On the 28th of March 2009, 7 representatives from Montfort NPCC attended the .177 NUS NPCC air rifle competition. The competition was organized at HomeTeam NS. Team 1 mainly consists of cadet leaders, naming SSGT Joel Tan, Shannon Chan and reserve, Lee Sheng Jie led by captain SSGT Winston Ong. The second team consists of sec 3 cadet leaders trainees, Alden Loh and Lim Yee Tat led by captain CPL Khoo Chit Hui. When we arrived there, we participated in a lucky draw before participating in the competition. At the end of the lucky draw, SSGT Shannon Chan won a couple of tickets to the Bedok Reservoir Park’s “Tree Top Course”.
When we heard the announcement of Detail 4 to shoot, we approached the competition bench. After listening to the instructions that were being read out to us, I asked an instructor on handling the new rifle. She taught me the metal cork and the loading of rifle. By practically trying it, I was amazed as it was so much easier than having to pull the massive lever like the old rifle! The command ‘’Firers load and read, start,’’ gave me an alarming drive signal.
I prepared my sighting card and send to the firing position by a button, which was about 9 metres away. I lifted my rifle, load it and raised it up to aim for the bull’s eye. I got into my “natural shooting position” and shot the 1st pellet and realize about my shooting style. I got a bull’s eye only after a number of shots!
When it was time, I replaced the sighting card with my 1st competition card. After shooting about half of the competition cards. After completing all the cards, I left the competition area and went back to my seat where I awaited the result of my team.
In the end, I scored 55 points, which left me quite dissapointed. Our ranking was way back as it was only our second time touching the rifle. As for team 2, they scored better with 4th position. We decided not to wait and left first as we know we did not win any prizes. But for our TO, Su Huimin, she did very well as she topped the officers’ category. All in all, the experience was unforgettable in which I was given a chance to handle and shoot using the rifle.
Done By:
CPL (NPCC) Alden Loh
