About
The Whyalla Rifle Club Inc. , founded in 1925, is a sports club located in Whyalla, South Australia. The club specialises in Fullbore and F-Class Target Rifle competitions. Visitors are invited to try out the sport, with target shooting held on most Saturday afternoons.
To participate, one simply needs to report to the range officer on the day, and they will arrange for a rifle, assistance, and ammunition. The rifle range also has a clubhouse for refreshments and recreation after the competition.
The club competes with other clubs in the state in team shoots and attends Open Prize Meetings at different venues throughout the year. Each state holds an annual Queens Competition in which registered members attempt to win the highly prized top badges. These competitions offer a chance for participants to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best shooters in the country.
Full Bore Target Rifle shooting is governed by the South Australian Rifle Association, which controls the sport of Long Range Target Shooting within the state. There are 36 affiliated clubs operating from 29 rifle ranges across South Australia and Broken Hill, providing easy access to the sport. Full Bore shooting evolved from the traditional Service Rifle style and is now governed by the International Confederation of Full Bore Rifle Associations (ICFRA).
Competitions are conducted over ranges ranging from 300 yards/metres to 1000 yards/metres using specialised single-shot bolt-action rifles with peep sights. The projectile weights are limited to either 80 grain or 155 grain, depending on the calibre of the rifle. The sport requires precision engineering of target rifles, high-quality ammunition, and skilful shooters to produce impressive results. Shooters also need to have the skills to load their own ammunition and tune their rifles effectively to perform well.
Full-bore Target Rifle shooting has a rich history, closely associated with patriotism and The Queen's Prize in the mid-19th century. Today, winning a badge in the Queens Prize shoot or the National Kings Prize is regarded as a pinnacle of achievement in the sport. While some traditions remain, modern target rifles are equipped with advanced technology and shooters must maintain their physical well-being, alertness, and mental control in peak condition.
At the Whyalla Rifle Club, shooting is conducted at ranges from 300 to 900 yards, with varying target dimensions but consistent values. Modern target rifles feature highly accurate iron aperture sights that are fully adjustable for elevation and windage. Those interested in the sport are encouraged to contact the secretary, club captain, or any member to learn more about basic safety, have a trial shoot, and get introduced to the sport.
For more information, visitors can visit the South Australian Rifle Association web page.
