New Sporter/Hunter Class...is your club promoting it?

[cheech]

Biggest problem is people’s clarification of sporter/ hunter rifles

I have seen and spoken to so many people that “ think “ what is acceptable .

I know of a few are planning on ”rifle builds” treading fine line against the rules

Caliber wise is basically open so it will make the Competition interesting

[robbo1990]

My pereonal opinion with people talkomg abput the sporting rifles not making the longer ranges i believe there are so many off shelf rifles out there that can make the distance shooting long range seems to be a fad etc. Most of our visitors have rocked up with rifles capable of 1000m. Im a TR shooter looking to move classes but i cant afford the move to F class so hunters is looking like a option. I think it will be great for our sport as there will be alot of new comers scared off by cost.

[RUSTY OMARK]

A fantastic new thing. Competed at my first sporter hunter class shoot in Albany. People worried that others will have more expensive gear and win? Not an issue, there were competitors there running Howa 1500s, shooting 50-10 I think the rules are fair, and a good starting point to attract new members. I congratulate those involved in getting this off the ground. Good work

[AlanF]

My pereonal opinion with people talkomg abput the sporting rifles not making the longer ranges i believe there are so many off shelf rifles out there that can make the distance shooting long range seems to be a fad etc. Most of our visitors have rocked up with rifles capable of 1000m. Im a TR shooter looking to move classes but i cant afford the move to F class so hunters is looking like a option. I think it will be great for our sport as there will be alot of new comers scared off by cost.

Robbo,

We haven't seen many S/H shooters at Rosedale yet, but the two who have joined the club didn't have to buy rifles - they use their existing ones. Neither has sloping rails, neither is throated for long bullets, and neither has a suitable twist rate for longer bullets. One of them has started reloading. They both enjoy competing. These types of members need to be included in any plans for new events. I believe the best way of doing that is to limit the range to something like 500yd/m. Those who set out to buy (build???) 1000m setups can always shoot in F-Open. And on the subject of cost, S/H may initially appear to be an inexpensive way of shooting LR, but if it takes off it will end up just like F/TR, no less expensive than F-Open.

BTW my original submission for S/H suggested two classes, one about the same as what has been adopted, and another with higher specs and allowed cost. That would allow better inclusion of participants at all levels.

[robbo1990]

My pereonal opinion with people talkomg abput the sporting rifles not making the longer ranges i believe there are so many off shelf rifles out there that can make the distance shooting long range seems to be a fad etc. Most of our visitors have rocked up with rifles capable of 1000m. Im a TR shooter looking to move classes but i cant afford the move to F class so hunters is looking like a option. I think it will be great for our sport as there will be alot of new comers scared off by cost.

Robbo,

We haven't seen many S/H shooters at Rosedale yet, but the two who have joined the club didn't have to buy rifles - they use their existing ones. Neither has sloping rails, neither is throated for long bullets, and neither has a suitable twist rate for longer bullets. One of them has started reloading. They both enjoy competing. These types of members need to be included in any plans for new events. I believe the best way of doing that is to limit the range to something like 500yd/m. Those who set out to buy (build???) 1000m setups can always shoot in F-Open. And on the subject of cost, S/H may initially appear to be an inexpensive way of shooting LR, but if it takes off it will end up just like F/TR, no less expensive than F-Open.

BTW my original submission for S/H suggested two classes, one about the same as what has been adopted, and another with higher specs and allowed cost. That would allow better inclusion of participants at all levels.

Agreed if they had maybe 2 divisions tjat could work. Going straight to F open would be very difficult for new commers and would be un enjoyable competing against most F open.

[RUSTY OMARK]

I don’t think the introduction requires 2 division as yet, we need to focus on growing it first, once the numbers are there, maybe look at if it’s required, ftr and open only have the one division, it’s only a starting foundation now with much room to grow, let’s hope it grows fast

[RUSTY OMARK]

After much deliberation SARA has decided to include hunter class in this years queens. So if you know of some people who might want to have a go, give them a heads up and let them know. More details will be available closer to the event. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

If Wara don’t run it in there Queens, I would be interested in going to SA just for that

[Quick]

If you want WARA ro eun it in the Queens, put a submission into your DRAs delegate and get them to bring it up. If enough people will do that, then it will happen. But you cant just will it to happen without doing a bit of work yourself.

