16 Jan 2022 - Bushey’s Simo' Pairs Tankard

The first shoot of the New Year and we were in at the deep end attempting to win the engraved glass Simultaneous Pairs Tankard.

Although down on numbers, it was an enjoyable and very competitive shoot. Eight shooters signed up for the competition, two others namely Clare and Rodney shot 30 single birds.

This was a 40 bird shoot (20 simultaneous pairs) Five stands were used and as usual a wide variety of targets were presented, some straight forward and others downright tricky! We divided into two squads.

Martin’s squad:

Mixed fortunes here, nobody shot badly although Fred was disappointed with his performance ending with 20 from the 40 targets. Graham (Simmo) had a very poor start hitting only 1 target from the first 8 birds, but he pulled himself up by his boot laces to end with 21. For the other two shooters in the squad, Martin and Paul R it was neck and neck throughout the competition with Martin eventually coming out on top in this squad by one target with 28.

 Clare shooting the singles shot well hitting 19 of the 30 targets.

Bev’s Squad:

Some good shooting from this squad, as with Martin’s group all the competitors ended with scores in the 20’s. Bev was the only one using his flint gun, probably because none of the others had a double flinter! He was modestly pleased with his final score of 26. Phil, although starting poorly, really came good later  ending with 22. Viking as usual was his consistent self, posting an impressive score of 27, but it was Bushey who topped this squad with an excellent 29.

Rodney, who was shooting singles had issues with misfires etc. etc. But as he said, it was a pleasure just to hear the gun go off!

So summing up. In the previous 2 years this trophy has been shot for, it has been won by Bushey and he did it again, Congratulations. In second place it was Martin and in joint third Paul R and Viking.

Scores:

Next Meeting:

Saturday 12th February 2022 which will be a normal club shoot with no competition

Bev provided the words

12 Feb 2022 - Club Shoot

Sandra’s squad:

There were 8 guns in this squad, 7 shooting the 40 bird doubles and Dick shooting the 30 singles. We walked to our starting position, stand 11 and were greeted by a very cold wind. This flat fenland landscape may in some ways be very beautiful, but it loses some of its attraction on a windy day like this! As we progressed through the stands we noticed that the wind was becoming stronger and starting to have a major effect on some of the targets which, when originally set up would have been testing but now were quite evil and some downright impossible. It is worth mentioning that in this squad Phil had to borrow one of Vikings breechloaders and also because of the wind, Tim had put himself at a disadvantage by using his flint gun. It is nigh on impossible to keep the very fine priming powder in the pan on a day like this.

It was clear as the shoot progressed that Viking was on excellent form, reading the targets exceedingly well. Graham (Simmo) was also doing very well breaking tricky targets which many others in the squad couldn’t touch. The other shooters in the squad weren’t doing very well and the scores reflected this. Viking was top scorer in this squad scoring a masterful 26, which ended up being the top score of the day. Simmo was second in our squad with an impressive 22 which put him 3rd overall. The remaining guns were in the teens or lower. Dick struggled today with his single as did our efficient scorer Sandra with her hat which disappeared downrange a number of times throughout the day! At the end of the shoot it was realized that there had been a slight mix up, the other squad had shot on stand 10 instead of stand 11, so difficult to compare scores between the two squads, but as a matter of interest and fairness, if that stand was removed from the equation Viking still ended up high gun with 20 from 32 targets.

Martin’s Squad:

There were 8 guns in this squad too, 3 shooting with their double barrel percussion muzzle loaders and Paul D shooting his black powder breech loader at the 40 bird doubles, the other 4 were shooting the 30 targets with their single barrel percussion muzzle loaders. As already mentioned, the wind caused problems with the majority of the targets, in particular the R-L fast looper on stand 6 which skimmed the high bank before disappearing out of view and the incoming teal on stand 8 which, already a long way out, was pushed back even further by the wind. When it was hit the delay was most noticeable.

In the doubles, Paul D with his hammer gun had a lesser day, frequent issues with the left firing pin failing to ignite the primer and very strong trigger pulls not helping I’m sure. Bushey, Mike and Jon were the other shooters with lower scores than usual being recorded, Mike getting a reasonable (in the conditions) 23, Bushey 19 and Jon shooting his new gun 17. Jon did hit some excellent pairs along the way but also had some misfires which never helps. Martin, Clare, Rodney and Paul R shot single targets and again scores were well down from usual with Paul R just taking top position with 15, Clare 14 and Martin 13. Rodney, also shooting a new gun (to him) did not fare well but enjoyed his day as always. Special thanks to go to Paul D who as he was shooting his hammer gun, he did the majority of the buttoning and scoring, thanks Paul, greatly appreciated by all of us.

The stand mix-up with this squad, shooting 10 instead of 11, was probably in Sandra’s squad’s favour. The 2 targets on this one were not easy to say the least, but having said that Paul R got 5/6 and Mike 6/8 of them!  We had a brief interlude on stand 8, when a young lad shooting his nitro gun had a few goes with Martin’s single muzzler. He achieved 2/3 fine centre pattern kills and seemed quite taken by it, a new member joining perhaps? .

Local photographer Matthew Nutt had been invited by Cambridge Gun Club to take some photographs of us shooting our muzzle loaders. Matthew spent some time with both squads for the morning taking photography of us and the guns with his high quality camera and lenses. He even had a go himself with Bushey taking photos of him shooting a muzzle loader using his camera!! Looking forward to seeing Matthew’s results, with the sneak previews that I saw, they should be good! We will let you know when the link to all the pictures is available

Scores:

Next Meeting:

Saturday 12th March at CGC, no competition, so bring and shoot what you wish.

Mike and Bev provided the words

12 Mar 2022 - Club Shoot

Well, the weather looked promising for the third meeting of 2022, but although it was dry and bright, the south-westerly wind made it less than comfortable for the “dirty dozen” black powderists.

 A large competition between Oxford and Cambridge uni shooters, meant we were restricted to the southern boundary stands 8 and 11-14 which put us in the brunt of the wind and its effect on most of the clays was detrimental to say the least, at least the sun was not in our eyes!.

We split into two squads, one shooting single targets the other O/R doubles, and bravely tackled the stands!

Singles squad:

The 6 single barrelers started on stand 8 which turned out to be one of the two slightly easier stands, but because of the strong wind the ‘B’ bird, a springing teal, was a long way out when shot at and there was quite a perceptible delay between the bang and the break. Some reasonable scores were posted here with Martin, Dave and Bev (who was using a flint gun) hitting 5, the remainder getting 3’s and 2’s. Stand 11, again one of the easier ones, saw Martin and Dave getting a full house. Clare only missed a couple as did Rodney who really clicked on this stand, he is definitely improving. Bev and Dick didn’t do well getting a measly 2 each. Stand 12 was a nightmare for all of us with Martin top scoring with just 2, Clare and Dave 1 and the remainder zilch! The scores were a little better on stand 13 with Martin and Clare both hitting 4, Dave and Bev 3, Dick 2 and Rodney 1. The last stand, again a tricky one saw Clare and Bev breaking 4, Martin 3, Rodney who was still stringing a few together got 2, Dave struggled with these targets and along with Dick only managed to hit 1 apiece. So top gun in the singles was Martin with 20, Dave, because of his poor last stand slipped to second position with 17 and Clare third with 16. Congratulations must go to Rodney who shot a personal best and won the ‘shooter of the month’ wooden trophy. Onward and upward Rodney!

Doubles Squad:

We started on Stand 11 with the low and high roosting pigeons. Most managed reasonable scores on this with perhaps the low and slow one causing most problems. Bushey and Derek hit 4, Viking, Paul and Graham 6 and Mike starting well with an 8. If some thought that stand was bad enough, they were not prepared for the next stand 12, 2’s 1’s and a zero from the poorly Viking were recorded. It could only get better? Not by much, Stand 13 saw 4 being the highest scores from Graham and Mike, Derek 3, Bushey 2, Viking 1 and Paul less. Feeling a little deflated, we headed for Stand 14. Here the story was much the same, Derek 1, Graham 2,Viking 3, Mike 4, Bushey an excellent 7! and poor Paul with another row of zero’s! We trudged wearily now the full length of the southern boundary to the last Stand 8, cover by some of the boundary mounds on the way made it feel almost pleasant, but the stand itself was in full blast from the wind! At least here there was some better scoring on two “easier” targets. Bushey who had some drum & nipple ignition issues on earlier stands, retired after 4 shots and only 1 kill. Viking and Graham managed 4 each, Derek a good 6, Mike on 7 and Paul, after scoring only 2/24 on the 3 previous stands, straighted this one in fine style. What a way to end!

The final scores were well down from normal, Paul made 3rd place with his good first and last stand performance for 16, Graham 2nd with just 17 and Mike taking top place with 25, which considering the targets, wasn’t too bad.

Scores:

Next Meeting:

Saturday 9th April at CGC, no competition again, so bring and shoot what you like.

Mike and Bev provided the words

21 May 2022 - Trevor Watling
Double Barrel Memorial Shoot

This annual competition in memory of one of our very early members comprises 20 on-report pairs.

 It was shot over 5 stands (5,6,7,8,and 9) 4 pairs being shot at on each. There were a wide variety of targets, all very hittable if you kept your concentration. The weather was set fair for a change with just a light breeze, not too hot, not too cold, no bright sun to dazzle us, no excuse for missing anything! We had a very welcome visitor in the shape of Martin Burroughs who farms on Foulness Island off the Essex coast. Martin is no mean shot at both clays and game – we needed to keep a close eye on him! It was also good to welcome Dave (Hairy) Corneby and his partner Rachel who we haven’t seen for some time. Rodney pointed out, obviously in an attempt to intimidate us that he was like a coiled spring. So we had been warned. We split into 2 squads

Bev’s Squad:

There were 8 competitors in this squad all hoping to get their powder-stained hands on the trophy. As usual there was a wide variety of weaponry, most were using original percussion guns with Bev the odd one out opting to use his flint double. The order of shooting stands for this squad was 7,8,9,6,and 5. Viking (scoring 5,8,6,7,6) toward the end started to get gun trouble with the hammer catching the half cock notch on the tumbler so in the circumstances his 32 was a good score.  Simmo (4,8,6,6,5) had a mixed sort of day as did Phil (6,6,5,3,4) who was suffering ignition issues. Tim (4,3,5,3,2) and Paul D (4,5,5,2,4) had rather mediocre days with the odd flash of brilliance! It was a real pleasure to watch both Jon G (7,5,6,6,7) and Martin Burroughs (7,8,6,7,6) shoot. Their style was silky smooth, positive with no hesitation, and Jon was thrilled to shoot a personal best of 31. Bev (7,6,5,8,8) and Martin Burroughs tied for top spot in this squad with a score of 34, which ended up being joint second overall. Bev modestly received the ‘Shooter of the Month’ wooden cup because it was considered that his score of 34 with a flint gun was worth rewarding.

Martin's Squad:

This was a perfect day for us Muzzlers weather wise to shoot the Trevor Watling Cup. 'Perfect' weather shooting conditions  is very rare out in the Fens,  so we in Martin's team took full advantage. Stand by stand there were some excellent scores ,Martin leading the way dropping only one clay on the very first stand, Kevin and Derek dropped  two and Bushy had a moment missing 3 on this stand when his gun sounded very light on shot for the last pair, most unlike the Master!

From then on Martin proceeded to absolutely smash every clay to bits, Kevin was given excuse me rights to edge in when loaded as what’s left of his hips were playing up and shot a very respectable 30 , Hairy Dave took full advantage of the golf buggy cadging a lift all way round.  Rodney surprised us all with some of the most difficult clays being  powdered and ended with 5, but Martin led the team with a fantastic 39, Bushy next 33 with shot he could have had 35 and Half Ounce Derek on 31 .

Out of competition were the single barrel shooters. Rachel , on her first outing with us and using her single barrel muzzle loader beat the Hairy One who was using the Tsars double hammer on every stand, a very generous gesture by him. Rachel had that little smile of satisfaction all day.  The singles finished with Steady Eddie Dick on a 19/30 and Rachel with an excellent 19/30.  Hairy Dave, shooting his hammer gun completed the line up with an uncharacteristic  12/40.

Congratulations to Martin on winning the slightly tarnished dented quality trophy with a very polished 39. Well done all.

Scores:

Next Meeting:

Sunday 12th June at CGC for the annual ½ oz Recession Trophy Shoot.

The ½ oz shot load being measured using the shot scoops provided.

Single and double targets will also be set for those not entering the competition.

Words kindly provided by Bev & Derek.

12 June 2022 - Recession Trophy Comp

A fine and warm June morning greeted the excellent turnout of 18 shooters, the breeze made the open stand bearable but the covered stand was fortunately somewhat cooler.

 We split into two squads, and shot over two stands being the Skeet sporting and the compact sporting up t’ concrete path. Five targets on each stand, each shot at three times, making 30 in total.

The targets were chosen well with consideration for the meagre shot load, and all were quite killable with the half ounce. The compact sporting targets had a crosser, a looper, an incomer, a near and slow crosser (which caught several out!) and a nasty fast quartering away bird which was probably the hardest of the competition. The Skeet sporting showed a couple of crossers, a slow incomer, a teal and a tricky looper.  There were some good close scores with only 3 points separating the top 8 guns. An enjoyable, but sometimes frustrating competition, even Derek “The ½ ounce King” Richardson was struggling a little today!

Sandra’s Squad:

Starting on the Skeet layout first, the squad shot very well with Graham (10/12) and Hairy (12/10) joint top with 22 overall. Bushey (12/9) and Fred (10/11) were not far behind on 21 overall. Pete Dann (8/12) shot like a little demon to take the “shooter of the day” cup. Kevin (9/8), Tony (9/8) and Rachel (8/9) all finished on 17. Rachel shooting well again. Dick (8/7) brought up the rear with 15. Graham, despite a little “incident” (more below), managed 3rd place in the overall competition on countback. Thanks to Sandra for keeping the squad in check, trapping and scoring.

Clare’s Squad:

Starting on the Compact layout first, this squad also shot generally well with Viking Pete (12/11) coming top in the squad and taking the trophy with a fine 23 despite a bout of ignition trouble on the way. Bev (11/11) shot consistently well to take 2nd place in the squad and in the overall competition with 22 on countback. Martin (10/11) had a lesser day despite a reasonable 21. Mike (8/10) and Paul (9/8) were not on song today at all. The “Bury Boys” Derek (7/8), Little John (5/7) and Phil (using Derek’s trusty Ardessa 8/6), all struggled to find form, and Rodney hit one or two but enjoyed his day as always. Thanks to Clare for also keeping this squad in check, trapping and scoring.

The case of Man Vs Ramrod:

During the competition, Pete (SP) Dann was experiencing problems loading some very tight wads. Graham, keen to assist as always, inadvertently picked up Kevin’s ramrod to try and force them down. Unfortunately, and unbeknown to him, Pete’s barrel was longer than Kevin’s ramrod! And a ram with great gusto ended with a trapped fingertip between muzzle and ramrod ball! Ouch I hear you say, Graham was a bit more vocal with a throbbing fingertip and blood everywhere requiring first aid. The icing on the cake was when Pete came up to Graham later and calmly remarked that his gun was “alright now”!

Beware using an unknown ramrod in someone else’s gun, as Graham will testify!

Scores:

Next Meeting:

Sunday 10th July at CGC for the annual Holts Trophy, 40 bird single targets. Trappers/scorers required, if you can assist, please let Clare know asap.

Words kindly provided by Mike.

28 Aug 2022 - Archie Owens Flintlock Cup 

A fine and relatively cool morning greeted the turnout of 10 shooters, Covid and prior commitments kept the numbers lower than usual. As the day progressed, so did the temperatures, being quite uncomfortable by the end of the day. The Archie Owens Flintlock cup was the main event.

 We kept to a single squad and shot over three stands being the Skeet sporting (12 singles, 6 pairs= 12 doubles) the pond (8 singles/5 pairs=10 doubles) and stand 3 the sporting compact (10 singles/ 9 pairs=18 doubles). Targets were selected with the flintlocks in mind, so nothing too extreme was shown! The sun made some targets difficult on the Pond and Stand 3. Thanks again to Sandra for keeping the squad in check, trapping and scoring and to Rachel for assisting Sandra between taking her fine stills from video photographs.

Flintlock Cup:

Only 3 entered the competition. On the Skeet stand, Fred and Hairy had slow starts both taking 7/12. Bev was on form and took an impressive 11/12. On the Pond, it was Hairy who came back strongly with 8/8. Bev and Fred taking 5/8 and 6/8 respectively. It was close and up for anyone as the last stand 3 was shot. Each of the 3 scored 7/10 making Bev the champion with an excellent 23/30, Hairy came a close second with 22.

Doubles:

A special mention needs to be made about Tony, who really shot his socks off for an amazing 31/40, his best ever AML score!! Really well done!! Tony was one of the 4 shooting their doubles. On the Skeet, Bushey and Tony got off to a fine start with maximum 12’s, Mike on 9 and Pete, shooting his breech loader, on 6. On the Pond, the situation reversed with both Mike and Pete taking 9/10 with Tony on 7/10 and Bushey 6/10. Only 1 point now separating the top 3 as they entered Stand 3, Tony, who was shooting extremely well today, took 12/18 to take top position with 31/40 overall and the Top Gun Cup. Mike and Bushey managed 11/18 to leave them joint 2nd overall with 29/40. Pete took 9/18 to end on 24/40, but up to the last stand had been shooting very well.

Perc Singles:

3 shot perc singles. On the Skeet Paul started well with 9/12, Phil on 8/12 and Rodney (shooting from the left shoulder in an effort to aid his left eye dominance) started very well with 5/12. Onto the Pond and Phil took 6/8, Paul 5/8 and Rodney (carrying on with his improved shooting) 3/8. So like the other 2 groups, it was neck and neck with Phil and Paul as they entered the last stand. Paul took a fine 8/10 to end on 22/30 and top position. Phil dropped 5 to end on 19/30 and Rodney, who had made a good start, unfortunately reverted to his old ways but ended with 8/30 overall which was his personal best.

Scores:

Next Meeting:

Sunday 11th September at CGC for the Small Bore Trophy, 30 bird single targets, guns of 16 Bore or smaller. Singles and doubles targets will be set for those not entering the competition.

Words provided by Mike.