Bell Target Shooting.

[mrfixit]

Hi Bob,we are open Wednesday and Thursday 6-9pm.I will pm you directions,as its a closley guarded secret

[I. J.]

Hi Bob,

Ive sent you a full club info pack which includes directions and a map from jnct 8 of the M61 motorway.
Steve (MrFixit) couldn't find his way out of a paper bag even with his sat nav. Mind you - he did get the right days and times.

Please note: We are closed for one day this year and thats on Weds 7th Dec. (A.G.M.)

ATB
Ian

[zooma]

Hi Bob,

Ive sent you a full club info pack which includes directions and a map from jnct 8 of the M61 motorway.
Steve (MrFixit) couldn't find his way out of a paper bag even with his sat nav. Mind you - he did get the right days and times.

Please note: We are closed for one day this year and thats on Weds 7th Dec. (A.G.M.)

ATB
Ian

Thanks Ian,

I will look out for it and get across to see you all very soon.

Bob.

[RobinC]

In answer to a question on the original size of the old 10 mt target, I searched out an envelope I knew I had somewhere with samples of old targets.
What I had forgotten was I had a sample of the old 18ft (5.5mt, wow! early days of decimal!) ARCA (Air Rifle Clubs Association) rifle target, this was the forerunner of NARPA (National Air Rifle & Pistol Association). This target was a paper representation of the Bell Target and ARCA and NARPA was midlands based, started by Denis Cummins.
We only shot NARPA for a short period in the very early 70's and then specialised in 10 mt and still do. You guys probably know all about this and already have samples of these targets but If any does'nt and wan'ts a scan give me an e on robin.carter80@ntlworld.com
Good Shooting
Robin

[zooma]

Having read and greatly appreciated all of the comments received so far, it is obvious that there is a fair amount of "flexibilty" in the rules to suite local traditions or choices when shooting Bell Target.

The excellent book "Ring My Bell" by Frank Spittle records the last major competition in the UK for Bell target shooting was held during the NARPA Finals at RAF Cosford and was won by the team from Guernsey, second was Nuneaton and third was Hinkley.

What appealed to me was the four man team format with each team member taking 10 shots, as it seemed to me that this would make an ideal way for us to start as each team requires less members and so will be ideally suited for our local (small club) circumstances.

If we are successful and able to build the interest, then maybe (at a later date) we could consider the bigger 8 man teams and fall more into line with the majority that already shoot on a regular basis.

We can also have some fun within our own club with individual competitions, so this is how we will start shooting at 6 yards with round nose pellets, 10 shots per shooter and with rifles restricted to spring power and single stroke pneumatic .177 rifles only.

This gives a fair bit of choice as far as rifles go, and we hope to encourage the use of the classic match rifles such as the FWB 300S, Walther LGR, Original Model 66 and 75 etc. These rifles are good and easy to pick up at reasonable prices, and I would like to see the current PCP type rifles used at 10 meters where they excell, and leave the 6 yard work to the "modern classics".

No doubt the rules will be refined a little as we gain some experience and learn as we go - but this is how I propose we start here in Rossendale.

[thimblehouse]

I would like to suggest shooting 5 shots twice. On an alternate basis (one Home followed by one Away team member)
A home team member starts first and then in the second set the away team starts.
This gives a fuller event and stops shooters drifting off after their set.
This could give two possabilities.
1) An over all match score
or 2) Shoot person v person 1pt for a win 1/2 for a draw then add them all together for a final team total.

As for rifle I would agree, but in reality PCP have no advantage over springers at this short distance.
Round nose pellets are definately best.

Cosford was one hell of event remember going with my Dad who was taking part.

[zooma]

I would like to suggest shooting 5 shots twice. On an alternate basis (one Home followed by one Away team member)
A home team member starts first and then in the second set the away team starts.
This gives a fuller event and stops shooters drifting off after their set.
This could give two possabilities.
1) An over all match score
or 2) Shoot person v person 1pt for a win 1/2 for a draw then add them all together for a final team total.

As for rifle I would agree, but in reality PCP have no advantage over springers at this short distance.
Round nose pellets are definately best.

Cosford was one hell of event remember going with my Dad who was taking part.

Thanks for the suggestions, I think the alternative shooting idea is good when we have 10 shots per shooter with only 4 in a team - do you know if this was the way the Cosford Bell Target events were shot?

I took part in the NARPA events at RAF Cosford, but in the air pistol events with my Feinwerkbau Model 65, and once with my Feinwerkbau 300S as well - but to my shame I never noticed the Bell target event - but wish I had seen it.

I think the top PCP rifles have an advantage over the "modern classics" at any distance, but the reason for not wanting them to be used in our Bell target events is to give an approving "nod" to what I consider to be the "golden age" of match air rifles that I would like to keep alive at least once a week in our Bell Target event if I can.

Not only that, a good working example of any of the 300S/LGR/LGV/Anshutz250/Mod 66 and 75 can be picked up for £200 or less (sometimes a lot less) and this is the way to encourage more to join the sport and" have a go". I know that mint examples will often cost more - but not that much more - and not enough to make them an unattractive buy.

The sight of very expensive PCP match rifles ( many costing over 3 grand new) being used at 6 yards can easilly put potential newcomers off - even if a local hot shot beats them with his break barrel springer - so I think they are better kept for the serious 10 meter work they were designed for.