Shooting Disciplines:
Smallbore Target Rifle
Smallbore Target Rifle shooting uses specialised, heavy, single-shot .22LR rifles designed for maximum precision in controlled target competition. Shooting is typically conducted in the prone position, with some events also including 3-position formats (prone, standing and kneeling). The discipline uses iron sights and focuses on extreme accuracy, consistency and refined marksmanship fundamentals, with competitors firing deliberately aimed shots at set distances, usually between 25 and 100 metres.
Smallbore Sporting Rifle
Smallbore Sporting Rifle uses lighter, magazine-fed .22LR rifles that are generally equipped with telescopic sights. Unlike target rifle shooting, this discipline is designed for faster-paced, more practical shooting, typically involving standing or unsupported positions. Competitions often include timed stages, multiple targets and rapid engagement sequences, placing emphasis on speed, adaptability and practical shooting skill alongside accuracy.
Practical Rifle Shooting
Practical Rifle disciplines focus on speed, movement and efficient target engagement through dynamic courses of fire. It involves engaging multiple targets from different positions under time pressure. The discipline places strong emphasis on safe handling, transitions between targets and practical shooting performance.
Benchrest Rifle
Benchrest Rifle shooting is a highly specialised precision discipline where competitors fire rifles from a stable bench using advanced optics and precision rests. The goal is to produce the smallest possible shot groups at known distances, with success dependent on equipment accuracy, ammunition consistency and careful environmental reading.
Fullbore Rifle
Fullbore Rifle shooting uses centrefire rifles at long-range distances typically between 300 and 1000 yards and is one of the most technically demanding disciplines in the UK. Shooters must account for wind, weather and ballistic variation while maintaining precise shot placement at extended range. The discipline encompasses several formats, including Target Rifle, F-Class and Civilian Service Rifle, each offering different styles of competition and equipment rules.
​
Target Rifle is the traditional form of UK fullbore shooting, using precision bolt-action rifles fitted with iron sights and fired from the prone position. Competitors engage targets at distances from 300 to 1000 yards, relying heavily on wind-reading ability, consistency and disciplined shooting technique. The discipline is highly structured and precision-focused, with strong historical roots in British marksmanship competition.
​
F-Class is a modern long-range precision discipline derived from Target Rifle shooting, allowing the use of telescopic sights and supported shooting positions such as bipods or front rests. Competitors engage targets at distances up to 1000 yards, with a strong emphasis on equipment precision, ammunition consistency and long-range accuracy. The discipline appeals to shooters who enjoy technical rifle setup and extreme precision shooting.
​
Civilian Service Rifle is a practical discipline based on military-style marksmanship, using service-pattern rifles in a variety of shooting positions including standing, kneeling and prone. Competitions often involve movement, timed stages and rapid magazine changes, testing both accuracy and efficient firearm handling. The discipline combines precision shooting with practical field skills under competitive conditions.