Target Rifle – TR
This is the traditional category of shooting, which uses military calibres, open (metal) sights, and slings to support the rifle in the prone shooting position. It has the biggest following of any National Rifle Association category, and consequently is very competitive at the top level.Allowed calibres are .308 Winchester and .223 Remington. There are restrictions on rifle weight, projectiles, trigger weight, sight details, and many other aspects such as jackets and mats.The target rifle category is more of a test of the basic shooting skills than F Class (below). To succeed at the top level requires a very steady hold, and excellent visual acuity.
Rules for Australian TR are available here.
Full list of International TR rules (2024 Edition) are available here. All TR competitions in Australian are conducted under the rules above. There rules are only listed for participants in competitions held under international rules.
F-Class Standard – FST
This relatively new category is restricted to the same basic rifle as for Target Rifle, but allows the addition of telescopic sights, and front and rear rests. It was introduced as an affordable way of continuing to shoot competitively when having difficulty with open sights and/or prone shooting with a sling. However, there is no requirement to serve an apprenticeship in Target Rifle, and a growing number shooters are preferring to start their target shooting in F-Class.
Rules for Australian F-Class Standard are available here.
Full list of F-Class rules (2023 Edition) are available here. All TR competitions in Australian are conducted under the rules above. There rules are only listed for participants in competitions held under international rules.
F-Class Open – FO
This category allows all the advantages of Standard F-Class, and in addition removes most of the restrictions for the rifle. Any calibre up to 8mm is allowable, the rifle weight limit is increased, and the trigger can be much lighter. Consequently, the F-Class Open shooter has a big advantage, particularly at long range (800 to 1000 yards) and in windy conditions. Note that there is an energy limit on the ammunition that must not exceed 3500 ft lb.
Rules for Australian F-Class Open are available here.
Full list of F-Class rules (2023 Edition) are available here. All TR competitions in Australian are conducted under the rules above. There rules are only listed for participants in competitions held under international rules.
F-Class F-TR
This catergory is a combination class, mixing both the skills of F Class and Target rifle together and is a common switch for Targer Rifle shooters transitioning from open sights to the use of telescopic sights. An F/TR Class rifle is limited to .223 Remington or.308 Winchester calibre chambers. The F/TR rifle class is limited to the use of an attached bipod and/or a sling as front supports, optionally used together with a rear bag,
Rules for Australian F-TR are available here.
Full list of F-Class rules (2023 Edition) are available here. All TR competitions in Australian are conducted under the rules above. There rules are only listed for participants in competitions held under international rules.
Sporter/ Hunter Class
This is the latest category, which allows people with high quality hunting rifles to participate on the same targets as the various target rifle categories above. There are no limitation on the calibre between .223 Remington and 8mm. The barrel length must not be greater than 26″ and you are restricted to shoot from a Harris style attached bipod with rear bag. The ammunition must not exceed the range energy limit of 3500 ft lb.