Frantic action on the 300m mound as the Lee Enfield .303 – a bolt-action rifle – is put through its paces. Firers had to shoot 10 scoring rounds in 50 seconds. Photo by Sgt Brian Hartigan

Shooters gather for Remembrance

By Sgt Brian Hartigan
WHILE the Poms were being roundly thrashed in the first test in Brisbane, Lee Enfield and more than 30 of his best mates ventured out in Canberra’s sun to send a few .303 projectiles down range and to remember those who didn’t come home.

While most Aussies might hang their heads for a minute’s silence, or buy a poppy from the lady that sells everything from daffodils to bandanas, Canberra District Army Rifle Association (CDARA) and guests could think of nothing more apt or poignant than to dust off the old rifles – some of which had seen action in their prime – and remind the hills, it’s Remembrance Day again.

Each year, CDARA gathers at MacIntosh Range in Canberra on the closest Sunday to Remembrance Day to catch up with old mates and new, bonded by a love of shooting and a keen sense of the true origins of the importance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Falling on one of the hottest days of the young summer, this year's attendance figures were down on previous years for mainly practical reasons.

Soaring temperatures, a total fire ban in the ACT and roads to Sydney cut by early-season bushfires conspired to keep many would-be shooters away.

Nonetheless, keen souls from as far afield as Junee, Wodonga and Sydney made the trip to what has become a landmark event on every keen shooter’s calendar.

This year’s accolades went west with Junee shooter Bruce Dowdell taking first in the 300m deliberate practice as well as the grand aggregate.

The CDARA Remembrance Day .303 Shoot is decided over three serials – two sighters and 10 rounds to score at deliberate, rapid and snap - all from the 300m mound (50 seconds being allocated for rapid practice because of the bolt action of the Lee Enfield).