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
