Types of Shooting

Shotgun shooting

Many shooters use shotguns for the shooting of artificial targets, either to practice marksmanship or in competition. Clay target shooting is currently undergoing a boom in popularity, spurred on by British success in international competitions such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.

Competitive clay shooting is an exciting an absorbing sport, with a number of different disciplines. In clay target shooting, the disciplines can be broadly split into three categories – trap, skeet and sporting.

In the trap disciplines of Down-the-Line, Automatic Ball Trap, Olympic Trap, Double Trap and Universal Trench, the targets are thrown away from you by a trap positioned in front of you at varying speeds, heights and angles.

In English and Olympic Skeet, the targets are released from two trap houses, one positioned on each side of a semi-circular layout, at fixed speeds, heights and angles.

In English Sporting and FITASC Sporting, the targets are designed to simulate those found in nature. This means that they can come from all directions, including rolling on the ground.

Just don’t forget, there’s no need to be confused by the variety of disciplines – the important thing is that you enjoy yourself and hit some targets!

 

Airgun shooting

Competitive target air rifle shooting takes place across the country at indoor shooting ranges close to built up areas and sometimes in town centres. However, many enthusiasts enjoy the outdoor discipline of field target shooting at artificial targets.

Since 1997, cartridge pistol shooting has not been permitted in Britain. However, air pistol shooting continues to thrive frequently sharing facilities with indoor rifle shooting clubs.

 

 

Rifle shooting

Target rifle shooting grew out of the need to improve and maintain high standards of marksmanship within the armed services. Today it is a major international sport enjoyed by thousands of participants at clubs across Britain.

Fullbore target rifle shooters mostly use military calibres and fire from the prone position at ranges from 200 to 1,000 yards, whilst the exacting skills of Match rifle shooting are exercised over ranges out to 1,200 yards. This sport is particularly associated with Bisley, Surrey, which can rightly claim to be the home of British rifle shooting. Other disciplines exist for muzzle-loading, classic, service and sporting rifles.

Smallbore rifle shooters use the .22 rimfire rifle, and shoot at ranges up to 100 yards. The compact nature of the facilities required means that these clubs are often found in urban areas, including Scout and Cadet groups. Please note that it is easier to go clay shooting and airgunning during National Shooting Week because of current legislation. If you are interested in rifle shooting, you must first get in contact with your local club or range. Some of these will be listed on the site. Alternatively, contact the National Rifle Association (Tel: 01483 797777 or visit please use this link to visit their web site) or the National Small-bore Rifle Association (Tel: 0845 1306772 or please use this link to visit their web site)