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.
