CGA 155th Year Anniversary Combat Rifle Open Championships

Saturday the 4th of October saw the staging of the CGA 155th Year Anniversary Combat Rifle Open Championships.

The competition again took place at Atlantis SANDF GoedeHoop Shooting Range Atlantis and was hosted by Cape Garrison Artillery Officer Commanding LtCol Bob Visser. The Range officer in charge for the day was MWO Pedro Dios - Lobo. The program for the day called in competitors from the Combat Rifle fraternity that includes the SANDF, SAPS, DCS and various Civilian Clubs shooting assault type rifles.

After a brief prayer and safety instruction the group was broken into two details: One detail would manage the targets in the “butts” and the other would fire the first shots downrange. Each Serviceman or woman was paired up with a civilian. 

Starting at 100m, shottists were allowed 3 x 5 shot groupings to set in their sights and then the competition began in earnest with a 100m Snap and Rapid. The air was shattered with the volley as the firing-line opened up!

Throughout the day the two details changed position, working their way back towards the distant 300m mark in front of the clubhouse. To give an idea of the distance, at 300m the front sight almost completely hides the target and the shooter must “feel” the bullets into the x-ring. Quite a feat with the wind that picked up later and the heat beginning to make waves from about midday onward!

The shoot went off without a hitch and the ease with which the stages flowed belayed all the hard work that had gone on behind the scenes to make it such a fantastic event. “Hats off” for all the hard work by LtCol Visser and his team of dedicated soldiers who were putting up and preparing targets in the dark and then taking them down afterwards with drilled precision.



 

The Day ended with a prize-giving in the clubhouse where all got together for a wonderful Potjie (choice of Beef or Chicken or Both!). This food extravaganza had the blokes and gal’s mouth’s watering at the 300m mark whilst they were shooting as the meals were prepared just scant meters away outside the clubhouse over a slow fire! Everyone tucked in with relish and at the end of the day there was still enough in the pots to be collected for donations to those less privileged in Atlantis. All hats off to WO. Riaan Muller and the Bierman family.

Prizes sponsored by GI Combat Supplies included Jackets and Gear Bags from Condor, Boonies (Bush Hats) from TruSpec and Eye and Ear Protection from 3M Peltor.

Scores for the day as follows:

X- Combat Scoped, A- Open Sights Experienced Shottists, B - (Civilian), OA - Open A-Class .223 rifles.
1st Place Winners on the day:
100m Snap: X – Dias Lobo, A- Watt, B – Human, OA – Sherwood.
100m Rapid: X – Ras, A – Viti, B – Wallace, OA – Viljoen.
200m Snap: X – Dias Lobo, A – Manning, B – Wallace, OA – D. le Roux.
200m Rapid: X – Ras, A – Watt, B – Dalhuyson, OA – Koudstall.
300m Sustained: X – Dias Lobo, A – Latoli, B – R. le Roux , OA – v/d Westhuizen
300m Snap: X- Ras, A – Watt, B – Dalhuysen, OA – Viljoen.
300m Rapid: X – Van Greunen, A – Watt, B – Bekker, OA – Viljoen.
Ladies Champs: 1st - Viti, 2nd – Latoli, 3rd v/d Westhuizen.
Veteran Champs: 1st – Dias Lobo, 2nd – Manning, 3rd - Van Greunen.
Day Champion: X – Dias Lobo, A – Manning, B – Wallace, OA – Viljoen.
Overall Champs: 1st Dias Lobo (252), 2nd Manning (228), 3rd Viti (226).

Of special mention: Neville Koudstall of “Legally Armed Western Cape” in Stellenbosch proving that Gun Shop owners and Winemakers can also hit the bull, by snapping up three medals including a Gold for 200m Rapid using an AR15 rifle. His lady friend Yvette van der Westhuizen also did extremely well. Eyes on for an up-and-coming Viljoen with his Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Rifle securing 8 medals in OA class including 4 Gold!The Vrijstaat Arms and Ammunition Association (CT Branch) – Chairman MC Heunis and four others from Bloemfontein were also in attendance as well as Kraaifontein Shooting Club (3 Gun) Chairman Chris Els and 14 of his members. The MOTHS were also represented with 11 members. A special mention to the 2 wheel chair shooters who travelled all the way from Robertson to take part.

