RIFLE SHOOTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21347, 23 November 1932, Page 17

RIFLE SHOOTING

MATCHES AT PENROSE RANGE

DIFFICULTIES FOR MARKSMEN

A strong and gusty wind prevailed at Penrose Rifle Range on Saturday, making conditions very difficult for the marksmen. As many as 20 minutes of right windage were required at times at 900 yards, and it was at this range that the biggest percentage of clear)., misses was recorded.

At times it was quite impossible to gauge the variations in velocity with even a roasonablo degree of accuracy, although the changes were so short and sharp that a competitor only required a little luck to come through with a reasonable score. A good idea of the conditions can he formed from the store of one very prominent shot who. coming back with an excellent 47 from' 800 yards, made 30 with 5, 5, 5, 0, 3, 3, 4, 3, 0, 2, at the longer range. On the nay the Akarana clubmen stood out, W. Powell heading the list with 5, 5, 5, 5, 3, 5. 5, 5, 5, 5—48, and 3, 5. 5, 5, 4, 5, 4. 4, 4, 5 44, an excellent performance. The experienced marksman is expected to do best under bad conditions but, nevertheless, Powell's effort was outstanding. Curiously enough the only City man to make a good showing was F. Bowes, who has not been in the sport very long. lie took second place with 4. 5, 5. 5, 5, 5, 4, 3. 4, 5 and 5. 4. 5, 5, 4. 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, and is fast developing into a fine marksman. 11. Wakefield, of Akarana, who shot so well on tho previous Saturday, equalled this aggregate, his card running 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4, 4, and 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 2, 5. J. R. Draffin and A. H. Dixon made 90 each, the first-named finishing with six bulls for 46 at 800 yards, while the last-named had no fewer than three magpies in his score at the longer range. The best single range shoot was made by W. Colquhoun who, after failing to reach 40 at 800, ran up 6, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5—48 at 900 yards. This effort whs typical of the Auckland champion, who has made some brilliant scores at Penrose. One of the Akarana juniors," A. M. Jenkinson, also compiled a splendid Score at the longer range, bis card reading 5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4—47.This boy promises to develop into' a first-class shot. Most of the other performances were only moderate, although some fair single range scores wero made during the afternoon.