HAPPY NEW YEAR for 2008

Are you ready for a big year or shooting?

The 2008 season is sure to be a challenging one, and not just on the range.  Increased living costs associated with interest rates, fuel and grocery prices are sure to impact host clubs, volunteers and shooters attending meets.

We are all shareholders and stakeholders in this sport.  It is our sport.  We need to look after it in any way possible.  If we don’t use it, or we abuse it, we will lose it.

Most of us will continue to support the sport with all cost constraints considered and do what we can, when we can.  How can we all get more out of our dollar?

Can we network more and spread the word and share information about things that may benefit others.  Keep up the email correspondence and information flow - forward information that comes to hand on second-hand equipment, bargain prices, etc.  If travelling to a shoot, car-pool with other shooters and share accommodation and equipment (remember, if sharing equipment, notify event organisers well before hand, and make sure you are not in the same detail with those you are sharing the equipment with).

Every attempt has been made to keep AIHPA meets as open as possible, as we believe the more participants, the healthier the sport.  We want to keep this underline rule a priority into the future, so, as always, all are welcome.

Our first meet for 2008 has a dual start – in Sydney and Brisbane both on 1^st Weekend of March.  Please do what you can to strong attend the opening meets for 2008.  Remember the GT for 08 is the best 3 rounds.  Queenslanders have only 3 meets this year, so you are asked to please heavily support all 3 meets, and use Grafton, your closest meet, to “top-up” the scores and drop the worst result for the GT.

Our state championships for 2008 are:

-         NSW 11-13 April at Gilgandra with a program that was voted on by majority last year, and earlier in the year to avoid the freezing winter cold.

-         QLD 29-31 August at Belmont (a perfect meet at the perfect time of year).

-         WA 27-29 September.  If you haven’t been here, then you must go.

Nationals and Australian Masters are at Tamworth again over the weekend of 16-18 May, hopefully without the rain this year.  Again, full course, with the inclusion of the Vintage Match Course on Friday which begins with slow fire prone at 200 (fantastic benefit for the travellers chasing solid zero’s) before the main features.  Every centrefire rifle shooter should be at this meet.  Please spread the word.

The Australian Shooting Games have moved to 21-22 June so those travelling may wish to attend other shooting meets happening around the same time.  This is a must attend meet, for all local and travelling shooters.  Let’s support this meet...in numbers...

See you all during 2008 – with bells on…

Date:  2^nd January 2008 

Here is to a very happy and prosperous 2008 for you, your family, friends and all shooters alike.

Start planning 2008 for some fantastic shooting ahead.  All the planning for 2008 is done, and we are looking for a well supported and more rewarding year of shooting.  A copy of the annual calendar is on the website.  Book those dates now...and don’t miss out...

CHRISTMAS PAPER WRAPPING

The shops are selling off 2007 rolls of Christmas paper wrapping at bargain prices.  The very long and wide rolls of paper are fantastic for using as a target backer or a splash plate.  Perhaps cut out a round template and use a tin of black paint to create an aiming mark?  Perfect for target practice...

CLOSURE OF ANZAC RANGE

We have seen and heard a lot of news lately regarding the new Federal Government and the NSW State Government agreeing to close the ANZAC range - Sydney’s largest and most used range for many clubs and various forms of shooting sports and styles.

Is this just another boot in the side to rifle shooters?  We all remember the major reforms of 1988 and 1996 that revolutionised the betrayal of our rights as law abiding sporting shooters and citizens to diminish the participation of rifle shooting sports in one foul swoop.  Let’s also not forget the continued attacks over the last 10 years from all forms of government, extreme groups and the media on fundamentally one of Australia’s oldest and most successful sports, be it through tariffs, legislation, licensing, range restrictions, environmental laws, sale of surrounding land (encroaching housing), anti-gun councils, calibre restrictions, shooting position restrictions and even more stupid, the name of a discipline, the name of a course of fire, or the “looks” of a firearm.

