Nova Scotia Rifle Association

Smallbore Target Rifle Program

[Introduction] [Schedule] [Results]

Smallbore target rifles are chambered for the .22 Long Rifle calibre cartridge and fall into four categories: Sporting Rifle, Practical (formerly called Hunting) Rifle, Standard or Match Rifle, and F -Class Rifle. The rifles are fired from three positions; prone, standing, and kneeling at bullseye targets. Sporting and Match rifles are fitted with adjustable, aperture (peep) metallic target sights and the Match rifles are fitted with slings. Practical class rifles can be any .22 rifle which is not, and never has been, a target rifle, any action and any type of sights (including optical) can be used - many current high quality field / hunting / varmint / plinking .22's are in this category. Telescopic sights, bipods, and rear bags are permitted with F-Class rifles. All F-Class shooting takes place in the prone position.  Detailed F-Class equipment rules are outlined below.

Sporting Rifles must have trigger weight not less than 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs.) and the total weight of the rifle, complete with sights and accessories cannot be more than 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.) As well, movement of butt plate, upward or downward from the neutral position is limited to +/- 30 mm (1") and palm rests and slings are not to be used. Match Rifles have much lighter trigger pull requirements and the butt plate may be adjusted upward or downward from the neutral position. Sling use is permitted. The weight of these rifles, with sights, cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs.).

In addition to standard competitions using rifles in Match (ISSF), Sporting, Practical, and F-Class, NSRA has introduced .22  LR  100m  Benchrest which uses scoped heavy target rifles shooting at very small targets and 30m "Simplified Silhouette" using various rifle types and steel targets cut in simple geometric shapes (squares, triangles, rectangles) all shot at 30m from the standing position.  Detailed Benchrest eqiuipment rules are outlined below.  "Simplified Silhouette" information is also noted below.

In NSRA Smallbore Rifle F-Class competition, rifles and related equipment must meet the following specifications:

SBF1:  An F-Class rifle is limited to .22 LR calibre.

SBF2: Rifle support is limited to the use of an attached bipod (see note below) and/or a sling as front support, optionally together with, but not connected to, a single rear bag.

Note: There are many  types of acceptable bipods available which attach to the rifle.  Attachment can be to a swivel stud or to an adaptor which fits into a rail in the forestock.  The least expensive, lightest, and most common is the Harris bipod. Contact Smallbore Rifle chairman for sources.

SBF3: Triggers are to be manually operated; electronic, set or “release” triggers are not permitted.

SBF4: Trigger pull weight is not restricted, but must be safe (specifically, the rifle must not fire on closing the bolt or action).  

SBF5: As a guideline (this is a rule in fullbore F-TR) the overall weight should not exceed 8.25 kg including all attachments such as bipod and telescopic sight.

 Benchrest Rifle and Related Equipment Specifications

 In NSRA Smallbore Rifle Benchrest competition, rifles and related equipment must meet the following specifications:

BR1: A Benchrest rifle is limited to .22 LR calibre.

BR2: Rifle front support type is unlimited and may or may not be attached to the rifle.

BR3: Rifle rear support type is unlimited, but there is to be no connection between front and rear supports.

BR4: Triggers are to be manually operated; electronic, set or “release” triggers are not permitted.

BR5: Trigger pull weight is not restricted, but must be safe (specifically, the rifle must not fire on closing the bolt or action).

BR6: There is no weight restriction for benchrest rifles.

"Simplified Metallic Silhouette” Information

Steel silhouette shooting with .22LR cal rifles is being re-introduced after an absence of several years.  As the name implies, the silhouette program this time will be in a form which is simple and relatively inexpensive to set up, maintain, and organize.  In addition it should appeal to new, somewhat experienced, and very experienced shooters because the targets and course of fire have features which will enable various skill levels to enjoy this type of competitive shooting.

Targets: Four simple geometric shapes - 5”x 5” square, 3”x 4” and 2”x 3” rectangles, and a 4”x 4”x 4” triangle mixed with NRA standard animal silhouettes - rams, turkeys, javelinas, and chickens.  One shot per target, scoring values increase as target sizes decrease.

