Author archives: hbsa-uk

July/August shooting is as follows: There is no midweek shoot this July. The Four Types will go ahead on Sunday 24th July. We currently have 6 entrants. If you are planning to shoot in this please apply soon as I may have to adjust target and marker numbers. The Historic Miniature Rifle meeting will be …

Continue reading “July & August 2022 shooting programme”

This year is the centenary of the disbandment of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC). To commemorate this important anniversary, the NRA will host a demonstration of Vickers MG on Sunday 3 July on Century Range, from 4pm. Members and guests are welcome to attend. The MGC played a pivotal role in the First World War, …

Continue reading “Vickers demonstration shoot”

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing away one of our founders and Vice Presidents Emeritus, Frederick J Wilkinson. He died peacefully early today. His daughter Jo was with him. We have sent our sincere condolences. Fred, as he was known to many members, was an expert and an enormously …

Continue reading “Fred Wilkinson”

1910 cancelled As we have had only one applicant for the “1910” competition, I have decided we need to cancel it. I don’t know why the response was so low this year. If this was a competition you have shot in the past, is there a reason why not this year? Fuel cost? Lack of …

Continue reading “Four Types competition open for booking, but 1910 cancelled”

Our apologies for the late publication of our Legislative Update – there has been so much going on in this field! Read the Latest Update here >>>> Derek

We shot the McQueen competition this morning (Sunday 15th). View the results here >>>> This was the first McQueen competition since 2019. The weather was overcast with light occasional rain until the end of the morning when it poured. Luckily we had pretty much finished by then. I have been trying some new markers recently, they …

Continue reading “McQueen post match report 2022”

For members information we received the following today, as expected. We are studying it together with BSSC and other relevant associations. This is a 213 page document with 13 pages of references so the process will not be quick. The consultation opened today closes on the 6th November 2022 so there is time for HBSA, BSSC …

Continue reading “HSE publishes restriction dossiers and opens public consultations on lead in ammunition and substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up (PMU)”

Dear MembersWe have 2 shooting events this month: Sunday 15th May, McQueen Competition. There are still places left on this popular competition. Sights: Any, including magnifying or telescopic in the spirit of the original. Modern optics for honours only. Iron sighted rifles the target appears above the castle only. Online booking here >>>> Wednesday 18th …

Continue reading “Shooting programme May/June 2022”

HBSA Bisley Rook & Rabbit Rifle CompetitionBisley, Sunday 25 April 2022 Thank you to the 15 brave competitors who endured some of the sunniest weather so far this year to shoot their historic little rifles in our competition on the BSRC’s Time Limit Range. The 44 match card results are here >>>> Overall the event …

Continue reading “HBSA Bisley Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition April22 – match report”

There will be a further full Legislative Update in the next issue of Report. The meetings and processes already reported on in the previous issue continue to move forward but at the time of going to print there is no additional breaking news on these topics. Responses are awaited from Government on the main issues. …

Continue reading “Legislative News April 2022”

HBSA Midland Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition Stourport on Severn, Saturday 2nd April 2022   Dear Competitors   Thank you all for competing in this our 2nd Spring Midland Rook and Rabbit competition. THE Match Results can be viewed here >>>> Originally set up following the Covid restrictions, it has proven to be popular and …

Continue reading “HBSA Midland Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition April 2022 – Match Report”

Dear Members April 2022 The Midweek Practice this will be Wednesday 20th April. 200 yards on Century HBSA Rook & Rabbit matches @ 25&50ydsSun, 24 April, 08:30 – 17:00BSRC Time Limit range, Bisley CampOnline booking here >>>> May 2022 The Midweek shoot is on Wednesday 18th May 100 yards short Siberia The annual McQueen competition …

Continue reading “HBSA Shooting programme April & May 2022”

The annual Bisley Rook and Rabbit Rifle shoot is back! Though impacted by Covid in 2020 and 2021 the Bisley Rook and Rabbit Rifle shoot will take place this year on April 24th.  Please dust off those wonderful little Rook rifles, dig out some ammunition and join us to shoot in up to 5 of …

Continue reading “HBSA Rook & Rabbit Rifle Shoot – BSRC Time Limit Range, Bisley – 24 April 2022”

The HBSA .22 rimfire smallbore and historic miniature rifle competition took place yesterday Sunday 20th March. The match results can be seen here >>>> The weather could not have been better, sunny with light fishtailing winds. We had 12 shooters with 17 match cards booked, compared to 14 competitors last time (2019 was the last …

Continue reading “Long Range .22 Rimfire and Historic Miniature Rifle Competition 2022”

The Phoenix Trade Fair will return for the first time since 2019 on Sit Pet Lawn, featuring a range of different suppliers for all to enjoy. Doors will open on Friday 27th – Sunday 29th May from 8am – 6pm daily. Entry is free so come along and support the suppliers!  

