Upgraded Mounds at Bendigo

[Barry Davies]

Shot on the recently upgraded mounds at Bendigo today and give them the thumbs up. The artificial grass, all-be-it second hand, is ideal, and a vast improvement on what was there before.
Still needs a little tidying up in places but it's only been just done and will " settle in " with use.
Contrary to some stories going round that the new mounds are too flat, we did not find them unduly so.
Well done VRA.
Barry

[RAVEN]

Got pictures Barry?
RB

[Barry Davies]

No, Sorry.
Barry

[bartman007]

Hi Barry,

Great news on the new surface!

Just a quick question about the surface, I assume spikes are a NO NO?

I for one, will have to create a new rear plate that doesn't have spikes, however I still have a weekend to make one. There will be a few other shooters in my boat too. Better get working on it!

From what I saw at the team practice a few weeks ago, it looks to be synthetic grass like that used on Tennis courts. Filled with sand to give it some body.

Might be worth taking a light towel to keep the sand out of the action?

Cheers.

[Barry Davies]

G'day Mike.
Yes I guess the VRA would not be happy with spikes.
Yes, plenty of sand which in places requires a scraping, not too bad though, at least it won't create dust and the kangaroos cannot eat it so they keep off it -- no kangaroo crap or piss.
Barry

[MROFD]

Bartman, I witnessed spikes on a rear board being pressed throught the 1000y mound at last years queens. (F Std)
Seems some will be allowed?

[RAVEN]

Hi Barry have the VRA advised all entrant in the VRA queen that this is the case or are they going to keep it as a surprise

[AlanF]

Hi Barry have the VRA advised all entrant in the VRA queen that this is the case or are they going to keep it as a surprise

Richard,

I was not at last year's Queens, but have shot on the artificial mound at 1000yds prior to that, and spikes which penetrate the surface were definitely not allowed on front or rear rests. However the surface was very even, so at least for "levelling" purposes, no need for spikes. Get a very heavy rear bag and sideways movement shouldn't be a problem on that surface.

And you can rely on this being correct advice. Naturally, if it was an interstate team shoot the advice would be leaning towards "that which is not so"...

Alan

[MROFD]

[Lynn Otto]

Matt this discussion has previously been had and I believe the general consensus and common sense approach was that the surface on which you place your two rests does not constitute a connection between those two rests. If I were the range officer I would not deem it to be so but I could be wrong.

[MROFD]

Firstly, I think this is a great step forward for any range. Congrats to VRA/Bendigo for their upgrade.

I Just wanted to clarify,
If spiked front and rear rests were used on synthetic grass or similar, would this not breach the following rule

20.2.1 A rifle may have one front and one rear rest. A front rest can be attached to the rifle, or be unattached. A rear rest must be unattached. Front and rear rests may not be connected to each other.

[MROFD]

Thanks Lynn, do you know which forum this discussion was had?
Found it Lynn

[johnk]

Further to what Lynn said, were such a determination valid, then the connection of a rest & a bag on an IBS, SSAA or NSBRA bench would constitute a similar connection particularly for those divisions which permit rear rest "machines".

[Barry Davies]

Richard,
I cannot answer your question Re the " surprise " but I agree that the VRA should advise all and sundry ( we have had surprises before )
Common sense would dictate that spikes are not allowed -- I will contact VRA and suggest they get out some sort of advice per VRA web site.
Barry

[Lynn Otto]

Thanks Lynn, do you know which forum this discussion was had?

It was on one of the threads here but I do not recall where, I believe it was probably in the rules section but was a diversion from the original topic so may be hard to find. Maybe someone who was involved in the discussion will remember it.