There are lots of questions from all of us over the ANZAC closure announcement and what the promises of past governments have been.  Rest assured, no matter what the “relocation” promises were under the old government arrangements, or if they will still be fulfilled under the new government combination, the bottom line is, and it must never be forgotten that, we are being “kicked off” our range.  In the past, shooters, because of our love of a rightfully chosen sport, have been, and still are, treated as criminals by association, and now we are being treated as trespasses.  Reality is, it is a piece of prime development water-front land at the present time ONLY because it was occupied by shooting sports for so many years.  If it weren’t for shooters, that land would probably be a concrete jungle like the rest of Malabar and Maroubra.

Any new facility must be AT LEAST equal to the ANZAC range, but most certainly better.  Recent years had the ANZAC facility be the victim of some crippling restrictions.  Consideration for a new range must be given, but not limited, to range size, firing points, mounds shape and cover, targetry (pits and target frame carriers), hours of operation (night shooting), club houses, accommodation, drive access, parking, direction (shooting south-east direction), flat fairways, drainage, security, etc...

Perhaps the replacement of ANZAC should be spread over various sites such as a multiple 1200 and 600 yard hard target ranges, each at least 100 shooters/targets wide also with various smallbore and pistol ranges (capable of IPSC and 200m Metallic Silhouette) at much talked about Menai area.  Then a fully international compliant, and long overdue, 300m electronic targets range 100 shooters wide at Cecil Park.  One would consider this as a minimum.

No matter what your shooting preferences are, the fact is that NSW has premier pistol, smallbore and shotgun ranges.  What about centrefire rifle?  Centrefire rifle ranges and the sport of centrefire rifle shooting, after such rich history, and so many underserved attacks, have certainly missed out and suffered over the past 20 years.  It is LONG OVERDUE that centrefire rifle shooting sports in NSW got a premier facility for use BY ALL centrefire rifle shooters and sports.

CAMP PERRY 2008

Must Start Planning Now

The Camp Perry National Matches are something you don’t want to miss if you can help it.  The event will be an experience you won’t forget, and an experience that will always remain with you like it happened yesterday.  Everything you want in a shooting meet is at Camp Perry – shooting, hospitality, retail therapy, lots of guns, and a lot more.  This is an “event” by every definition.

We need to start planning the 2008 trip now.  The war efforts of the US have, unbelievable as it may seem, dried up a lot of the ammunition supplies making ammo very hard to get.  Also, there is a limit on entries to the event, so first in first served.  There are always requests for accommodation, and we want to be in the most central place on base as possible.  Finally, the logistics of getting there – travel, car hire, etc.  All this needs to be sorted as early as possible, before entries open 1^st April.

Please consider coming to Camp Perry in 2008.  The service rifle events start at the end of July and are run through the first few weeks of August.  If it is something you are interested in, please e-mail info@ aihpa .com with your intentions so we can get the planning ball rolling.  Take the plunge, you will love it...

Date:  3^rd December 2007 

EVENT RESULTS
SYDNEY CLASSIC AND SYDNEY OPEN

ANZAC Rifle Range, NSW.   2^nd Dec.

80 scoring shots in 1 day, was what last Sunday was all about.  It was a fantastic day, and certainly had organisers considering a repeat of that course for some of its regular 1^st Sunday of the month meets.

See all the results and some pics on the website:

http://www.aihpa.com/Events/2007/Region%20-%20NSW%20Sydney%20Classic%20Open/Results.htm

A big thanks to everybody that attended, volunteered and organised.  All present were a real credit to Sydney sporting shooting.  Well done.

EVENT RESULTS
2007 GRAND TOUR SERIES

The last 2 titles held at Sydney last weekend sealed the fate of the winners for this years Grand Tour.  Around 180 entries, from shooters around the country, and some absolutely sensational scores posted by some of the top shooters saw the contest go down to the wire.  Peter Barnier showed he is truly one of the best shooters, if not the best (many of us think so) by finishing the year of registered matches, shooting a 491/500 in the Sydney Open, and taking out top honours of the 2007 GT Series.