Members of the Western Province Civilian Combat Rifle Club were also in attendance in their new GI Combat Sponsored TruSpec All Terrain Tiger BDU Uniforms shooting alongside the old salts. Civilian Combat Rifle Shooting is a resurrection of a true time-honoured tradition of civilian shottists using military rifles (semi-auto only) for competition. Matches are shot with and against serving members and reservists such as at the CGA Shoot. International and National events are also staged. Shooters who are interested in joining the WPCCRA can contact the chairman: Charles Mollet on 0824039650.

On a sad note: One of the key members of WPCCRA, Mike Bierman, responded to a house-breaking at home on his motorcycle and was involved in an accident on-route leaving the shoot . Currently he is under observation and we anxiously await news of his improved condition. All strength to you Mike!

Apart from this grey cloud, the day went off superbly and we look forward with great anticipation to next year’s shoot. 

Civilians and uniformed persons interested in partaking in such a shoot and who qualify to do so may contact: Bdr. Dewald le Roux on dleroux@lhmct.co.za.

Thank You to GillyBean Photography for some really super shots (Gill’s choice of weapon is her camera and a superb eye!) and thank you to Cape Garrison and Officer Commanding LtCol Bob Visser and his staff for what proved again to be an outstanding event.”

Click here for more photos of the day.

At your service, The GICS Team

Email. info@gicombatsupplies.co.za
Website. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

2014 WP Combat Rifle Championships

“Fall in!” a bellow from the Sergeant Major had the men double-timing into position on the Parade Ground of the Atlantis Military Shooting Range for the opening of the Annual WP Combat Rifle Association shoot on the 25th and 26th of April. 

 

  

 

As the men came to attention, the murmurs among the ranks were that the weather looked great, a perfect day for a long distance shoot with no wind or cloud cover. All that was to change later, as Cape Town is well known for its “Four-seasons-in-one-day” type of weather!

 

Combat Rifle is a world renowned sport where the emphasis falls on skills development for Force Preparation. This is one of the toughest and most challenging events in the Combat Rifle fraternity.

 

The aim of the shoot is to perform esprit de Corps between all members of other Forces (SANDF, Police and Correctional Services) competing against and to increase the numbers of all “Developed”/aspirant shottists. Importantly, the WPCR Association is committed to the transformation process and the development of its previously disadvantaged members.  Some of these members have already been taken up in the WP team event and in the individual category. Shooting on the day was LCprl. Viti who GI Combat Supplies sponsored shooting gear to previously as well as a new batch of up and coming young shottists.

  

 

The two days of shooting comprised of Individual, Unit Team, Mix Team as well as Test matches between the different Armed Forces. (SANDF, SAPS, RESERVE FORCE, AIR FORCE, NAVY and CORRECTIONAL SERVICES)

 

The team competition consists of 4 shottists in the unit team’s category and in the Inter-Forces team (between Defence Force, Police Services and Correctional Services) category, the team consists of 10 members. In the individual category the prizes were awarded for excellence in distance (100 to 400 metre). The Championship consists of 11 matches for the period, and the actual prizes added up to 80 medals for the three different categories (Developed members, shottist with open sights on rifles and shottists who shoot with scopes on their rifles.) 

 

GI Combat Supplies was honoured to be able to supply a selection of Condor Shooting gear and equipment including a shooting mat and fleece jacket that will come in handy for those times when the shottists are subjected to a cold, hard ground. Also included was Peltor ballistic shooting glasses and hearing protection. Peltor is fast becoming a common sight at these shoots with more and more riflemen switching to this great brand. 

 

The first day was the individual shooting matches with shottists starting at 100m and working back to 300m. The second day gave a chance to combined teams to shoot it out at the 300m mark. Shooting, spotting, co-ordination and team spirit are what combine to create a truly great team event.

