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Shot AGL on Friday. Weather was perfect. Course for me slightly on the hard side. Quite quiet but I was there at 1.30pm so the morning may have been busier.

I dropped a few through Friday tiredness and then a couple on the sim stand (8 I think) trying them the other way round.

Happy with a 6 on the grouse butt - always a hard stand - but then a six on the tight stand that followed which was disappointing.

Overall 83 which given I am still a B was Ok. It will be A for me next issue with the aim of being 80+ average by the end of the year. It's been hard work.
 
100 sporting for me today (for a change).
Scored an 86 which I think is my highest yet. It actually felt like a slow start so I was surprised by the final score. As usual, quite a few clays that should not have been missed but that’s the way it goes.
 
I shot the Pro One Challenge at Barbury Shooting School yesterday.

This was the second year in a row that I've shot the event and I enjoyed it just as much this year as last year. There is a good selection of target types, distances, speeds and angles and very little in the way of repetition. There is only so much they can do on what Is relatively flat and featureless land after all. Only one breakdown over 15 stands and what must be 50+ traps with the super sporting stands is good going and a credit to the ground.

I was quite pleased but disappointed that there was only 3 targets that I couldn't find being the angled down looper from the tower behind the club house out on the field, a crosser from the tower on the first super sporting layout in the deer park and the out there bird on the last super sporting layout. Very frustrating to have over led the first two of the aforementioned targets but not having the nous to change and wind back a bit on the lead during the heat of the moment. The last bird on the final super sporting layout is definitely there to sort overall 1st - 3rd places. It's very far out, starts fast but fades rapidly, at no point during its travel from the trap to the ground is it going in a straight line and was affected by the wind differing for all 6 people in our squad.

Not a massive fan of this years Hull Cartridge hat and preferred the all blue design.

I finished on 97/120 which beats last years score of 70 something of 120 by a considerable margin. The 97 initially left me joint 3rd in B class but upon completion of the first day I was joint 5th with a handful of others. I'd be pleased if I was still in the top 10 after the four days of shooting has concluded but there are a lot of good shooters out there and high B class to low AA class territory is very competitive with some big names finishing with a lower than expected score.

The day one high gun In B class was a 106/120 which is up there amongst the superstar shooters with GD on 110/120. A little disappointing that the B class high gun is actually a previous A class ESP, current A class FITASC and AA in all round, skeet, super sporting and sportrap. Though that says more about the poor way classifications are organised by the CPSA than anything else. I would feel a little cheated if I was one of the B class shooters who put in a genuine 100-102/120 score and was potentially pushed out of the prizes by someone who should really be A class.
 
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I shot the Pro One Challenge at Barbury Shooting School yesterday.

This was the second year in a row that I've shot the event and I enjoyed it just as much this year as last year. There is a good selection of target types, distances, speeds and angles and very little in the way of repetition. There is only so much they can do on what Is relatively flat and featureless land after all. Only one breakdown over 15 stands and what must be 50+ traps with the super sporting stands is good going and a credit to the ground.

I was quite pleased but disappointed that there was only 3 targets that I couldn't find being the angled down looper from the tower behind the club house out on the field, a crosser from the tower on the first super sporting layout in the deer park and the out there bird on the last super sporting layout. Very frustrating to have over led the first two of the aforementioned targets but not having the nous to change and wind back a bit on the lead during the heat of the moment. The last bird on the final super sporting layout is definitely there to sort overall 1st - 3rd places. It's very far out, starts fast but fades rapidly, at no point during its travel from the trap to the ground is it going in a straight line and was affected by the wind differing for all 6 people in our squad.

Not a massive fan of this years Hull Cartridge hat and preferred the all blue design.

I finished on 97/120 which beats last years score of 70 something of 120 by a considerable margin. The 97 initially left me joint 3rd in B class but upon completion of the first day I was joint 5th with a handful of others. I'd be pleased if I was still in the top 10 after the four days of shooting has concluded but there are a lot of good shooters out there and high B class to low AA class territory is very competitive with some big names finishing with a lower than expected score.