Congratulations also to Craig Mahoney, who until Sydney was short on attendances, but the double hit of matches allowed him to post 2 results that took him from middle of the spec 1 pack to 2007 GT Champion for Vintage Service Rifle.

Mark Guest clearly won the 2007 GT title for optical rifle, and during the year showed he is no slouch with iron sights as well.

Michael Urdas of Brisbane took out Modified Service rifle, as he has done now for the last couple of years.

Congratulations to all these champions.

Full results listing on the website:

http://www.aihpa.com/Events/2007/Results%202007%20-%20GTS%20Results%20Summary.htm

Congratulations also to all the champions and title holders for the 2007 year.  See all these at:

http://www.aihpa.com/HPR%20Champions/high_power_rifle_champions.htm

EVENT NOTICES
2008 Season – registered meets.

We have the calendar ready for 2008 and can be found on the website.  There is sure to be something to please all shooters.  Every repeating centrefire rifle type can join in the meets for 2008, and you can expect more balance in 2008 with attention given to the other much enjoyed courses of fire.  This means, more Vintage Match Courses and consolidation of the Tactical Match Courses.  All the flyers for the 2008 events will be posted soon on the website.

EVENT NOTICES
2008 Season – in Sydney.

As you may be aware, Sydney is now shooting monthly centrefire rifle meets at the ANZAC range, Malabar, every 1^st Sunday of the month.  Check the calendar for meet details, bring the equipment you have and enjoy.  Spread the word, as continuance of these meets will be governed by attendances.  All details for these meets can be found at:

http://www.aihpa.com/Clubs/Sydney/Index.htm

HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON
See you in 2008.

With the festive season of Christmas and New Year on us, it is a time to share with others, but lets not forget those of us, shooters, our friends, who may have suffered during the year, or we have not been in touch with lately.  Use the phone on Xmas day, pay your greetings and share in the Christmas spirit.

On behalf of all the Executive and Committee of AIHPA, to members, guests and interested parties, please stay safe, watch your speed, don’t drink drive, load your ammo and keep the rust of the guns, as 2008 is sure to be a fantastic year and we want you to be part of it.

All the very best

David Waters

President.

Date:  3rd October 2007 

AIHPA Office Bearers 2007/08

The AGM was held at Gilgandra last December.  The office bears, after all are financial with membership renewals, will remain as they were for 2006/07.  The only change is that David Waters has taken on the Sec/Tres position.

Executive
     President:                         David Waters
     Senior Vice President:    Aubrey Sonnenberg
     Junior Vice President:     Peter Barnier
     Secretary/Treasurer:        David Waters

Committee
     Andrew Griffiths (QLD)
     Bob Faunt (NSW)
     David Kelly (WA)
     Dean Dewhurst (NSW)
     Greg Mills-Thom (NSW)
     Matt Avard (NSW)
     Nick Abrahall (NSW)

QLD State ASRA Titles

QLD titles were well attended, and from all reports, ASRA again did a good job running the meet.  Well done to all.  Results are on the website.

Sydney Clash of Matches

5 years on now, and this event was held by mistake on the Sunday of the NSW long weekend.  The attendance was good, but the day was long due to the format of the event.  Thanks to everybody that helped, and all that were part of this shoot fest.  Results are on the website.

2007 Grand Tour

Only 3 rounds remaining – 1 at Tamworth, 1 at Gilgandra and the finale in Sydney (Hornsby).  If you have no results registered yet, then just getting to these 3 rounds gets you in.  The running tally of 2007 results are available on the website.

AMC to Include 100 Component

We have increased the AMC to include a 100 component.  This means the CoF now consists of 3 distances, and allows clubs historically linked to the NRA the ability to use the CoF for grading.  It’s a win all round.  Score sheets, range commands and course of fire available from the AIHPA website.

