Evolution of Target Rifle Shooting
Target rifle shooting has traditionally relied on metal peep sights, which were developed in the early 19th century. These offered significantly greater accuracy than the open sights commonly used at the time. While peep sights have evolved over the years, the fundamental method remains the same: the shooter looks through a small aperture at the rear of the rifle, aligns it with a front aperture, centring the round black target within the sight picture before pulling the trigger.
When combined with a shooting sling, a specially fitted jacket, a glove for the supporting hand, a brimmed hat to shield from the sun, and the prone position (widely regarded as the most stable shooting stance), this relatively simple system allows for exceptional accuracy.
Historically, this was the only form of precision shooting available for both Centerfire and ISSF/Olympic .22 Rimfire and Air Rifle competitions.
It’s believed that the prone shooting position gained widespread military use during the Anglo-Boer Wars, where British forces reportedly suffered significant losses due to the accuracy of Boer marksmen. In response, rifle clubs were encouraged in Britain, with rifles and ammunition supplied to civilian volunteers to develop shooting proficiency. Australia followed suit. These clubs would later serve as recruitment grounds for sharpshooters and snipers in future conflicts.
The Challenge of Aging Eyes
One of the limitations of traditional target rifle shooting is that it requires excellent unassisted vision. Because no magnification is used, shooters experiencing age-related vision decline often found themselves unable to continue competing, leading to a gradual reduction in club participation.
The Birth of F-Class
In Canada, shooter George “Farky” Farquharson faced this very issue. No longer able to shoot competitively due to aging eyes, he innovated: mounting a telescopic scope on his rifle, using a bipod at the front, and resting the rear of the rifle on a bag. This setup allowed him to continue shooting and achieving good scores.
Initially, this new form of prone shooting faced resistance, but over time it gained recognition and was eventually accepted by the NRA. Today, this discipline—now known as F-Class—has multiple subdivisions with defined rules and growing national and international competition. Many shooters have transitioned from traditional target rifle shooting to F-Class, while new participants, both young and old, are entering the sport directly through this modern format.
For those who assume magnified optics make shooting easier—think again. Challenges remain, such as reading mirage through high magnification and hitting a significantly smaller scoring zone than in traditional target rifle events.
Looking Ahead
Subiaco Rifle Club proudly continues its tradition in Target Rifle shooting while actively supporting all forms of long-range shooting. We welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and experience levels who are interested in exploring and enjoying the sport of rifle shooting. With encouragement and guidance from our experienced members, everyone is supported in developing their skills and becoming part of a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming shooting community. Change and innovation are essential for the future of the sport.
City of Subiaco Rifle Club 