Small Bore
About Smallbore Rifle Competition Many individuals become interested in smallbore rifle competition, however, unless they start off
with the proper information, they find it difficult and sometimes intimidating to begin. For most
shooters the cost of equipment is generally a stumbling block. With a new competition rifle like
an Anschütz or Walther costing upwards of $2000 just for the basic rifle, many people shy away
from competition. Many feel that unless they have the best of everything they cannot compete.
This is simply not true. A minimum investment of a .22 caliber rifle (new or used), a simple
spotting scope with stand, a sling, glove and shooting coat, and most important, eye and ear
protection, you can begin shooting in competition for well under $400.
Equipment:
Section 3 of the NRA Smallbore Rifle Rule Book defines authorized equipment and ammunition.
This section is not meant to restrict equipment but to define limitations. It lays out the rules for
what is allowed while competing. Most of the language is easy to understand although in the
beginning I found there were terms that I did not understand. Thankfully there are many
experienced smallbore shooters in the Roslyn Rifle and Revolver club who are willing to explain
any and all aspects of the game. In my opinion shooting with experienced folks is invaluable.
This is one of the reasons that the Roslyn Rifle and Revolver clubs Friday night shoots are open
to anyone who is interested. A copy can be ordered from the NRA for only a few dollars. The
book is divided up into sections that allow you to easily find specific rules and details about
shooting smallbore rifle competition.
1/6
Small Bore
Equipment to consider to get started:
Rifle - (light rifle or match rifle) Bolt-action single shot 22lr. is what most smallbore shooters use.
Some names you might see on the line are Winchester, Anschütz, Walther, Kimber, and a few
even shoot custom made rifles.
Whichever rifle you select, be sure it will be suited for the rules of the particular type of shooting
you wish to do. A used rifle for a beginner is not a bad idea if the dealer can certify the condition
of the rifle.
Rifle Sights - After checking the rule book, the purchase of good quality sights for whatever type
of shooting your planning on is a sound investment. I can’t over emphasize the need for quality
sights. Both Iron sights, some times known as peep sights, and scopes come in varied quality.
For the most part you get what you pay for. Ask a few shooters to look through their sights and
scopes to get a feel for what you might like to use. Throughout the year we shoot smallbore rifle
matches with both scopes and iron sights, but as any coaches will tell you it is always best to
start with and learn the game with iron sights. The picture to the left is of a high quality
Anschütz sights set complete with front and rear appatures
2/6
Small Bore
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3/6
Small Bore
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4/6
Small Bore
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Items
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you
many
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learn
as
important
the
shooting
accessories
basics.
than
pants,
having
that
can
all
Start Small:
For example, you could use an old thick winter glove for a shooting glove, a pair on binoculars
for a spotting scope, a heavy sweatshirt for a shooting jacket. You can get a Savage M77, 22
caliber bolt action target rifle costing around $200 .
5/6
Small Bore
Courses of Fire
Matches are shot at distances of 50 feet, 50 yards,100 yards and 200 yards. Match competition
can be as quick as 30 shots (10 shots prone, standing, kneeling) as in our winter league or as
long as 160 shots in one of our summer 1600 prone matches. Section 7 of the Smallbore Rifle
Rule Book discusses all courses of fire recognized by the NRA, while section 17 covers all
courses of fire recognized for national records. At the Massachusetts Rifle Association we hold
NRA modified matches.
6/6