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Shooting Competitively

A Beginner’s Guide to Target Shooting Competitions

Welcome to the exciting world of competitive target shooting! If you’ve progressed through basic training at your club and are shooting with consistency, you’re ready to take on your first competition. This guide will help you prepare, shoot well, and navigate the etiquette of competitions, including how to address rule violations appropriately.

Understanding Competitive Shooting

Competitions are a natural step to test your skills and grow as a shooter. They come in two formats:

  • Individual: You compete solo against other shooters of similar ability.
  • Team: You join club members to form a team and shoot together.

Your skill level is determined by your recent shooting scores, averaged and certified by a club official (e.g., discipline captain). In leagues like the Devon Winter League or NSRA national leagues, shooters are grouped into divisions based on these averages, ensuring fair competition.

Competitions are either:

  • Postal: You shoot at your home range on match cards with competition stickers, witnessed and dated by a range official. These cards are mailed for scoring against shooters from other clubs, counties, or nationally. Unwitnessed cards are disqualified, so always ensure a witness certifies your shoot.
  • Shoulder to Shoulder: You shoot alongside competitors at a venue, under the same conditions. Local clubs (e.g., Okehampton, Yealmpton, Bideford) and national ranges (e.g., Bisley, Aldersley) host these events indoors and outdoors.

In shoulder-to-shoulder events, your average places you in a class (X, A, B, C, or D), with X for top shooters and D for beginners. Prizes are often awarded for top places in each class, as well as categories like Best Lady, Veteran, or Junior. You can also enter pairs with a friend for added fun.

Preparing for Your First Competition

Competitions test not just your shooting but your ability to stay focused under pressure. Here’s how to get organised:

  1. Enter Early:
    • Register well in advance, complete the entry form, and pay the fee.
    • Review the competition rules (local or NSRA) multiple times. Ask a senior club member for clarification if needed.
  2. Plan Your Trip:
    • Calculate travel time and arrive at least an hour early to account for traffic or delays.
    • Use this time to familiarise yourself with the range layout, locate toilets, observe prior details, assess wind conditions, and prepare your kit.
  3. Pack Your Gear:
    • Bring your rifle, ammunition (batch-tested for consistency), spotting scope, timer/stopwatch, and competition targets.
    • For outdoor events, include a “backer” (a card hung behind your target to detect cross-shots from other shooters).
    • Optional: An old target to place behind your competition target to improve contrast in bright sunlight (check with organisers first).
  4. Set Up Efficiently:
    • Hang your target immediately upon arriving at your firing point. If the Range Officer calls “NO MORE TARGETS” and your target isn’t up, you can’t shoot.
    • Use colored bulldog clips or your firing point number to clearly identify your target and avoid cross-shooting.
    • Arrange your gear (scope, ammo, timer) to minimize movement during the match.

Shooting Well: Mastering the Mental Game

Shooting is as much mental as it is technical. A competition sticker on your target can spark nerves, but with practice, you’ll thrive under pressure. Here’s how to stay focused:

  • Block Out Distractions: Tune out distractions such as movement beside you, noise or crowd chatter. Focus solely on your shot process: aim, breathe, squeeze whilst your chosen wind condition prevails. You cannot / must not tune out wind changes!
  • Treat Each Shot as a Mini-Competition: Aim for consistent 10s, one shot at a time.
  • Use Sighting Shots Wisely:
    • In outdoor matches, fire sighting shots to gauge wind impact. Shoot when wind flags (near and far) align in a consistent, mild condition.
    • If switching distances (e.g., 50m to 100yds), aim high on your first sighter to avoid scoring a miss.
    • Watch grass, leaves, or competitor gun smoke for wind cues if flags are still or wet.
  • Stay Positive: Don’t make excuses (e.g., “the wind got me” or “my ammo failed”). Note weaknesses, plan improvements, and move on.

After the detail, collect your target and backer, and submit them for scoring. If cross-shots occur (yours or another shooter’s), align the target and backer to identify stray shots. Mark any cross-shot with an arrow and “X shot” to assist scorers. Optionally, score your card visually to estimate your result. If the official score seems off, you can challenge it (usually for a small fee, e.g., £1).

Competition Etiquette

Good sportsmanship is key to a positive experience. Follow these dos and don’ts:

  • Do:
    • Obey the Range Officer’s commands at all times.
    • Apologise promptly if you cross-shoot or disrupt others (e.g., shouting during a detail).
    • Observe other shooters’ techniques and ask questions politely (with permission).
    • Keep your firing point tidy and leave it clean.
  • Don’t:
    • Touch anyone’s equipment without permission.
    • Handle your rifle or gear between details and never when people are downrange.
    • Discuss the competition or other shooters negatively during the event.

Raising Issues with Organisers

If you suspect a rule violation (e.g., unsafe shooting, equipment issues, or tampering with shot cards), address it promptly and professionally:

  1. Act During the Event: Report the issue to the Range Officer or ideally the Shoot Organiser while the detail is ongoing, when evidence (e.g., shooter’s position, equipment) is observable.
  2. Be Discreet: Approach the official privately to avoid escalating tensions or disrupting the shoot.
  3. Provide Specifics: Clearly describe the issue (e.g., “I noticed Shooter X adjusting their target after collection, which may violate rule Y”).
  4. Avoid Confrontation: Never accuse another shooter directly or discuss suspicions with others, as this could be considered unsporting or legally problematic (e.g., slander).
  5. Trust the Process: Let the Range Officer or Organiser investigate and resolve the issue. Their decision is final.

Common issues include cross-shooting (handled by backers) or minor disruptions, which are often resolved with an apology and re-sighting. For serious violations like cheating, rely on officials to act.

Final Tips

  • Learn from Others: Watch experienced shooters, study their setups, and ask for advice (respectfully).
  • Stay Calm: Competition nerves are normal. With each event, you’ll gain confidence.
  • Enjoy the Journey: Competitions are about growth, camaraderie, and fun. Celebrate your progress, win or lose.

Good luck, and shoot straight!