Smallbore “Sporting Rifle” division is a Canadian-only discipline and is not governed or recognized by ISSF in the same manner as match rifle and 3-Position match rifle. The Canadian Sporting Rifle classification is recognized by Shooting Federation Canada (SFC) and can be fired from either the prone position only or from the “3-Position” (prone, standing and kneeling) at a range of 50 meters. Sporting Rifle events (prone only or 3-P) governed by SFC rules & regulations are open to men and women, adults and juniors.
Equipment
Unlike the match rifle, the “sporting” rifle is a relatively simple and uncomplicated .22 calibre rimfire rifle. As such, the sporting rifle division is gaining in popularity since the cost for equipment is less prohibitive than the match rifle. Nevertheless, although the equipment demands are less for “sporting rifle”, the classification still demands rigorous skill, strict discipline and accuracy for success during competition. The principles of target shooting remain valid in the sporting rifle classification just as in match rifle and 3-position rifle.
The only allowable sights are “iron” sights meaning no telescopic sights are allowed, and no “optics” may be attached to the rifle sights that magnify or enhance the target. However, that being said, there are occasional matches (e.g. Alberta Provincials) that are shot with “any sights” meaning telescopic sights may be used. Canadian Nationals are iron sights only. Be sure to check with the Match Director and the respective match rules before proceeding.
Very few attachments are allowed to the rifle for sporting rifle classification since the maximum allowable weight regulation is quite restrictive. The maximum allowable weight of the sporting rifle (with all attachments) is 4.0 Kg for men and women.
Like match rifle and 3-position rifle, competitors may wear a heavy canvas or leather jacket to provide support to the upper body in order to hold the rifle unsupported. Trousers and shoes may also be worn for “3-position sporting rifle” events. Unlike match rifle and 3-position match rifle, the use of supportive slings is strictly prohibited in any sporting rifle position; prone, kneeling or standing. In the prone position sporting rifle shooters will lay on a mat to provide comfort and adherence for the elbows. Kneeling rolls may also be used when kneeling. Stands for resting the rifle are allowed in the standing and kneeling positions between shots. Spotting scopes on their own stands are used for the shooter to “spot” his or her shots on the targets at 50 meters.
Specific rules that govern the equipment for sporting rifle can be found in the SFC rule book.
Course of fire
The 50 metre sporting rifle events are fired in accordance with Shooting Federation of Canada (SFC) rules and regulations. The sporting rifle shooting program is the same for men and women and is as follows:
For the prone only sporting rifle competition:
60 shots prone position, fired in 3 series of 20 shots
The time limit is 30 minutes for each 20 shot series.
For 3-P sporting rifle competition:
60 shots in three positions, fired in 3 series of 20 shots prone, 20 shots standing, 20 shots kneeling.
As the match is fired in 20 shot series, the time allotted for each of the 3 series, whether prone, standing, or kneeling, including sighting shots, is 30 minutes.
