2013 - World F Class Championship Raton - Report

The NZ F class rifle team to the FCWC at Raton, New Mexico is now safely back in NZ. As you will have seen by the results posted for this event the NZ F Class team did not fare well. It is safe to say we did however learn an enormous amount about F Class shooting and how this class of shooting is rapidly growing on the world shooting scene.

The Raton trip was a great experience and to be there and witness the Australian team win gold in the teams event was tremendous.   The Australian individual shooters did exceptionally well picking up many medals along the way. Linda Sheehan (Australian Captain) is a credit to NRA Australia and the 37 person Australian contingent at Raton.

The Bald Eagles Rifle Club ran a well drilled event and need to be praised on their efforts. The venue is just amazing and I plan to get back there in the future.   The Kiwis were greeted with friendship and made to feel welcome by all staff and competitors at the Whittington Center.

As you will see from my attached report we need to up the F Class game in New Zealand. The Australians have spoken with me about having more trans-Tasman interaction to help foster and grow this class of shooting.  The four of us on the NZ Team have all vowed to spread the message to NZ clubs and districts to help grow F Class competition in NZ.

It was an honor to be representing New Zealand on Shooting Team NZ.   I only wished our results could have been better.

I have attached some photo’s for you to use as you think fit.

We also need to thank our travelling companions who put up with hot dusty days, late nights loading and cleaning, then 5:30 am rising to get to the range for the next day of shooting. They persevered with us through our trials and tribulations.

Kind regards

Les Grimsey
Member NZ F Class Rifle Team 2013
President
Bruce Rifle Club