What we do
We typically shoot two core disciplines F-Class and Target Rifle (T/R). The term fullbore is occasionally used as an abbreviation of Full Bore Target Rifle but more commonly it’s just referred to as T/R. Our F-Class contingent shoot F-Class standard, F-Open and F-T/R.
The Mackereth range is licensed for firing single-shot bolt-action target rifles in calibres up to 8mm, however due to noise and the range safety template restrictions we ask that the maximum cartridge used is kept to the .308 Winchester.
Disciplines
The disciplines shot on this range are:
- TR (Target rifle) front & rear ring sights, = 7.0 kg
- FTR (F-class TR) telescopic sights, = 8.25 kg
- FS (F-class standard) telescopic sights, = 8.5 kg
- FO (F-class open) telescopic sights, = 10.5 kg
All rifles used on this range must conform fully to the NRAA Target Rifle or F-class descriptions, as in the current NRAA Standard Shooting Rules (SSRs).
We shoot each Saturday, both morning and afternoon, at Mackereth Range at distances ranging from 300yds to 800yds in 100yd increments. (except 400yds)
Our club runs both F-Class Standard and Target Rifle teams in the inter-club competitions (or Grade shoots) against other clubs.
Our general weekly club shooting is not restricted to the two disciplines and any rifle of any calibre that fits within the range safety template rules is welcome as long as it doesn’t have a muzzle brake.
Generally, for the F class disciplines, a telescopic sight with a minimum power of 8-32X with 1/8 MOA increments of adjustments should be considered the minimum.
Come along for advice on what constitutes an appropriate rifle and sights before you spend. A custom rifle is not necessary as there are some excellent factory rifles that can be used at the club. Bring your factory varmint rifle, tactical rifle or target rifle and you’ll fit right in.
The Werribee Rifle Club is open on most Saturdays for shooting. “Zeroing” (sighting in) can be done from 9 am, and shooting starts after 10 am.
While firing is being conducted, red Danger flags are flown at both ends of the range. Until all rifles have been cleared and taken off the mound, no person may walk, nor any car is parked, beyond the active firing line. In other words, they may not be closer to the targets than the mound currently in use.
On arrival, all visitors must sign the Range Register and if carrying firearms, both members and visitors must ensure that the bolts have been removed. Visitors who wish to zero or shoot their rifle must show their licence to shoot and pay a range fee. Visitors must be aware that only certain disciplines are shot on this range (see Disciplines), and they cannot ask for permission to shoot rifles that do not conform.
For all active shooters (whether members or visitors):
Everyone must obey:
- the Standard Shooting Rules of the NRAA (at time of writing, the current version is v6.0c, August 2019), and
- the Range Standing Orders of the Werribee Rifle Club.
Getting Started - What We Do
Interested but unlicensed visitors:
Visitors who do not have a shooting licence, but are interested to find out more about target shooting, or wish to try shooting a club rifle, should come to the range on a date marked on the Events Calendar as a “practice” day (not a competition day). A club member will stay with them for their time on the range. It is usually possible for a visitor to shoot a club rifle under supervision, as long as he/she agrees to:
- obey the rules of safe shooting, whether or not they are being directly supervised
- immediately obey any additional range operation directives
- pay for the ammunition used.
The details of shooting conduct
This discipline involves slow precision shooting in groups of 10 single shots. Each shot, and the structure of the group, is scored and analysed. In the traditional Target Rifle discipline, only open aperture sights (‘iron sights’, ‘ring sights’) are used. The F-class discipline allows telescopic sights and greater mechanical support for the rifle.
All shooting is carried out with stationary targets consisting of a black circular aiming mark on a square white background. The primary skills are to hold the rifle steady, to judge the wind strength and direction, and to release the trigger smoothly so that the aim is not disturbed. Target rifle competitions are conducted under the rules of the National Rifle Association of Australia (NRAA).
A small number of matches, usually referred to as “match rifle” or “long range” competitions, are held at longer distances of 1000-1200 yds. There are some limitations on rifle weight, calibre and muzzle energy which help to control the amount of added technology, which can detract from the sport as a test of human skill. In Target rifle discipline, there are additional features which maintain traditions extending back to the 19th century, because the shooter wears a stiff jacket and uses a leather sling between the jacket and the left wrist to steady the rifle. Originally, this sling allowed the soldier to carry the rifle over his shoulder. This provides an amusing contrast: the means of support is as low-tech and traditional as well can manage, yet the mechanisms and optics of the rifle embody high-precision manufacturing.
Instruction & training
Entry to the sport is through rifle clubs which provide basic training and competition practice and meet the Victorian Firearms Act requirement for obtaining a Victorian Firearms Licence.