The Wangaratta Rifle Club and Rifle Range, established in 1884, is a leading sports club located in Wangaratta, Australia. The club boasts a rich history and has been in continuous operation ever since its inception. Nestled near Glenrowan, the rifle range is considered one of the best in Victoria and possibly even Australia.
The rifle range features 12 targets, with 3 of them utilising modern electronic systems. It offers both metric and imperial distances, ranging from 300 yards to 700 yards. The club is particularly proud to be the host of the famous Easter weekend of shooting, a highly anticipated event that attracts more than 80 shooters on Saturday and over 60 on Sunday. The event showcases the skills of some of the finest shooters in the country, who compete for honours in various categories and aggregate prizes.
The Wangaratta Rifle Club supports two main disciplines: Target Rifle and F-Class. F-Class is further divided into three sub-categories, namely F-Standard, F-Open, and F-Target Rifle. Detailed information about each discipline and its requirements can be found on the club's Disciplines page.
Shooting at the range typically takes place on Saturdays, with sessions starting at 12 o'clock. The Syllabus provides further information on shooting and event schedules. Additionally, the range is available for practise and sighting in on Wednesdays by appointment.
Visitors are always welcome at the Wangaratta Rifle Club. Whether they are members of other VRA/NRAA affiliated clubs, novice shooters, or individuals without firearms licences who are interested in trying shooting for the first time, they can attend a Saturday shoot and experience the sport in a safe and friendly environment. The club offers Target and F-Class Rifles, as well as other equipment, for those wishing to try the sport. First-time participants on a Saturday shoot receive a waiver on the range fee, although they will need to pay for the consumed ammunition.
The club functions under certain weather conditions and regulations. If the forecast temperature is 36 degrees Celsius or higher, shooting commences at 9 am. On days declared as total fire ban days, shooting will not take place.
For those interested in trying out shooting, sighting in their rifles, or simply testing their skills, the Wangaratta Rifle Club is open for enquiries and visits. Shooting is conducted on most Saturdays throughout the year, starting at 12 pm. The range can be booked for sighting in a rifle on the morning of the first Saturday of the month. Enquiry details, including name, email, contact number, and nature of the enquiry, can be submitted through the provided form on the club's website.
Key contacts within the club include Ian Sandford, the President, who can be reached at (03) 5721 3030, Peter Kelley, the Secretary, who can be contacted at (02) 6033 4221, and Matt Powell, the Captain, who can be reached at 0421 369 050. General enquiries can also be directed to wangarattarifleclub@gmail. Com. For administrative purposes, the club's website can be accessed through the Sporty.
com. au platform.
The Wangaratta Rifle Club and Rifle Range is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for shooters of all levels. With its long and proud history, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse disciplines, the club offers a unique opportunity for individuals to improve their skills, compete in prestigious events, and enjoy the exhilaration of target shooting.