Match Rifle shooting is one of the longest-established disciplines in target shooting. Today, it involves long-range precision shooting at distances from 1,000 to 1,200 yards, shot in the supine position or using telescopic sights and rests for stability in the prone position. Shooters frequently use hand-loaded ammunition for optimized ballistic performance, unlike standard factory rounds although still usually .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm calibre. Match Rifle pushes both shooter and equipment to the limits of accuracy and skill, demanding excellent wind-reading.
The NLRC is the most active match rifle club at Bisley, and we are proud to be part of this long tradition. Whether you’re curious about long-range marksmanship, ready to test yourself against challenging conditions, or want to be part of the friendliest discipline on camp, Match Rifle at the North offers a welcoming community, supportive environment, and a full season of competitive and social events. If this sounds intriguing, get in touch – we’re always happy to help introduce new members to the sport! Contact: MR@NLRC.org
A typical Match Rifle season at the North includes a practice day in March, an individual competition in May, the Jamboree teams competition in June (open to other clubs, or to scratch teams), and the Club Championships in October, with other shoots subject to range availability. We usually have a match tea or dinner in the clubhouse as well, adding to the sociable feel of the events!
In addition, there is usually a sizeable North contingent at the main MR matches at Bisley: the Spring and Autumn meetings organised by the English Eight Club, and at the Hopton, the Match Rifle Imperial in July.
The rules for Match Rifle are set out in the Bisley Bible. In summary:
Calibre: .308W/7.62 NATO, 5.56 x 45mm, or .223 Remington
Rifle: maximum barrel weight of 2.5kg, no overall limit on weight; minimum trigger pull of 1.5kg. Muzzle brakes are not allowed. Telescopic sights may be used.
Position: Prone or Supine (‘backgunning’). The shooter may use a rest to support their hand, but the rifle must be fully supported by the shooter, not touching the rest or the ground.
Ammunition: Handholds are permitted, with no constraints on bullet weight, subject to range and HME regulations.
‘Any Rifle’ competitors, using different calibres, without limits on barrel weight, and with a minimum trigger pull of 0.5kg, are also welcome to join all NLRC Match Rifle shoots.
| Month | Date | Activity | Details | Range |
| January | – | |||
| February | – | |||
| March | 21st | Practice Followed by Tea | AM 1100x and 1200x PM 1000x | Stix |
| April | – | |||
| May | 30th | Individual Competition Followed by Tea | AM 1000x PM 1100x and 1200x | Stix |
| June | 14th | Team Competition Dinner on 13th | AM 1000x PM 1100x and 1200x | Stix |
| July | 10th -16th | MR Imperial | Stix | |
| August | – | |||
| September | – | |||
| October | 10th/11th | MR Championship Dinner Saturday, Prizes Sunday Lunch | Saturday 1000x, 1100x, 1200x Sunday AM 1100x & 1200x | Stix |
For more about Match Rifle, how it works and its history, see:
GB Match Rifle (https://gbmatchrifle.org.uk/) and National Rifle Club of Scotland (https://www.nrcofs.org/).
You may also be interested in:
Irish Rifle Club (Bisley): http://www.ircbisley.co.uk/
English Eight Club: https://www.englisheight.org.uk
NRA Match Rifle: https://nra.org.uk/get-into-shooting/match-rifle/
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