The Phoenix

[Dougan]

I'm reluctant to talk negatively about the NRA/Bisley at the moment, as I know the current staff are struggling to deal with many inherited problems that are difficult to resolve without a very large injection of funding...

...however there are some obvious issues with the marking at the moment - Being partial to the odd Jennies burger, I've seen many of the current markers over the last month or so...nice kids; but the fact is that many of them just can't be tall or strong enough to operate the current target frames...

...this leads to very slow marking, and high shots (I doubt some of them could even reach above the black) not being marked - Now this leads to ruined shoots, because as the unmarked and un-patched shots build up, then shots that have hit the board are marked as misses...so instead of being able to simple adjust you sights down 4 or 5 minutes you just don't know where you are...

...now you'd think that supplying something to stand on would be a solution, but unfortunately there is a health and safety issue with this...

...So, what to do? - You could pay more for older/taller/stronger markers - You could overhaul the target systems (the ones on Short Siberia are easy to operate) - You install some type of steps in front of each target (but they would have to pass H&S) - Or you could convert to electronic...

...but all these possible solutions range from difficult to very expensive.

[Mike357]

I was interested to hear about a Glock and Sig 226 LBPs in the pipeline.

Tell me more please?

Missed that stand, how much £ are they selling the Sigs & Glocks in .22 for ?

No prices as yet but likely to be at or above K22 prices.

[Maggot]

I'm reluctant to talk negatively about the NRA/Bisley at the moment, as I know the current staff are struggling to deal with many inherited problems that are difficult to resolve without a very large injection of funding...

...however there are some obvious issues with the marking at the moment - Being partial to the odd Jennies burger, I've seen many of the current markers over the last month or so...nice kids; but the fact is that many of them just can't be tall or strong enough to operate the current target frames...

...this leads to very slow marking, and high shots (I doubt some of them could even reach above the black) not being marked - Now this leads to ruined shoots, because as the unmarked and un-patched shots build up, then shots that have hit the board are marked as misses...so instead of being able to simple adjust you sights down 4 or 5 minutes you just don't know where you are...

...now you'd think that supplying something to stand on would be a solution, but unfortunately there is a health and safety issue with this...

...So, what to do? - You could pay more for older/taller/stronger markers - You could overhaul the target systems (the ones on Short Siberia are easy to operate) - You install some type of steps in front of each target (but they would have to pass H&S) - Or you could convert to electronic...

...but all these possible solutions range from difficult to very expensive.

You could also use ECT....or a tazer on some of them....

John, I can deal with that. I have no problem with a kid that tries, and god knows most of them do.

There have been occasions where a nipper has told us they cannot reach but do a great job of describing where it went, I can deal with that.

What I cannot deal with is arsey comments as to why we are questioning a zero score in a string of 5s and vs.

I don't get why this particular marker needs to keep asking how long it will be before message 1, then when told a minute or so buggers off and cannot be raised. When found by the supervisor (Jodi) he states he has a radio problem....clearly not (proven).

I have never seen such a fit sounding stroppy young man take so long to drop and mark a target.

I have never had a sequence of double blooms on a target either (that ought to teach me for not knowing how long we would be shooting for...how dare I?).

3 in one detail...a record

But what I do know is that I am going out of my way to identify the little s*** and find some way of getting him sorted out....legally and without bloodshed.

I have always championed the markers, its a s*** job and we are stuffed without them. The odd screw up I get, its hard work, I get that they will fade fairly quickly, but I don't get cynical attempts to bugger up a days shooting we have paid for, and I don't see why they should get paid for it if they are going to behave like that.

This attitude then rubs off on the decent kids and screws them over for life, or until they are re-programmed through the medium of a large lump of 4x2

Sorry, I am really (really) p*** off about this. Its not just a "I shot badly so blame the markers" moan. Its a "We are paying £80+, probably with another £80 thrown in for fuel, food, and ammo, for a screwed up shoot.

Think about it, its around a quid a bang for a lot of the rifles being used.

Its the last time I shoot at the wrong type of target as well.

I agree with avoiding NRA bashing, it helps no one, but unless they do something about these particular binheads, shooters being shooters will simply tar all of the markers with the same brush (Ideally with a handful of feathers thrown in for the right markers!!) and start demanding rebates for the wrong targets etc etc. That is downright unfair on the markers.

Its a pity the cadets could not be asked to do major events or comps....for decent payment obviously.

Look, sorry I am sounding off but just lately I really have had enough and Sunday was the final straw.

TTFN

Maggotty creature...apparently maggots can breath through their backsides....bonus, I can talk through mine as well :55:

[kennyc]

On the subject of the Phoenix, does anyone know why the Police were called Sunday?

it wasn't me! I went Saturday

Style police :lol:

says who tongueout

[Christel]

KennyC, you wore shorts, surely that warrants the style police to be called

[kennyc]

KennyC, you wore shorts, surely that warrants the style police to be called

it was bloody raining! of course I wore shorts! didn't want to get my long strides wet ! tongueout

[Blu]

Its a pity the cadets could not be asked to do major events or comps....for decent payment obviously.

Just a thought and don't know it's even viable but how about approaching the MOD or Commandant of the REME Army Apprentices College over at Arborfield and see if they could ask for volunteers among the Apprentices. I'm sure some of the young uns wouldn't mind earning some extra dosh. There would be logistics involved but knowing the Army I dare say they could be overcome. Hey they don't ask they won't get, nothing to lose lots to gain and all that fluff.

Blu

[lasbrisas]

On the subject of marking you need to be lucky enough to get my 18 year old son as he is built like a brick outhouse, is a shooter so knows what it's all about and cares about what he does, most just seem to want the money but can't be asked with the task in hand but I guess they need to take what they can get, they do seem to be desperate for markers as they are always asking him to stay on for double shifts but it gets a bit much after a while.

[Maggot]

On the subject of marking you need to be lucky enough to get my 18 year old son as he is built like a brick outhouse, is a shooter so knows what it's all about and cares about what he does, most just seem to want the money but can't be asked with the task in hand but I guess they need to take what they can get, they do seem to be desperate for markers as they are always asking him to stay on for double shifts but it gets a bit much after a while.

Sadly he is rare, but there are some really good lads and girls.

Its a bum rap really, but if you are paid to do something.

Anyway, tell him he is appreciated mate clapclap

[markyw]

My first Phoenix, attended Saturday. Had a great time looking at and handling all the beautiful firearms and then spent some hard-earned on 2 more for the cabinet and a lot of accessories. Was surprised at the attendance, both from the stall holders and public, as some of the other boards seemed to imply that it would be relatively quiet due to the costs going up for traders.

Will be rushing back next year for more of the same :)

Mark