Colleagues, Surrey Branch will be holding a Repeating Pistol Meeting (RPM) during the Army Target Shooting Club (ATSC) Open Meeting and Club Comps weekend. This event is scheduled for April 22nd through to April 24th . The RPM will be on Saturday 23rd (am and pm sessions) and Sunday 24th (am only) on Winans-A. The ATSC entry form is attached …

Continue reading “Repeating Pistol Meeting 23/24 April 2022”

Next Sunday 20th March we are holding our open Long Range Rimfire competitions on Century Range at Bisley. Shot at 200yards in the morning and 300 after lunch, we have a wide range of classes: CLASSES HISTORIC MRSB: Classic & Veteran Miniature Rimfire Rifles with ANY contemporaneous sights HISTORIC TRSB: Classic & Veteran Miniature Rimfire …

Continue reading “HBSA Long Range .22 Rimfire and Historic Miniature Rifle Competition”

Due to covid and resulting restrictions, the President’s Cup could not be presented to the current winner – Jonathan Ferguson – at the AGM or a meeting. We were able to send the cup north care of the Royal Armouries, and Andrew Claxton of the HBSA Northern Group is shown here presenting it on behalf …

Continue reading “President’s Cup presentation 2022”

Dear Members This month we have the following dates: Wednesday 16th March Midweek shoot AM century 200 yds PM Century 300ydsThis is to allow zeroing of smallbore rifles for Sundays competition, however, it is not limited to smallbore. As ever limited capacity so please let me know if you intend to shoot. Sunday 20th March  …

Continue reading “Shooting March 2022”

For members’ information, the following email is from the Defra Ivory Policy Team and addressed to the British Antique Dealers Association, with whom we are in touch and who have kindly kept us informed.  Any questions should be covered in the websites mentioned below or if not may be directed to me. Derek Stimpson Subject: Implementing the Ivory …

Continue reading “Implementing the Ivory Act – opening of the ivory service”

Dear Members We have today shot the Fixed/No Bayonet competition.The weather could not have been better, sunny with only very light winds. We had a full turnout of 24 competitors shooting some 96 cards. Congratulations to those who scored a max of 30 points. As ever it is good to see the variety of kit …

Continue reading “Fixed Bayonet / No Bayonet matches 2022”

We regret that our usual display and HBSA team at BSS this weekend will not be there. After the usual careful planning and BSS invitation, our show team, having arrived in good time, could not access the hall and our stand due to a mixture of lack of clear directions, bureaucracy, and overbearing security. Others …

Continue reading “No HBSA stand at BSS this year”

The British Sporting Rifle Club are running their annual Open Historics Matches on Sunday 6th March on their Sporting Rifle ranges at Bisley. There will be matches on both static and moving targets for all ages of historic rifles. Their Calling Notice with Match details and Rifle classes may be downloaded here >>>>

The entry form for this year’s Midlands Spring Rook & Rabbit Meeting and match details can be viewed here >>>> To be held at Stourport on Severn on Saturday 2nd April. Please enter As Soon As Possible as it makes life easier for me. If you cannot attend please drop me an email. If you …

Continue reading “HBSA Spring 2022 Midlands Rook & Rabbit Championship Meeting”

Please see the latest Legislative Update covering Ministerial comment, Statutory and Non Statutory Guidance, Police, Lead and other news. Regards Derek  

Dear Members The February midweek shoot will be on FRIDAY 18 th at 100 yards on Short Siberia. As usual please email me if you wish to shoot, these are number limited. The Fixed/No bayonet competition is on Sunday 27th February, 100 yds Short Siberia. The entry is already open through the new website >>>> …

Continue reading “Shooting Programme for February 2022”

Members may wish to note the following message from the Home Office confirming that the expected amendments have entered into law. This is correction of an omission which we had raised with them, plus other small corrections.   Best wishes Derek Stimpson Please see the attached link to Home Office Circular 008/2021 on antique firearms:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0082021-antique-firearms The Circular sets out amendments …

Continue reading “Amendments to the Antique Firearms Regulations 2021”

Dear Members Happy new year to all. January midweek shoot is on Wednesday 19th. This will be on Century at 300 yards. Please let me know if you are coming. We have a confirmed booking for the Fixed/No bayonet competition on 27th February, 100 yds Short Siberia. The entry is now available online >>> Hopefully …