Shooting Distance: 30m to start; possibly increasing to 40m as experience dictates.

Shooting Position: Standing.

Rifle Classes / Specifications:  Two classes:

• "Sights" - any .22LR rifle fitted with non-magnifying sights including open sights, aperture (peep) sights, fibre optic sights, reflex sights, and red dot  sights. 

• "Scopes" - any .22LR rifle fitted with a magnifying optical sight (telescopic sight or similar).

Additional specifications for both classes: no rifle weight restriction, no sling support, trigger pull weight not restricted, but must be safe - rifle must not fire on closing the action.  

Other: Shooting jackets not allowed in either class.

Pin Shoot  Information

A fun type of shooting which tests a shooters ability to hit reactive targets at 50m from the standing (offhand) position in as short a time as possible.

Targets: “Pins” are 4”x 4” X 10” (actually 3.5” x 3.5” x 10”) wooden blocks.

Shooting Distance: 50m.

Shooting Position: Standing, unsupported, no slings.

Format: This is a team competition.  After an initial series of individual “qualifying” shoots, two person teams will be selected using the results of the individual shoots to make the teams as balanced as possible, i.e., the best two shooters will not be on the same team, etc.  The two person teams will shoot for awards.

Rifle Specifications: Any .22LR rifle, any sights.  No restriction on trigger weight, BUT must be safe - rifle must not fire on closing the action.  Note: semi-auto, lever, and pump have the advantage in this type of match, especially rifles with detachable mags.

Other: Shooting jackets not allowed, gloves not allowed unless required for warmth.  

NSRA promotes one major Smallbore Rifle indoor match and conducts several outdoor competitions each year. In early spring the Provincial Indoor Championships are held at one of our affiliated clubs. The main NSRA smallbore activities are held at the outdoor Bull Meadow Range; shooting takes place at 30m, 50 m and 100 m. Several outdoor competitions and practice sessions are held during the season from mid-April to mid-November.

Practices are mainly intended as preparation for competitions, but members who wish to use field / hunting type .22 rifles are welcome. 

Rifle shooting instruction for new members is available on request.

Our members also participate in other matches held throughout the province by local clubs on a year-round basis.

This style of shooting can lead a competitor to national and international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

For more information, contact the Smallbore Chairman.  

Sun Apr 28 - Pin Shoot Competition - BM “B”

Sat May 18 - 50m Competition - BM “B”

Sat May 25 -  Rain date for 50m Comp. - BM “B"

Sat  Jun 29 - Benchrest Competition - BM “C”

Sun Jul 7 - Silhouette Competition - BM “B”

Sat Jul 27 - Benchrest Competition - BM “C"

Sun Aug 18 - Pin Shoot Competition - BM “B”

Sat Sep 7 - Silhouette Competition - BM “B”

Sun Sep 15 - 100m Prone Competition (incl. John O’C Robertson memorial F-Class) - BM “C”

Sat Sep 21 - “C” (pm, after Hunter Sight -in) - Rain date for 100m Prone Comp. - BM “C" 

Sun Oct 6 - 50m Competition - BM “B”

Sat Oct 19 - Rain date for 50m Comp. - BM “B"

Sat Oct 26 - Silhouette Competition - BM “B”

Sun Nov 3 - Pin Shoot Competition - BM “B”

Sun Nov 10 - Rain/snow date for Pin shoot Comp. - BM “B”

 NOTE: May 18, Sep 15, and Oct 6 are Open Competitions.  All other events are NSRA members only.

30m Silhoutte Competition held on October 27, 2018 at Bull Meadow Range, NS

50 m Open Competition held on Oct. 14, 2018 at Bull Meadow Range, NS

Team Pin Shoot Competition held on Sept. 23, 2018 at Bull Meadow Range, NS

30m Silhoutte Competition  held on October 28, 2017 at Bull Meadow Range, NS