Rifle and Muzzle-loading Shooting

Rifle and Muzzle-loading Shooting

 

Rifles

Rifles are characterised by their rifled barrels, which have spiral grooves cut into them. These grooves cause the bullet to spin as it travels through the barrel, stabilising its flight and improving accuracy.

HPS Target RifleHigh-precision target rifles, both small-bore and full-bore, share several key features:

  • Heavy, high-quality barrels: These provide stability and accuracy.
  • Rigid actions: The part that opens and closes the breech must be sturdy and precise.
  • Ergonomic stocks: The stock should fit the shooter comfortably and provide good control.
  • Sensitive triggers: A light, but predictable trigger pull is essential for accuracy.

The most common type of rifle is the bolt-action, which uses a sliding bolt to load, chamber and fire cartridges. Rimfire cartridges have lower muzzle velocities (around 1,000 feet per second) compared to centre-fire cartridges, which can reach speeds of over 3,000 feet per second.

 

Gallery rifles are primarily used for hunting in the US. In the UK they are also used for target shooting. They often fire pistol cartridges like the .38 Special or .44 Magnum.

Small-bore and gallery rifle targets

For small-bore and gallery rifle shooting, competitors typically fire ten shots at a paper target. The target is divided into ten scoring zones. If a shot crosses the line between zones, the higher score is usually awarded, known as "gauging in."

In small-bore prone shooting, the target is so small that ten individual targets are printed on a single card, and one shot is fired at each. If a shot touches a dividing line, the lower score is awarded, referred to as "gauging out."

Shooters can use a spotting scope to observe where their shots hit the target. At distances up to 100 yards, it's possible to see individual shot holes.

Full-bore rifle targets

NRA full-bore targets have five scoring zones, ranging from 1 to 5 points. Inside the bull (5 points) is a smaller "V" bull zone, used to determine ties or, in some cases, awarded 6 points.

NRA courses of fire typically involve 15 scoring shots with two sighting shots allowed. The maximum possible score is 75 points, achieved by hitting 15 V bulls.

Due to the long distances involved in full-bore shooting, it's impossible to see the shot holes. Therefore, markers are stationed beneath the targets to observe shots and insert coloured spotting discs to indicate the hit location. The target is then lowered, patched, and raised for the next shooter.

Scoring in full-bore is based on "inward gauging," meaning the higher score is awarded if a shot crosses a dividing line. Targets are often shared by three shooters, and each shooter's score is recorded by a teammate or independent scorekeeper. The actual target is never retrieved after the competition.

MOA stands for Minute of Angle and is a unit of angular measurement used to measure the accuracy of rifles. A 1 MOA rifle will group shots within a 1-inch circle at 100 yards. For more information on MOA see this page. 

NRA range commands

NRA range commands are used to communicate between the firing point and the target area during competitions. They provide instructions for spotting shots, signalling hits or misses and ensuring fair play.

Always use the following format: "Firing point to butt. Target Number (X): Message Number (Y)".


Message No. & Message Meaning
  1. Firing about to commence.
  2. No Spotting Disc visible.
  3. Spotting Disc unmistakably disagrees with signalled value. Check that spotting disc shows LAST shot and signals its correct value. RCO is to view the target before passing the message.*
  4. A shot has been fired but no signal has been made. Examine target carefully and signal the shot if found or a miss.*
  5. Firer has challenged for a higher value for his shot. Examine the whole target and signal the correct value.*
  6. Radio the number of hits as Score Board figures are not clear. (Service Rifle and Cadets only).
  7. A miss has been signalled but firer challenged for a scoring shot. Re-examine the target carefully and signal the shot if found or a miss.*
  8. Firer has challenged his score. Re-examine the target and show the correct number and value of the shots.*
  9. Marking/Shooting appears to be unduly slow. Butt/Range Conducting Officer to check and correct where necessary.
  10. Stand easy. Half-mast target.
  11. It is suspected that the wrong shot hole has been patched out. Butt Officer is to consult marker and confirm correct value. (This message only sent after message 4 or 7).*
  12. Stand easy. Lower target, patch out and put target back up.
  13. Blow off shots are about to be fired (Match rifle only). Ensure that all targets are fully lowered until Message 1 is given.
  14. It is suspected that there is a second shot on the target: inspect the target and indicate any further shot found in addition to the shot presently shown.*


* The result must also be confirmed by radio.

Muzzleloaders

These can be either rifles or pistols. They are loaded from the muzzle and use black powder to propel the bullet. Muzzleloaders can be single-shot or multi-shot revolvers. Popular types include percussion, flintlock and wheellock.