P RO M AT I C

MAGAZINE

ISSUE 37 • WINTER 2018/19

Promatic International Ltd.Hooton Road, Hooton, South Wirral CH66 7PATel: 0151 327 2220e-mail: info@promatic.co.uk

Promatic Inc, 801 Mid America Dr., Plattsburg, MO 64477Toll free: 1 888 767 2529 Fax: 816 539 0257e-mail: sales@promatic.biz

NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUEOLYMPIC TRAPARE YOU READY?SHARP SHOOTER

FOREWORD…

Where we will be in 2019n 21-24 February

Die Hohe Jagd & Fischerei, Salzburg, Austria

n 8-11 March IWA Outdoor Classics, Nuremberg, Germany

n 16-24 March FITASC Sporting Grand Prix & FITASC Africa Sporting Championships & Africa Cup, Valley Gun Club, South Africa

n 29 March - 1 April Salon de La Chasse Rambouillet, Limay, France

n 8-14 April Essex Gun Masters 2019, Hepworth Hall, UK

n 22 May Ty Gobaith Hope House Charity Shoot

n 13-16 June European FITASC Sporting Championship, Psachna Evia Island, Greece

n 5-7 July Scottish Game Fair, Scone Palace, Scotland

n 10-13 July FITASC World Sporting Championship, E J Churchill Shooting Ground, UK

n 26-28 July The Game Fair, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, UK

n 22-25 August FITASC World Compak Sporting Championship, Galgamácsa, Hungary ●

Forewordby Brian Jardine

Many thanks for taking the time to read the first issue of 2019. Once again, Promatic have an action packed year ahead, as we are set to sponsor national and international events. We started in January with the 2nd Asian Sporting Championship and the 3rd Asian Compak Sporting Championship at the Photharam Shooting Range in Thailand. Next month we’re heading to South Africa for the FITASC Sporting Grand Prix, the Africa Sporting Championships and the Africa Cup at the Valley Gun Club. Then it’s back to Greece for the European FITASC Sporting Championship on Psachna Evia Island. Then it’s back home for the prestigious FITASC World Sporting Championship at the all Promatic E J Churchill Shooting Ground. With hardly a chance to catch breath we pack once again and head off for the FITASC World Compak Sporting Championship in Galgamácsa, Hungary.

As the game season has drawn to an end, we can reflect on another fantastic year at the Altcar Estate. It has been a pleasure to welcome the guns that joined us this season from all parts of the UK, Ireland, USA, Austria, Switzerland and Australia. Altcar is truly gaining an international reputation and we are already taking bookings for next season.

If you would like to spend a day with us please contact the office for availability on 0151 327 2220 or send an email to info@altcarestate.com for more information.

On behalf of the Promatic Team, we wish you a fantastic start to 2019 and look forward to seeing you at one of the game fairs or competitions we will be at throughout the year. ●

PROMATIC NEWS…

Olympic Trap Focus When it comes to Olympic Trap and Skeet, many national and international organisations choose Promatic Olympic Traps. They are competition proven and comply fully with all ISSF regulations. Besides here in the UK layouts have been installed in Italy, Germany, Finland, China, India, USA, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, all with the primary intention of using the equipment for Olympic Trap training for the Olympic Games. Furthermore, many layouts have played a key part in the training of athletes who have won Olympic medals over the years. Here is what some top athletes have said:

“Over the past two years more and more of our (British) athletes have been training and competing on Promatic Traps in both Trap and Skeet. We have been so pleased with the performance and reliability of their traps. They throw good strong targets that fly dead straight time and time again, and the back-up service is second to none.” Kevin Gill, Head Shotgun Coach,

British Shooting.

“The quality, trajectory and instant release of the targets is second to none. The targets are possibly the best I have shot over the last 12 months.” Lucy Hall, GB Olympic Trap shooter.

“I have been shooting since the age of nine and competing for Great Britain since 2003. In all my years of competing, domestically and internationally I have shot over Promatic traps and I am very pleased to say that they are truly a world class trap, built to the highest of standards.” Steve Scott, British Olympic Trap

athlete, Bronze Olympic Medallist

Rio Olympic Games.

“For two Olympics I trained in Double Trap using Promatic machines and in the last three Olympics I trained with Promatic Skeet machines. No one practices more than I do and over these 20 years Promatic had proven to be very reliable and throw very good consistent targets.” Kim Rhode (six-time Olympic

medal winner).

“Trap reliability is vitally important when it comes to shooting and coaching. I wouldn’t swap a Promatic target for anything.” Richard Faulds MBE, Olympic Gold

medallist and Shooting Coach.