The day one high gun In B class was a 106/120 which is up there amongst the superstar shooters with GD on 110/120. A little disappointing that the B class high gun is actually a previous A class ESP, current A class FITASC and AA in all round, skeet, super sporting and sportrap. Though that says more about the poor way classifications are organised by the CPSA than anything else. I would feel a little cheated if I was one of the B class shooters who put in a genuine 100-102/120 score and was potentially pushed out of the prizes by someone who should really be A class.
Just replying to the score part.

It’s tough, because in C class you’ve got someone on 99, B class is 106, and in A it’s 111, with the scores being very high in A class across the board.

Having shot 110 in AAA I was happy enough, but I dropped some early, but the majority of A class is on my case! 😂

Well done on your big improvement, it was a personal best at the pro one for me as wel!
 
Just replying to the score part.

It’s tough, because in C class you’ve got someone on 99, B class is 106, and in A it’s 111, with the scores being very high in A class across the board.

Having shot 110 in AAA I was happy enough, but I dropped some early, but the majority of A class is on my case! 😂

Well done on your big improvement, it was a personal best at the pro one for me as wel!
Thanks Max.

I don't shoot to win prizes and my goals are set more around continuous improvement rather than class wins and the vast majority of my registered are targets only. As long as I'm seeing an upward trend in my overall average then I'm happy.

The cynic in me thinks that the class system is quite flawed and easily manipulated by those who focus on class wins.

I do follow your Instagram and it's quite encouraging that you post your bad days as well as your good days. It's good to see that even the AAAs have days that aren't as good as usual.
 
Thanks Max.

I don't shoot to win prizes and my goals are set more around continuous improvement rather than class wins and the vast majority of my registered are targets only. As long as I'm seeing an upward trend in my overall average then I'm happy.

The cynic in me thinks that the class system is quite flawed and easily manipulated by those who focus on class wins.

I do follow your Instagram and it's quite encouraging that you post your bad days as well as your good days. It's good to see that even the AAAs have days that aren't as good as it’s prinan

Thanks Max.

I don't shoot to win prizes and my goals are set more around continuous improvement rather than class wins and the vast majority of my registered are targets only. As long as I'm seeing an upward trend in my overall average then I'm happy.

The cynic in me thinks that the class system is quite flawed and easily manipulated by those who focus on class wins.

I do follow your Instagram and it's quite encouraging that you post your bad days as well as your good days. It's good to see that even the AAAs have days that aren't as good as usual.
It’s probably the best way of go about it. Whilst I’ve shot to a reasonable level over the years, it’s only this year that it’s translated to the bigger stuff and as long as I’m going forward and not backwards then I’m happy, I can’t expect miracles.

They’ve got a tremendous amount of people going through, it’s heading towards Essex Masters territory, so it’s probably hard to get the difficulty level quite right.

I thought certain elements were a tad softer this year, but you’ve also got to get it right with the weather, so I think Barbury have got it right!
 
We shot the Pro One at Barbury on Thursday. Nightmare from the off, due to start shooting at 1 so arranged to get there for 11.30/12 for coffee etc. normally a 1.5 - 2 hour journey, left home just before 9.15 ish and coming down the A21 to get on M25 J5 we heard it was closed so ended up going down A25 where of course everyone else had decided to go. It took us just shy of 4 hours to get to Barbury in the pouring rain and we got there with 2 minutes to spare! Needless to say not a good start!

Straightened stand 1 in the dry then the rain came and just didn’t stop. My only bad stand was 3, apart from that nothing too bad but was so stressed and rushed I just couldn’t get going properly. Was pleased to get a 7/8 on last stand, I hate those quick fast close targets but have been working on them. Finished the course at 4.15 then heard the cafe was closed! Left there at 4.30 and got indoors at 7.30 very tired and hungry!
 
