Maintenance - VSR

Currently there are some preventive maintenance works being carried out to VSR range areas.
The Clay pigeon pit concrete is being fixed and repainted. This also includes fixing the venting to the clay rooms underground.

I would like to thank members Mr. David Giardina and Mr.Kris Debattista for the voluntary work they have done so far. I urge that next Saturday 6th December more members join to complete this preventive work.

Shooters are reminded not to place any targets on the clay area or before the clay area. The furthest edge of the clay room is aprox 18m from the firing area. If targets need to be placed between 10 and 18 meters please set this on the grass areas on the side of the clay room.

Let us care about things we make use off - Thanks for your co-operation.

MAAC - APDS introduction course.

MAAC would like to thank all those numerous members and non members who showed interest in the Air Pistol Dynamic Shooting Introduction Course held today at the Victoria Shooter Range. The course gave an introduction and a preview of what is to be expected in APDS. The Shooters were introduced to basic equipment, rules of APDS and of MAAC Plans how to start-up the event in 2009. The course is not obligatory to start APDS how ever we suggest that anyone who missed it to contact us a.s.a.p.



As from next week MAAC will set up 2 qualifier stages at VSR for the convenience of those members and non members who wish to start practicing the qualification stages. The APDS qualifier stage and desorption will be posted in this web site tomorrow ( 1st December 2008) so that each and every member can start working on the required drills to pass the qualifier. In the mean time you can already download the complete APDS rule book.

For the time being the qualifiers will be shot on steel targets then around end of January 2009 we will start with our first qualifier test, followed by training stages for one to start practicing and getting familiar to the game. Later, on the 21st June 2009 we will have our 1st APDS competitive event. Thus if you start now, by June you will have gained substential knowlage about APDS.

NOTE : Before an member or non member can participate in APDS competitions or training stages he/she must pass the qualifier stage.

You can download the complete set of APDS rules : LINK
You can download the qualifier sheet and layout : LINK
(Note these and other MAAC documents can be downloaded from MAAC Downloads page directly)

For the time being concentrate on the qualifier training. If any member or non member wishes more information please do not hesitate to contact me directly or other members of MAAC. I would like also to thank Mr. Steve Farrugia for his input and excellent demonstration of the APDS qualifiers a VSR today. I would also like to thank Mr. Mark Cassar for his input to APDS who unfortunately due to Range Officer duty at Safi for AACTS today could not attend.

Regards
Stanley Shaw

UKAHFT Approves ammended rules for Malta.

MAAC as you all know will conduct its first HFT ever on Sunday 14th December 2008.
This will be conducted with the rules that were put together by MAAC for that event.
However with the affiliation of MAAC with UKAHFT it is important that the rules that will be used on the 14th December 2008 will be scrapped after the event.

It is important to start utilizing the UKAHFT rules. As you all know enough in the UK a 12 ftlb air rifle is the limit one can purchase without requiring an FAC license. However in Malta the situation is different since we need a license whatever is the power of the air gun. Thus if we had to follow 100% the rules their will be only few persons who can take part in HFT. We wanted to inform UKAHFT about this and we want to stick to their rules as much as possible so that we start on the right foot.

For this reason the UKAHFT rule book was emended to customise it for Malta. A copy of the customised rule book was sent to UKAHFT Mr. Pete Dutton. Mr. Pete Dutton and Mr.Pete Sparkes approved our custom version that will be used in Malta. Thus we have now published the rule book for all of you to download and study :) .

These rules will come into effect in 2009. For the time being there are no planned dates for HFT but definitley we will include at least 3 competitions spread trough out the year.
So what are you waiting for

DOWNLOAD MAAC-HFT RULES 2009 NOW!!

MAAC recieves a new set of Bench Rest benches.

MAAC receives a new set of 4 BR standard specifications. We would like to thank members Mr. Charlie Caruana and Mr.Rene Scorfna for their effort to get these benches ready in a very short time. The benches now has to be treated for weathering and will be used in our final BR competitions on the 21st Devember 2008.

MAAC Affiliates with UKAHFT !!!

Good news for all MAAC member who love Field Target Shooting with a difference.
Today 25th November 2008 the Malta Allied Airgunners Club affiliates with UKAHFT.
More information about HFT rules, equipment and international events planned for 2009 will be posted later on...keep in touch!

MAAC Air Pisto Steel Plate Video Link.

