What is it?
Target Rifle (TR) is the NRA’s heritage and how the
shooting sport started. TR competitions are shot at every level from an
informal challenge between two individuals or clubs through County, Home
Country and National team competitions, up to the World Long Range
Championships for the Palma Trophy and the Commonwealth Games.
Target Rifle (TR) evolved from Service Rifle (SR) shooting in the
late 1960s. Previously the .303″ caliber No. 4 Service Rifle was used
with the addition of precision sights that were adjustable for elevation
and windage. When the armed forces adopted the Self Loading Rifle (SLR)
at the end of the 1960s, target rifles retained the single shot bolt
action of the old Service Rifles, but started to evolve into precision
made firearms that are extremely accurate and optimized for target
shooting. They have sights which are fully adjustable for elevation and
windage, but retain the ‘iron sight’ principle (i.e. do not use
telescopic sights). To ‘level the playing field’ as much as possible
without stifling progress, the rifle, or all its component parts, must
be ‘readily available in quantity’. The standard caliber is .308, but .223 is also used.
TR involves prone single shot precision shooting using aperture iron
sights at ’round bull’ targets at distances from 300 to 1000 yards, with
each shot carefully scored, recorded and analysed. As well as being
able to hold a steady aim, the key challenge is being able to judge and
allow for the strength of the wind, especially at the longer ranges.
Equipment
To compete in TR you need a Target Rifle (a single-loading 7.62/.308
rifle with adjustable non-magnifying sights), and the
kit to go with it. Minimum: sling, glove, spotting
scope. Highly desirable: shooting jacket, mat,
hat, ammo box, small clipboard, rifle tools and a bag to
carry it all in.
Competitions
TR competitions are shot at some combination of 300,
500, 600, 800, 900 and 1000 yards in the prone position at a static
round-bull target. For individual competitions, each shot is fired and each shot is scored separately. Competitors keep score for each other and each
competitor is responsible for their own wind judgement and sight
corrections to center their group. A single competition or stage
normally consists of 2 sighting shots and 10 or 15 scoring shots, though
there are exceptions.
For team matches, each target generally has a dedicated wind coach,
who is responsible for judging and allowing for the strength of the wind
and centering the group, by adjusting the shooter’s sights, so that the
shooter merely has to aim at the center of the target and fire good
shots.
How to get involved
Best way is to come out and meet the people at you local shooting club (for example come out for one of our events). There you will meet people that are willing to help you and you can see first hand what we do and equipment you might need to get started. Also coaching can be available for the less experienced and shooting community is always eager to help new shooters.
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