the same course of fire but aren’t able to win the Provincial Trophy, only centerfire pistols compete for this. 
 

Combat Pistol Course – An Introduction
Wednesday, August 23rd, 5:00 pm. Limited to 12 people. Email to register: president@metroriflepistolclub.ca

Practice Times:
Wednesday, Sept. 6th 5:00 pm till dusk
Wednesday, Sept. 13th 5:00 pm till dusk

PPC Provincials

NSRA Bull Meadow Range
Sunday, Sept. 24th 9:00 am

The course of Fire for PPC Matches

Stage 1 (1st event)
12 shots from 5m Standing
3shots in 3 seconds
3 shots, reload and 3 more in 10 seconds
3shots in 3 seconds

Stage 2
12 shots from 7m Standing
6 shots reload 6 in 20 seconds

Stage 3
12 shots from 15m Standing
6 shots reload 6 in 20 seconds

Stage 4
18 shots 25m kneeling – Standing
6 shots kneeling(1) in 30 seconds
12 shots standing no support 35s

Stage 5
12 shots 25m standing
6 shots reload 6 shots in 35 s

Stage 6
24 shots 50m standing supported (1), sitting(1) & prone(1)
6 shots left hand supported 6 R hand 80s
6 shots sitting, go prone 6 shots 80 s.

Stage 7
12 shots 25m standing (sup)(1)
6 shots left hand reload 6 shots R, 60s

Stage 8
12 shots 3m standing
2 shots right hand 2s for both. 3 times.
Reload
2 shots left hand 2s for both. 3 times

Stage 9
12 shots 7m standing unsupported
Shoot 6 reload, shoot 6 more in 20s.

Stage 10
18 shots 25m kneeling(1) and standing supported (1)
6 shots kneeling in 30s
6 shots right hand (sup), reload 6 left

Stage 11
6 shots 25m kneeling (1)
6 shots kneeling in 12 seconds

(1) means you can be aimed on the target when the match starts.

150 rounds total for the match.

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2023 MRPC Pistol Training + Competitions (ISSF)

The Club is setting up some issf pistol training sessions for free

Our president Mike Kelly (countless National and Provincial Pistol Champion) will hold an introduction course and practise sessions for all levels – beginners to long-time shooters – on the ISSF pistol competitions 50m (Free) Pistol and Standard Pistol.

Start date: Wednesday June 7th, 5:00 pm. Limited to 12 people. Email to register at president@metroriflepistolclub.ca

Practise sessions will be on June 14th and June 21st, 2023 at 5:00 pm at our new range.

Metro Rifle & Pistol Club Match at our own range (50m Pistol and Standard Pistol) on July 19th at 5:00 pm. We will have free T-Shirts and other surprises.

The Provincials Championships (very relaxed competition for first-timers) will be held at the NSRA on Sunday, July 30th, starting at 9:00 am. We will send a team!

 

Here is a short description:

ISSF Standard Pistol 

This is a .22 caliber (22LR) 25m Pistol Match. It is shot one-handed and may be shot with either a pistol or revolver with open sights.

Target: Standard 25m rimfire pistol target

  • 20 Precision shots – 4 relays of 5 shots. They are taken over 150 seconds for each 5-shot relay.

  • 20 Timed shots. 4 relays of 5 shots. They are taken over 20 seconds for each 5-shot relay.

  • 20 Rapid shots. 4 relays of 5 shots. They are taken over 10 seconds for each 5-shot relay.

 
ISSF 50m Pistol

This event, formerly and unofficially still often called Free Pistol, is one of the ISSF shooting events. It provides the purest precision shooting among the pistol events, and is one of the oldest shooting disciplines, dating back to the 19th century and only having seen marginal rule changes since 1936.

This is a .22 caliber (22LR) match. It is shot one-handed and may be shot with either a pistol or revolver with open sights. 

Target: same as 25m Centerfire Pistol Target​

The course of fire: Unlimited sighters in a 10-minute period,  then 60 precision shots over 2 hours.

©2026 Metro Rifle & Pistol Club