 

When one considers all the exterior factors that can affect a .223 (5.56mm) diameter bullet including: Heat rising from the ground, winds travelling across the range at multiple angles, ballistic trajectory, fatigue, concentration and a hot or cold barrel shot, it is truly amazing that that little round can travel the distance and hit inside the x-ring of a target that is less than 5cm in diameter. Yet the South African’s were doing it all day. It was said during the Anglo-Boer War that the English feared “That boer that fights with a bible in one hand and a Mauser in the other”. The tradition of superb marksmanship is a noble South African rite that is passed down from generation to generation. Current shooters who were previously disadvantaged have been quick to pick up on the excellent instruction given by those grizzly old instructors and are leading the way in representing our country and services in future matches. We wait in anticipation for the results!  

 

  

 

Civilian Combat Rifle:

 

Another plus was that for the first time, a civilian compliment was allowed to shoot against the military teams. This was a trial run and the success of the endeavour means that is a first of many to come. Civilian Combat Rifle is growing in South Africa and has direct links to similar Civilian Marksmanship Programs in other countries. See the American link here: http://www.thecmp.org/. These groups are in turn similar to the Civilian Swiss Rifle Clubs and other countries’ civilian programs.

 

Here in the Cape, we are represented by the Western Province Civilian Combat Rifle Association, but our northern neighbours are the Central Private Combat Rifle Club. 

 

These shooters undergo the same rigorous safety instruction and on-the-range training as military shottists. With Dedicated Sport Status, members may apply for rifles that are current South African issue .223 semi-autos, but in a civilian configuration, (No select-fire option), in the form of LM4, 5 and 6 rifles. Members are required to wear a set uniform and obey the range commands, parades and drills. Many of these civilian shooters already come from a previous military background and can now use their skill-set to compete against current serving members.

 

The WPCCRA is sponsored by GI Combat Supplies with Tru-Spec All Terrain Tiger uniforms and SSV Battle Vests (jackets) and Peltor Hearing protectors. 

 

GI Combat Supplies encourages all forms of safe shooting sports and we would like to take the opportunity to thank LtCol Kriel and his staff for allowing us to again play a part in the successful event that was the 38th WP Combat Rifle Shoot.

 

Civilian Combat Rifle Association can be contacted on: charles.mollett@5m.co.za

 

Central Private Combat Rifle Club can be contacted on: johanhkarsten@gmail.com

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us on 021 555 3858 or info@gicombatsupplies.co.za with any questions or queries.

 

At your service, 

The GICS Team  

 

Email. info@gicombatsupplies.co.zaWebsite. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za 

37th WP Combat Rifle Shoot Championship

From the 19th to the 20th of April, volleys of Rifle fire rolled over the hills at the Atlantis Military Shooting Range (CT) as the teams from Corrections, SA Police, Army and Air Force settled into their positions to challenge each other for the 37th Western Province Combat Rifle Shoot Championship.

  

For a second Year running, GI Combat Supplies was invited to attend and sponsor some of the prizes for this epic shoot by Lt Col Kriel organiser and himself a well established and respected distance shooter.

Combat Rifle is a world renowned sport where the emphasis falls on skills development for Force preparation.  It is one of the toughest and most challenging events in the Combat Rifle fraternity. The unique South African conditions, of which the ever-uncertain Capetonian weather makes the WP Shoot the toughest of all, causes many errors. Truly 4 seasons in one day.

The aim of the shoot is to promote esprit-de-Corps between all members of the Forces (SANDF, Police and Correctional Services) competing against each other. It also serves to encourage and increase the numbers of all aspirant shottists. Particular focus is placed on previously disadvantaged members.  Some of these members have already been taken up in the WP team event and in the individual categories.

