1. IPSC Pistol Shooting
2. .22 Small Bore Rifle Shooting
3. 7.62 Full Bore Rifle Shooting

What is IPSC?

This exciting style of sport shooting had its origins in California in the early 1950s. It quickly developed within the next few years to other continents including Europe, Africa, Central and South America, and Australia. The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) was officially founded at the International Pistol Conference held in Columbia, Missouri, in May 1976. The promotion of accuracy, power, and speed as three equal elements was the prime objective of the Conference along with procedures and rules for safe gun handling. A constitution was established and the Confederation came into being. The origins of practical shooting were developed and the motto - DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas (Accuracy, Power and Speed) was introduced to reflect this balanced objective. In practical shooting, the competitor must combine accuracy, power, and speed, to achieve a winning result. The targets used in IPSC are generally 75 centimeters by 45 centimeters with a 15 centimeter centre representing the bullseye or “A zone”. In IPSC, full powered pistols (9mm or greater calibers) are allowed. A degree of difficulty is inherent given that the competitor has to engage target using a larger caliber weapon in addition to moving quickly through the course. In a degree difficulty is added in the Comstock score stage, as the score is divided by the time. Competitors have the option of entering one of five divisions – Open, Standard, Modified, Production and Revolver-Standard, which is dependant on the type of weapon used. An IPSC match may comprise of a variety of targets such as moving, multiple, partially covered and penalty carrying ones to make the course and competitive and challenging for the shooter.

What is .22 Small Bore Rifle Shooting?

.22 is a rimfire caliber, much used in target shooting and often synonymous with the term, Small bore. It is used in International competitions over both 25 and 50 metres outdoors and 25 metres indoors..22 Small Bore Rifle Shooting means target shooting with the .22 long rifle, rimfire cartridge, using a match rifle. There are two major divisions in this type of shooting and both are practiced at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. One division is the small bore prone and the other type is three (3) position. At the BRA, the small bore prone is generally shot at the .22 range at 50 yards outdoors. The prone rifle match involves shooting a 60 shot match for competitive shooters from the lying position at a target consisting of 10 circular rings. The time limit for the match is 1 hour 30 minutes with a possible score of 600. The three position match consists of 40 shots – Prone position, 40 shots – Standing position and 40 shots – Kneeling position at the 10 circular ring target from a distance of 50 yards. The .22 rimfire caliber’s normal diameter is .224 inch with a 40-grain bullet. 

What is 7.62 Full Bore Rifle Shooting?

7.62 or 7.62 mm, or .308 inch is the NATO standard machine gun cartridge caliber and it is used at the BRA for full bore rifle shooting outdoors at ranges up to 1000 yards. It is a centrefire cartridge and the bullets are .308-inch diameter, ranging from about 110 to 200 grains, with those in the 150-160 grain bracket being the most common. Full-bore shooting is performed in the prone position at stationary targets consisting of a black circular aiming mark on a white square background. A magnifying telescopic sight is not permitted, nor is the rifle allowed to rest on anything, as it must be held off the ground supported by the shooter’s sling. To score a bulleye, the shooter must judge the wind’s strength and direction, ensure that their sight picture and alignment, trigger control and follow-through are flawless.

Shooting Jacket
It is made of a combination of leather and canvas and is designed to offer the shooter the 7.62 and .22 rifle shooting in all positions. To be effective they must be made to measure, not off the peg. The various straps are to aid a snug fit and (on the left shoulder) to allow the attachment of a support sling for .22 shooting in the prone and kneeling positions.

Shooting Pant
The pants are made of a combination of leather and canvas and are stiff enough to stand up on their own without any additional support. To gain the most benefit from such clothing it has to be made to measure and must conform to all the current rules as to thickness, position of fastenings etc. In order to walk and kneel freely the legs are equipped with zips. 

Sling
A support sling is affixed to the shooting jacket and the .22 target to ensure that shooter has minimal movement of the weapon during the sight alignment, picture and follow thorough.

Mat
In the prone position, the mat is specially designed with Velcro, which adheres to the grip on the shooter’s elbow and knee on the shooting jacket and pants. It assists in minimising the movement of the shooter when he/she is aligning the front sight to the back sight, which thereafter affixed to the target.

Spotting scope 
It is needed to see the target on the range.

Shooting glove
It helps the shooter to firmly hold the rifle in the prone, kneeling and standing position.

For Pistol and IPSC shooting, the following equipment is required: -

1. Protective eye wear
2. Protective ear wear
3. A holster
4. Magazine pouches