Shooting Nostalgia Battle Rifles

[Sharps '63]

I got a "Nostalgia Battle Rifle Match" going at our club, with two categories - bolt and semi-auto.

We shoot from 50m to 200m; snap, rapid and slow fire. The target we use is the Colt sil, the closest we can get to a mil type sil. IPSC sils would be a 2nd choice.

We encourage "as issue" as much as possible, service grade ammo and the use of slings. Sporterized rifles with issue sights are eligible in a separate class as are scoped rifles since we want to encourage participation. Interest generated will see shooters getting an "as issue" eventually.

Bolt guns get slightly more time per relay than do semi-autos and we rarely have overtime shots. It is entirely possible to win over all with a bolt gun.

We are seeing SKS variants, Garands, Ljungman 6.5s, Moisin-Nagants, '98 Mausers, Lee-Enfields, Springfields, '96 Mausers - you name it! About the only rifles that haven't appeared as yet are the SAFN 49, '95 Winchester or a Krag of any type.

I may shoot my Henry .44-40 next time and I think it will do well. I've placed 3rd once shooting a Shiloh percussion '63 .50 calibre Military Rifle with paper cartridges, so the Henry would be 'modern' by comparison.

What are some other clubs doing?

Todd

 

[exmeathead]

Sounds really fun.....where is your club located. Do a search for EESA Blastoff to follow a really successful one in SW Ontario.

Cheers

 

[Alonzo]

Likewise...where are you doing this?
We just had a Long range rifle match in June.
More of a target bullseye type thing.
A couple of us had vintage milspec, and vintage sporters.
This may develop into something more in the future.
Cheers

 

[Sharps '63]

Nostalgia Battle Rifle Match

Hey Guys, thanks for the response!

Our club is the Quesnel Rod & Gun Club. It's an excellent facility with 500m, 100m, several IPSC pads, indoor range, trap range, etc.

We are in our 2nd year of Mil rifle shooting. I got it up and running as it was obvious that most of us had a mil spec rifle of some sort in the rack, just waiting for an excuse to be shot. It's been interesting to see what works and what doesn't.
A good man with an SKS needs to be regarded very seriously out to 200m.
That would apply to the AK47s our troops are facing in 'Stan as well.

We've learned that it is still the nut behind the trigger that determines winners, regardless of action type and calibre. I have to say that the most awkward rifles to operate in a hurry have to be the Moisin-Nagants. If there is a more difficult bolt gun to fire under stress, we are unaware of it.

I've got a pair of Springfield Garands that I shoot most often. Archaic, clunky, bulky, user-unfriendly (Garand Thumb), they work and don't beat the snot out of my 140 lb frame in any position.

Next year we anticipate a 'Sniper' class with issue sniper rifles. I'd like to see them start at 200m and end up at 500m. I'd like to see all of our distances increased by at east 50m but I have to admit no one has shot a possible on the current course as yet.
The rapid and snap applications came as quite a shock to hitherto bench rest riflemen. Field shooting positions can have an effect on your ego ..... and your scores.

We keep the ammo costs down by offering a 20 shot match; 5 rds at each distance. We put the targets at 200m and start 50m away with 'rapid', "advancing to the rear" for each new relay. 100m is 'snap'. You're at 150m before being allowed to kneel or sit.
Finally at 200m, we allow prone with sand bag rest, a full 5 minutes if you need the time.

Good times with good guys shooting great rifles with proven track records.

Todd

 

[x westie]

Hi, Sounds like you guys have a blast.....wish i was closer...would really enjoy shooting with you guys.

I shoot Lee Enfields both No.4 and SMLE,...P 14 and Springfield 1903/a3

 

[Sharps '63]

Regimental Ties

Hey X Westie

I'm ex-Regular Army and an historic Royal Engineer. Your regiment was founded by ex-RE personnel post 1863. My character role in our living history group is that of 'Sjrt. John McMurphy', veteran of South Africa and the Crimea. We donated a Lancaster 'Sappers & Miners' Carbine to the Westies Museum a couple of years back. I have the correct bayonet (unique to the Lancaster) and it may end up with them as well.

We also overlap into RMLI roles when we go to San Juan Island for the 'Pig War' event in August. Check us out at: royalengineers.ca We also have a chat room forum at DarbyReach@yahoogroups.ca where we discuss upcoming events.

As for the battle rifles, I've got a choice Springfield '03, a Belgian Mauser in .30-'06, a Lee-Enfield, Jungle Carbine but it's the Garands that appeal to me the most.

It would be good to see more clubs offering shoots for these rifles. There was a good shoot at Kamloops done in conjunction with the Militia but they are too stretched now with overseas commitments.The course of fire was at 200 and 300m and included shooting at Fig. 11 and 13 targets. If you hadn't done your homework, it was a tough match, especially on the 'moving target' phase. A lot of shooters got discouraged if they don't have a military back ground.

Our local guys are all non-soldiers in background; they just like the 'nostalgia battle rifles'. None are armchair Rambos or wanna-be mercs. We have to keep the match simple with minimal movement and generous time frames for safety and fun.

Todd

 

[x westie]

Hi Todd,

Thanks for your message....i too enjoy the "nostalgia battle rifles"..also really like talking to the shooters....lots of good stuff to learn just from listening to you guys...i would interested in attending next year's shoot....bit of a drive ...but i think it would be well worth it.
We have a "World War 2" action shoot this Sept.....
I like the way you describe the Garand...ie.."clunky"...but at the same time very nice to shoot...recoil is less than a Springfield in my opinion

Also interested to hear about your Royal Engineer history group...neat stuff

Take care...Mike

 

[Sharps '63]

Monthly shoots

Mike

We have monthly 'Nostalgia Battle Rifle' shoots until the snow flies! Next one is July 21. We actually did hold one in the snow and we still call it the "Battle of the Frozen Choisin". Brass was a little difficult to recover.

The club also hosts monthly high power matches with a separate varmint class. I've shot one of Garands in that and taken first in 'iron sight' more than once. Same rifle has taken me a fine 6 point mule deer as well.

Yes, the M1 is a pussycat to shoot compared to the Springfierld '03 with the same ammo. After complaints that it kicked too hard, General Julian Hatcher did a recoil comparison and I believe he proved that the Garand delivered 1 1/2 lbs less recoil than the Springfield.
I've got his book on the Garand - it's development, refinement and history in war and on the target range.

When I shoot it, I am aware of "klink, klank, clunk' more than "Bang!" There's a lot of machinery in action with the M1. The best part is the ejection of the enbloc clip .....

How about 'taking the Queen's shilling' and becoming a Sapper? The 150th anniversary of the arrival of the RE in the Colony is happening in 2008.

Todd