Categories included: Individual, Unit Team, Mix Team as well as Test matches between the different Armed Forces. (SANDF, SAPS, RESERVE FORCE, AIR FORCE, NAVY and CORRECTIONAL SERVICES)

The team competition consisted of 4 shottist’s in the unit teams category and in the Inter Forces team (Run between Defence Force, Police Services and Correctional Services) category, the teams consisted of 10 members. In the individual category, prizes were awarded per distance (100 to 400 meter).  The Championship consists of 11 matches for the period and the actual prizes added up to 80 medals for the three different categories (1) Developing members, (2) Shottist using open sights and (3) Shottist using telescopes or visual aids on their rifles.

At the end of Day 1 a fantastically laid on meal of traditional vleis and slaai-goed was followed by the individual prize giving. Alan Martheze, GICS National Wholesale Manager was on hand to hand over much coveted prizes of Peltor ear and eye protectors, NC Star Binoculars and Condor Tactical Shooting accessories.

  

Plenty good-natured ribbing and digging between the shooters was to be had, with even a prize going to the worst shooter of the day! (This troepie shall not be named, but we will keep an eye on him to see how he progresses in next year’s event.) 

Day 2 was a serious affair as the teams battled it out between them. Between the shots you could hear the spotters curtly murmuring adjustments as the wind came in progressively stronger from 3 different sides! The day ended with the Western Province team leading the field.

At the end, all the different individuals and units gathered to hear encouragement and words of advice from the older shooters. Again, a first class meal preceded the medal ceremony, with tired shooters retiring to their respective hotel beds or tents, some getting an early start driving back up country to return to their duties.

GI Combat Supplies wishes to thank the organisers of the WP Combat Rifle Shoot for the invite to attend this prestigious event for the second year in a row. We were humbled by the reaction of the shooters towards us and the hospitality bestowed on our attendance.

We look forward to participating in 2014 whilst fondly remembering the events of the 2013 shoot… 

We would like to thank Gilly-Bean Photography for the camera work throughout the event. More photo’s will be posted as they become available.

At your service, 
The GICS Team  

Email. info@gicombatsupplies.co.za
Website. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

GICS Defensive Training 2013 Calendar has been Finalised!

We are pleased to announce that the GICS Defensive Training Calendar for 2013 has been finalised.

  

We will be offering various courses in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng during the course of the year, including:

• Intro to Edged Weapons
• Edged Weapon Combatives
• ASP Tactical Baton
• Combat Stick Baton
• Intermediate Firearms
• Low Light Firearms
• Advanced Urban Day Firearms
• Advanced Urban Night Firearms
• Combat Shotgun
• REACT and Empty Hand

Click here to find out more about these courses and to view the training calender to find a course in your area.

We are able to offer customised training solutions to meet exact training requirements, whether for individuals, community groups, corporate entities or government units and departments. We are able to take the relevant organisations existing policies and procedures and develop the training material accordingly taking relevant laws and legislation into consideration ensuring that training is both relevant and practical. 

  

While we offer courses on a regular basis, we are able to offer the above as well as customised training solutions throughout South Africa as and when required.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your training requirements, no matter how large or small.

Specific course information will be published in due course.
 
Please email training@gicombatsupplies.co.za or call us on 021 555 3858 for further information.
 
At your service,
The GICS Team

Email. training@gicombatsupplies.co.za
Website. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

Cape Garrison Artillery 2012 Combat Rifle Competition

GICS had the honor to once again be invited to attend the annual Combat Rifle Shoot hosted by Cape Garrison Artillery at the Atlantis Rifle Range. 

  

This year saw a bumper turnout of more than 80 shooters representing the Army, Air force, Police, Para's and Correctional Services and invited civilian shottists.

Falling in parade at 0900, the shoot started with a short prayer, safety instruction and then the shooters split into two groups. Those who would shoot first, and those who would retire to the "butts" directly under the targets. 

Quite an experience to be under incoming fire, but safely behind concrete and earth, one could look up to see a hole miraculously appear in the target overhead, followed by the crack, and then later the boom of the rifle! 

These helpers would then bring the targets down, mark them, score them, patch them and then hoist them back up again with pulleys on command by a bellowing Corporal! 

