Target Rifle

This is the founding and core activity of the Club and is the more traditional form of 7.62mm (full-bore) rifle shooting, with target shooting being practised from 100 to 1000 yards.

The skill is to fire well aimed, deliberate ‘sniper’ shots at the target with each shot scored individually and the sights adjusted to take account of wind and other atmospheric influences. More of a science than an art!

Action Rifle

This is carried out at relatively short range, 100 or 200 yards using a wider variety of rifles, for example .303 calibre No 4’s and Russian designed 7.62mm rifles. The emphasis here is more on rapid shooting from different positions including standing and sitting/kneeling. The range of targets is also expanded to include disruptive pattern (DPM) as well as standard ‘Bulls eye’ shapes.

Whilst a more rapid style of shooting, the emphasis is very much speed with accuracy. Snapshooting is also a major component of this action rifle event with timed exposures of targets and limited shots.

Gallery Rifle

These .38 and .22 calibre mini-rifles, such as the famous Winchester Trapper or the semi-automatic Ruger 10/22, have replaced pistol shooting and the competitive disciplines with turning targets and timed shoots have grown significantly in popularity.

Many of the former pistol events and competitions, such as the Phoenix at Bisley over the Whitsun Holiday, are now run using these types of rifle. As a result the range distances have had to be increased to accommodate their greater accuracy over their much smaller cousins. Normally held under cover, these are not surprisingly popular in the winter season

Heritage Weapons

As the name suggests, this is the use of historical weaponry, both original as well as reproduction and generally involves the use of black powder in its ignition and firing.

Shotgun (Clay pigeon)

This uses a different set of talents from those required for target rifle. Far more “fire” and movement skills are required to simulate the various types of game shooting. As the target is never stationary you must follow it to have a chance of being successful, and as it is possible to “dust” the clay in competition, you know instantly how well you have done.

Normally this is done away from Bisley, but as new ranges were built there for the 2002 Commonwealth Games we now have opportunities closer to our Club house!