MAAC goes on You Tube with a video presentation of the MAAC Steel Plate Challenge. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS1o05njbY

NEW Benchrest Forum - Participate and share ideas.

There is a new rimfire and air rifle benchrest forum just starting up at; http://benchrestdirectory.forumup.co.uk/

NEXT SUNDAY = 23rd Nov 2008 - Steel Plate Challange.

Despite the weather report for next Sunday
Wind NW8 > NW4
15 deg
30% Rain Early Showers.

The Steel Plate Challenge is on.
Bring your rain jackets and the mud boots !
We are going down the pits 99%.

See you on sunday.
Maybe it changes last minute :).

Special Competition - Sunday 14th December 2008

On special request MAAC will be setting up an additional competition for 2008. This was not in our original planning for 2008. This special event will be dedicated to Spring and Gas Ram Air Rifles Only. The suggestion was an FT event for Spring air rifles. However we want to give you a different challenge. Thus instead of the usual FT set up I decided to have an HFT (Hunter Field Target) set up. The rules are those from HFT except the scoring in HFT, knocking the target scores 2 points, hitting the face plate scores 1 point and missing scores 0. We have discussed before a score on a face plate and there was disagreement about it. So in our HFT knocking down the target scores 1 point . Hitting the face plate or missing the target scores 0. Later on there will be official rules for MAAC HFT as these will need to be officialized and fine tuned by the MAAC Airgun Sports Commission. Below are the rules for the event that will be taking place on the 14th December 2008. The competition is open to all Target Shooters - B license holders. Shooters must register their entry before 8.00am. The competition starts at 8.30am.

NOTE: Please read these rules.

See you at the event.

MAAC HFT Rules.

Hunter Field Target style has become increasingly popular over the last few years. The Rules and course are such that High tech and expensive Equipment Does not offer Advantages. This levels the playing field for basic spring guns of any caliber and low fixed magnification scopes. Also the Ranges used are a normally a lot shorter than FT.

1. Basic outline of the Rules.

1.1 NO Scope adjustment AT ALL whilst shooting the Competition

This means you have to set your Magnification and Parallax Distance before you take your first shot. This doesn't exclude any scope at all but does force the use of low magnification. 10x is about the maximum that is of any use, and 3x, 4x & 6x are popular. Fixing of magnification & parallax is allowed before the start. Also means that no range finding can be done other that bracketing or by eye. So expensive high magnification scopes are not an advantage but you can use them.

1.2 Only Spring Air Rifles and Gas Rams are allowed in this activity.

1.3 NO ADDONS.

No bipods, or add on's to the stock to increase depth are allowed to be used (Custom Stocks are allowed). The Field Target bean bag is only allowed to support the body if needed (i.e. no using as a sand bag for prone shots).

1.4 Firing point is a lane number post that can be in the ground or fixed to an object (for example a Tree).

The Post must be touched by some part of the body/Rifle as the shot is taken. Any position is allowed including resting the Rifle/body on anything available with in reach and sitting on logs etc is allowed.

1.5 Targets are Normal Field Targets fall when Hit with 40mm hit Zones

These will be placed at any distance from 10 meters to a maximum Distance must not exceed 40m and each target can be obscured by 50%. Scoring is 1 point for a knocking down the target, hitting the metal face plate or missing the target scores 0. The course has 30 shots distributed on 10 lanes where each target is shot three times from 3 different positions in succession with one shot per target. Targets can be on flats, depressions and elevations (such as on tree tops).

1.6 All other MAAC safety rules and range procedures apply as for MAAC FT.

1.7 Rifle Class and Handicap Points.

Not applicable this special event is for spring and gas rams only.

2. HFT activity procedure,

2.1 The shooters must register within the allocated time.

2.2 Each pair of shooters are given a number and a score sheet each.

2.3 HFT is not designed like FT. The course layout is not a static one. The Shooters will be grouped in pairs and they will walk the course called the shooting area. During their walk the air rifle must NOT be loaded with a magazine nor pellets, and the rifle must be on safe. Gun handling is of great importance. The course is separated by a marker tape from the visitor area.

2.4 The rifles are inspected by a Range Officer prior to leaving the shooting area and can be inspected at any point during the course. If the rifle is loaded with magazine or pellets during the walk or while waiting until it is time for the shooter to shoot his round the shooter and his buddy disqualified for the infringement. This also applies if the Range Officer notices that the locking tape on the focus rings or magnification rings has been tampered with.

