Full Bore Rifle Shooting

Long-range precision rifle shooting in the UK

Not Offered at Pinhoe TSC

Pinhoe Target Shooting Club specializes in .22LR smallbore and air rifle/pistol disciplines. We do not offer full bore rifle shooting. This page provides educational information about full bore shooting in the UK and directs you to appropriate resources.

Many of our members also shoot full bore at Bisley and other approved ranges. For full bore shooting, contact the National Rifle Association (NRA).

What is Full Bore Rifle Shooting?

Full bore rifle shooting involves precision shooting at long range (typically 300-1000 yards) using high-powered rifles chambered in .223 Remington (5.56mm) to .308 Winchester (7.62mm). It’s the most traditional form of rifle shooting in the UK, with a rich history dating back over 150 years at Bisley. The discipline emphasizes wind reading, position, and marksmanship fundamentals.

Full bore rifle shooting

Main Full Bore Disciplines

Target Rifle (TR)

The most traditional and popular full bore discipline in the UK. Shooting from prone position with iron sights (aperture rear, post front) at distances from 300-1000 yards.

Equipment

Calibre: Typically .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO)
Sights: Iron sights only - no optics or telescopes
Position: Prone with sling support
Weight: Typically 5-6kg (11-13lbs)

Distances

Standard TR competitions are shot at “short range” (300-600 yards) and “long range” (900-1000 yards). The Queen’s Prize (Imperial Meeting) includes stages at 300, 500, 600, 900, and 1000 yards.

Wind Reading

Reading wind conditions is the defining skill in TR shooting. At 1000 yards, a 10mph crosswind can move the bullet over 100 inches. Shooters use flags, mirage, and experience to adjust their sights between shots.

F-Class (F-Open and F-TR)

Long-range precision shooting from prone position with telescopic sights and front rest (bipod or bench rest). More accessible than TR for those with vision limitations or physical challenges.

F-TR (Target Rifle)

Calibre: .223 Remington or .308 Winchester only
Weight: 8.25kg (18.15lbs) maximum with sights
Sights: Any telescopic sight allowed
Rest: Attached bipod, rear bag

F-Open

Calibre: Any calibre up to .35” (often 6mm, 6.5mm)
Weight: 10kg (22lbs) maximum with sights
Sights: Any telescopic sight allowed
Rest: Any front rest (heavy pedestal rests common)

Gallery Rifle

Indoor shooting at 15-25 metres with pistol-calibre rifles (e.g., 9mm, .38 Special). More affordable and accessible than long-range full bore. Often shot at NSRA clubs including Pinhoe TSC for experienced members with Section 1 firearms.

Gallery Rifle at Pinhoe

Note: Pinhoe TSC does have facilities for Gallery Rifle (pistol-calibre centrefire) for members with appropriate firearms licensing. Contact the club for details about Gallery Rifle shooting on our indoor ranges.

Getting Started with Full Bore

Legal Requirements

Firearm Certificate (FAC/Section 1)

Required for: Owning rifles in calibres above .22 rimfire
Process: Apply through local police constabulary
Cost: £88 for 5 years (grant or renewal), £62 variation
Requirements: Good reason, secure storage, character references, no convictions
Timeline: Typically 8-16 weeks from application to approval
Conditions: Each rifle/calibre must be approved on your FAC

You can shoot full bore at approved ranges (like Bisley) using club rifles before obtaining your certificate. Most ranges offer “have-a-go” opportunities with supervision and equipment provided.

Equipment Needed

For Beginners (Using Club/Borrowed Rifles)

Ear protection: Essential - centerfire rifles are very loud (£10-£80)
Eye protection: Shooting glasses (£15-£80)
Shooting mat: For prone position (£30-£150)
Shooting jacket: Padded canvas jacket for support (£100-£400)
Range fees: £10-£30 per session, ammunition extra

When You Progress (Own Equipment)

Rifle (TR): RPA Quadlite, Swing, or similar (£2,500-£5,000+)
Rifle (F-Class): Custom or production F-Class rifle (£3,000-£8,000+)
Ammunition: Match-grade .308 (£1.20-£2.00 per round)
Sights (TR): Parker Hale, Centra aperture sights (£200-£500)
Scope (F-Class): High-power competition scope (£1,000-£3,000+)
Sling: Shooting sling for prone support (£30-£100)
Gun cabinet: Secure storage at home (£150-£500)
Cleaning kit: Bore cleaning supplies (£50-£150)

.308 Winchester Standard

.308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) is the de facto standard for TR and F-TR shooting in the UK. It offers excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and widely available match-grade ammunition. F-Open shooters often use 6mm, 6.5mm, or 7mm calibres for superior ballistics.

UK Full Bore Organizations

National Rifle Association (NRA)

The NRA is the UK’s governing body for full bore rifle shooting. Based at Bisley Camp in Surrey, it manages competitions including the Imperial Meeting, maintains ranges, and promotes the sport.

Visit NRA website →

British Shooting (GB Target Rifle)

Governs Olympic and Commonwealth full bore disciplines. Manages GB teams for Commonwealth Games (Queen’s Prize pairs) and international competitions.

Visit British Shooting →

Bisley Camp - The Home of UK Full Bore

Shooting at Bisley

Bisley Camp in Surrey is the world’s premier fullbore shooting facility, with ranges from 100 to 1200 yards. The NRA Imperial Meeting in July is the sport’s flagship event, attracting 1000+ competitors from around the world.

Location: Brookwood, Surrey GU24 0PB (45 minutes from London)
Facilities: Multiple ranges, clubhouse, camping, rifle hire
Visitor Days: Regular opportunities to try full bore shooting
Membership: NRA membership provides range access

Plan Your Visit to Bisley →

Major Competitions

Imperial Meeting (Bisley)

Two weeks in July. The world’s premier full bore competition. Includes the Queen’s Prize Final, Daily Mail Match, Donegall, Grand Aggregate. 1000+ competitors. Open to all (with FAC).

English Eight (Bisley)

Top 8 TR shooters determined through season-long competition. The “England team” for Commonwealth Games qualification. Prestigious selection process based on consistency.

F-Class Championships

British F-Class Championships held at Bisley. Separate Open and TR classes. World Championships and Palma matches (international team competitions) held every 4 years.

County & Regional Matches

Devon County Rifle Association and other regional bodies run county championships and inter-county matches throughout the summer. Entry-level path to representative shooting.

Why Full Bore Shooting Appeals

Ultimate Challenge

Wind reading, marksmanship, and mental control tested at extreme distances.

Rich Tradition

150+ years of history at Bisley, connection to military marksmanship heritage.

Team & Individual

Compete solo or represent your county, club, or country in team matches.

Bisley Community

Unique atmosphere of Imperial Meeting with camping, socializing, and world-class competition.

Transferable Skills

Fundamentals applicable to all precision rifle shooting, hunting, and tactical disciplines.

All Weather

Shoot in all UK weather conditions - adds to the challenge and skill development.

Interested in Target Shooting at Pinhoe Instead?

If you’re interested in .22LR smallbore and air rifle/pistol target shooting (the disciplines we DO offer at Pinhoe TSC), explore our comprehensive guides:

Rifle & Pistol at Pinhoe

What we offer

Try Shooting at Pinhoe

Get started with target shooting

Explore All UK Shooting Disciplines

Learn about the full range of shooting sports available in the UK