The second Vintage Service Rifle match of 2025 was shot at 200 yards on Sunday 11th May. Eleven intrepid competitors contested it on yet another outrageously sunny day. Another good mix of rifles showed up: Rolling Blocks, Martini Henrys, a Vetterli and others. 

 

It was a baptism of fire for at least two participants, though in different ways: Paul Bourton, a new HBSA member, shot a Snider from the membership secretary’s extensive collection. He’d never fired one before, and despite having difficulties with the action when shooting against the clock – a challenge for any Snider user – he achieved a very respectable score for a total novice. Likewise Mike Standage was shooting his first ever home-loaded Martini ammunition for the first time, and had no idea if it would even go ‘bang’. Not only did all his rounds work, but he had none of the chambering issues (and others!) that so often afflict the black powder rookie. Er, and the black powder non-rookie.

 

Match Results here >>>>

 

All in all it was a splendid day out in the sunshine and we enjoyed a celebratory (and, for some, consolatory) drink at the Middlesex afterwards. The final match in the League is scheduled for Saturday 6th September. Email jess.mcaree@gmail.com if you’d like to take part.