My first Gallery rifle competition

[safetyfirst]

Looks like T&P to me too, standard course of fire. YouTube has some examples

http://youtu.be/LeBOEdZVpz8

[ovenpaa]

I am sure I can improvise for the timed exposures and we certainly have the room here.

The bit that seems to take a while is the reload, on my 25m deliberate I shot the first 6 in 45 seconds, followed by a reload for 15 seconds and then a further 30 seconds for the second 6 shots. It would be good to improve on the reload time. I have polished the load gate and I can probably thin the spring down slightly however it is still an awkward process.

Any tips for this part?

[Tony-c]

load from a belt pouch angled outwards slightly with loops, dont load the belt all next to each other, dont push the rounds right in tight, just enough to secure them. load them into the loops with gap between each one, far easier to grab them this way, bring the rifle down and into the body as close as possible to the loading belt and dont rush, just be smooth, dont fully push the round home on the marlins

I bring rifle down empty, throw one in, shut lever, then load the remaining 5. then you up and hot already

standard procedure for stage 1 1500 12 shots to include a reload in 30 seconds

I run a viper security belt, nice and rigid, only about 8 quid, 2 rock climbing chalk bags, one with live brass to reload the belt with on the line, the other round the back for empty brass

the loading gate can be taken out and bent slightly over a round bar to take some of the tension off of it

[Chapuis]

Seems like a very informal club version of timed and precision 1 Ovenpaa if they allowed you to shoot the 25m stage sitting down.

[CormieAckImp]

The others are right, this is a TP1 (or PP1 if you're old school) other than the 10m stage which should be 3 secs rather than 2. The whole COF should be shot standing unsupported.

I wouldn't worry too much about your reloading speed to start with; 2 minutes is a lifetime to fire 12 rounds. Even if you get up to the speed that the seasoned 1500 guys load at you'll only have bought yourself 6 or 7secs if you're doing it in 15secs already. Practice doing it efficiently and calmly and the speed will come. Anyone who's good at it doesn't look like they're trying.

[ovenpaa]

I spent a happy three hours this afternoon practising my off hand shooting and trying different sights and loads at 25m. I am Ok with the reloading side however a belt will be a bonus at some point.

One area I am unsure about is sights and sight picture. I tried a variable aperture and gave up on it and moved back to the standard Marlin buckhorn sights which I seemed to get on better with for fast target acquisition. Are there any other options for sights for this type of shooting? Also I have not seen anyone shooting with a simple sling, are they prohibited in competitions?

[Mike357]

Williams peep sights are common amongst the classic guys or Skinner sights. Or go down the route of fitting a scope. Can't comment on the slings.

Gallery rifle shooting is very addictive. When it was first explained to me it sounded pants especially with cowboy guns. Great fun now.

[Chapuis]

A variable scope is the way to go if you want to be competitive. Slings are not allowed.

[daman]

Just noticed the NRA have a £70 introduction to Gallery Rifle course coming up. Has anyone done this? Would it be worth the spend to get a good grounding, or would it be better just to enter a few comps and learn as you go?

(Mods, don't want to hijack the thread - if this should be a separate topic please say)

[morph007]

Just noticed the NRA have a £70 introduction to Gallery Rifle course coming up. Has anyone done this? Would it be worth the spend to get a good grounding, or would it be better just to enter a few comps and learn as you go?

Hi Daman,

Yep I did the course in March and yes I would recommend it, honestly not sure if its worth £70 but I still recommend it. It's like everything it really depends on your level of experience and confidence. I come from a target and hunting background so the idea of multiple quick reloads, multiple position changes and the rapid speed that some of the COF involve can be quite daunting. The course goes through the basics, your start off in the classroom talking about the safety commands, targets used, firearms used, scoring system, you then spend time on the range practicing. After that its back to the classroom to talk about what you've been doing and any final questions. The competitions can seem a little chaotic but it all seems to work and actually I haven't had a bad days shooting yet.

I'm hooked, cant wait for the autumn action weekend at Bisley.