“I have shot over the majority of manufacturers that supply traps for ISSF disciplines and I have no doubt Promatic are by far the best for performance and target quality.” Peter Wilson MBE, London Olympic

Gold Medallist Double Trap.

“I have been an Olympic Skeet shooter since 1994 and travelled all over the world shooting Olympic Skeet. During this time, I have shot various makes of traps and brands of target. In my opinion the Promatic Skeet and Trap machines are by far the best on the market.” Clive Bramley, Owner Doveridge

Clay Sports, UK ●

PROMATIC NEWS…

The all NEW Sharp Shooter by Promatic

The new Promatic Sharp Shooter automatic airgun knock down target system is quick and easy to set up; simply place the targets around a range area, arm each one using the remote control and shoot. The new starter kit includes two target units with aiming plates, a clock timer and a radio reset controller. There is an optional expansion pack containing a target unit with aiming plate to increase the number of targets. The perfect game is

a race against the clock and have fun with family or a group of friends

These targets are designed for use with airguns having a muzzle-energy of 12ft.lb (16.2 J) or less. The aim plates can be obtained with different sized apertures for increasing or decreasing difficulty and can be purchased as animal silhouettes.

For more details on Sharp Shooter, please contact us on email via info@promatic.co.uk ●

PROMATIC NEWS…

Premier League 2019Why not plan out some of your shooting this year by taking part in the 2019 Premier League series which starts at E J Churchills Shooting Ground on Saturday 23 February with a 100 Registered Sporting plus a 100 Registered Sportrap (STR is squadded so booking advisable).

Team registrations are now open and to be eligible for a share of the fantastic series prize fund from the generous sponsors Promatic, Browning, Gamebore and Sunglasses for Sport. Competitors must register for a team and shoot a minimum of five of the 10 fixtures. For full details and to register for your Premier League Team please visit the CPSA website, click on championships and then the link. ●

Can hares catch myxomatosis?It now seems certain that myxomatosis has crossed the species gap from rabbits to hares. More research is essential so if you find a dead hare and it is showing any sign of bleeding from the eyes or mouth and it is fresh and un-predated, please contact Jonathan Davis on 07872 149147 or Dr Diana Bell at UEA on 01603 592177 as soon as possible and collection will be arranged. If logistics dictate collection cannot take place immediately, double bag the hare and freeze. Wear gloves if you have them. ●

CPSA Director ElectionsIn accordance with the CPSA Articles of Association a ballot to elect a National and two Regional Directors will not be necessary as all three positions were uncontested. The nominees have been duly elected unopposed and will take up their roles immediately after the AGM which is to be held at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LD, on Saturday 23 March 2019 commencing 2pm.

National DirectorMichele Conway

East Midlands Region DirectorJohn Martin

South West Region DirectorRichard Faulds MBE ●

TECHNICAL FOCUS…

Are your Traps ready for the Clay season?As we approach the start of spring now is the time to get your machines prepared and ready for the ‘Clay season.’ Like any other machine, to guarantee they stay on top of the game during the busy period, traps require regular maintenance to ensure reliability, accuracy and product longevity so that you make the most from your purchase.

By following our 10 step check list on all your machines you will be prepared and ready to go.

SAFETY FIRSTAlways ensure the trap is safely disarmed and switched off before refilling or starting any work or adjustment.Remove all clays and the main spring. You will need a 19mm spanner. Clean the machine of all clay debris using a brush or forced air.

1. Knife edges. Check the knife edge height by placing a clay halfway under the knives. The clay should pass under freely with the minimum of clearance between the underside of the blade and the horizontal shoulder of the clay. Use a 10mm spanner to adjust the height of the inner and outer edge of each blade so there’s no more than 0.5mm clearance between the underside of the blade and the horizontal shoulder of the clay.

2. Throwing arm height. Make sure that the throwing arm is the correct height for the type of clays used. Push the arm counter clockwise until it points to the front of the machine. Place a clay on the throwing plate under the large hole in the top plate and push the throwing arm up to the clay by hand. Check for clearance between the underside of the throwing arm and the horizontal shoulder of the clay – it should have 2mm clearance. Inspect the friction strip and replace if worn.

3. Soft fall plate. Make sure that when a clay lands on the soft fall plate it is adequately cushioned so that it doesn’t break.

4. Check spring finger and teal finger. Check there is no damage to either part such as bending or snapping of the fingers. If there is – replace the parts.

5. Arm and rear pusher timing. Each model of trap has a different setting for arm timing so refer to the Owner’s Manual for the exact setting for your traps. Check that the carousel pusher timing is correct, i.e. when the gearbox crank and connecting rod are in line at maximum extension, the rollers on the bottom of the carousel pusher arm should be 1mm clear of the carousel plate at maximum travel. If not, adjust the clamp on the rear pusher shaft accordingly. It must be tightened before operating the machine.

