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The Postal Leagues recommence in October 2007 in the same format as the last or current winter competitions; i.e. in four prone classes and three standing classes. The aim remains the provision of an opportunity for shooters and collectors to enjoy an informal and historically interesting aspect of small-bore rifle shooting. The Leagues are again being run under the auspices of the National Rifle Association’s Historic Arms Resource Centre, with the additional support of the N.S.R.A. Please bear in mind our intention that each league should be more than just a competition. It is hoped that it will prove both educational and entertaining whilst providing an opportunity for research. With a considerable variation in rifles used, the end result is not to be taken too seriously. Don’t let that stop you trying though!
The fourth prone class - described as Post-Veteran was expanded in recent years. This class was originally conceived to permit the dusting-off of those rifles more recently relegated to the cupboard as being " no longer competitive for modern small-bore shooting". Most rifles in that category are the earlier BSA Martini Internationals, Remington 37s and later Winchester 52s. We look forward to a few more entrants in the class this winter. If you have access to either a .310" Cadet or .297/.230" or similar miniature calibre centre-fire rifle, then please use it in the appropriate class if you wish; they break the monotony for the scorers!
The four Classes are: Service - for military training rifles or classic TARGET RIFLES with open sights; Classic – for rifles with target sights up to and including 1918 (e.g. BSA Model Nos. 4 to 13); Veteran - intended largely for Martinis, but also other actions up to and including 1945, although those bolt action rifles more than a match for BSA 12/15’s are for use in Post Veteran - for the already mentioned early BSA Internationals now up to Mk.III, Remington 37’s and Winchester 52’s up to and including Model D, early models of Anschutz, Walther, Finnish Lion, Hammerli, etc. We will be using the rules and accepted practices of the H.A.R.C., the N.S.R.A. and the H.B.S.A., with only minor alteration to rifle classification and prone position limitations. We have, for instance, received enquiries from shooters with disabilities preventing them from lying on the ground and from clubs without prone firing points. If you wish to compete and are unable to shoot prone, then cards may be shot sitting at a table provided that no part of the rifle touches the table, and it is supported solely by the firer’s arms with elbows only in contact with the table. These adjustments we think fitting for fairness and ease of participation.
In order that the cost of competing can be kept to a minimum, particularly for those not already (or still!) in possession of suitable equipment, then if you only have a state of the art non-stretch sling and heavy shooting jacket, you may use these until you can find an old Tenex or similar jacket and an old sling in the back of someone’s cupboard. A self supporting jacket should not be zipped or buttoned up, however. We are attempting to get back to basics here, so please enter into the spirit of the competition.
Earlier rifles can be used in a later class, but certainly not vice-versa. If you have an old Greener or Bonehill converted Martini-Henry with both Service and appropriate aperture sights fitted then, should you rise to the challenge, you could shoot it in all four classes.
For Service Rifle, any pre - 1946 military training rifle with original battle sights or pre - 1919 target rifle with open sights ( blade and "V") is acceptable. We also include Enfields Nos. 5, 7, 8 and 9 with their SERVICE sights (no target adapters), these all being of the same basic design.
For Classic Rifle, any pre - 1919 military or target rifle; e.g. Bonehill, Greener or BSA models up to 12 ( a Model 13, which is technically out of class, is really a lightweight 12 and will be allowed). Aperture rear sights of the appropriate age may be used with blade or barleycorn foresight.
For Veteran Rifle, any pre - 1946 service or target rifle; e.g. BSA’s up to model 12/15 or Vickers Standard / Empire, Winchester 52’s below s/n 16,036, etc. The BSA Century is again technically out of class but we will allow this to be used since it would be outclassed in Post Veteran. Aperture sights of the appropriate age may be used both front and rear: (no perspex foresight elements for instance).
For Post Veteran, any Mk. I, II,or III BSA Martini International. Any Remington 37, or Winchester 52 including Model D. The class "upper" limit is no longer set so that no rifle with a fully-floating barrel is eligible. Thus you may now use early models of Anschutz, Walther, Finnish Lion, Hammerli, etc. The rifle design dateline has been moved to encompass these and equivalent rifles up to and including 1965. Perspex foresight elements are here in order.
Service Rifle: One card deliberate and one time limit - 10 shots in 2 minutes
on N.S.R.A. "Tin Hat" target. Original service iron sights on military trainers or open sights on pre-1919 TARGET RIFLES . Note: NO target rear sights, including the PH 8/53 target rear sight adapter, which is NOT eligible for Rifles nos. 5, 7, 8 & 9. A jacket with elbow and shoulder pads may be used, and a basic two point sling, but NO glove.
Classic Rifle: One card deliberate and one time limit - 10 shots in 90 seconds
on N.S.R.A. "Tin Hat" target. A rear aperture sight may be used. Blade fore sight only. A thin glove (not a modern heavy one) on the supporting hand, and a basic two point sling are permissible along with a jacket as for Service.
Veteran Rifle: One card deliberate on N.S.R.A. "Cadets & Schools" target and
one card timed on the N.S.R.A. "Skirmisher" target - as many scoring shots in a minute. These are not available from the N.S.R.A.for 15 yard ranges. We can supply accurately scaled down items on request. Single shot loading only, magazines NOT to be used. Jacket and glove as Classic. Basic single point classic webbing or leather sling permissible.
Post Veteran: As Veteran rifle, but using the current NSRA 1989 ten diagram target for
for the deliberate card.
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Each competition will consist of ten rounds. Cards for each two consecutive rounds are to be shot at six-weekly intervals starting at the beginning of October. In fairness to the majority of competitors we will in future be obliged to tighten up on ‘shoot by’ dates. The first two rounds should be completed and returned together by the 15th. November. Rounds 3 & 4 MUST be returned by the end of December to prevent any delay in the necessary setting of classes into divisions and dissemination of results. Failure to do so may result in exclusion.
The entry fee will be £6.00 per match for those willing to accept the results by email and £7.50 for all others requiring results and communications by Royal Mail. The price of a "snail-mail" entry includes stationery and postage costs. Reduced rates previously available to those who have, in the past, subscribed to the HARC will no longer apply. Costs have risen even though the league is run as a non-profit making operation by unpaid volunteers. All monies go towards medals, certificates, printing and postage, etc. The N.S.R.A. has again kindly undertaken to assist with the provision of plaquettes at a favourable rate.
Any one round must be shot with the same rifle ( i.e. both the deliberate and timed cards), but those fortunate enough to possess more than one rifle suitable for a given class are encouraged to shoot different rifles throughout the competition. As a final thought, may we reiterate the informality and equitable spirit that we hope the League will engender. The divisions will, as usual, be set by the results from the first four rounds. Any competitor whose scores subsequently show exceptional signs of improvement could be moved into a higher division.
All entries or written enquiries please to:
Please direct any queries relating to the Leagues to: HARC-MRL@rifleman.org.uk
Whilst enquiries concerning the website and historic rifle reference pages should be directed to:
Miniature-Calibre-Rifles@rifleman.org.uk
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