At first shooters started at 100 meters, moving back to 200m, then finally 300m. It can be believed that at three hundred meters the front sight blade completely covers the target, and very difficult to see as the afternoon brought with it both a strong breeze and heat waves, causing the target to shiver and shake to the eye. 

Shooting positions were a mixed affair and ranged between shooting from standing, to sitting or prone. Targets were displayed for shorter and shorter times and rapid but accurate shots had to be made for shooters to stay in the running. 

At the end of the day, all who attended gathered in the club house for a fantastic potjie and a short address by the CO, who gave a speech on the History of the Garrison and the merits of good shooting!

Next came the medal ceremony, and there was much ragging and banter as the different departments and units went forward to claim their medallions. 

Alan Martheze of GICS, shooting in class B, came away with a bronze in 100m snap, silvers in 100m rapid and 200m snap and a gold for 300m rapid. Also the overall bronze for class B.

  

The event again proved to be a massive success, and a feather in the cap for Cape Garrison Artillery, who staged a fantastic day of shooting and camaraderie. 

GICS wishes to thank the organizers for inviting us to attend this event, we were thrilled  to have been a part of the 2012 Combat Rifle Shoot and we look forward to the next one!

At your service, 
The GICS Team

Email. info@gicombatsupplies.co.za
Website. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

Book now for CT Intro to Edged Weapons and Combat Stick Courses!

The GICS Defensive Training Introduction to Edged Weapons and Combat Stick - Combat Baton Courses that will be held at GICS in Cape Town on the weekend of 25 and 26 August 2012 are filling up nicely and there are only a few spots left.

Book now to secure your spot and avoid disappointment!

Introduction to Edged Weapons Course - 25 August 2012



Combat Stick - Combat Baton Course - 26 August 2012



Courses will be facilitated by Dean Nieuwoudt. Dean has served in the SANDF, SAPS and Durban Metro Police, both as an instructor and on an operational level including drug enforcement, special projects, intervention unit, CPO, child protection and other duties. 

Dean has a long list of local and international experience and qualifications behind his name, including but not limited to: Registered Assessor and Moderator, Metro Police Instructor, SAPS Weapons (SWAT) Instructor, Crowd Management Instructor, ASP Baton and Handcuffing Instructor, First Aid Instructor, Basic and Intermediate Life Support Medic, Glock Armourer and Close Protection Officer. Dean is also an active 3 gun shotist and has a particular passion for edged and impact weapons.

Besides being highly qualified, Dean has a true passion for training. You only need to spend a few minutes in his presence talking about training to realise this and it is for this reason that we have decided to synergise with Dean to offer not only relevant but practical training.

We are able to offer customised training solutions to meet exact training requirements, whether for individuals, community groups, corporate entities or government units and departments. We are able to take the relevant organisations existing policies and procedures and develop the training material accordingly taking relevant laws and legislation into consideration ensuring that training is both relevant and practical.

Booking is essential and space is limited, so please book now to avoid disappointment.

Email training@gicombatsupplies.co.za or call us on 021 555 3858 to book your spot.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries.

At your service, 
The GICS Team  

Email. training@gicombatsupplies.co.zaWebsite. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

GICS Training Courses in CT in August!

GICS is very pleased to announce that we will be running 2 public training courses at GICS in Cape Town on the weekend of 25 and 26 August 2012.

We will be running an Introduction to Edged Weapons Course on 25/08/2012 and Combat Stick - Combat Baton on 26/08/2012.

The Combat Stick - Combat Baton Course is great for those who have already done the accredited ASP Baton Course as it builds on what was taught. The course is also a great for anyone who wants to learn to defend themselves using ordinary objects that surround us all on a daily basis. (Whether you are a law enforcement officer or an ordinary person wishing to defend themselves or their family.)

You do not have to have done the ASP Baton Course or own a baton of any kind to attend the Combat Stick - Combat Baton Course and it is recommended to all.

Introduction to Edged Weapons Course - 25 August 2012



Combat Stick - Combat Baton Course - 26 August 2012



Booking is essential and space is limited, so please book now to avoid disappointment.

Email training@gicombatsupplies.co.za or call us on 021 555 3858 to book your spot.

