Life at the range – Gary Chillingworth

Shooting is a sport built on fun, friendship and competition. Everyone wants to do their best — and sometimes, that little plastic trophy feels priceless.

But travelling the country and staying in hotels isn’t for everyone. Over the next few months, I’ll be looking at local shoots — the heart of club competition — where rivalries run deep and friendships last a lifetime.

A closer look at Springfield HFT Club

Let’s start with Springfield HFT Club. This beautiful venue, nestled between Chelmsford and Epping, runs monthly competitions for HFT, FT and even benchrest.

July’s regular competition was held on the second Saturday — and what a day! The weather was warm, with a tricky breeze and thick humidity that made for tough conditions. A heat haze can be just as challenging as a rainstorm, after all.

Springfield always lays out a great course, with a smart mix of tough and mid-range targets. It’s rarely a high-scoring event. At the July shoot, reigning UKAHFT Champion Ben Bristow took first with 56 points. Top Veteran Ron Whitney scored 53, Kev Turner managed a 47 on sticks, and Darren Bishop shot an impressive 44 points with a springer.

Why local clubs matter

If you’re thinking about getting into competitive shooting, find your local club and give it a go. National events are fantastic, but clubs like Springfield are where most shooters hone their skills and build lasting connections.

For more information, visit springfieldarc.uk

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