Everyone`s `mare ! You`re never going to have a good shoot after that journey.
We have nothing local to us anymore I’m afraid so we have to travel to shoot now. Owls, EJC or Barbury are our closest “decent” grounds and there are 50 mph restrictions on M25 5-6, J10 then on the M3 and two lots on M4! Even allowing for that you can’t allow for accidents and closures on the day. Just drains you and you can’t enjoy the shoot.
 
Looking at 2.5hrs drive to a shoot in the morning ,hoping for a clear run !!!!
Regular ground is a big hour away but I normally go via A and B roads to avoid getting trapped on the motorway which is slower but less of a worry.
 
I shot the Pro One Challenge at Barbury Shooting School yesterday.

This was the second year in a row that I've shot the event and I enjoyed it just as much this year as last year. There is a good selection of target types, distances, speeds and angles and very little in the way of repetition. There is only so much they can do on what Is relatively flat and featureless land after all. Only one breakdown over 15 stands and what must be 50+ traps with the super sporting stands is good going and a credit to the ground.

I was quite pleased but disappointed that there was only 3 targets that I couldn't find being the angled down looper from the tower behind the club house out on the field, a crosser from the tower on the first super sporting layout in the deer park and the out there bird on the last super sporting layout. Very frustrating to have over led the first two of the aforementioned targets but not having the nous to change and wind back a bit on the lead during the heat of the moment. The last bird on the final super sporting layout is definitely there to sort overall 1st - 3rd places. It's very far out, starts fast but fades rapidly, at no point during its travel from the trap to the ground is it going in a straight line and was affected by the wind differing for all 6 people in our squad.

Not a massive fan of this years Hull Cartridge hat and preferred the all blue design.

I finished on 97/120 which beats last years score of 70 something of 120 by a considerable margin. The 97 initially left me joint 3rd in B class but upon completion of the first day I was joint 5th with a handful of others. I'd be pleased if I was still in the top 10 after the four days of shooting has concluded but there are a lot of good shooters out there and high B class to low AA class territory is very competitive with some big names finishing with a lower than expected score.

The day one high gun In B class was a 106/120 which is up there amongst the superstar shooters with GD on 110/120. A little disappointing that the B class high gun is actually a previous A class ESP, current A class FITASC and AA in all round, skeet, super sporting and sportrap. Though that says more about the poor way classifications are organised by the CPSA than anything else. I would feel a little cheated if I was one of the B class shooters who put in a genuine 100-102/120 score and was potentially pushed out of the prizes by someone who should really be A class.
First of all well done you on the improvement, I will though mention that I think you are being harsh on the chap that's leading B class (106ex120 = 88%), I will confess to taking peek at his stats and it very much looks like he has not shot most of those disciplines very much at all, the English Sporting B average comes from shooting 1500+ targets in the applicable classification period, yes he's just under, but under the A band, it happens, there are a lot of shots that borderline flit between B/A and A/AA and AA/AAA its the nature of the numbers/average beast. He's a fair shot that's had a blinding day, with that many going through that's going to happen, in every class.
 
I shot it yesterday and thought it was an excellent shoot with a perfect balance of targets including variety and enough hittable clays to keep most people happy.
For me I shot well in B class 100/120, missed a couple through flinches which cost me dearly and should have done better on the rabbit with bales stand 4/8 and the downhill clay and r-l low crosser 4/8.
The problem with B class is you can have AA/A class shooters now in B on their way down who have a good day and others on their way up to AA/A who have a good day.
 
