HFT Diary: Rivington and Rauceby

One glance at the national UKAHFT overall placings to date and it’s clear that the season is well and truly hotting up. Several big names have already stamped their authority on the proceedings and, whilst it is of course too early to call, if Elliott Compton keeps up such blistering form as he’s shown so far, he has to be in with a shout.

Phenomenal

Indeed, with such a class field in the ascendency, it promises to be a titanic tussle at the top of the Open Class listings. However, just consider this amazing statistic, that I hadn’t fully appreciated, yet stumbled across, whilst putting together this month’s diary piece. Dave Ramshead hasn’t finished outside the top six for the last ten years - a top three finish in six of those years, and two back-to-back title wins in 2010 and 2011. Like a shark circling, his phenomenal record is enough to give his rivals the jitters; yet factor in some recent FT silverware too and it’s clear that Mr Ramshead has become something of a winning machine. Stop him if you can.

UKAHFT national series, round 3

Rivington, NR Bolton, Sponsored by Hull CArtridge, Bicester Targets, BASC, & Solware

And so, as the UK Nationals moved to a double header at Rivington, it really was all to play for. Super-hot conditions always sap the energy and, with testing terrain and strong winds from all directions, this shoot favoured the brave. Elliot Compton posted a storming 58 in tough conditions, but with Dave Ramshead finishing on a still strong 55, the scene was set. Main sponsorship from Air Arms saw a rather happy Nick Stanhope win an S400 rifle in the raffle, and with a host of other prizes, including cash, it paid to stick around, irrespective of performance. (see Results table A)

RESULTS TABLE A:

Open Class:

1st Elliot Compton 58 ex60
2nd Darren Taylor 56
3rd James Hesson 56

Primary:

1st Rhyley Minney 46 Junior 14-16:
1st Ewan Pantling 51

Ladies:

1st Emily Roberts 51

Recoiling:

1st Dan Gordan 49

.22 Class:

1st Simon Howarth 52

Veteran

1st Bill Jones 54
Top Manufacturers Team: Steyr
Top Club Team: Nomads

UKAHFT national series, round 4

Rivington, NR Bolton, Sponsored by Hull CArtridge, Bicester Targets, BASC, & Solware

Day 2, and round 4 at the same venue. Tricky targets placed up and around a hill, made positional shots ever awkward, so understandably, scores dipped somewhat. Check the placings though and, this time, Paul Kelly triumphed with an excellent 56, whilst that man Ramshead snuck in second on 55, just ahead of Elliott Compton, on the same score. What a surprise and what consistency! This time out, main sponsors, Hull Cartridge, meant Weihrauch goodies were up for grabs in the raffle. Gordon Smith was the lucky chap here- and a gleaming HW100 certainly put a smile on his face. (see Results table B)

Results table B:

Open Class:

1st Paul Kelly 56 ex60
2nd Dave Ramshead 55
3rd Elliott Compton 55

Primary:

1st Rhyley Minney 39
Junior 14-16:

1st Ewan Pantling 51

Ladies:

1st Laura McLennan 49

Recoiling:

1st Perry Broad 48

.22 Class:

1st Simon Howarth 45

Veteran

1st Graham Cole 53
Top Manufacturers Team: Steyr
Top Club Team: Rivington

Rauceby

An increasing number of shooters are seeking out full length airgun ranges, so that they can set up their competition kit, and know the trajectory at every expected target distance; such as that faced in HFT, 8-45 yards. With just that in mind, Range and Country Shooting Supplies, based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, have now set up a brand-new facility. I recently took a trip out to their base, and saw the venture firsthand, and I can certainly report that it’s been very well executed. Peter Rose and his son Lawrence, are the pair behind this exciting project, based at North Rauceby and, having been party to the development figures, I can divulge that we are talking significant sums.

Peter conducted a straw poll, which found that the majority of prospective shooters to the range wanted to be seated at a bench, so it has been constructed with that vital ingredient in mind. There are currently 15 seated shooting bays, all under the covered roof, but it is planned to have at least another 30, so a big turnout will be catered for. Queuing just to get onto a range bench is a big no no, according to Peter, so they are working hard to minimise this. Fancy lying prone, then this will also be possible, since several of the benches are designed to be pulled out and temporarily removed.

60 yards!

With a full 60 yards to play with and ten foot hay bale surrounds, setting up and monitoring competition gear is simplicity itself. Yet HFT proper could also be on the cards, given that there’s a slice of woodland to the rear of the range. Of course, for those with no competitive inclination whatsoever, (curious people that you are) you are of course most welcome, to come and shoot, just for the fun of it; whatever that means?

For further details, look them up at Lodge Farm, Church Lane, North Rauceby, NG34 8QU

Range opening Times: Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 10am until dusk, including on-site shop

Membership: £40 annual Fee, plus £5 per session/£8 per session for nonmembers

Contact: Peter or Lawrence via email at [email protected] or via phone 01529 414728 or 07889 897516. The shops website can be found at www.rangeandcountry.co.uk

As for their original shop, this can be found at White Hart Mews, just off of Sleaford high street, at 34B to the rear of 34, Southgate, Sleaford Lincolnshire, NG34 7RY. Parking is available nearby.

UKAHFT national series, remaining events:

Round 7 17th Aug Furnace Mill, Shropshire
Round 8 18th Aug Nomads, Shropshire
Round 9 20th Oct Quarry, South Wales

UKAHFT World HFT Championship- Midland Game Fair, Weston Park, Shropshire, 14th & 15th September 2019

For pre-booking application forms and downloads regarding established UKAHFT events (where bookings are possible), and all the latest information on anything connected with Hunter Field Target shooting, take a look at the following websites:
https://sites.google.com/site/ukahft/
www.shooting-the-breeze.com
https://sites.google.com/site/whfta1/Home