First Visit To The Phoenix Meeting

[Watcher]

I have booked some accomodation at Bisley to attend the Phoenix Meeting in May. My main aim is to introduce my 15 year old son to the peculiar pleasures of the place. In happier days I used to visit Bisley for the 'Pistol 80 etc.' events and imagine that the Phoenix is much the same.

I have a TR and couple of Enfields so thinking I might have a crack at some of the comps (with little hope I might add) but would be interested to know what the form is?

[FredB]

If you remember the old Anno Domini pistol days, then the meeting format is much the same, but with more shoots for things like 303s added. After the handgun ban, lever action rifles took off in a big way and still dominate the meeting. The competitions shot with them are pretty much the old pistol comps. There are separate classes now for classics and this goes by calibre: as a result a Winchester in 357mag is in the modern class but one in 44-40 is in the classic / historic class. Some of us think that this distinction was introduced to stop .310 Cadets from winning all the precision events!
Fred

[Dangermouse]

Watcher,

A couple of things spring to mind which may help you.

The Spring into action weekend is held in March and has many of the same competitions running. Should you have a free day it may be enjoyable reconnaissance to attend and have a walk a round to see what the score is. Or enter and use it as practise for the Phoenix!

From the Thursday of the Phoenix your competition entry / score cards will be available from the Main Office in the NRA Building (by the metal deer's). Take an extra £5 as the girls will try and sell you some raffle tickets! You will need to have your score cards to enter your competitions, so get them first.

In the past the Range Office has had unreliable amounts of ammunition available. I read in the NRA Journal that a computerised stock system has been put in place, so this may get better. From experience it is always best that you bring your own ammunition.

(A shame that the NSC has missed out on making a lot of sales through this in the past)

Lastly, I would suggest making sure that you have some food with you. Sheila's shack will be open, as should the London and Middlesex.
I believe the forum does not allow negative remarks re companies so I will just say that the L&M is now a lot quieter than it use to be at lunch times.
There should be a mini trade fair during the Phoenix, so again come with some cash should something catch your eye.

I hope you have a good time, I should be helping out on the Target shotgun in between shooting events,

DM

[ovenpaa]

There is also a bakers in the North of the village by the roundabout (Heatons maybe?) which makes for a handy alternative to the shack at the range office end of Century Butts.

[bobbob]

Watcher,
, as should the London and Middlesex.
I believe the forum does not allow negative remarks re companies so I will just say that the L&M is now a lot quieter than it use to be at lunch times.
DM

At one time we used to take our own cutlery, make from that what you will. We now take packed lunches and make our own hot drinks.