Smallbore Rifle
Where the club has its deepest history. Four .22 disciplines — prone, benchrest, LSR, and three-position — covering every body position and style.
What it is
Smallbore is the everyday term for .22 LR (long rifle) — a small rimfire cartridge that's the most common live-firing calibre in UK target shooting. The rifle is held under a Firearms Certificate (FAC), but for newer shooters Pinhoe TSC's club rifles can be used while you work toward your own. See Owning an FAC for the application process.
Pinhoe hosts four smallbore disciplines, all shot at 25 yards on our indoor and outdoor ranges. The Pinhoe Trophy — the club's flagship competition — is contested in the prone discipline, with a history going back to 1968.
Disciplines
.22 Prone Rifle
The classical smallbore discipline. Shot lying down with a sling at 25 yards (or 50m outdoors). Pinhoe TSC has hosted the open Pinhoe Trophy in this discipline since 1968.
.22 Benchrest
Precision shooting from a supported bench at 25 yards. Where every shot is meant to go through the same hole. The discipline of ultimate accuracy in smallbore.
Lightweight Sporting Rifle
Standing-position .22 rifle with a scope, shot at 25 yards. A bridge between air rifle and the heavier prone discipline. Demanding on body position and trigger control.
Three-Position Rifle
Rotates through prone, kneeling, and standing positions in a single match. The most physically demanding smallbore discipline — and an Olympic event in 50m form.
Start with Smallbore
Most smallbore shooters at Pinhoe started with air rifle and progressed to .22 once they had the basics. Our Give it a Go programme covers both — try it before committing to an FAC.
Try shooting →