Memberships Due

Some of us have memberships due, but our records have undergone some scrambling lately, and renewal forms may not have gone out.  Please check your membership card, and if due, we appreciate your smiling face remaining with this dedicated and active shooting association acting in your best interests.

Logo Change - HPR

Following on from our AGM, we have introduced a new logo for HPR.  We are also having 1” hat pins made.  These will be available very soon.

Some members have already renewed their membership over the past couple of months.  We apologise for not sending out new cards as yet.  We are holding off sending out new cards so we can include a FREE new patch.

Clubs Holding Events in 2008

Please express your interest so the calendar can be completed.

We have a draft calendar on the website, which by no means is final, as clubs are still contemplating holding GT rounds next year.   The AIHPA titles are fixed however, but any club can run 1 annual open meet each year, which the results count towards the GT.

Camp Perry 2007

We have a very good and adventurous trip at Camp Perry this year.  There was little time for rest.  Unfortunately the 2^nd week of Perry was hindered by wet weather, but it didn’t detract from yet another amazing time away.  There is a write-up with some pictures on the website.

Camp Perry 2008

Anybody interested in Camp Perry 2008 should begin planning.  There isn’t much to do, as pervious competitors will tell you, but planning early is mandatory to making the trip offer its full potential.

If you have interested in the 2008 trip, please advise your intentions before January, as we need to organise ammo no later than end of Jan, book accommodation in March, and know what is needed when it comes to flights, trips away, equipment (cart, scopes, stands, rifle, etc).  This trip will cost you under $5000 based on current exchange rates – any more $ than that, and you are suffering from too much retail therapy.

Schedule dates for Perry 08 are

- CMP & AMU High Power Rifle SAFS (Small Arms Firing School)  26-27 July
- CMP HPR Service XC Squadded Practice 27 July
- CMP HPR Service NTR (National Trophy Rifle) XC Matches 28 Jul - 1 Aug
- NRA Springfield    3 Aug
- NRA HPR (High Power Rifle) XC (Service & Match) 4-8 Aug
- NRA HPR Long Range Prone 9-12 Aug

You can shoot all or some of the scheduled matches.  Most Australians just shoot the CMP and NRA XC weeks.

We are currently campaigning for “grants” to go to Camp Perry as we are effectively representing Australia as a team.  We have had great success at finding a team shirt provider, who will supply the Aus team shirts at cost, and sell additional team shirts with profits going to the team.  These profits are estimated to be around $2,000, and will be given to team members to offset the costs to attend Perry.

Range and Pit Briefing

We have standardised on the range and pit safety briefings.  These briefings may be modified slightly for specific event details; however they should basically remain the same.  Both briefings have been attached to this email.  Please review them as they are for your and everybody else’s safety.  As they also contain some general information, they will also help you to remember some of the basics when running meets.  These documents will always be “work in progress”, so please be aware that updates may come unannounced.

Date:  17th Sept 2007 

RIFLE SPEC PROPOSAL
SUB-SPEC  5a

2 weeks or so ago there was a proposal sent out for rules surrounding Sub-Spec 5a.  A lot of suggestions have been received over the proposal of Sub-Spec 5a, and interestingly some arguments against have turned in favour once it is understood what this SUB SPEC is for.  Let it be said that anybody who goes out and builds or buys a rifle to win Sub-Spec 5a is not doing themselves or their bank account any favours.  It is a spec that will ONLY be run at the Nationals, or at the discretion of organisers.  It is ONLY for those who have an old faithful they want to bring out for some fun during a XC service shoot, or AIHPA meets.  By no means will the rules be set to ensure the majority of optical rifles fit into 5a, as Spec 5 is what people should be focusing on.  It seems this concept is now pretty well understood and that the rules set out below seem to wrap up the majority of input.  Please review and again email back your thoughts.

