Derby 2003

This article is dated 30th July 2003.

On Sunday the 27^th of July 2003 three of us (LCB Marksmen members) entered the Derby RPC 1500 shoot at their range near Derby, unfortunately, for the second year running they didn’t receive enough entries to warrant running a full competition, they were hoping for 40 but got only 12.

Peter Lomas from Derby RPC contacted me and asked if we still wanted to attend but explained that it would only be on a “Guest shoot with prizes” basis, we accepted his offer and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived, their outdoor range is probably the best organised and set out ranges that we have ever had the pleasure of shooting on.

It consists of a 50 metre range (which at present will open out to over 100 metre’s) with 12 firing points (two banks of six) on turning targets and a 25 metre range with approx 20 covered firing points, the distance marking points are well placed and clearly defined and both have been designed so that you’re never shooting into the sun, the ground is surprisingly level and both ranges are grass and are kept cut short.

The spacious clubhouse is well furnished with TV/video and pool table, a kitchen area for tea, coffee, soft drinks & snacks and boasts male, female & disabled toilets, a large car park and a seating area outside including a barbeque complete the excellent facilities.

A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into making and maintaining this range, (just cutting the grass must be a full time job!) it has been completely constructed from a flat field area and is an ongoing project, we think if more shooters knew about it, Derby RPC would certainly get the entries they hope for next year.

Just look out for any entry forms for Derby RPC on the Web or at you local clubs, if you give it a try you won’t regret it and we think any club that is trying to get a competition off the ground with so much going against us these days, certainly deserves our support.

Author "The Devils Spawn"

Footnote: 24/04/2007.
Soon after this article was written it was published on this website and also on the galleryrifle.co.uk website run by John Robinson, it gathered momentum and has been a popular shoot ever since, it is now accepted as one of the main competitions of the year.