What is small bore target rifle shooting?
Small-bore rifle shooting is a traditional sport where shooters, shoot lying down, kneeling or standing at targets that are 50 metres away. Our club caters for all shooting styles, Prone off-hand, prone supported, shooting seated at a bench supported and all levels of ability. We also cater for shooters who are interested in shooting "Air Rifles" which are conducted on a 10 metre range either off hand or supported (standing or seated).
The sport is mostly about technique and training. It does not focus on firearms. Firearms are only one of the many tools that a shooter uses to hit the target. Our rifles are single shot .22 calibre target rifles or .177 calibre single shot air rifles. Hunting rifles generally are not suitable.
Generally, our sighting system does not use telescopic sights. We use modern aperture sights. However we can cater for shooters using a scope if they wish. We centre the black aiming mark in the apertures of our sights and we make adjustments to compensate for changes in wind strength and direction during the shoot.
Where are we?
We are one of the several rifle clubs that share the Belmont Shooting Complex, Brisbane we shoot at the Brisbane International Shooting Centre on the Jim Smith Range. Go to our Come and Try page for more details, there is a Map on the Contacts page. Please NOTE:- On Google maps We are located in the same complex as "Paramount Targetsports".
Who is it suited for?
Men and women, young and old. Our sport does not separate age categories or gender. Very few sports see teenage competitors up against people in their 80's. Ours does regularly. We are not a generic gun club. We are purely a small bore target rifle club. We take our sport seriously. Small bore rifle shooting is more about reading the wind, controlling your breathing and mental focus than it is about the equipment.
What does it cost?
Saturday morning shoots cost $20.00 for club members. Ammunition cost ranges from $9.00 to $35.00 per box of 50, depending on the type of ammunition you purchase. Affiliated club members pay the same as our club members.
Annual membership fees range between $35 and $127.00 depending on a number of factors. See the membership fees page for details of 2024 fee structure.
Brisbane Small Bore Rifle Club owns several club rifles and equipment that new shooters can use indefinitely. Most licensed shooters choose to purchase their own equipment.
A basic setup of second hand gear including a second hand rifle can cost around $1900.00. At the other end of the spectrum, a shooter could spend $15,000 on their equipment if they were really keen. To be competitive in this sport, top end equipment is not required. There are numerous factors that affect scores other than the quality of the equipment.
When do you shoot?
Brisbane Small Bore Rifle Club, shoots every Saturday of the month on the Jim Smith Range from late January until mid December. We meet at the range from 8am. Shooting finishes around 10:30 am possibly until 12 noon (depending on the number of shooters on the day and the discretion of the Range Officer).
Partners, family and friends are all welcome to watch. We are a very family oriented bunch and love it when everyone shows up.
Can I come and have a go?
We hold "Come & Try's" on the first Saturday of each month by prior booking.
Yes. New shooters are welcome to come and have a go. We will assign you an experienced, licensed mentor who will provide you with safety training and will coach you through your entire shoot. To organise a first shoot or if you just want to have a look, contact us. You MUST contact us prior to showing up, as we need time to organise your mentor.
Location:- Go to our contacts page for details and a Map.
Start time for 'Come and Try" is 08:30 am (we get going as fast as possible, there is a bit of paperwork to do before we start so we like new shooters to get to the club at 8:15 am). Cost:- $50.00 per person, all equipment and coaching supplied (Cash Only or bank transfer beforehand).
We do not allow the General Public to come to the range and shoot unless they have attended a “Come and Try’ first. We do allow Come and Try shooters to return and shoot with our club, information and costs will be provided at the Come and Try.
Licensing in QLD?
To shoot with Brisbane Small Bore Rifle Club you do not need to have a QLD firearms License as you will be supervised by licensed club members and overseen by qualified range officers. Most new shooters will want to obtain a licence to allow themselves to purchase ammunition and their first rifle, etc.
The Queensland Rifle Association (QRA) at Belmont runs safety courses, this is required before applying for a shooters licence (ph 07 3843 5371).
In QLD the requirements to obtain a shooters licence are;
Have a genuine reason for a licence. Being a financial member of a Target Rifle Club is sufficient reason.
Complete a safety training course (such as the one offered by the QRA).
Have suitable Photo ID
Make your application through the QLD Weapons Licensing branch of the QLD Police.
Brisbane Small Bore Rifle Club will guide you in this process as needed.