Shooting action from the last CDARA Tri Service competition. The Canberra district of the association will hold its competition on March 22-23. Photo by Sgt Brian Hartigan, Army newspaper

COSTS $25 per individual entry for the Tri-service competition (36 rounds) $10 per individual entry for the Carbine competition (30 rounds) $5 per individual entry for the 500m competition (12 rounds) $5 per individual entry for Grand Aggregate $10 per team of four firers (Tri-Service component only)

Top shots wanted in Canberra

By Lt-Col Dave Hayes
THE Canberra District of the Australian Army Rifle Association (AARA) will be holding a triservice shooting weekend on March 22-23 open to any Steyr-qualified regular or reserve member of any service.

The shoot will occur at McIntosh Rifle Range, at the northern end of Majura Road in the ACT.

Maj-Gen Jim Molan, Commander Australian Defence Colleges, will present medals and badges after the shoot. Leading by example, he also intends to compete in some, or all, matches as time permits.

Between 8.30am and Midday on March 22 there will be a carbine shoot (similar to the AASAM Close Quarter Battle match) in which 30 rounds will be fired in rapid and snap serials between 100m and 40m.

Between 1pm and 5pm on March 22, a 500m deliberate match will be fired.

For anyone who has not fired the Steyr from 500 metres, it is tremendously satisfying to find out that, with a little skill, the weapon can shoot very accurately at such a long range.

Basic accommodation will be provided (sleeping bag and stretcher will be required) and anyone who wishes to stay overnight is welcome at no additional cost.

On March 23, a triservice shoot will occur between 8.30am and 3pm. This involves three serials – deliberate, rapid and snap – all fired from the prone position with two sighters and 10 rounds to score.

Shooters should be at the range, in DPCU with webbing (which can be borrowed if necessary), at least 30 minutes before any shoot.

Teams of four firers are welcome. The only stipulation is that four firers must be from the same unit or AARA district.

Shooting, particularly service rifle shooting, which uses the Steyr with different positions, ranges and targets, is not just good sport.

It is great training in the most fundamental of all military skills, and competition brings out the best in shooters both on the range and at the bar afterwards.

To cover the cost of badges, prizes, range fees and overnight accommodation, entry fees will be charged depending on which matches are entered as individuals or teams.

These and details for the CDARA tri-service and other shoots can be found at www.bigirishgit.com

n For further information regarding the shooting competition, contact Lt-Col Dave Hayes on 0439 842 937 or by e-mail at dhayes@powerup.com.au, or WO2 Scott Ainslie on 0416 000 934 or by e-mail at sainslie@austarmetro.com.au, or Sgt Barry Cox on 0438 901 778 or by e-mail at bjcox@netspeed.com.au

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