Smallbore rifle

Smallbore rifle is precision target shooting with a .22 rimfire rifle at fixed distances, with the main events shot at 50 metres. Target Rifle Australia describes smallbore and air rifle as Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Events and distances

Target Rifle Australia lists the main events:

• 50 metre prone. 60 shots lying down, with a .22 target rimfire rifle. Target Rifle Australia says it is the most contested single event in Australia. Local variations of prone include a short range event at 20 metres and a long range event over 90 metres.

• 50 metre 3 position. Shots fired from prone, standing and kneeling. Since the Tokyo Olympics, men and women both shoot 20 shots in each position.

Clubs may also run benchrest, shot seated at 50 metres with the rifle supported front and rear, and smallbore metallic silhouette, shot prone at distances up to 90 metres.

Shooters compete in grades from A to D, with the top athletes in A grade. Each shot scores 10 for a centre hit down to 1 in the outer rings. Reading a score card explains how scores are counted.

Who runs it

Target Rifle Australia is the national body for smallbore and air rifle shooting. It has six state member bodies that clubs affiliate with.

How to try it

Target Rifle Australia's advice is to contact your closest club and visit. There are clubs in both city and country areas. Most clubs have rifles and equipment you can use while you learn, and beginners get one-on-one help from a qualified safety officer. There's no need to buy your own rifle until you and your coach feel you're ready.

Target Rifle Australia also runs air rifle, which it describes as the best and cheapest event for young shooters. See Air rifle and pistol.