Target Shooting

Rifle Shooting with the ATC

 Cadets will have the opportunity to fire small bore (.22mm) as well as full bore (5.52mm - 7.62mm) rifles on several different types of ranges, including  600m Electronic Target Ranges.

  Shooting in the ATC begins with extensive "dry" training on the weapons before anyone gets onto a range with live ammunition. All range details are conducted by trained and authorised staff.

Shooting is categorised by the type of weapon and ammunition used on which type of range.


Full bore shooting includes 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibre and is carried out on outdoor barrack ranges, gallery ranges up to 600m and Electronic Target Ranges (where the targets can be controlled to appear and disappear).

 


For 5.56mm the L98A1 Cadet Rifle is used. This is essentially a single-shot version of the army's SA80 and holds a magazine of up to 30 rounds. For 7.62mm the L81 Parker Hale target rifle is shortly returning to service. This rifle provides a much better weapon for competition target shooting.

  

 

 

 


L98A1 Target Rifle

 

Small bore or .22 calibre shooting is typically carried out in indoor ranges or 25m barrack ranges. The calibre refers to the diameter of the bore of the rifle barrel; .22 of an inch. We use Lee Enfield Mk8 rifles converted to fire .22 ammunition.
 


Air rifles (.177 calibre) can be used for marksmanship training as the slow speed of the pellet forces the firer to control breathing, trigger pressure and follow through.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

                      Lee Enfield Mk8 Rifle

SGT D Chapman