The West Australian Smallbore Rifle Association Inc. (WASRA) is the state governing body for ISSF . 22 calibre Smallbore Rifle and . 177 calibre Air Rifle shooting in Western Australia.
Established in 1958, WASRA has been promoting and supporting Target Rifle Shooting for over 60 years within the Perth Metropolitan area and Regional W. A. WASRA is affiliated with other State and Territory Smallbore and Air Rifle associations, which are all under the administrative umbrella of Target Rifle Australia.
WASRA's primary goal is to promote competitive Smallbore Rifle shooting throughout Western Australia while ensuring a safe and injury-free environment for all members and visitors. In February 2016, after 44 years at Swanbourne, WASRA opened a new state range at the Whiteman Park International Shooting Complex worth $2. 5 million. The range hosts regular interclub and State-run competitions, offering a variety of disciplines and range distances.
Additionally, WASRA members have access to the range on Tuesdays (09:00-13:00), Fridays (15:30-18:00), and Saturdays (10:00-15:00) for informal practise and training sessions.
WASRA operates through four clubs, and its headquarters are located at the Whiteman Park International Shooting Complex on Hennessey Rd, Whiteman. The association's rich history dates back to 1958 when the “No 1 W. Smallbore Rifle Clubs Union” was convened and later renamed the West Australian Smallbore Rifle Association. The association's first State Range was established on Jarrah Road, Kensington, before relocating to Harrison Range, Swanbourne in 1966.
In 2013, thanks to the generosity of the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries and LotteryWest, WASRA secured its current state-of-the-art facility at Whiteman Park.
While many members enjoy shooting within their clubs and striving for personal bests each week, there are opportunities for any financial member to try out for Club, State, and Australian Team selection. WASRA takes pride in recognising the achievements of its members as Competitors, Coaches, and Officials, who have excelled at various State and National Championships, Oceania Games, World Cups, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics.
Sport shooting is a safe and enjoyable activity for individuals of all ages and physical abilities. While it can be physically demanding on muscles, shooting is primarily a mental sport, which makes it incredibly rewarding when you achieve accuracy and precision. Men, women, juniors (from 12 years old), and individuals with disabilities can all participate in the sport together. Shooting is one of the few sports where physical stature doesn't determine success.
WASRA members engage in various shooting positions, with prone being the most popular among smallbore rifle shooters in Australia. Prone shooting is an ISSF-approved position where shooters lie on their front with the rifle supported by a sling and a shooting mat. Other shooting positions practised by WASRA members include standing, kneeling, and benchrest.
With its rich history, state-of-the-art facility, and commitment to promoting safe and competitive Smallbore Rifle shooting, the West Australian Smallbore Rifle Association Inc. provides a welcoming and inclusive community for shooting enthusiasts in the City of Swan and Western Australia as a whole.