Smallbore Rifle Shooting
Target shooting is a test of marksmanship skills, concentration, self discipline and motivation. It has considerable military training value in improving individual marksmanship ability, while competition helps individuals cope with the pressures and stress inherent in operational shooting.
Small-bore target rifle shooting is a recognised Army sport, carried out using rifles which are designed specifically for the sport in accordance with rules laid down by the national shooting body, the National Small-bore Rifle Association, and the International Shooting Sport Federation, the body governing target shooting up to Olympic Standard. Shooting is conducted from the prone, standing and kneeling positions indoors at 25yds and outdoors at 50m, and from the prone position outdoors at 100yds. While the distances aren’t great, the precision required is - the 10 ring at 50m is only 10mm in diameter for all positions, and the light .22 bullets are deflected by even slight winds.
We have a strong team and a healthy development squad, and benefit from access to excellent equipment as well as having County coaches within our ranks. There are opportunities to participate in competitions both at unit level, in the Match 118 Inter Unit Championships, and as an individual at the Army Championships. Results from these events and performance in training are used to select members for the Army and Combined Services representative teams. The calendar includes matches against Police Sport UK, national teams, short and long range inter Service championships and team entries in the Gibraltar Rifle Association Open Championships. Entry in the British Rifle Meeting at Bisley is also supported.
There are a number of excellent courses available, delivered by members of the Army Team on behalf of the Army Rifle Association. These provide the best possible introduction to the sport, with instruction from qualified and very experienced coaches. The Army Rifle Association publishes an annual DIN with details of the courses, or contact the Army Team Captain,
SSgt Andy Tongue
Email: ArmyCapCbt-SASC-ARA-SB@mod.uk