[RUSTY OMARK]

If you want WARA ro eun it in the Queens, put a submission into your DRAs delegate and get them to bring it up. If enough people will do that, then it will happen. But you cant just will it to happen without doing a bit of work yourself.

Already done. Few shooters looking at competing in it if it will be held.

[FFordham]

The aim of this hunter category is too obviously boost the NRAA flagging membership numbers, but why call it the hunter class? Regardless of the type of firearm used, the style of shooting done at a typical NRAA competition does not replicate the style of shooting a hunter would need to sharpen his skills (real hunters will not turn up). So lets just call it for what it is, come along one and all, pay the club some money and plink at the expensive target down range while the club treasurer is taking his sedatives (LOL).

Remember the good old days when they used paper targets and if you missed no one freaked out, the RO would talk to the butts and they would soon have you on target no sweat. With the introduction of technology the fun part was sucked out. See what their reaction would be if someone pulled out a Swiss K31 7.5 x 55 with target sights to have a plink, no can doo fella. But that was before they realised their revenue was in terminal decline.

The minimum starting range at Duncan range is 300y, no ethical hunter would shoot an animal beyond this distance with a standard hunting calibre, go up to the magnums 400y would be about the ethical distance to take large game like Sambar with about 1500ft/lb of energy. A specialist cartridge like the 338 win mag would be an ethical choice for large game at extended distance or other 35. 37 or 40 calibre canons. You have to practice with the tools you will use in the field, so will the NRAA range certification allow for the use of these large magnums. If so I will bring my 375 H&H for a plink, but I won't be shooting it of a front rest in the prone.

[DannyS]

All sports have rules, is it just in rifle shooting that people always want to grumble?

[AlanF]

The aim of this hunter category is too obviously boost the NRAA flagging membership numbers, but why call it the hunter class? Regardless of the type of firearm used, the style of shooting done at a typical NRAA competition does not replicate the style of shooting a hunter would need to sharpen his skills (real hunters will not turn up). So lets just call it for what it is, come along one and all, pay the club some money and plink at the expensive target down range while the club treasurer is taking his sedatives (LOL).

Remember the good old days when they used paper targets and if you missed no one freaked out, the RO would talk to the butts and they would soon have you on target no sweat. With the introduction of technology the fun part was sucked out. See what their reaction would be if someone pulled out a Swiss K31 7.5 x 55 with target sights to have a plink, no can doo fella. But that was before they realised their revenue was in terminal decline.

The minimum starting range at Duncan range is 300y, no ethical hunter would shoot an animal beyond this distance with a standard hunting calibre, go up to the magnums 400y would be about the ethical distance to take large game like Sambar with about 1500ft/lb of energy. A specialist cartridge like the 338 win mag would be an ethical choice for large game at extended distance or other 35. 37 or 40 calibre canons. You have to practice with the tools you will use in the field, so will the NRAA range certification allow for the use of these large magnums. If so I will bring my 375 H&H for a plink, but I won't be shooting it of a front rest in the prone.

While I generally agree with your comments about shooting animals at rediculous distances, I think you misunderstand the intention of the Sporting Hunting Discipline. It isn't intended to be a training ground for long range hunting. It is a recognition that there is a huge number of hunting/varmint/tactical type rifle owners out there looking for somewhere to test their accuracy skills at long range, and also a recognition that these types of rifle are readily available from gun shops with something to suit all budgets. The Hunting in the name is there mainly as part of the description of the type of rifle, in a similar way to the Service Rifle disciplines (i.e. we aren't in the business of training to kill people either).

Regarding bore size and energy limits, this is primarily a Police and Army matter. Because the various State Police have their own regulations on this, it is very difficult to get agreement on change. While the NRAA may have some opportunities to lobby for change, its unlikely with the current firearms laws that there will be a general relaxation on bore size and energy limits on our ranges.

[lonerider43]

The aim of this hunter category is too obviously boost the NRAA flagging membership numbers, but why call it the hunter class? Regardless of the type of firearm used, the style of shooting done at a typical NRAA competition does not replicate the style of shooting a hunter would need to sharpen his skills (real hunters will not turn up). So lets just call it for what it is, come along one and all, pay the club some money and plink at the expensive target down range while the club treasurer is taking his sedatives (LOL).

