Bisley Shooting Experience

On two Fridays in June Surrey branch members got to enjoy a unique experience of firing a collection of First World War rifles at the historic Bisley ranges in Surrey, home of the National Rifle Association since 1890. As a result of the high level of interest and with a maximum of 15 participants per day, it was arranged to have two separate visits following the same format. Both trips started with a visit to the fascinating NRA museum on site, containing 150 years of competition rifles and trophies. This was followed by a tour around Bisley’s extensive grounds, with its impressive collection of colonial era buildings. 

After lunch it was time to get down to the main purpose of our visit. In deference to our inexperience we were on the 100-yard range. Most people started with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle that was the main firearm of the British and Commonwealth armed forces during the First World War. Firing two five round clips, many were aware of the significant weight of this weapon, but what surprised most of us was the strength of the recoil, even when firing from a seated position. 

The group then had a choice of other weapons to shoot. The first option was a Canadian Ross rifle which was highly rated for target shooting, though it had a reputation for jamming and thus unsuitable for use in wartime conditions. An alternative was the standard German Gewehr 98, the main German service rifle which was found to have an even heavier recoil than the SMLE or Ross. There was also a Mauser sniper's rifle and a silenced de Lisle carbine from the Second World War to try. For a comparison there was then the opportunity to fire a modern .223 rifle. With a lighter recoil and a telescopic sight it was no surprise that the accuracy of everyone’s shooting improved dramatically. 

We all came away with a much greater appreciation of the challenge of firing First World War rifles and respect for the men that did so. A big thank you to branch members Roger Learney, Graeme and Jane Cole for organising, managing, coaching and even providing the rifles themselves to create a highly enjoyable day and a fine example of the value of hands-on experience . All in all it was a Grand Day Out.

Alan Leakey, Branch Chairman