Over the past 6 weeks, we’ve been instructing 17 of our members to become proficient in the sport of air rifle target shooting with the NSRA Youth Proficiency Scheme.
The course concluded with an exam, in which a minimum of 70% must be attained before progressing to the shooting part of the test.
The “Shoot off” consisted of a practice card upon which as many “sighting” shots could be fired in a limited time period, in order for the participants to familiarise themselves with the rifle they had been allocated. Thereafter, a further 4 cards were issued where 5 pellets were shot at each.
In order to grade the participant’s capability, the NSRA created the following grade bands.
50 – 109 – Skilled Shot
110 – 149 – Marksman
150 – 174 – Expert Shot
175+ Master Shot
The level of competence from our members increases each time we run this course and this year every attendee passed with flying colours with 7 Skilled Shots, 7 Marksmen, 2 Expert Shots and 1 Master shot. A special mention to Jessica Boreham & Henry McCarron for attaining the ‘Expert shot’ and to elder brother George for attaining ‘Master Shot’ – The highest possible grade within the NSRA’s YPS scheme and only the 2nd one the 5th Dartford Scout Group has been awarded. Thankfully, all three of these Scouters and nine of the others attendees will be representing Dartford at this year’s National Scout’s Rifle Target Shooting Competition at NSRA Bisley next weekend.
