THE sense of adventure inherent in both the bygone days of the British Empire and the hunting skills needed for the modern era are preserved and fostered in the Big Game Rifle discipline.

The discipline in Queensland fosters the use, collection and preservation of all big-game rifles, be they an antique double rifle, a modern bolt-action, a traditional lever-action rifle, a falling block action rifle, or even a musket.

Big Game and Hunting Rifle shooting allows shooters to enjoy competing, collecting and developing skills with a wide variety of unique firearms not covered by any other form of competition shooting.

Courses of fire attempt to simulate the various hunting conditions under which the diverse types of rifle would be used, typically from 25m-300m or so.

Accuracy and rifle handling skills are put to the test, with emphasis on offhand and field position shooting. Rapid fire, rapid reloading and the use of open sights is encouraged, with a moderate scope penalty for most events.

To reflect the typical field conditions in which big-game rifles might be used, no slings or rests are permitted in competition. Scope sights may be used, subject to a points penalty. The emphasis is on offhand shooting and the use of open sights.

Rifles are divided into several categories, including:

• Group One Nitro (Minimum .330 calibre, 165gr projectile, 2900ft lb muzzle energy)
• Group Two Nitro/Stopper (Minimum .400 calibre, 400gr projectile, 3900 ft lb muzzle energy)
• Group Three Nitro (Calibres over .485, 525gr projectile, 5300 ft lbs muzzle energy)
• Bore Guns (Minimum 16 bore, black powder or nitro)
• Classic Cartridge (Military or sporting firearms using cartridges introduced up to 1939)
• Light Black Powder (Minimum .360 calibre, 900 ft lbs muzzle energy, 50-100gr black powder charge)
• African Plains Rifle (most modern centrefire hunting rifles)

Competitors use everything from genuine antique double rifles and Martini-action firearms through to Lee-Enfield and Mauser bolt-actions to modern big-game rifles such as those from CZ, Ruger, Winchester and other well-known manufacturers.

As big-game rifles were often traditionally used in tight, dangerous situations, two speed events were originally designed – Charging Animal and Special Snap.

In addition to this, two categories for older firearms were created, namely Black Powder Express Rifles and Bore/Ball Guns. As the discipline evolved, the Stalking Double Rifle and Stopping Double Rifle events were added as well.

Each month there is a different Postal Match competition, organised by the State Chair.

The Queensland State Championship, held annually, is a two-day event covering the full range of guns from small Rook Rifles to behemoth Bore Guns and everything in between.