Spec 5a Sporter Rifle – Optical (Unclassified/Open)

REV 1

Any commercially available or ex service issue centrefire bolt, lever or pump action rifle, fitted with optical sights, not weighing more than 5kg with all attachments (magazine, scope, etc) (except sling).  The rifle must have no adjustability (stock, weight, counter-weights, grips, sling points, butt plate, cheekpiece, etc) to assist shooter comfort or shootability.  Max width of sling must not exceed 40mm.  Use of handstops is not permitted.  Barrel must not exceed 25” or 635mm in length, and must have a muzzle diameter, after a consistent muzzle end taper of at least one third its length, of 0.7” or 16.5mm.  The scope magnification must not exceed 9 power (variables must be taped).  The use of coats and a glove/mitten is not permitted.  Rifles competing in Sub-Spec 5a also compete in Spec 5.  Remember, even when shooting Sub-Spec 5a, you are still shooting Spec 5.

AUBREY SONNENBERG
UNBELIEVABLE PERFORMANCE AT THE NSW RIFLE ASSOCIATION 2007 QUEENS

Congratulations to Aubrey Sonnenberg, AIHPA Senior Vice President, who WON the B-Grade Fullbore NSW 2007 Queens last weekend, and finishing equal 11^th overall of around 200 shooters.  What an extraordinary effort of a dedicated sporting shooter.  It was Aubrey’s first Queens, and with the bug now bitten, it surely won’t be his last.  Check out the full results at www.nswra.org.au

AIHPA WEBSITE
NEW RIFLE PROJECT – KEEP ‘EM COMING…

A fellow New Zealand shooter has tricked up a Ishapore rifle and an update is on the website.  Visit it at www.aihpa.com

Please take some pics of your project, and do a quick write-up about it and send it in to us so it can be posted on our site.

SYDNEY CLASH OF MATCHES
START LOADING, FOR A BIG DAY…30^th September – 7.30am sharp.

It has only just been realised that this match falls on the October long weekend.  It is a first Monday rule, not first Sunday rule, that caused the confusion during planning.  For any shooters not going away this long weekend, please support this meet, as it was rescheduled a few months back and its future depends on the numbers we get.  Please encourage everybody with a repeating rifle, hunting, sporting, service, match or other to come out and have a go.  If you have never been to one of these, then this is one to try.

Date:  5th Sept 2007 

SHOOTER FEEDBACK REQUIRED
PROPOSED RULE FOR SPEC 5a

At the AIHPA AGM in July, Spec 5a was agreed to be introduced if we could come up with a clear definition of what Spec 5a should be.  In principle, Spec 5a is a sub-spec of Spec 5 to cater for the person with the old standard Fox Brno 222, etc.  In the latest terms, it might be a Tikka T3 Lite (not the Tikka T3 Varmint or Super Varmint which can certainly hold their own in Spec 5).

Being a sub-spec, it means Spec 5a need only be run when a host decides to (demographically, some clubs have more of these types sporting or hunting/field rifles than those of a pure match/target nature (as one might perceive to be the case)).  At this stage, I would suggest this class definitely be run at the Nationals, and at State Titles depending on numbers and if hosts agreed.

The future of shooting depends on being "inclusive" where ever possible.  This Spec 5a might bring in a few more shooters, and even cater for the parents with juniors using small or light rifles while in their early years of shooting.  You never know, that junior practicing in this spec may just win a national title in years to come...

Your input into this is appreciated.  We don't have a time frame on when this needs to be finalised, so please think about it and let us know your thoughts.

