Introduction

Introduction

The Club's charter is to foster the collection, preservation, and use of the classic big game rifle, which it surely does, as the concentration of fine rifles at any Big Game Rifle shoot will attest.

A glance at the calendar will show the wide spectrum of events shot at the monthly shoots. Each state has its own particular mix and often a unique local variation, but when the annual National Championships are held the activity is built around seven core events, being the three nitro classes, black powder express, bore guns, double rifle, and charging animal.

Some of the events are categorised by cartridge criteria, i.e. nitro and black powder express, while bore guns and double rifles are for types of rifles rather than a particular cartridge. One or two of the seven or more events typically shot each month are designated as Trophy events, generally with a theme such as a particular maker, or geographical area of origin. There are some very unusual formats emphasizing particular skills or firearm types – see the descriptions of the India Shoot and Hayley’s Hop for example on the rules page.

Furthermore, there are events to showcase some of the other rifles typically taken along on safari as well as the big guns, such as classic light nitro, exclusively for pre 1940 model rifles, and rook rifle, for old rook and rabbit rifles.

Because the rifles used are largely big game hunting rifles, the courses of fire are very much designed with practical big and dangerous game field use in mind. Usually, no slings are used in competition, and no rests or posts are used. If a scope sight is used, a point penalty is incurred. Special events sometimes allow slings and scopes, but the main emphasis is on offhand shooting, and the use of open sights, though there are those who believe that the use of a telescopic sight is well worth the penalty.

A good starting purchase to participate in the discipline would be a modern bolt action rifle in either .338 Win. mag or 375 Holland and Holland. This would allow participation in Group One nitro events as well as several snap shooting events. The addition of a cheap black powder rifle would open up further opportunities, and by that stage, the shooter is usually hooked badly, and will start seriously plotting the acquisition of a double rifle! For those who think the recoil of the big game rifles is a problem, the courses of fire are designed to limit the number of shots. In most cases, the shooters are having so much fun, they don't notice the recoil, and the addition of a thick recoil pad worn inside the clothing is a great leveller.

A Big Game Rifle shoot caters for shooters who enjoy a day out with their classic firearms, as well as those looking to compete in strictly precision events. Many participants go along for the fun of the shoot and the inevitable socialising that seems to occur with all S.S.A.A. disciplines. Try it you might find you're hooked too!


	Introduction The Club's charter is to foster the collection, preservation, and use of the classic big game rifle, which it surely does, as the concentration of fine rifles at any Big Game Rifle shoot will attest. A glance at the calendar will show the wide spectrum of events shot at the monthly shoots. Each state has its own particular mix and often a unique local variation, but when the annual National Championships are held the activity is built around seven core events, being the three nitro classes, black powder express, bore guns, double rifle, and charging animal. Some of the events are categorised by cartridge criteria, i.e. nitro and black powder express, while bore guns and double rifles are for types of rifles rather than a particular cartridge. One or two of the seven or more events typically shot each month are designated as Trophy events, generally with a theme such as a particular maker, or geographical area of origin. There are some very unusual formats emphasizing particular skills or firearm types – see the descriptions of the India Shoot and Hayley’s Hop for example on the rules page. Furthermore, there are events to showcase some of the other rifles typically taken along on safari as well as the big guns, such as classic light nitro, exclusively for pre 1940 model rifles, and rook rifle, for old rook and rabbit rifles. Because the rifles used are largely big game hunting rifles, the courses of fire are very much designed with practical big and dangerous game field use in mind. Usually, no slings are used in competition, and no rests or posts are used. If a scope sight is used, a point penalty is incurred. Special events sometimes allow slings and scopes, but the main emphasis is on offhand shooting, and the use of open sights, though there are those who believe that the use of a telescopic sight is well worth the penalty. A good starting purchase to participate in the discipline would be a modern bolt action rifle in either .338 Win. mag or 375 Holland and Holland. This would allow participation in Group One nitro events as well as several snap shooting events. The addition of a cheap black powder rifle would open up further opportunities, and by that stage, the shooter is usually hooked badly, and will start seriously plotting the acquisition of a double rifle! For those who think the recoil of the big game rifles is a problem, the courses of fire are designed to limit the number of shots. In most cases, the shooters are having so much fun, they don't notice the recoil, and the addition of a thick recoil pad worn inside the clothing is a great leveller. A Big Game Rifle shoot caters for shooters who enjoy a day out with their classic firearms, as well as those looking to compete in strictly precision events. Many participants go along for the fun of the shoot and the inevitable socialising that seems to occur with all S.S.A.A. disciplines. Try it you might find you're hooked too!
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