Introduction to Target Shooting
Target shooting is a rewarding sport requiring focus, control and concentration. It is very inclusive and accessible to all ages and physical abilities.
There are different routes to try target shooting and you can choose the one that works best for you. Generally, your first shoot will be with a low powered .177 air rifle or air pistol.
We provide regular ‘Try A Shoot’ experiences at our Bisley and Aldersley venues, contact them for prices, booking and more information. Alternatively, many of our Affiliated Clubs welcome new people and provide ‘Try A Shoot’ days too.
There are also commercial ranges across the country that provide taster sessions and experience days. These are all great options to test out target shooting and see if you like it, without having to pay out for any equipment straight away.
The NSRA focuses on a specific area of target shooting that includes small-bore & air encompassing .177 calibre and .22 calibre air rifles & pistols; .22 cartridge rifles & pistols and match crossbows.
We have more information below as well as a handy download that gives you all the basic information here
You can see more about our Try A Shoot experiences here
What is Target Shooting?
Using paper or electronic targets with concentric rings that are worth more points the nearer they are to the centre. You shoot a set number of shots and gain a score from the outcome. The aim is to work to improve your score and get as close as you can to consistently shooting only the centre of the target.
There are various disciplines with reactive targets including Field Target or Hunter Field Target where metal ‘knock down’ targets consisting of a small animal shaped target (e.g. squirrel, bird or rat) are used. These often have a small circular target on the metal ‘animal’ plate which is what you would aim for. If you hit the plate nothing happens, but if you hit the circular target, it is knocked down.
Target Shooting is for all levels and abilities. It is highly inclusive with disabled and able-bodied competing on a level playing field. It is one of the most accessible sports available with neither gender nor age being a factor. There are many options including visually impaired (VI) shooting.
What You Can Do
Target shooting is a sport and can be as casual or competitive as you’d like, with many disciplines available at Olympic and Paralympic level. There is a thriving competitive scene within target shooting and, due to the nature of the sport, a true age mix from 8 to 80 plus!
You can take part at any level, commitment, age or ability including disabled and blind shooting. Everyone starts out as a beginner and whether you choose to compete with yourself or want to test your skills against other shooters, there are many levels of competition available to fit all skill points.
It is relatively easy to switch between disciplines once you have learnt the basics, so if you find your initial choice is not for you, don’t give up, try a different discipline!
What Is Available
Air rifles & pistols are an easy and cost-effective way to get into target shooting. The cost of starting equipment is minimal (dependent on your chosen discipline) and more affordable than .22 cartridge rifles & pistols and equipment. They do not require a firearms licence as long as they are 12-foot pounds muzzle energy or under and will use pellets as against cartridge ammunition.
There are 2 main options on a basic level regarding the calibre of the gun, .177 and .22. (air rifles & pistols) and .22 (small-bore) cartridge rifles & pistols.
Basic options are:
.177 & .22 calibre Air Pistol – There is minimal equipment needed to take part and to compete
.177 & .22 calibre Air Rifle – Equipment level required depends on your chosen discipline. There are several different types including spring-action and pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). Local Clubs and air gun stores can assist and advise the best choice for you and your requirements
.22 calibre Cartridge Pistol - You need a Firearms licence for these guns due to the power and use of ammunition
.22 calibre Cartridge Rifle – You need a Firearms licence for these guns due to the power and use of ammunition
Crossbow – there are a variety of disciplines starting from the low-cost sport crossbow through to the high end 10m & 30m match crossbow
Our Target Shooting Disciplines
The different target shooting disciplines use different types of rifle & pistol of different calibres. They also cover differing distances.
The main disciplines are:
Prone – lying down on your stomach
3 position (3P) – prone, kneeling and standing
6 yard & 10m Air Rifle & Pistol - standing
Benchrest
Target Sprint (air rifle only) – running a set distance in a loop back to the firing point then taking a series of shots at knock down targets, followed by another run. This sequence is repeated a few times
Field Target – knock down targets from varying distances & elevations with ability to use an adjustable scope
Hunter Field Target - knock down targets from varying distances & elevations. No scope adjustment is permitted during the competition
Light Weight Sporter – Timed (targets are available for a short, designated amount of time before they spin sideways and can no longer be shot) & Precision
Cartridge Pistol
Crossbow – 3 types, Sporter, Field and Match
What Equipment Do You Need?
If you are just starting out, you can find a club (our Club Finder is a great way to do this) and use their equipment, enabling you to see if you like target shooting before investing.
Equipment varies between discipline, other than your gun, gun case and ammunition, here a basic guide to the kit you’ll need for your chosen speciality.
Our shop at NSRA Aldersley has a great range of guns, targets, ammo and equipment to cover all your target shooting needs, with knowledgeable staff to help you make the right choice. You can also purchase online via our website shop. If you are needing ammunition or targets and live further south then NSRA Bisley’s reception desk will be able to assist you with your requirements.
Ready To Get Involved?
Interested in giving it a go? Why not try one of our ‘Try a Shoot’ sessions?
Had A Taster Session And Hungry For More?
We have a great target shooting proficiency program and you don’t have to be a member to take part!
Many of our Affiliated Clubs welcome new shooters and are happy to help you get started! You can find a Club near you with our Club Finder