Canada’s home grown Match Rifle Sport…

Early Settlers in Canada had a rifle in hand. Essential for survival, the rifle and hunting with it formed in large part a piece of Canada’s national heritage. That heritage continues to be practiced and enjoyed today, particularly as a recreational pastime and competition. A pastime that has been, and still is officially recognized by the Government of Canada in the form of it’s own unique match rifle sport… Sporting Rifle.

Sporting Rifle traces it’s roots back to 1935, when the program was first organized by the Dominion Ammunition Division of Canadian Industries Limited. The “Dominion Marksmen” awards program was so successful, that “Sporting Rifle” became accepted as the standard rifle in clubs across Canada. Chambered in .22 LR and equipped with target sights; honing marksmanship skills with such rifles became the preferred way to target shoot in Canada.

In 1949 the national governing body for civilian rifle shooting, the Canadian Association of Marksmen, recognized Sporting Rifle and introduced official rules, targets and competitions. Sporting Rifle competition surged across Canada; from club level matches, multi-club leagues, to Provincial, and National Championships. Sporting Rifle had a home just about everywhere, including unlikely locals such as the subbasement of the University of Toronto. From the late 70’s, U of T students were able to practice marksmanship and compete on campus until its closure in 2007.

Sporting Rifle competitions have become an important part of Canada’s National Sport Organization governing Canadian National Team members and Olympic Athletes; the Shooting Federation of Canada. Since the federation’s adoption of Sporting Rifle, it has served as a feeder and development sport for ISSF Match Rifle and 3 Position competitions.

Today, Sporting Rifle events, and it’s sister competition “Hunting Rifle”, are available all across Canada. These sports represent one of the most accessible, and inclusive ways to enjoy target shooting for recreation and competition.

Competitors can participate in Sporting Rifle for a fraction of the cost when compared to international match rifle and Olympic level sports. Equipment regulations serve to keep the sport affordable and greatly enhance marksmanship development. Even when compared to other rimfire precision sports, Sporting Rifle competition represents a bargain with respect equipment costs among top competitors.

So what does a Sporting Rifle match look like? Simply put, repeatedly firing the perfect shot is the name of the game. Outdoors, the match is shot at 50 meters where your target, the “X” ring is about the size of a nickel. Indoors, the match is shot at 20 yards, where the “X” ring is just less than the diameter of your .22 cal bullet. It’s a game of points. However, it’s not about gaining points with every shot. Rather, it’s about not losing them… With every shot fired that’s not perfect, and as result that isn’t in the 10 ring; precious points are lost. Competition is incredibly stiff. The 2022 National Championships for Sporting Rifle Prone was settled by a difference of 2 points overall. The 3 Position (3P) event came down to 2 “X” ring hits, all while competitors battled in the 32 degree heat.

Rifles are limited to open sights. Target or “Globe” styled sights are preferred. The rifle can’t weigh more than 4kg, and its trigger must be able to pick up a 1kg weight. In essence, rifles are half the weight of Olympic competition rifles, and the triggers are twice as heavy. No slings, hand stops, or any forms of artificial support are permitted. This sport comes down to the shooter, and their ability to shoot their rifle off hand. Shooters are permitted to wear ISSF approved Shooting jackets and gloves with a single under layer. This rule levels the playing field so to speak with respect to clothing fit that limits heartbeat effect on aim. That clothing is subject to all ISSF regulations and is tested with the same inspection equipment as ISSF World and Olympic level athletes for fit. The result is an incredibly even competition with little to no advantage from one competitor to the next regardless of investment in equipment.

A common sight on the firing line is the C.I.L. 190, a purpose built rifle for the sport. From 1963 to 1981 Canadian Industries Limited, along with Savage Arms in the U.S. formed a marketing agreement with Anschutz of Germany. As part of that agreement, C.I.L. imported Anschutz 64 action rifles tailored for Sporting Rifle competition. These beautiful rifles can be typically had on the used market today for $500 – $700, and are largely responsible for some of the best scores recorded in the sport.

New rifle options that conform to Sporting Rifle rules include the Canadian Made Savage Mark I FVT, and the Anschutz 1903 kk Match Junior. Interestingly, the Canadian Made Savage qualifies for use in both Sporting Rifle, and Hunting Rifle competition as it isn’t equipped with an Anschutz fore-end rail.

A match consists of 60 scoring rounds fired in three 20 shot series with unlimited sighters. The 3 Position event consists of the same three 20 shot series. However, each series is shot form a different position (prone, standing, then kneeling).

The sister sport known as “Hunting Rifle”, is shot in the same format as Sporting rifle and on the same type of target, except ISSF shooting jackets and clothing are not permitted. Competitors can use any sights they wish including scopes. The rifle couldn’t have been initially manufactured as a target rifle. For this sport “Target Rifle” means a rifle being equipped with an Anschutz type fore-end rail. There is no restriction as to trigger weight or rifle weight. The Rifle can’t have an
easily adjustable stock (adjustable stocks need to be taped up or shimmed so they can’t be adjusted on the fly. Fixed stocks can be built up with padding, vet wrap or whatever you’d like). Essentially, Hunting Rifle allows for nearly any rifle that wouldn’t be used in “Sporting Rifle” competition. So, for the CRPS or ORPS shooter that wants to get really good at off hand shooting and prove it, here’s
your chance…

Competitors of both disciplines
include Women and Men of all ages whom all compete for the overall prize together. Competitors are also grouped by Classification of skill, and Divisions. Regardless of ones classification based on prior scores, or division based on age or gender, all competitors still shoot and compete against one another for top honours. Female competitors in particular hold several top Provincial and National titles earned against their male counterparts.

Club Level matches are typically plentiful year round, particularly in Ontario. These matches are usually organized under the auspices of a Provincial Sport Organization; ONTarget in the case of Ontario. Numerous provinces hold Provincial level Championships annually. The Shooting Federation of Canada also holds annual Coast-to-Coast Competition consisting of remote matches that competitors can participate in at their home range; and submit their scores online. The Canadian National Rifle Championship is the largest Sporting Rifle event.

Typically held at the Pan-Am Range in Cookstown, On. Shooters from across Canada attend and compete for the title of National Champion.

Nearly a century old, Sporting Rifle represents a rewarding deep dive into the fundamentals of Marksmanship. The sports connection to history and Canadian heritage is arguably second to none with regard to the available shooting sports. It is a test of skill in the purest form. Confident and experienced shooters alike embarking on the journey often quickly realize there’s always more to learn. It’s humbled many accomplished marksmen.