A CLASSIC CONNECTICUT JUNIOR RIFLE MATCH ON A TRADITIONAL SHOOTING WEEKEND.

The late David L. Swanson was a very active member of the Manchester Rifle Club during the 1960-61 season. Taken ill, his shooting career was tragically cut short when he passed away as a teenager. The Swanson family, wishing to recognize his passion for small-bore rifle shooting, donated a handsome trophy to his memory to the Manchester Rifle Club to be placed into annual junior competition.

The first Swanson match was first held in 1963 and continued, uninterrupted until 1986 when issues with the Manchester range caused a halt. Jason Stansfield took custody of the trophy and records with the hopes of reviving competition. While reminiscing about 'The Old Days' with Hap and Steve Rocketto the Swanson Match came up and they dedicated themselves to bring the match back. And so, through three long time Connecticut junior coaches the Swanson match returned to competition in 2015.

The Program 

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024, and Sunday December 8, 2024.

Location: The Quaker Hill Rod and Gun Club, 215 Oxoboxo Dam Rd, Oakdale, CT 06370 Club telephone: 860-848-8385 

Rules: Current NRA Small bore Rules will apply. 

Time: Relays begin, on the hour, 9AM through 5PM on Saturday and Sunday. Relays will be called to the line 15 minutes before the relay is scheduled. 

Scoring: NRA A-17/Orion System 

Courses of Fire: 30 shots in three positions, in any order, unlimited sighters for juniors 30 shots prone with unlimited sighters for sub-juniors 

Time: 40 minutes per relay for all matches 

Coaching: Allowed in both matches 

Entry Fee: $10.00 per individual. $10.00 for a four man team.

Challenge Fee: A warm smile and a pleasant request for the first challenge. Further challenges cost $1.00 each.

Awards: First, second, and third place plaques in both matches with winner's name engraved on the permanent Swanson Trophy. Plaques awarded in each of three classes, A, B, and C, as determined by the Lewis Awards system. 

Advance entries are to be made to Steve Rocketto, 928 Old Colchester Rd., Oakdale, CT 06370 via U.S. mail or e-mail at srocketto@aquilasys.com. You may pay at the range but all checks should be made out to Stephen M. Rocketto. Post entries will be permitted, to range capacity.