The annual BASC .410 World Championships saw high scores in challenging conditions at the Mid Wales Shooting Centre in Powys on 12th September.
The unpredictable Welsh weather provided reasonable shooting conditions but a light blustery wind did play with the occasional target and making it dip or fall unexpectedly, but Tim Smith from Worcestershire took the world title and high gun in the open class with a remarkable 46/50.
The 50 target sporting layout by Arthur and Jonathan Williams provided everything that a sporting shooter would want – a fair and testing layout but all in comfortable shooting range for a .410 shotgun. This was reflected in the scores with a large proportion in the mid to high thirties, and a sprinkling of very good scores in the low forties. The score posted by some would have been the envy of many 12 bore shotgun users.
David Scott of Gamebore, who were again the main sponsors of the event said: “We are delighted to sponsor such a keenly fought competition and as the scores show a .410 with the right cartridges can give impressive results.”
Meurig Rees, BASC Wales Country Officer, who has run this event from 2006 said ‘another fantastic .410 world championships, this is an ever growing competition and to have the support of the ground owners who have already confirmed their commitment to the event in 2016, Gamebore and other prize givers and the support of the competitors, I see a very positive future, thank you all’
Annual perpetual cups and salvers were presented to the class winners, together with additional prizes for the winners of the BASC member and lady class, these consisted of a beautiful silver necklace using a polished .410 cartridge head as the main centre piece for the ladies and a clock mounted on some lovely cherry wood, with a BASC badge insert. These were kindly donated by BASC trade member Emma Sian Monk of Gwenllan Country Crafts.
BASC council member Jono Garton said:”This has now become a major event in the shooting calendar and shows just how effective a .410 can be. It’s often a first gun for young people and we are glad to be able to promote it and develop our sport.”
The junior high gun title was taken by Holly Pennington with 40/50; lady high gun was Linda Pearson, retaining the title she won last year, with 41/50. BASC member high gun was Mark Harris on 45/50.