2.5 The Range Officer will send the buddy groups at different intervals. As a standard the Range Officer will send the 2^nd buddy group once the 1^st buddy group reaches the 2^nd Lane and so on.

2.6 Along the course the buddy group will encounter the lane markers numbered from 1 till 10. When they find a marker one shooter attempts to shoot the target for 3 times with a different position for each shot according to his or her preference. The buddy shooter will mark the score sheet with a hit or miss. Then the second shooter will attempt the same targets with the same conditions while the other shooter marks his score.

2.7 A shot taken unloaded is a shot taken and scores 0.

2.8 Once the shooters complete their lane, then they proceed to the next marker until they finish the course. When they finish the course they hand over their score sheet to the Official Counting Marshal and show locks on focus ring and magnification ring integrity to the Range Officer.

3. Special notes for HFT.

3.1 As you can see from HFT regulation the competitors are not constantly supervised by Range Conducting Officer (RCO) or a Safety Officer (SO) or a Counting Marshal (CM). The shooters themselves must act as a RCO, SO and CM to each other.

3.2 Official RCO,SO and CM will be supervising the course at a distance and with spot checks if necessary. If any infringement is reported disqualification will be applied to the pair of shooters.

3.3 The RCO and SO can inspect the air rifle at any point in the course for loaded pellets, magazines loaded during the walk etc. RSO, SO and CM can also note and disqualify one or both shooters for infringement of the Basic rules and gun handling rules. The RCO decision is final if there are disputes.

3.4 Shooter with slings must carry the air rifle pointing to the ground. Shooter without slings may carry the rifle pointing to the ground. Break barrel shooter can carry the rifles with open barrel. All rifles must be unload from pellets or magazines until on the lane ready to shoot.

3.5 Bi-Pods cannot be used open at any point of the course.

3.6 The shooting positions are sitting, kneeling, standing and prone. The same conditions apply as for FT.

3.7 The kneeling position must be a 3 pointer.

3.8 The sitting position can be even on a bolder or anything available in the area but the back cannot be supported.

3.9 A bean bag and or mat can be used and carried by the buddy group during the course.

3.10 The course is out door and will take effect in all types of weather, basically as the name apply it simulates hunting.

4. HFT Regulations.

4.1 MAAC has the right to change or modify MAAC HFT rules without prior notice.

4.2 MAAC HFT Regulations is property of MAAC.

4.3 MAAC HFT falls under the direction of the MAAC ARFT Rep and the Sports Commission.

MAAC

Malta Allied Airgunners Club

P.O. Box 38

Naxxar

AIR RIFLE BENCH REST - 21ST DECEMBER 2008

Clarification - Date for Air Pistol Steel Plate Challenge. Sunday 23rd November 2008

It has been brought to our attention that there was a mistake in the date of the Air Pistol Steel Plate Challenge.

The date was shown Sunday 22nd November 2008.
The date had to be Sunday 23rd November 2008.
Posters has been corrected and also the announcement.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Air Pistol Dynamic Shooting Rules V1.1 2008 Published,

MAAC has published the complete rule book for the new Air Pistol activity which will be kicking off as from 2009. This is Air Pistol Dynamic Shooting.

The rules can be found in the Air Pistol Practical Shooting link from the main page or simply click on the link below.

Air Pistol Dynamic Shooting Rules V1.1 2008 & APDS Qualifier Sheet.

Do not forget that an APDS introduction course will be held at the Victoria Shooters Range on Sunday 30th November 2009. We will start between 8.30 - 9.00 am. The course is Free of Charge and open to all Target Shooter B ( air gun ) license holders and MAAC members.

See you .

Air Pistol Steel Plate Challenge 23/11/2008

Stages for the 23rd November Steel Plate.

MAAC Projects.

The MAAC Sports commission is working on several projects.
All MAAC club members will benefit from these project - hopefully from this year.

The projects are the following.

a. The construction of 4 X new Bench Rest Benches. (Work to start a.s.a.p).

b. The construction of 8 X Field Target Heavy Duty Practice metal spinners that will be permanently set up in the range. (Design Stage - project will start soon as target design finalized).

c. Purchasing of electronic action pistol timers and stop plates that will automatically stop your time on the last hit to be used in Steel Plate and Air Pistol Dynamic Shooting. ( We are awaiting the first of 3 units from Germany next week - 2 more units will be purchases later).

All of this is possible because of your support.
And the dedication of the Sports Commission members.
THANKS !