Southampton University Rifle Club is one of the most successful sports clubs at the University of Southampton and among the top university rifle clubs in the country. Our primary discipline is smallbore prone target rifle (.22 LR), shot at our dedicated 20-yard indoor range close to Highfield Campus. During the spring and summer, we regularly compete in fullbore target rifle (7.62×51mm / .308) at distances up to 1,200 yards, alongside our newly expanding discipline, Gallery Rifle.

We have a proud competitive history, having consistently brought home national titles at the BUCS Fullbore and Smallbore Championships, including victories in the Universities Short Range (300–600 yards), the Universities Aggregate, and silver in the Long Range match (900–1,000 yards) this year. Before COVID, our club earned the university the most BUCS points of any sports team for three consecutive years. Many of our members shoot for county sides, national squads, and international teams.

We welcome everyone from seasoned competitive shots to complete novices who have never held a rifle before. We have qualified instructors and Range Officers, who will guide you through comprehensive safety training, basic marksmanship, and onward into competitive shooting!

What is Target Rifle?

Target rifle shooting is a sport using specialist rifles to hit targets from distances ranging from 20-1200 yards. It involves a high degree of technical skill, practical experience and mental & physical control over the shooters body. We shoot from prone, kneeling and standing positions depending on the discipline, usually with only iron sights (ie no optic/magnification).

Smallbore (.22 LR) 

This is our core discipline, shot twice a week at our indoor range in Southampton. Smallbore is shot prone over 20 yards at our indoor range using specialized bolt action rifles, and non-magnified aperture sights. The aim is to hit a target smaller than the size of a shirt button at 20 yards! We shoot both static targets, and turning (snap) targets, and compete in a number of local and national competitions, including BUCS. We also sometimes shoot longer range, at 50 and 100 yards.

Key competitions:

• BUCS Postal: Throughout Semester 1
• BUCS Long range
• Hampshire open: (June)

Fullbore (7.62mm/.308) 

This is our summer discipline shot outdoors at the Bisley ranges in Surrey. We shoot distances from 300 to 1200 yards, using bolt action rifles without any magnification. There is a high degree of technical knowledge and skill needed for this, covering everything from the shot to the ammunition. An added challenge is reading the wind and compensating for this on your shot - using only flags to judge the conditions. The Bisley ranges are an amazing location, and world renown for having the most challenging conditions. This is shot with 7.62x51mm rounds: more boolet = more bang = more fun!

Key competitions:

• LMRA Universities Match
• NRA Youth Imperial
• The Imperial Meeting
• BUCS Fullbore

Gallery Rifle (.22LR ) 

This is a faster-paced discipline shot at 20-50 yards, shot alongside smallbore rifle. We use self loading .22LR rifles from standing, kneeling, sitting and prone positions to hit both static and turning (snap) targets. This year, we are shooting 20yd static and snap targets in our range at Southampton. Gallery rifle can also be shot at advancing targets on 50 yard ranges. Advancing target would be shot at Bisley.

Please note that this discipline is subject to availability, and you must complete basic training on bolt action rifles first.

FAQs

Do I need any prior experience?

No! We will take on anyone from complete novices to international shots, and train you up to also be competitive!

Is it safe?

Yes, we run our ranges to NGB standards, and all of our range officers hold a Range Officer qualification from either the NRA or NSRA. All training/probationary members are supervised 1:1 by a qualified instructor.

Are they real rifles?

Yes, we are a Home Office approved rifle club and use live firearms. We do not shoot airsoft/air rifle. We are inspected and licensed by the police and the home office, and all firearms are stored and used securely, under the supervision and responsibility of experienced individuals.

Do you do hunting?

No, we only shoot paper targets.

Do I need my own kit?

No, we provide all of the kit you need! This includes rifles, ammo, jackets, gloves, safety glasses etc. If you would like to bring/buy your own kit, you are more then welcome.

Can you help me get a Firearms Certificate (FAC)?

Depending on your experience and suitability, we may be able to help you through the process or act as your sponsoring club.

Do I need to buy a Sports Pass?

No, you do not need a sports pass! This saves you around £45 compared to other clubs 😊

Do I need to buy ammo?

Ammo can be bought at a highly discounted rate, thanks to support from ELEY!

When are your sessions?

Wednesday: 1330-1630

Saturday: 1530-1830

Do I have to attend for the whole/every session?

No, you can shoot as much or as little as you like! Obviously the more you shoot the better you will get...

Can I try out before I buy membership?

Yes! Come along to see us at Bunfight (Clubs Fair) on the 14th, and come and try out at our Taster sessions! These run on the 19th and 20th of September.

Supporters 

ELEY is a British ammunition manufacturer, making the world's most accurate rounds.

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The Committee

All clubs and societies within the Students' Union are run entirely by students. The student committee for Rifle this year are: