Summer 2013 - National Rifle Association

Of course, a lot of shooting takes place atthe Phoenix. Having historic legacy in PistolAD, it’s primarily a GR&P meeting. However,the longer ranges are also put to good use.I also noted the old pistol range, Winans,had received a facelift. The IPAS crew wasrunning a pay-and-play setup and one oftheir open competitions throughout theweekend. I chatted to the guys there; theyrun something every Phoenix, so if youfancy something a bit different, pay thema visit next time.A few new trophies were on offer thisyear, including one in memory of AlanWhittle, a well known and enthusiasticgallery rifle shooter who died in 2012. Theclubs Alan was most associated with overthe last few years generously donateda couple of contemporary trophies.Thanks go to Bristol and District Rifle andPistol Club, Frome and District Pistol Club,Fulwood Shooting Club (Liverpool) and theGallery Rifle Great Britain Squad for thesegenerous efforts.The newcomers’ trophy, the Rifled Spiral,is awarded to first-time Phoenix entrants.The Gallery Rifle Classic Trophy, the SpearBullet, rewards excellence in Gallery Rifleclassic iron-sights shooting.Thanks to Low Mill Ranges, whodonated an exquisite Damascus steelfolding bowie knife in an equally exquisitepresentation case for the winner of theSporting Rifle competition. The UKPSA isalso to be thanked for recognising theexcellent shooting achieved within thePhoenix standards points system. Anyonenot familiar should consult the Phoenixbooklet. Personal objectives can alwaysbe achieved without being a top Xclass shooter so thanks to the UKPSA forappreciating and promoting this aspect.For many years the meeting has hostedinternational shooting. The bank holidayMonday morning usually plays out to aninternational 1500 match between thenations of the International Gallery RifleFederation (IGRF). This year witnessed theinaugural IGRF Gallery Rifle World Cup,which is set to become a bi-annual event.Launched in 2006, the IGRF promotesthe development of competitive GalleryRifle shooting worldwide. It now has fivemember countries, having recentlywelcomed Australia. ■Results for all events are available at www.nra.org.uk or at www.galleryrifle.comFry up: Terry Fry was awarded GrandestMaster and a prize donated by one ofthe meeting's gold sponsors, the UKPSAThe distinctive Gallery Rifle ClassicAggregate trophy goes to Alan PodevinThe McQueen’s range on ShortSiberia for this 200-yard competition18 www.nra.org.uk