Tag: Rifle

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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

NSRA PR Open Match

Get Ready for the NSRA PR Open: Challenge Yourself at 800 Meters!

Mark your calendars for July 12, 2025!

Location: Bull Meadow “A” Range, Upper Rawdon, NS 

Registration: 08:15 am at the target gallery

The Nova Scotia Rifle Association (NSRA) is hosting the PR (Precision Rifle) Open—a dynamic competition designed to test your marksmanship, focus, and grit. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to the sport, this is your chance to learn, push your limits, connect with fellow shooters, and enjoy a day of friendly rivalry.

Why You Should Join this match?

  • Open to All: You don’t need to be an NSRA member to participate. Bring your friends and introduce them to the excitement of precision rifle shooting!
  • Affordable Entry: The cost is just $30, making it accessible for everyone who wants to take their skills to the next level.
  • Challenging Course of Fire: From rapid-fire at 200M to deliberate shots at 700M and fast-paced snap shooting at 800M, this event will keep you on your toes and help you grow as a shooter.
  • Classic & Open Classes: Compete in the Classic class (.308 and .223) or test your edge in the Open class (6.5mm and 6mm). There’s a spot for every style and skill level.
  • Community & Camaraderie: Competitive shooting isn’t just about hitting the target—it’s about building friendships, learning from each other, and celebrating every improvement.

What to Expect

  • Approximately 42 rounds plus sighters required—so bring enough ammo and be ready for action.
  • A quality scope is a must as you’ll be engaging targets out to 800 meters.
  • Diverse shooting challenges: From Fig 14 and Fig 11 targets to moving and snap exposures, you’ll encounter a variety of real-world marksmanship tests.

Course of Fire Highlights

  • 500M – 1 shot on Fig 14
  • 200M rapid – 5 rounds in 30 seconds
  • 300M & 400M snap – 5 x 3-second exposures each
  • 400M mover – 5 exposures at walking speed
  • 500M snap – 5 x 3-second exposures
  • 600M harassing fire – 2 minutes
  • 700M deliberate – 5 rounds in 6.5 minutes
  • 800M snap – 5 x 5-second exposures

Why Precision Rifle?

Precision rifle competitions are about more than just scores—they’re about personal growth, discipline, and the thrill of overcoming new challenges. Every round fired is a chance to learn, adapt, and improve. Events like the PR Open foster a welcoming environment where everyone, from newcomers to veterans, can share tips, celebrate achievements, and inspire one another to keep aiming higher.

Ready to Take the Shot?

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting rifle competitions. Sharpen your skills, meet fellow enthusiasts, and experience the satisfaction of hitting targets at distances at the Bull Meadow Range you never thought possible.

I can’t wait to see you on the firing line.

If you plan on attending either let Gary Latimer know at gwlatimer@gmail.com or nsraserviceconditions@gmail.com.

Email me if you have any questions or want to participate. We will also find a way to get you there. Travelling together is much more fun. Most of us go on Friday, stay on site in a tent (campfire in the evening!) and drive home Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

Shoot straight,

Gary Latimer
Rifle Section Coordinator

www.metroriflepistolclub.ca

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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

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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

2025 Weekly Rifle Shooting Night

Every Friday (May -September)

…from 4 PM  until dusk. This is a fantastic opportunity for all members to enhance their skills, socialize, and enjoy our shared passion for shooting.
Here’s what you can expect:

▪️ Learn something new: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, there’s always room to grow.
▪️ Expert guidance: Experienced rifle shooters will be on-site to offer tips and advice.
▪️ We will announce on our Telegram App what we’ll shoot/practise for every week
▪️ No registration/qualification required: Simply show up and join the fun!
▪️ Free resources: We’ll provide targets (including some fun ones)

This is a great chance to:

▪️ Use our own range (100m bay)
▪️ Improve your shooting skills in a relaxed environment
▪️ Prepare for upcoming competitions
▪️  Enjoy quality time with fellow club members
▪️ Try out different firearms and techniques

Remember, safety is our top priority. All standard range rules apply, and we’ll have range officers present to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hone your skills, make new friends, and have a blast every Friday evening. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, there’s something for everyone at our rifle shooting nights.  We look forward to seeing you at the range!
If you have any questions, contact me or Joe MacHoll – just remember, Joe’s aim is better than his memory, so you might need to ask him twice 😁

Best regards,

Gary Latimer
Rifle Section Coordinator

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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

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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.

Weekly Rifle Shooting Night (starting 4 pm in September/October)

Weekly Rifle Shooting Nights are still on in October!

Eevery Friday from 4 PM  until dusk. This is a fantastic opportunity for all members to enhance their skills, socialize, and enjoy our shared passion for shooting.
Here’s what you can expect:

▪️ Learn something new: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, there’s always room to grow.
▪️ Expert guidance: Experienced pistol shooters will be on-site to offer tips and advice.
▪️ Bring any rifle: All calibers (most of us shoot 22LR 😁
▪️ No registration/qualification required: Simply show up and join the fun!
▪️ Free resources: We’ll provide targets (including some fun ones)

This is a great chance to:

▪️ Use our own range (100m bay)
▪️ Improve your shooting skills in a relaxed environment
▪️ Prepare for upcoming competitions
▪️  Enjoy quality time with fellow club members
▪️ Try out different firearms and techniques

Remember, safety is our top priority. All standard range rules apply, and we’ll have range officers present to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hone your skills, make new friends, and have a blast every Friday evening. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, there’s something for everyone at our rifle shooting nights.W e look forward to seeing you at the range!
If you have any questions, contact me or Joe MacHoll – just remember, Joe’s aim is better than his memory, so you might need to ask him twice 😁

Best regards,

Gary Latimer
Rifle Section Coordinator

©2025 Metro Rifle & Pistol Club