Remember the good old days when they used paper targets and if you missed no one freaked out, the RO would talk to the butts and they would soon have you on target no sweat. With the introduction of technology the fun part was sucked out. See what their reaction would be if someone pulled out a Swiss K31 7.5 x 55 with target sights to have a plink, no can doo fella. But that was before they realised their revenue was in terminal decline.

The minimum starting range at Duncan range is 300y, no ethical hunter would shoot an animal beyond this distance with a standard hunting calibre, go up to the magnums 400y would be about the ethical distance to take large game like Sambar with about 1500ft/lb of energy. A specialist cartridge like the 338 win mag would be an ethical choice for large game at extended distance or other 35. 37 or 40 calibre canons. You have to practice with the tools you will use in the field, so will the NRAA range certification allow for the use of these large magnums. If so I will bring my 375 H&H for a plink, but I won't be shooting it of a front rest in the prone.

pretty much " rubbish"
we have a member who ONLY shoots hunting rifles off harris style bipods easily out to a thousand yards.6.5,308 and 300 rum.
he is also a very regular hunter [with these rifles] and was on our range doing so long before hunter became a class.
young people these days would rather be out ripping up the scrub in 4x4's with mates mrs and kids and getting on party pills than doing something that the wifey doesnt like and scares the kids.
no amount of "rule changes" and "come and try days" is going to change that.sorry.

[RUSTY OMARK]

The aim of this hunter category is too obviously boost the NRAA flagging membership numbers, but why call it the hunter class? Regardless of the type of firearm used, the style of shooting done at a typical NRAA competition does not replicate the style of shooting a hunter would need to sharpen his skills (real hunters will not turn up). So lets just call it for what it is, come along one and all, pay the club some money and plink at the expensive target down range while the club treasurer is taking his sedatives (LOL).

Remember the good old days when they used paper targets and if you missed no one freaked out, the RO would talk to the butts and they would soon have you on target no sweat. With the introduction of technology the fun part was sucked out. See what their reaction would be if someone pulled out a Swiss K31 7.5 x 55 with target sights to have a plink, no can doo fella. But that was before they realised their revenue was in terminal decline.

The minimum starting range at Duncan range is 300y, no ethical hunter would shoot an animal beyond this distance with a standard hunting calibre, go up to the magnums 400y would be about the ethical distance to take large game like Sambar with about 1500ft/lb of energy. A specialist cartridge like the 338 win mag would be an ethical choice for large game at extended distance or other 35. 37 or 40 calibre canons. You have to practice with the tools you will use in the field, so will the NRAA range certification allow for the use of these large magnums. If so I will bring my 375 H&H for a plink, but I won't be shooting it of a front rest in the prone.

pretty much " rubbish"
we have a member who ONLY shoots hunting rifles off harris style bipods easily out to a thousand yards.6.5,308 and 300 rum.
he is also a very regular hunter [with these rifles] and was on our range doing so long before hunter became a class.
young people these days would rather be out ripping up the scrub in 4x4's with mates mrs and kids and getting on party pills than doing something that the wifey doesnt like and scares the kids.
no amount of "rule changes" and "come and try days" is going to change that.sorry.

With the introduction I have seen visitors sign up to clubs, people in clubs compete in new class for fun and people from Ssaa come to compete, people with hunter class rifles that may do metallic silhouette, 3p ect. They are all good shots, some exceptional
These people are limited to 300-500 meters and want to shoot further, a good way for clubs to grow.
One particular club in WA is really doing well with this new class, think I seen about 10-15 hunter sporter shooters there the other week. None of them on party pills, but still smiling

[lonerider43]

weve seen dozens of young guys and some older,turn up with hunting rifles,keen to shoot,joined the club and find out the 300+ theyve been shooting roos at is more like 80 to 100.
others come and go because wifey demands they be at home.
some turn up with tactard rifles with muzzle brakes and get upset when they have to take them off.[range standing orders doesnt permit them]
i see alot of these guys around town on weekends, in utes covered in mud and bolt on gear.look around town see what the under 40s are doing,its not spending time at the range.
look around and see what age group is into what and you will understand what im saying.