Metford Trophy & 1,000 yard Championship

Metford Trophy

The Metford Trophy was first contested in 1992. This is, where possible, an aggregate competition fired at 1000, 1100 & 1200 yards. This year, bookings at Bisley for 1100 & 1200 yards were not available. Rather than forgo the competition, it was changed to the aggregate of 15 shots at each distance, 900 & 1000 yards.

Sadly, the weather on Saturday 29 August was atrocious… It was raining when the first detail of the day started, and barely stopped. While the intensity of the rain varied, even when light, it created poor visibility. Oh, and it was windy!

Despite the conditions, three shooters handed in score cards, and they deserve to be congratulated for achieving good results in such poor conditions. Two more shooters started the match but retired due to the adverse weather. Several others elected not to shoot!

1,000 yard Championship

The Branch 1,000 yard Championship was held on Sunday 30 August in dry weather, but with testing wind conditions. Shooters are allocated one detail in the morning and one in the afternoon to complete the 30 shot course of fire.

Link: Metford Trophy & 1,000 yard Championship Results

BC Baker and Asquith Cup Matches

The Barry Custance-Baker Cup (900 yards) match was held at Bisley on the morning of Friday 12 June. Blustery conditions made for some testing shooting with .45 cal percussion muzzle loading target rifles. After the LRR Branch competition, members enjoyed a 500 yard practice session in the afternoon. Branch members competed in the MLAGB 600 yard Rifle Championship on Saturday (13 June). There are separate events for percussion target rifle and Enfield rifle.

Sunday 14 June was the Asquith Cup match for any .577 military percussion rifle. The usual course of fire is 15 shots at 600 yards and 15 shots at 800 yards. This year, however, we were unable to secure an 800 yard booking, so the LRR Committee decided to shoot it entirely at 600 yards.

The day stayed warm, dry and sunny, but scores were lower than expected due to the very variable wind. There were few moments during the day when the range flags were pointing in the same direction and on many occasions they were flying in opposite directions.

After the morning session, Taco van der Vlist comfortably led the field on 32 points with Paul Wolpe following on 23 points. In the afternoon session John Whittaker improved to score 41.2 points followed by Taco on 31.1, giving the overall lead to John by just one V-bull.

We were able to merge the afternoon session into one detail by roping in Helen Whittaker as a scorer. Our thanks go to Helen for agreeing to score, her first experience in the job, and no, she did not score John’s card.

Link: BC Baker Cup & Asquith Cup Results

Volunteer Trophy

The Volunteer Trophy (600 yards) is fired with the .45 cal. muzzle loading military target rifle, fitted with barrel mounted open sights. While the large bore .577 military rifle can also be used, it is generally outclassed by the small-bore rifle. Both originals and reproductions will be seen on the range, of the latter, the Parker-Hale Volunteer and Whitworth rifles are popular choices. 

This style of rifle appeared in the early 1860s, later developing with the addition of tang mounted aperture sights. The half stocked match rifle eventually superseded it. This match is a rare opportunity to compete with the military target rifle in its original form.

Shooters enjoyed generally good weather with just a gentle / moderate wind. Rob Groot made the most of the conditions and had a convincing win. 

Besides the Branch competition, members enjoyed a 600 yard practice and competed in the MLAGB 300 and 1,000 yard Rifle Championships on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Link: Volunteer Trophy Results

Rigby Cup & Whitworth Cup

The closing matches for the year are both 15 shot courses of fire at 600 yards. The bright Saturday morning start was cold with a fresh and changeable wind – not only in strength, but also direction (with some quite significant direction changes from time to time!). The second detail saw a rainy squall come through, also reducing visibility briefly. For the most part though conditions remained bright with the wind being the biggest challenge.

Congratulations to the two match winners, David Minshall (Rigby Cup) and Henrie van Koot (Whitworth Cup). The silver medal in each match went to John Whittaker. Rob Groot took bronze in the Rigby Cup, having tied with John, but being beaten on v-bull count. Taco van der Vlist took bronze in the Whitworth Cup, beating Rob on count back. 

Saturday also saw the Long Range Rifles Annual Dinner and Prize Giving. A most enjoyable evening hosted by the London & Middlesex Rifle Association.

Link: Rigby Cup & Whitworth Cup Results

Metford Trophy (2025)

The Metford Trophy was first competed for in 1992. This is, where possible, an aggregate competition fired at 1000, 1100 & 1200 yards. This year bookings at Bisley for 1100 & 1200 yards were not available to suit the Branch calendar. Rather than forgo the competition it was changed to the aggregate of 15 shots at each distance, 900 & 1000 yards.

Whilst the dry weather was welcomed, conditions were testing! Hot and humid throughout the weekend, the brightening morning of Sunday 24 August saw an increasingly entertaining mirage, albeit with fairly consistent wind. While light cloud cover in the afternoon, reduced the mirage somewhat, the wind became more changeable. All very challenging!

After the 900 yard detail there was a clear lead held by four. The same shooters maintained consistency at 1000 yards, resulting in a win for Alan Beck by just one v-bull, ahead of John Whittaker. Rob Groot and David Minshall jostled for third place, with Rob taking the bronze medal by 2 points.

Members also enjoyed a practice day at 300 & 600 yards on Friday and competed in the MLAGB National 900 & 1000 yard Championships on Saturday.

Link: Metford Trophy Results