6. Electrical check. Check that the battery is not only fully charged but also holds the charge. Make sure there are no loose connections on the machine, battery terminals and Hirschman connectors.

PROMATIC NEWS…

7. Nuts and bolts. Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight. If you spin the carousel, it should turn and stop and not keep spinning around.

8. Grease, grease, grease. Grease all moving components with machinery grease, particularly on moving parts such as the carousel joint, ABT joints and the main shaft that moves the trap left.

9. Casting plate. Do not get any grease on the casting plate. Keep it clean by wiping it with a dry cloth. Check that the front edge of the plate has not been dented, bent or burred. Also check for flatness and ensure that there are no protruding screw heads in the path of the clay.

10. Carousel Tension. Refit the carousel onto the machine. With the pusher arm withdrawn, the carousel should be free to rotate with a small amount of friction that is adjusted by tensioning the locking nut holding the carousel against the blue plastic sleeve underneath it. Grease the carousel shaft using the grease nipple at the centre of the carousel bearing assembly. Use an LM type grease.

Why not leave us to do the hard work? We recommend that traps in constant use be serviced every six months and at least once a year for lightly used machines. One of our technicians can visit you on site or we can arrange a pick-up for servicing in our specially equipped Service Centre at our HQ. We can service any model of Promatic trap you have. Call 0151 327 2220 for more details and a quote for our servicing. ●

Dumping of birds – the real issueBASC has strongly condemned the dumping of pheasants shown in a video released recently.

The Times newspaper, under the headline ‘Abomination’ of pheasants dumped into pit by digger, reported that hundreds of birds which have had the prime breast removed for consumption being tipped into a pit on top of the bodies of other birds.

Steve Bloomfield, BASC’s Executive Director of Operations, said: “It is unacceptable for birds to be disposed of in this manner. The person involved is not a member of BASC.” Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Tim Bonner wrote, “This is undoubtedly bad practice, and probably in breach of regulations for the disposal of animal by-products, but it is not the evidence of the disposal of shot birds straight from the shoot that is endlessly claimed, but never shown, by anti-shooting activists. Unfortunately, perhaps inevitably, some of the reporting around this story has attempted to link the inappropriate disposal of carcases to claims that there is no market for game meat when in fact these birds have been processed and are not, therefore, indicative of any sort of surplus. Reporting continues to obsess over issues such as the growth of shooting and ‘big bags’, despite these issues being entirely irrelevant to an incident of poor animal by-product disposal. ●

SHOOTING GROUNDS…

Townsville Gun Club, North Queensland, Australia

The Townsville Gun Club (TGC) had its first committee meeting in November 1913 and was fully formed a year later. The club has functioned continuously since its inception, including the years of both wars. It was formed mainly to control the entry of members to the duck shooting grounds during the season from

June until December. In those days live pigeons were used for competition shooting in the close season, with the introduction of clay targets in April 1917. TGC joined the Australian Association in 1920 and was the first club to send a delegate to the National Association.

With clay pigeons the

preferred target a new automatic angle trap was introduced in 1929 and the five – track system of shooting firmly established.

TGC has had three homes over the past 105 years; Pimlico Flats, now part of Townsville City, then in 1946, Thornlee Park next to the Garbutt RAAF base and in 1976, with the purchase of new larger grounds to the city’s south side the Club moved to its third and current home at Killymoon Creek.

The grounds officially opened at Easter in 1976 with four DTL and two skeet layouts. In 1981 an Olympic Trench layout was added, and the club was operating five DTL and three skeet. And it didn’t stop there. A clay making machine was purchased in 1984 and a new club house was opened in 2000.

The TGC has grown to

SHOOTING GROUNDS…

www.townsvillagegunclub.com.au

be one of the largest clubs in Queensland, and offers 10 x DTL layouts, 6 x Skeet, a 10m Tower, 16 x Sporting traps and now, with the assistance of Promatic International, have the first 30 x Olympic traps in Australia to equip the two Olympic Trench bunkers. The Club currently hosts the Queensland State championships and Northern Zone carnivals for Skeet and DTL. With these two new Olympic Trench bunkers and the added reliability of the Promatic OT traps, it puts the North Queensland club in a strong position to host state OT and UT events.