Simon Ross, of ACT, was given the task at the AGM to start the process of forming a rule for Spec 5a.  He looked at the already existing field rifle rules and made some recommendations.  These recommendations, plus some input from other shooters has resulted in the following:

Spec 5a Sporter Rifle – Optical (Unclassified/Open)

Any commercially available or ex service issue centrefire bolt, lever or pump action rifle, fitted with optical sights, not weighing more than 5kg with all attachments (magazine, scope, etc) (except sling).  The rifle must have no adjustability (stock, weight, grips, sling points, butt plate) to assist shooter comfort or shootability.  Trigger must be factory standard, and no lighter than 1kg.  Max width of sling must not exceed 40mm.  Use of handstops is not permitted.  Barrel must not exceed 25” or 635mm in length, and must have a muzzle diameter, after a consistent muzzle end taper of at least one third its length, of 0.6” or 15.3mm.  The scope magnification must not exceed 9 power (variables must be taped).  The use of coats and a glove/mitten is not permitted.

Date:  4th September 2007 

HPR LOGO CHANGE   

Effective Immediately

As some of you may be aware, the old logo carried some contention.  Some debated the origins, while others debated the types of rifle (AR15 not legal any longer, No4 should be No1, US flag (why), etc etc).

AIHPA is a group of members, for members, by members, for the benefit of service and positional shooting, and we listen.  Things don't always happen overnight, but if the idea is doable and correct, it gets done...eventually.

To that end, we now have a NEW logo which the draft was first shown at the 2007 Nationals, and accepted at the 2007 AGM.  It is now in circulation, and on our website.

As time goes by, eventually it will filter through the necessary channels.  The new logo is already through the website, and will find its way onto the next run of grade cards, etc etc (when all the old ones are used up).

The HPR Patch will be updated, and every membership renewal, or new member, will receive one FREE.

The HPR Qualification patch will remain unchanged as described at the AGM, due to the qualification being an NRA system.  Again, this is open for debate - it's your association, it's your sport.

Keep 'em in the X.

Dave

President

Date:  8th July 2007 

Meet commands.

We all know how frustrating it can be to go from shoot to shoot, even if at the same range, and have different procedures, commands, setups, etc, when all we want to do is shoot and have a good time without any annoying surprises.

Basic range order call sheets have been created that generally, but perhaps not entirely, list the basics for a meet to run, following certain courses of fire.  We hope these will assist shooters and ROs to know what to expect during strings, matches and events.  These may also assist new comers to RO duties, etc.

By no means are these complete, suit EVERY range, or specifically detailed that "anybody" can pick up the commands and run a meet - there is still knowledge, experience and understanding of safety, rules, conduct, capability and surroundings for consideration to actually run a meet (this will never change).  Also, these commands may not be suitable for every range or situation, so please review them and use at your discretion or choice.  Finally, these commands do not replace a safety briefing, which is a good practice to give before every meet, and these commands do not replace rules or common sense.

The basics of these commands is:

- to help organise shooters and markers, and hopefully efficiency

- to introduce what is about to happen

- to help remind the RO of what basic commands should be said (plus others, if any)

- to assist the running of strings of fire

- to fairly offer uniformity for string-to-string/match-to-match conduct, and help fair time be given to each competitor for:

        - preparing to shoot
        - loading
        - shooting
        - seeing shots
        - receiving results
        - challenging scores
        - etc etc.

- to help the meet proceed in a timely and efficient manner.

Although these may not be suitable to ranges, bodies, or individuals, they may be copied and amended to suit a particular range (eg a range without pits) or match - but, at least, the foundations are there to build from.

If in doubt with these call sheets, check with an experienced RO.

Freely distribute, and enjoy the work done by our volunteers.

These may also be downloaded from our website www.aihpa.com

Date:  8th Feb 2007 

NOTICE OF AGM

Note the AIHPA AGM will be held on 19^th May 2007 on the Tamworth range at the close of the day’s proceedings.  All members welcome.

2007 NSW STATE ELECTION

We hope the NSW 2007 state election results will be a breath of fresh air for shooters.  The Shooters Party managed to secure another, a second, seat in the NSW Upper House.  Roy Smith, the successful candidate, and past SSAA NSW Executive Director, SSAA National Secretary, SSAA National Board Member and SSAA Sydney Branch President, has promised to lead the charge to fight back for the rights of shooters and contest unjust laws and regulations against shooters.

