Air Rifle

In 1969 the Air Rifle Association of Australia inc. (A.R.A.A.) was formed, of which Cabramatta is a Foundation Member. The first official Australian Air Rifle Championship was held in the same year in Adelaide. Now the Australian Championship is an annual event, held in the first full week in January at a predetermined club.

We have a proud history in the sport of Air Rifle Shooting, where quite a few of our Ex Members participated in International Competitions, such as World Championships and Commonwealth Games. At present our Membership is around 50, with about 30 being members of the A.R.A.A. Our Club Championships is held every year in February, followed by the Annual Cabramatta Championship, two weeks prior to Easter.

Shooting, as a sport, suffers more from bad image by unfair association than any other sport. Too often shooters are unfairly categorized with TV characters, terrorists and other criminals as irresponsible, blood crazed loonies.

The uninformed and others will not recognize that target shooters are law abiding, responsible citizens who shoot at paper targets in a completely safe environment as a harmless form of recreation. Conveniently, these people overlook the fact that the gun 'accidents' that shock them in media reports do not involve target shooting club members anyway. In fact, all club members are fully aware of the dangers of careless handling and are safety conscious in the extreme. Besides, they have to have a firearms license.

Ask yourself whether shooting at a paper target within a properly constructed range is anything other than a simple test of skill. Golfers and bowlers aren't branded irresponsible for 'aiming their missiles on a properly constructed field to test their skill.'

The sophistication of today's air rifle has to be seen to be believed! Totally recoilless, consistent accuracy from shot to shot, an adjustable, finely set two stage trigger and aperture sights with micrometer adjustment every which way.

The popularity of air rifle shooting worldwide has been recognised since 1980 by the inclusion of air rifle events in both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games programs.

Here in Australia the number of Air Rifle Clubs changes every year and at present there are wight active clubs in NSW/ACT and clubs in every other state. So why is 'air rifle' so popular? There are two exclusive benefits for the air rifle shooter.

1. The range is indoors, so no matter what the weather conditions or time of day/night, the shooter has a constant, comfortable and predictable environment to enjoy her/his sport.

2. The economic benefits cannot be matched by other shooting sports e.g. Pellets at $7.00 of $8.00 per tin of 500 and air for propellant - FREE!

Another advantage is that air rifle is only competitively shot from a 'standing position' so you are not getting your clothes dirty.

Incidentally, no special clothing is needed to start off, except for a shooting glove. Don't rush off and buy one immediately when a gardening glove or some other heavier type leather or material glove is available at home.  Only one glove is required - left hand glove for right handers, right hand glove for left handers.

In air rifle shooting every shot isa challenge and a result in itself. There is also a constant personal challenge in striving to better your previous total score. If you know someone who is, or if you are interested yourself in the air rifle shooting sport, please come to the range downstairs and join us for some fun or a chat. We shall only be too glad to assist you in whatever way we can. We are there every Wednesday night and Friday night from 7.00pm.

We are proudly affiliated with the Air Rifle Association of Australia Inc. the N.S.W. Small Bore Association and the N.S.W. Shooting Association.

'SAFETY AWARENESS TESTING AUTHORITY'

LICENSE TESTING IS AVAILABLE, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 7.00 PM SHARP.