Traditionally in Australia the OT trap market was dominated by the French and Italian manufacturers and DTL dominated by the New Zealand manufacturer with a few Australian made machines. The committee’s decision to purchase Promatic OT traps was considered by many as controversial. However, in the end the decision came quite effortlessly after receiving the support from Iain Petrie and the backing of Promatic to send an OT trap and their technician Kevin Newton out to the colonies. “On seeing the trap and witnessing the support, we were convinced

that we had found the best OT trap product,” said Club vice president Brendon Bullick. “The combination of the OT trap and Promatic clays complement each other and therefore present targets very well; straight without any late curving. The OT trap has the easiest of trap operations and adjustments, particularly the windage adjustment to obtain perfectly thrown targets. Promatic International manufacture a fantastic product, with a large range of traps that require greater exposure within Australia. The Signature series skeet and single/double ATA machine should attract a lot of interest with Australian clubs. These machines are robust and built to an excellent standard, again with easy operational adjustments for height, angles, spring tension and above all constant quality target flight.

TGC greatly appreciates the support and knowledge given to our club from Promatic. Promatic International is a company with great depth of wisdom and personalities with a product to match. We look forward to working with Promatic in the future and possibly their next project could be to design a sporting course throughout our mango orchards and bushland. Throw good targets means good scores and the shooters will come.” ●

Per Magnus Pedersen reports on the Asian Championships

For the third time the Skeet and Trap Shooting Association of Thailand invited shooters from near and far to participate in FITASC Sporting and Compak Sporting Championships at the beautiful Photharam Shooting Ground in Ratchaburi province just two hours’ drive west of Bangkok. The privately owned Photharam SG has around 110 Promatic machines and radios.

The event was spread over four days with the FITASC on Thursday and Friday and the Compak over the weekend. The FITASC, set by Jamie Peckham, was held as a ‘new Rules’ GP competition, with 15 machines on each of the four layouts and three pegs on each layout. I was very impressed

with all the pars cours, there were no flat crossers at 40 metres and all the targets were very presentable which made the competition even more enjoyable. The competition was won by Remigiusz Wlodarczyj from Poland with a score of 193. Australian Robert Hall was second on 191 and Adam Green from New Zealandon, 187 took third place. The regional title as Asian

SHOOT REPORT…

Asian Championship FITASC Sporting and Compak Sporting

Champion was claimed by Vadim Khrykin from Kazakhstan with a score of 183.

The Compak Sporting competition had eight different layouts. Again, the targets were well presented; easy for the shooters to see and the referees

PER MAGNUS PEDERSEN

For those who have not been to Thailand with a gun before, they have a similar system to Dubai, i.e. participants are not allowed to travel with guns around the country. I feel this is a great relief as you do not have to worry about transporting the gun in the car or taking it into an hotel. Instead, on arrival at the airport, you take your gun to the customs, show the guns serial number and off you go to meet representatives from the Association who will take care of everything. It is also worth noting the Thai customs are a good example for many of the European countries when it comes to being expedient with handling this procedure. ●

SHOOT REPORT…

to judge. It was won by the Russian Konstantin Lelikov on 195 just one in front of Remigiusz Wlodarczyj, from Poland. Junior shooter Emil Petersen shared a 192 score with Robert Hall in third spot but after shoot-off, Emil took the bronze home to Denmark. The regional title as Asian Champion was won by Thailands own Kongphart

Tantichirasakul on a score of 183.What a lovely country Thailand

is to visit. I have always considered it first and foremost a country for a holiday. Now I have no qualms to recommend it as a great place to go and shoot Sporting. The atmosphere, the hospitality, the food, the weather, everything is perfect for a week or two away from cold Europe in January.

If you would like to unsubscribe from receiving the postal newsletter please email rachelblackwood@promatic.co.uk or call 0151 327 2220.

Editor & AdvertisingKeith FisherKingfisher Sporting Services01264 77293507711 93 1812keith_fisher2@sky.comRegular contributor:Rachel Blackwood

If you have a comment or question or would like to contribute or advertise please contact the Editor.

www.promatic.co.uk

@PromaticTraps

@promaticltd

@promatictrapsl

Sharp ShooterAll New Radio Controlled Target System from Promatic

Shoot against time with the Sharp Shooter, but be warned… it’s addictive!The Starter Pack includes a digital clock that will commence when you hit the start target and stop when you hit the finish target plus a radio remote to raise all targets. Extend your range by simply adding further target units to your set. Optional extras include aim plates with smaller apertures to make it more challenging and competitive!

n The new starter kit includes two target units with aim plates, a clock timer and a radio reset controller

n Radio remote raises and resets fallen targets

n Unlimited targets can be addedn Optional expansion pack contains

1x target and aim plate, add more to increase your shooting range

n Optional extras include aim plates with different aperture sizes

n Optional extras include animal silhouettes with different aperture sizes

n Self contained powered unit using a rechargeable battery included