The successful Shooters Party outcome at the state election will have some additional strength and impetus to fight the anti-gun parties (which continue to get stronger and stronger).

Keep an eye on www.shootersparty.org.au for updates.

REVISED CALENDAR

Who crossed the black cat?  We have been very unlucky with our events this year.  3 of the last 4 have been washouts.  With this now behind us, the rest of the year should be fantastic.

A calendar for the remaining events is enclosed.  We hope you can all attend the remainder of the events.  Spread the word.  Bring a friend.  All licensed shooters welcome to these meets.

Please review the calendar, as some washed out events have been rescheduled, others moved to suit host clubs, and some titles have been consolidated, etc.

Please help by forwarding copies of the new calendar to your shooting friends.

UPPER HUNTER SEPTEMBER MEET CANCELLED

After a very disappointing weekend away in March, we have cancelled the scheduled September meet at Upper Hunter.  Please note that this not at our request, but it must be done to protect the best interests of our members.

At our March meet, a partial property owner thought it was wise to venture into the range danger area, while the event was in progress, and begin spraying weeds.  The person in question has had complaints written to the SSAA regarding the poor actions by some of those who attended March meet.  The SSAA have expressed their disappointment, but no further action can be taken.

We have to feel sorry for the organisers who put so much preparation work into this meet, to only have it cancelled due to actions of 1 person – who happens to be a shooter and SSAA member.  Maybe one day, we will finally begin to all work together?

AIHPA NATIONALS and ASRA NATIONALS at Tamworth.

Now, also, includes AIHPA Australian Masters.

The National matches takes place at Tamworth 18-20 May.  The flyer is attached.  Please put in the effort for this extraordinary event, and the first time, in true service spirit, that AIHPA and ASRA have come together in a sign of united support for the service discipline.

The Australian Masters have been consolidated into the National event.  This is a similar practice at the largest service rifle event in the world – Camp Perry National Matches.  The results are taken from the International Match Course results, but only using the slow fire standing, rapid fire prone and the first 10 shots of the slow fire prone strings - in summary, it is a 30 shot match.

Please spread the word on this meet.  We want to see a strong showing, and shooters supporting the shoot that supports them.

NSW STATE TITLES - GILGANDRA

With the cancellation of Upper Hunter, the NSW State Titles have been moved to Gilgandra in July – 13, 14 & 15.  Gil is a fantastic venue, so we hope the event will be a great success, and you will all heavily support the meet.  Don’t forget, this is a very easy meet for the travellers thanks to the local accommodation and catered meals.  What a place!  Come and see, try, do, enjoy…

UPDATE ON AIHPA DISCUSSIONS WITH NRAA

There are some rumours making the rounds that began as nothing more than a simple question, which now one would think the sport is at an end.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.

NSWRA sent out letters to their clubs stating that shooting standing beyond 100m is not permitted on reduced danger area (RDA) ranges.  This is an NWSRA letter to NSWRA clubs only.  This does not apply to the SSAA, and the SSAA has rejected it.  Registry acknowledge standing can be shot on RDA ranges out to 300m, and “experts” agree this is allowable.  We hope NSWRA will accept the advice of experts, and will make the necessary steps to have standing back to 300 allowed on their RDA ranges.  Note this not only affects service shooters who want to shoot standing 200 (IMC, 303 postal shoot, practicing the Australian Army Elementary and Basic Rules (1965) “Open Range Qualifications Practice” shooting etc), but also affects the ability for the Australian Shooting Association to shoot ISSF 3P (an international discipline with around 100 years of history).  Hopefully the NSWRA ban will be lifted very soon, as it is hard to understand exactly what the ban was put into affect for?