First of all well done you on the improvement, I will though mention that I think you are being harsh on the chap that's leading B class (106ex120 = 88%), I will confess to taking peek at his stats and it very much looks like he has not shot most of those disciplines very much at all, the English Sporting B average comes from shooting 1500+ targets in the applicable classification period, yes he's just under, but under the A band, it happens, there are a lot of shots that borderline flit between B/A and A/AA and AA/AAA its the nature of the numbers/average beast. He's a fair shot that's had a blinding day, with that many going through that's going to happen, in every class.
So. Playing devil's advocate here. Are you seriously telling me that there are 2 persons, with exactly the same very unusual name. One running an English cpsa number and one a Welsh number. The Welsh number putting him firmly in AAA.

Regardless of how many targets , I'm a strong believer that if you've shot a AAA score you should be promoted to that class on " known ability ".

That would stop the bagging straight off the bat.
 
So. Playing devil's advocate here. Are you seriously telling me that there are 2 persons, with exactly the same very unusual name. One running an English cpsa number and one a Welsh number. The Welsh number putting him firmly in AAA.

Regardless of how many targets , I'm a strong believer that if you've shot a AAA score you should be promoted to that class on " known ability ".

That would stop the bagging straight off the bat.
I, and to be frank not too sure many others would know or be aware of anything about this, if the chap is, and as you say its highly he is one and the same then its not a good look.
Thank you for correcting me, I may be a bit too much of a soft touch with these other / multi membership types
 
Just put him in on cpsa. Shows two numbers. As I said it's not clear if it's the same chap but it is an usual name to be dead on the same. Happy to be corrected.
 
And while we're discussing this sort of thing. If you previously had an English cpsa number. Why all of a sudden would you turn up with a Scottish cpsa number? Honest question. Happy to be enlightened.
 
And while we're discussing this sort of thing. If you previously had an English cpsa number. Why all of a sudden would you turn up with a Scottish cpsa number? Honest question. Happy to be enlightened.
In one case where that's happened I know it's because the individual had a beef with the CPSA, so they joined the Scottish one instead. Still get their scores recorded etc, but don't have to give any money to an organisation that they have no faith in.

I can understand that. All sporting governing bodies are cliquey as hell and if you're not part of the favoured group then it can lead to issues. Not just shooting, Will Carling got in trouble years ago describing the RFU as 57 old farts.
 
I totally get why someone might 'fall out' with the CPSA - having done part of my Level 1 coaching it's a very prescriptive organisation in terms of getting 'in' and on within it. It's fine if you just shoot. Having said that if you do go elsewhere why not shoot 'birds only' until your class & average reflects your ability. That should only take 6 months or so.

Last issue I missed 'A' last cut off by 0.13% - I have had a successful run over the last 3 months and will get into A this time. I have won a bit in those 3 months - perhaps £150. I do find my scores swing - managed a 104/120 at the Lydale Express and then recently a poor 70/100. My problem appears to be shooting Sunday after being out on Saturday night however, and nothing to do with the CPSA, multiple registrations, or trying to win anything. Some 'B' shooters can have a good day.

Over time I have put more into the competitions than I have won.

On the point of winning - My daughter & I have kept our winnings for a rainy day. I think they equate to 2% of the money spent on shooting over the last 18 months. When we spend it, it will be an emotional moment !!!!.
 
In one case where that's happened I know it's because the individual had a beef with the CPSA, so they joined the Scottish one instead. Still get their scores recorded etc, but don't have to give any money to an organisation that they have no faith in.

I can understand that. All sporting governing bodies are cliquey as hell and if you're not part of the favoured group then it can lead to issues. Not just shooting, Will Carling got in trouble years ago describing the RFU as 57 old farts.
Ok all that accepted . Thanks.
So another question. Why would all your previous scores not be carried over to your nice shiney new Scottish number.????
And surely , in the interests of fairness , you would want them to be.
I'm guessing the Scottish don't have the facility to do this. But none the less provides a good opportunity to wipe the slate clean for whatever reason.
 
Join The Scottish , wipe your slate clean , start off unclassified , win some cash prizes and stop true novices taking home what they deserve, must make you feel very satisfied .IF YOU HAVEN'T GOT A CONSCIENCE.
 

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