In an outstanding display of .303 rifle marksmanship, Peter Richards and Dave Hatherell missed just a single bullseye each when they went head to head in the popular Anzac shoot at North Arm on Sunday, April 17.

Peter, a member of the Queensland Military Rifle Club, edged ahead with 9 out of 10 centre bulls at 400 yards and clinched the three-range contest 149.22 to 149.19.

The annual event which is well supported by Sunshine Coast RSLs was shot in blustery conditions which challenged many shooters, even with the modified scoring system in use.

Peter, who was part of a large QMRC contingent, shot with a rare Canadian Ross Mark three 1916 vintage rifle for the first time.

He said this batch of Ross rifles were known for their accuracy and featured in a clean sweep of the Kings Prize in Bisley, in 1921.

“The rifle was withdrawn from frontline service in 1916, but continued in use as a sniper rifle,” Peter said.

When he recently acquired his Ross, it was in de-militarised condition, and had to have a new custom-made barrel fitted.

Dave Hatherell from Gympie-Kilkivan Rifle Club, is a regular competitor and past winner of this event. He stayed in close contention with a best range score of eight centre bulls at 500 yards using his 1921 Australian Lithgow .303.

Glen Skipworth finished third in the Modified Rifle class with 145.13. Another QMRC member Rod Wood posted the best Service Rifle three range aggregate, 136.8.