Performances at 1500 yards were very mixed. Some of us seemed to be able to hold an elevation group of 2 minutes or so and made reasonable scores, especially as the wind started to ease – but many of us found our ammo just not grouping well enough to make sense of the shoot, with clear targets for many. But all agreed it was great, great fun – and some made respectable scores. There were many scores over 200 and some around 210 on the day, perhaps comparable to what might be achieved on Stickledown when the wind really gets up? Somewhat surprisingly, the Match Rifle scores were competitive with the scores of the dozen firers shooting F-class with absolute freedom to design appropriate ammo for the distance.
The 1500 yard mound at Coonabarabran, showing the flat area (closest) specially made
to enable us Brits to shoot supine, as shown here by Alex Cargill Thompson
To describe the inaugural shoot on the new Box Ridge range at Coonabarabran as a big event for the town would be a gross understatement. The crowd that watched us complete the final shoot at 1500 yards was bigger than the crowd that gathers on Elcho day and seemed to include not only local dignitaries but also most of the people who had given up their Saturdays for the past six months to build this extraordinary new range. Credit must of course be given to Phil and Susan Bain for providing the impetus, and to Mick and Kate for providing the land, but also to all the volunteers who have gone the extra mile to make it happen. The facility they have created is of superb quality, with six targets and with mounds and flags virtually every hundred yards, plus an enormous open shed to protect us from the elements.
Spectators watch the inaugural shoot at 1500 yards at Coonabarabran
While others talk, the people of Coonabarabran just seem to grab a vision then pull out all the stops to fulfil that vision. The local MP suggested that it may one day become a venue for international competition and it is certainly somewhere that could be considered for a future Woomera match. The flat surrounding land seems to lead to winds that are both strong and variable, but without too much of a vertical component.
All six targets await shots. Photo taken through 24x spotting scope at 1500 yards at Coonabarabran
There was much talk also about extending the range a little further to have a mound at 1 mile, and many of us expressed enthusiasm for a return visit to Coonabarabran for a 1 mile shoot if they do it. From what I’ve seen of the people of Coonabarabran, I think they will!
Shooting at 1500 yards continued almost until dusk – but preparations for the evening’s celebrations had been going on all day, and the lambs had been roasting on spits since lunchtime. A range of prizes were awarded, most won by Australians, but we showed a creditable presence and the Coolabah was won by Lew Horwood and Si Whitby.
The spit-roast lamb (from one of Mick’s fields?) was absolutely superb and served in generous quantities, but that didn’t stop us Brits leading the queue for second helpings! As night fell the temperature plummeted and we were kept warm by a bonfire of Australian proportions – everything is bigger in this vast country. It was a great end to a superb tour.
Aled James should have blogged today but didn’t, which is why this is being posted so late and the results are incomplete. Was he too disorganised or too lazy? Let’s just assume he was still in shock or simply too modest or bashful after his magnificent achievement of 68/75 at 1500 yards yesterday!
