GSSF STEEL CHALLENGE MATCH BOOMING WITH QUEENSWAY SPONSORSHIP

The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation hosted yet another Steel Challenge Shooting Match sponsored by Queensway on Saturday 29^th August, 2015 at the GDF Timehri Range. In spite of 40 minutes being lost to heavy rainfall, the entire match was completed safely. Shooters on hand deemed it a fun and successful event which ended in a surreal tropical sunset.

The local pistol shooters competed in two SCSA Divisions: Wildcat and Limited. Queensway trophies were up for grabs to the top three shooters overall in each division. Wildcat Division consisted of competitors using .32ACP and lower calibres whereas those in the Limited Division shot 9mm or higher calibre hand guns. The match consisted of three sanctioned S.C.S.A. stages (Pendulum, Showdown and Accelerator) with the action being monitored by the Foundation’s Range Safety Officers.

In his opening remarks, Match Director, Captain Roul Bhudu welcomed the members who came out to take part in the Tier 1 Match and encouraged shooters to have fun and to keep safety as their number one priority while vying for the incentive of leaving with one of the beautiful trophies donated by Queensway. He then wasted no time in declaring the Match open. Range Master for the event Mr. Michael Blake reviewed the safety requirements and introduced Range Officer Mr. David Dharry. Shooters were then placed into two squads and shortly after gunshots were only interrupted by the pinging of the plates as they were being hit.

"Showdown" saw two rectangle targets located some 25 yards away and the smaller plates at a closer 10 yards while the stop plate was set at 12 yards. However this stage was seen as tricky to tackle since there was a requirement to shoot at least 2 strings from one shooting location or box and then alternating to another box for the next two strings. This ultimately changed the angles and target presentation. The competitors then had to choose from either box where they would shoot their final string. Many competitors deliberated over their ‘better side’ to avoid prematurely hitting the tricky stop plate located in the center of the array.

"Accelerator" caused both the shooter’s trigger finger to press rapidly, their heart-beat to accelerate and ultimately saw the most ammo being used as they strove to hit the plates in short times. Some enlisted the services of a technique coined the “spray and pray” which was only truly mastered by one of the shooters present.

"Pendulum" saw the four furthest targets set at 18 yards and the stop plate enticingly located at a close 10 yards from the shooting box. This caused some excitement as seasoned shooters in their rush to get fast scores repeatedly shot and miss the stop plate thus forcing them to take follow up shots to stop the clock as your time is ultimately your score, with the total of the best 4 strings of 5 being used for score.

Leading overall with just over a minute of shooting for the afternoon was un-defeated local Steel Challenge Shooter, Mr. Ryan McKinnon. Second place was locked by Mr. Ray Beharry who was just about four seconds faster than third placed Mr. Joseph Chin all in the Limited Division. In the Wildcat Division, Ms. Tracy Vieira dominated over Mr. Jagmohan Bassoo.

At the end of the Main Match there was a fun Side Match dubbed a ‘Balloon Challenge’ which tested the accuracy of those who signed up. The Range was then transformed into a festive and colorful spectacle with the addition of several bright red balloons atop posts placed downrange. The first shooting line was placed at 15 meters and participants were given 15 seconds to aim and fire once at a chosen balloon. Shooters who missed were immediately eliminated while those hitting were promoted to the next sudden death round: the shooting line was also moved to create further distance after every round. At the end of four rounds two shooters made it to the finals, GSSF President Ms. Vidushi Persaud and experienced Member Mr. Andrew Phang. With the shooting line set at approximately 30 meters the two shooters assembled with pistols in hand and made ready. Both shots broke at about the same instance and it was Phang who emerged victor over Persaud.

Phang was thus crowned Champion of the Balloons and was presented with an immaculate and unique trophy sponsored by Queensway.

In closing, Match Director Bhudu expressed sincere thanks to Mr. Mohamed Qualander of Queensway for the sponsorship of the Match and for making Armscor ammunition available for the match.

The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation wishes to thank the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, GPF Commissioner Persaud, GPF Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, GPF Commander Hicken, GPF OC TSU Superintendent Dehnert, Asst. Superintendent Mr. Todd, GPF Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU.

As an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the GSSF has been organising matches following their strict safety policies. This simple, yet action-packed shooting sport attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country on a regular basis. More information can be found on the GSSF website www.GuyanaSportShooting.com

In photos below:

1. Group picture of Queensway sponsored Steel Challenge Tier 1 Match. In centre, sponsor Mr. Mohamed Qualander flanked by other shooters.
2. Winner of the Balloon Challenge, Mr. Andrew Phang receiving his Trophy.