Our Association embraces four Target Shooting disciplines:
Fullbore and ISSF enthusiasts shoot only from the prone position at 'bulls-eye' targets at distances starting from 300 metres. Field Class and Service followers shoot from standing, sitting and prone positions at 100, 200 and 300 metres respectively.
The top of our sport is reached by a combination of flawless, consistent technique and a skill for assessing the winds affect on the flight of a bullet. Like other precision sports such as golf, lawn bowls and snooker, an understanding of the eyes' perception, light, the psychology of competition and, of course, continual practice all contribute to success.
Target Shooting doesn't require exceptional fitness or, surprisingly, perfect eyesight. Older and physically impaired people can enjoy successful participation like any other shooter. Also, ours is one of the very few sports where women and men compete without favour or discrimination for the same grades and prizes.
Many members of the NSWRA are still at school. The Association enjoys a healthy level of competition by children and teenagers through the highly organised and safe Greater Public School (GPS) competition in Sydney featuring teams from Scots College, Sydney High, Grammar and The Kings School. In regional areas The Armidale School and New England Girls School are becoming increasingly competitive and the Bishop Druit College (Coffs Harbour) is becoming very active in field class shooting. With parental consent, juniors from the age of 12 and above are able to obtain a Minor's Permit and enjoy a safe, educational and fun sport. There are many family groups within our Association.
To find out more about joining a club and the legislation requirements in NSW, see Regulations.
Target shooting in an extremely safe sport. Since 1861 there have been no deaths on any civilian range from any accident. To maintain this exceptional standard, new members are taught not only marksmanship, but the safe handling of their firearm.
Safety behaviour is governed by the NSW Police Firearms Registry range approvals and also the National Rifle Association of Australia's Standard Shooting Rules. All shoots are conducted under the supervision of accredited range officers. Importantly, such training carries into everyday life and helps encourage safe handling of firearms away from the range.
While there are many shooting sports, Target shooting is perhaps the oldest in the country. The NSW Rifle Association was constituted as part of the Defence Act, a reminder of the days when the nation's defence relied on civilian volunteers forming an army around a small professional core. Target Shooting was seen as good preparation and was an extremely popular (and patriotic) pastime, with even the smallest country towns maintaining a range, and businesses and suburbs forming Rifle Clubs.
Competitions are usually shot at a minimum of three ranges, but can take many other forms - over two or more days, in teams, with coaches, club championships shot over the year at all ranges and so on. Opportunities are present to not only compete at club level, but District, State and International level (Commonwealth Games and World Championships). The most common inter-club activity is the Prize Shoot, where shooters in any grade come to the host club's range and compete over one or two days. Part of the attraction of the day is the pleasure of catching up with old friends or, since most ranges are sited in unpopulated or rural areas, a day in the clean air. If camping or caravanning appeals, many ranges offer appropriate facilities. Shooters and families plan travelling holidays around Prize Shoot venues. What a great way to see Australia!
Aim is taken at the target which is a large white square (plate) with a black aiming mark printed in the middle. The plate is held in a frame in front of the butts which stops the bullets. Concentric score rings are printed on the aiming mark and plate, the smallest in the center being the highest value. After a shot, or series of shots are fired, the target is pulled down into the gallery by a marker who places an indicator in each hole and signals the score. The target is then raised. Hits are noted through a telescope, sight adjustments made, and the course of fire continued. Further adjustments may be necessary for changes in light or wind, and herein lies the skill of the sport. A shooter is said to have scored a 'possible' if all the shots of a stage hit the bull's-eye. Obviously this is the main aim of the sport and top shooters not only do it once, but repeat it in all sorts of conditions at all ranges.
Most Rifle Clubs can provide all the necessary gear to launch a new shooter. As the sport 'takes hold' bits and pieces can be acquired, often second hand, for reasonable prices. Field class is very cheap to follow since it requires no special rifle, sighting system or clothing. Equipment Costs and other expenses are similar to playing golf with good quality gear.
Proudly supported by: NSW Dept of Sport and Recreation