The fascinating thing about sport shooting is that is draws persons together from all walks of life. This was demonstrated on Saturday 18th April, 2015 when a diverse group of local handgun shooters (comprising of criminal attorneys-at-law, civil attorneys, businessmen, civil engineers, IT consultants, a farmer, dentist, pilot and psychiatrist) braved the rains of that day and made their way to the GDF Timehri Ranges to be part of some safe shooting competition when the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation hosted another Steel Challenge Shooting Match. The competition on Saturday consisted of three sanctioned SCSA stages: Accelerator, 5 to Go and Smoke and Hope. In every stage competitors were required to shoot five different steel targets set out at various angles and distances, one of which is designated as a “stop plate” which is shot last. Registering a hit on the plate stops the time. The total time it takes to hit all five plates is used for the score (Your time is your score.) Misses and penalties add 3 seconds to the time for each. Scoring is recorded on an electronic timing device. The competitor’s best four scores out of five strings of fire on each stage will then be added together for collective score. The lowest total time/score for all stages wins the overall match. Accuracy and speed are thus an essential mix in order to be on top of the competition.
In his opening remarks, Match Director, Ryan McKinnon welcomed members who came out to take part in the event and encouraged shooters to have fun while keeping safety paramount throughout the Match. Range Master, Mr. Michael Blake, introduced Range Officer David Dharry and reminded everyone of the safety rules. As the event unfolded match, favourite McKinnon would have given music conductors a challenge with the melodic efficiency at which he delivered the pings and rings on hitting the steel during his strings. The other competitors attempted to follow his speed but alas, a lot of extra rounds were needed as several seasoned competitors relentlessly strove to match his time or set better benchmarks.
Trophies were presented by GSSF’s Board Member, Dr. Bhiro Harry to the top three overall in each division.
The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation wishes to thank the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, the Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelal Perasud, the Guyana Police Force, the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport and the members of the G.S.S.F. for their usual support.
The Foundation also expressed sincere thanks to the management of Ken’s Mufflers on the ECD for making their workshop open on Easter Sunday for members of the GSSF to demonstrate their skills off the range, as they cut and welded steel needed for the match. Sincere thanks were also expressed to members: Nicholas Deygoo of National Hardware, Mohamed Qualander of Queensway for provision of Armscor Precision ammunition.
The GSSF, an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), continues to pioneer this simple, yet action-packed shooting sport to local pistol shooters by organising such matches on a regular basis.
Prize winners are seen in the photo below.
Competitors pose with the Range Master on the magnificent GDF Range, after a safe match. (pic below)
