The Smallbore Shooting Process

by
posted on August 6, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
smallbore-process-1.jpg
In smallbore rifle shooting, targets are placed at distances of 50 yards, 50 meters (54.7 yards) and 100 yards. The scoring rings of the 50- and 100-yard targets are proportional; at 100 yards the 10-ring is two inches in diameter. The scoring rings at 50 meters are somewhat smaller than those at 50 yards. When firing of a 20-shot stage is complete, and line safety is secured, a sort of mass migration occurs as shooters go forward to change the target of the competitor on their right—after careful inspection of their own targets (target inspection at Camp Perry is pictured above).

Covered smallbore rifle firing points
Covered smallbore firing points at the Wa-Ke'De Rifle Range during the 2018 NRA Smallbore Nationals

Because of all the shooting, whether prone or position, is fired from one fixed firing line in smallbore competition, it is possible to provide a cover for that line. Beginning in 1987, a removable tarp cover was a welcome addition to smallbore shooting at Camp Perry. The smallbore line at Camp Perry stretched from Rodriguez range to Young range (and occasionally onto Viale range). A few years back, when the NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships moved to Bristol, IN, the new facility Chief Wa-Ke'De Range already had a permanently cover already in place over all firing points along the line.

Target collection is in numerical order by range personnel who take the targets away to be scored by the statistical office. Competitors then hang fresh record and backing targets (useful for assigning crossfires but also occasionally handy for detecting "doubles") and return to the line and prepare to do it all over again in the firing of the next stage or match. After scores are posted competitors have a challenge time in which they may challenge their scores. At the expiration of the challenge period the scores become final. Since smallbore shooting began at the National Matches in 1919 there have been a variety of target managing used, with the present system in place since the 1930s.

Latest

1990 NRA Nationalmatches History Campperry 2
1990 NRA Nationalmatches History Campperry 2

Politics, Weather and Rising Stars Mark a Turning Point: 1990 National Matches

The 1990 National Matches at Camp Perry saw funding threats, severe weather cancellations and major victories by shooters like David Tubb and Jim Meredith as a new decade began.

Review: GP Arms Patriot Rebel

The GP Arms Patriot Rebel is a mid-level 2011 built for Limited Optics, delivering 1,000-plus rounds of flawless reliability including a full USPSA Nationals.

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Westin Anderson Wins Junior HOA Title at 50th Spring Grand American

Westin Anderson wins Junior HOA and Singles champion titles while Ziggy Tkaczenko sweeps the wheelchair division at 50th Spring Grand American in Tucson.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.