Up to 18 Match Riflemen, one F Classer and an Any Rifle enjoyed three days of exceptional early spring weather and in parts, exceptionally difficult shooting, in Glen Tilt. The sun shone for the most part, the wind blew coldly and erratically from the northeast, there was snow on the high tops and most unusually, dust devils on the roads. We were a month earlier than usual so probably got off extremely lightly. It was a hugely enjoyable weekend, apart from 1244 on Saturday.
Friday’s practice afternoon was well attended, and two distances were shot by 11 firers. We were delighted to be joined by Kate Hampton a new resident of Blair Atholl and an even newer MR practitioner who we hope to see more of.
Saturday dawned without a cloud in the sky. 987 yards had moderate by steady winds which saw two 100s and most competitors in the mid to high 90s. 1114 yards followed much the same pattern, but the winds were more difficult to read with attendant traps for the unwary and unobservant. 1233 yards sorted the sheep from the goats, especially in the first detail. The wind seemed to be totally unreadable with a 6 minute wind bracket and fluctuations after every shot which didn’t show on the flags. After such punishment the calm of the Atholl Arms for the traditional dinner was more than welcome. At the day’s end the leader board had Guy Blakeney leading with an excellent 285.26, followed by Ron Scaglione on 283.25 and Angus McLeod on 281.26.
Sunday morning was cold and cloudy, but with the same keen north easterly wind. Shooting was an altogether calmer affair, although surprisingly there were only two 75s at 987x. 1114x was more testing with a 4 minute bracket and 1233x was nearly readable. The almost zero temperatures (including wind chill) of the early morning were replaced by glorious sunshine and shirt sleeves by lunchtime.
In the end Guy Blakeney swept the board with 504.51 ahead of Ron Scaglione with 498.47. Mike Buchanan on 495.54 had overtaken Angus McLeod on 492.42. Guy secured the top scores on both days and the 1233 aggregate as well as the Crawford Cup. Norman Clark won the Visitors Trophy and Mark Crichton Maitland the Craigfillan Tyro Trophy.
Our thanks go to Tim Kidner for running a faultless meeting; to West Atholl Rifle Club for allowing us to shoot on what proved itself again to be the most beautiful and most difficult range, and to Ron Scaglione and his crew for ensuring we had targets to shoot at when we expected them and working screens to see the (not always welcome) results.
987 on Saturday morning. There is always one late on the firing point!
1114 on Sunday. Flags showing left and right wind. Photo from Claire Halleran.
1233 on Sunday. if it looks a long way that is because it is!
Lets have a quick change of direction while nobody is looking.
Second detail keen to get on.
The Blair effect. 1233 yards on Saturday.
