2006 SSAA Victoria State Titles

International 1920 Match - 24th & 25th JUNE 2006

Hosted by the Ballarat Pistol Club Inc.

Amidst the chill of a Victorian winter Action Match enthusiasts gathered at the Ballarat Pistol Club (BPC) to compete in the Victorian SSAA State Titles.

Victorian SSAA Springvale Pistol Club member Charles Kerner won the State Title using his Smith & Wesson Model 686 in front of local and interstate competitors, all of who did their best to overcome a cold environment, gun malfunctions and match nerves that magically appeared despite the best efforts to keep them at bay.  Geelong Pistol Club member Tom Whitehead, fresh from his success at Bianchi 2006 using a S&W 686, narrowly came in second place to Charles Kerner, whilst other placing’s were closely shared by Victorians Les Clark, Richard Seibert and South Australian Brent

David Dettman (left) presents Charles Kerner with his 2006 State Titles Trophy.

Laslett. In Metallic Grade, Brent Laslett came in first using his open sighted S&W 686 by winning just ahead of Charles Kerner, Craig Ginger and Les Clark.

Victorian Springvale member Mikhail Tretiakov sights in on the mover using his S&W 686.

Charles has been shooting Action Match for some 9 years and has been successful at many local and interstate matches.  He was also a member of the 2004 SSAA Australian Pistol Team that competed at Bianchi in 2004.  Using his Peter Muscat customised S&W 686 and his favourite load underneath a Ten-Ring 138 grain wadcutter projectile, Charles was happy with his win.  “Great result – after missing a plate on day one I thought that was it for the weekend, but by Sunday it was clear that other shooters also hit a few hurdles and when I saw the final scores I realised why they say it’s not over till the fat lady sings.”

Awards and trophies were presented by SSAA Board member Karel Zegers and Victorian Police Licencing Services Branch Manager Supt. David Dettman, who acknowledged the efforts of clubs and organisations to promote handgun competition within the perimeters of current legislation.  Thanks to BPC, President James Fitzpatrick, Brian Hardy, Richard Seibert and Frank Tait for putting together another successful SSAA State Championships.

Richard Siebert concentrates before taking up the moving target.