The NRAA met a couple of months ago to consider AIHPA.  It was put to its 9 members (each state and 2x QLD bodies) for a vote.  3 voted for it, 1 undecided, 1 did not vote and 4 against.  We have word that 1 of the against votes would now vote in our favour, so we hope for another shot at AIHPA acceptance. 

Since the NRAA meet, the number of stories and misinformation circulating is amazing.  We have written to the NRAA to put our case forward with facts, and we hope to be given another fair chance to show that we are acting in the best interests of shooters, the sport, the members and them.  There is no doubt that many members, and administrators, of the NSWRA are very helpful, and willing to accept this 3 position course that is suitable to any target shooter, and will certainly compliment the NRAA suite of shooting styles.

NRA RIFLE OF THE YEAR

TIKKA T3 – NRA 2007 Rifle of the year.  Read more about it at:

          www.nrapublications.org/tar/2007Awards.asp

KAKODA TRACK – ORGANISED TRAVEL AND WALK

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

A few historians and sentimental members would like to organise a Kakoda Track walk.  Dates, travel, etc all have to be organised yet, and agreed on by interested parties.  At this stage, we would like expressions of interest.  Please email us at info@ aihpa .com with your interest and suggestions.

MEMBERSHIP…

Renewals may be coming up for some of our members.  Please keep an eye on your membership card, and if the date of expiry is coming close and you have not received a renewal, please drop us a line.  You continued support of this strong sports drive shooting group is very much appreciated, and well received.

Please encourage others to join our association.  Enclosed is a membership form which you may make copies of and hand around at your leisure.

ASSOCIATION ORDER – PRACTICES...

SHOOTING OFF-HAND (STANDING)...

We are all annoyed that the sport of shooting has become so heavily regulated, and so many rules are placed upon such a simple sport.  I mean, when you really cut it down to the nuts and bolts of the shooting sport structure, its fundamental rules should be 5% of a Rugby rulebook in comparison, but they certainly are not.  Shooting off-hand is, however, becoming MAJOR concern, for good reason, and some requirements to ensure this practice is carried out safely is worth a mention.

Ranges require a safety area.  This area is to catch ricocheted bullets.  The size of the safety area depends on agreements with authorities on styles of shooting, positions of shooting, calibres used, and range surroundings.  Most ranges in NSW are a Classification Reduced Danger Area (CRDA) layout/design.  The CRDA layout, as opposed to a full template (often referred to as a Nato, or 7.62), means your bullets are shooting into a “stop butt”, and not just flying down the range until the come to a rest on the ground.  The stop butt is the key to the size of the range danger area required.  For this reason, the general rule that all “loaded” rifles MUST point at the stop butt comes into play.

When shooting off hand, you will often see novice or new shooters load the rifle, close the bolt, then put the rifle to the shoulder and finally acquire the target.  In most cases, shouldering the rifle can see the muzzle point over the stop butt, and if the rifle were to discharge at that point, the bullet might travel beyond the range safety area.  However, this bad practice/habit is not just seen when shooting off-hand either.  Most prone only shooting you will see at any range, the shooter will reload the rifle with the rifle butt on the ground at the time of closing the bolt.  So you must be diligent with the bad habit at all times.

If you have reach problems cycling the bolt when in position, you may wish to start the closing of the bolt, but then fully close the bolt when in position.  This is a common practice that many ranges allow.

It is a standing order of this association, that ALL shooting should be conducted to follow the practice of a loaded rifle being pointed at the stop butt at all times.  It is our recommendation that captains, clubs, event directors, etc, mention this at event briefings.

CAMP PERRY 2007 – COUNT DOWN

We have 8 shooters going to Perry this year.  The event runs from 21^st July until 11^th August.

The team is:
- Chris Baynes
- Matt Avard
- David Vivian-Jones
- David Corning
- Peter Wilkins
- Paul Feeney
- Aubrey Sonnenberg
- David Waters

If you see any of these shooters, please wish them luck on there journey.

Date:  2nd Feb 2007