We are also planning to offer both Intermediate and Low Light Firearm Courses in Cape Town in the near future.

Please find photos to previous courses here: http://s1155.photobucket.com/profile/GICombatSupplies

Please send us an email at training@gicombatsupplies.co.za if you would be interested in attending such course(s).

Click here for more info on GICS Defensive Training.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries.

At your service,
The GICS Training Team

Email: training@gicombatsuppllies.co.za
Website: www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

Intro to Edged Weapons & Combat Stick/Baton Courses in CPT!

GICS is very pleased to announce that we will be running 2 public training courses in Cape Town on the weekend of 25 and 26 August 2012.

Introduction to Edged Weapons Course - 25 August 2012



Combat Stick - Combat Baton Course - 26 August 2012



Courses will be facilitated by Dean Nieuwoudt. Dean has served in the SANDF, SAPS and Durban Metro Police, both as an instructor and on an operational level including drug enforcement, special projects, intervention unit, CPO, child protection and other duties.

Dean has a long list of local and international experience and qualifications behind his name, including but not limited to: Registered Assessor and Moderator, Metro Police Instructor, SAPS Weapons (SWAT) Instructor, Crowd Management Instructor, ASP Baton and Handcuffing Instructor, First Aid Instructor, Basic and Intermediate Life Support Medic, Glock Armourer and Close Protection Officer. Dean is also an active 3 gun shotist and has a particular passion for edged and impact weapons.

Besides being highly qualified, Dean has a true passion for training. You only need to spend a few minutes in his presence talking about training to realise this and it is for this reason that we have decided to synergise with Dean to offer not only relevant but practical training.

We are able to offer customised training solutions to meet exact training requirements, whether for individuals, community groups, corporate entities or government units and departments. We are able to take the relevant organisations existing policies and procedures and develop the training material accordingly taking relevant laws and legislation into consideration ensuring that training is both relevant and practical.

Booking is essential and space is limited, so please book now to avoid disappointment.

Email training@gicombatsuppies.co.za or call us on 021 555 3858 to book your spot.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries.

At your service,
The GICS Team 

Email. training@gicombatsupplies.co.za
Website. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za

The 36th WP Combat Rifle Shoot

On 16 and 17 March 2012, the WP Combat Rifle Association hosted the 36th Combat Rifle Championship at the Military Shooting Range in Atlantis, Cape Town.

    

Combat Rifle is a world renowned sport where the emphasis falls on skils development for Force Preperation. 

The event was attended by representatives from various South African Military and Law Enforcement Forces and Agencies, namely the SANDF, Army, Navy, Airforce, SA Police Services and Correctional Services.

Participants competed on Individual, Unit Team and Mixed Team level.

GI Combat Supplies was fortunate enough to assist in the sponsorship of this event, and whilst supplying some of the prizes for the event, GICS was also able to show off some of new gear that is available to shottists.

    

GICS provided boxes of passive protection 3M ear plugs for the shooters and members got to try out Peltor electronic hearing protectors. The SportTac and ComTac models were particularly well received as they attenuate high volume sounds and amplify low volume sounds offering you protection against gun fire and other damaging sounds while allowing you to hear ambient sounds around you like conversation, commands, warning signals etc.

The range of NcStar binoculars and spotting scopes as well as the Tru-Spec range of on/off duty gear and apparel was also very well received.

Even though the weather took a decided turn for the worst as Friday progressed and the wind picked up (as it so regularly does here in Cape Town), the men and women knuckled down and stuck to their guns, wracking up some impressive scores.

    

At the end of some hard shooting, everyone settled down to a good-old South African braai and prize giving. It was a fantastic round off to a great event.

Thank you to The Military and Law Enforcement teams and management that allowed us to be a part of this event and we hope to part of it again next year. 

    

GI Combat Supplies supports our Forces and Services and thanks them for the tireless hours that they spend serving our Country.

At your service, 
The GICS Team  

Email. info@gicombatsupplies.co.za
Website. www.gicombatsupplies.co.za