Continue reading “Jan Feb 2022 Shooting”

For those members who might have known him, I have received the sad news of Heikki Pohjolainen’s passing away. Heikki was a remarkable collector and FESAC representative for many years.  I have sent condolences to his family and colleagues on behalf of FESAC UK. Derek Stimpson

Members should be aware that government have asked GPs to prioritise covid/booster vaccinations during January following the surge in the Omicron variant cases. This means that completion of medical proformas for FAC/SGC renewals may be delayed. We have written to FELWG asking them to ensure that no certificate holder is left in unlawful possession by …

Continue reading “FAC/SGC issue during next January”

Members who import firearms may find the attached letter of interest. It is from DIT, via BSSC. They have asked that it be circulated. Taking the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Derek Stimpson

Please see the attached link to Home Office Circular 008/2021 on antique firearms:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0082021-antique-firearms The Circular sets out amendments to the Antique Firearms Regulations 2021 to correct an omission from the 2021 Regulations by adding to paragraph 5 of the Schedule (cartridges for vintage rifles, punt guns and shot guns) “cartridges with bores greater than 10”.  The …

Continue reading “Home Office circular 008/2021 correcting an omission”

Please note the following news that we received today from the Home Office. I have not been through this yet and if members have comments or questions please email them to me at chairman@hbsa-uk.org Best wishes Derek Stimpson This e-mail is to advise you that we have today issued a fully revised version of the …

Continue reading “Non-statutory firearms guidance”

We regret to advise you that the NSC have decided that the lecture room on Cheylesmore is too confined a space for the current Covid-19 risk. Regrettably, that means that the planned Christmas Lecture with light refreshments must be cancelled for this year. The morning Heritage Pistol shoot will continue as planned.

Stourport on Severn,  Saturday 4th December 2021 A very big thank you for all for taking part in our 5th Christmas Rook and Reindeer shoot in aid of charity. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn which is an excellent venue; it provides a covered firing …

Continue reading “HBSA & Stourport on Severn : Rook & Reindeer Christmas Charity Shoot”

Stourport on Severn, Saturday 4th December 2021 A very big thank you for all taking part in our 5th Christmas Rook and Reindeer shoot in aid of charity. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn which is an excellent venue; it provides a covered firing point …

Continue reading “HBSA & Stourport on Severn: Rook & Reindeer Christmas Charity Shoot”

Derek’s Legislative Update for HBSA members, covering the third quarter of 2021, may be read and downloaded here >>>>

Following forum posts and a member’s request I am re-posting and amplifying the following post placed on the website and forum some time ago. The Non Statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law now covers all the necessary points. Collecting is well recognised by most Chief Police Officers and FLDs and is indeed an accepted “good …

Continue reading “FAC “Collecting Condition””

Dear members, We received the following notice from the Home Office yesterday. The first part, the Statutory Guidance, was advised in my post of 22nd October  (shown at the foot for easy reference). The second part relating to the Non Statutory Guidance, is, as explained by the Home Office, only an interim measure until the fully …

Continue reading “Home Office Statutory and Non Statutory Guidance”

As members may be aware this was published on 20th October and takes effect from 1st November 2021. This follows a two year consultation process in which HBSA along with BSSC and other organisations were involved. We were successful in obtaining appropriate changes where required.     Read at this link:- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-guidance-for-police-on-firearms-licensing/statutory-guidance-for-chief-officers-of-police-on-firearms-licensing-accessible-version-from-1-november-2021#fn:2 You will note that the medical …

Continue reading “Statutory Guidance for police on firearms licensing”

Stourport on Severn Pistol & Rifle Club Minster Road Stourport on Severn Worcestershire This Charity Shoot in aid of the MacMillan fund will be held at Stourport on Severn. The event is generally intended for traditional British single shot Rook & Rabbit sporting rifles (and their foreign equivalents) from the 1865-1914 period. Full-stocked military training …

Continue reading “H.B.S.A. CHRISTMAS ROOK & REINDEER CHARITY SHOOT SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER 2021”

Stourport on Severn, Saturday 2nd October 2021 Dear Competitors Thank you all for competing in this our 16th Annual Midland Rook and Rabbit competition. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn. This year we had 19 individual entrants entered inti 68 matches, 136 match cards. The …

Continue reading “HBSA Midland Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition”

This took place on Sunday 26th September at Bisley. The Results may be viewed here >>>> The course of fire was 2 convertible sighters and 10 to score. The morning session was at 300 yards, the afternoon at 500 yards. The morning started with fairly dense mist, however, by the time shooting started there was …

Continue reading “Mid-Range Championships Match Report”