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Nastasha Gisi, Ann lopachuk, Walker Perry, Ryan Cresswell, Erik Janzen and coach Vernon Randall

Tisdale Air Cadets compete in Prince Albert
Tisdale,
Thursday, February 20, 2014
by Vernon Randall
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.Saturday, February 22, 2014 five members of Tisdale air cadets with their coach, Vernon Randall, went up to Prince Albert to participate in the zone marksmanship competition. The five junior shooters from Tisdale took part in the competition that involved some forty Air Cadets. Three of the cadets are first year members of the marksman ship team the other two are second year members.  All are classed as juniors. If a cadet reaches a certain level of proficiency that cadet can proceed to the Provincials and possibly from there  to the National level.

On the right we see Natasha Gisi working on her standing targets and in the second picture is Ann Lopachuck as she takes her turn.
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.Using a very precise air rifle, a .177 or 4.5 mm calibre Daisy model 853C the "C" being a Canadian designation with adjustable peep sights. Even though capable of utilizing a five shot magazine the rifle is shot in single shot mode.

The competition involved each shooter with nine others, attempting their best score on ten targets, first in a standing stance then a round in the prone position. The targets are scored from "10" being a bullseye out to the outer ring scoring "1", There are 10 targets on each sheet for a possible score of 200 for the prone match and one sheet for a score of 100 in the stand and shoot.

In the picture on the right Walker Perry is looking over the targets in the upper left image, Ryan Cresswell is seen lower right and Erik Janzen is seen taking aim in the right hand picture.
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The cadet shooting equipment is comprised of shatter-proof glasses either clear, amber or smoked a heavy canvas jacket that when sized correctly supports the shooter and a sling is used to help stabilize the rifle.

The event took place in the Prince Albert Armoury, home of Prince Albert's Squadron 38.
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The air rifle achieves an accurate muzzle velocity with a single pump action as seen in the middle picture as Natasha loads her weapon.

I do not have the competition results but can safely say our cadets placed somewhere in the middle of the ratings for juniors. All cadets are awarded a pin for competing in their first competition. As they become more proficient they can earn marksmanship badges to display on their dress uniform, the badges rank from the entry level one to level four. Over the years I have had the pleasure of assisting several cadets attain their level four badges.
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