NY State Sporterifle

Sporterifle is a fun postal target competition using .22 caliber rimfire rifles. It was deliberately designed so that people of any skill level can take part. Furthermore, special or expensive gear is not required; most people can begin shooting using gear they already have on hand. It can be challenging at times, but with time and practice, most people see notable improvements. In short, it really helps many people improve their offhand shooting abilities.

Burlington Flats is one of several clubs statewide that participate in the shoots. Members and escorted guests 12 years of age or older are welcome to come join us at our indoor 50ft range on Thursdays in the Fall & Winter, starting at 6pm. If you're not a member but are interested in Sporterifle, please contact Frank Allen and he will try to make arrangements for you.

Sporterifle consists of two types of competitions. These are the main team-based competition and an iron sights only individual competition. Shooters can shoot either or both. We'll cover each below:

Main Team Competition
Participants may use any .22 caliber (.22 short, .22 long or .22LR) rifle along with any kind of sight, as long as the total combined weight is no more than 7.5 pounds. The only other limitation is that the butt plate cannot curve more than 1/2 inch from tip-to-tip. Adjustable butt plates must be set to a neutral position. If a rifle uses a magazine or tube, it can only be loaded with a single round at a time. Provided the rifle functions safely and meets the above criteria, it can be used in the main Sporterifle shoots.

We shoot in the offhand position using no artificial supports (i.e., no slings, rests, or touching/leaning against anything, etc.). This means the shooter stands erect supporting the rifle with only two hands and a shoulder. There is an exception for female shooters as well as senior male shooters 60 or older: they are permitted to put their elbow/upper portion of their forward arm against their bodies for support. There are also special dispensations that can be made for shooters with disabilities (these are addressed on a case-by-case basis).

We shoot at "NRA Official 50 Ft Light Rifle Target" (A-32) target sheets positioned 50 feet away. A match consists of three A32 targets with a total of ten record shots per target (30 shots overall). Shooters are given ten minutes to complete each A32. The highest possible score per target is 100 and the highest possible match score is 300. The five highest total scores are selected from all that shoot and those results are sent in (NLT 6pm on Friday) for that week's team score. Each shooter is also classified/ranked according to their scores/abilities. So, even if a score doesn't get counted for the team score, it is still counted for the individual's average.

Iron Sights Only (Individual)
In addition to the standard Sporterifle competition, there is a secondary iron sights only competition. The same rules and limitations apply, except that its an individual competition only (no teams) and there is no weight limit on the rifle. You can read more in-depth rules at the NY State Sporterifle website.

Members are kept informed of team and individual Sporterifle match results and standings through weekly status reports. The team captain will print and post the standings in our indoor range. Team members also have the option of requesting an account to view the reports online. In prior seasons there was also an optional weekly postal bulletin, but this was discontinued as of the 2018/19 season.

Fees/Prices
The price of Sporterifle varies slightly depending on one's age and which portions one participates in. The fees are composed of Sporterifle program shoot fees as well as a local range fee (for targets, heating, electricity, snow plowing, etc.). The specific/detailed price break-out is listed below:

  • Adult Shooters (19+)
    • If shooting just the main team competition: $6.00 ($1.00 Sporterifle Fee + $5.00 local range fee).
    • If shooting just the iron sights individual competition: $6.00 ($1.00 Sporterifle Fee + $5.00 local range fee).
    • If shooting BOTH competitions: $7.00 ($2.00 Sporterifle fee + $5.00 local range fee).
  • Junior Shooters (12-19*)
    • $2.00 per match if shooting the main competition OR iron sights individual competition (No Sporterifle fees. They only pay a reduced local range fee.)
    • $3.00 if shooting BOTH competitions (again, no Sporterifle fees, just a reduced local range fee).
    • * They must turn 19 after 1 September for this to apply.

Access & Parking
Before coming, be sure to check the club calendar and Facebook to be advised of any schedule changes. Please also be sure to familiarize yourself with our club INDOOR RANGE SAFETY RULES. Access to the indoor range is via the clubhouse's main entrance. Simply park outside and enter via the main entrance/front door.


Sporterifle Point of Contact
For more information about our club's Sporterifle activities, please contact Frank Allen or one of our club officials.

 


Above- Assorted views of Sporterifle activity

Sporterifle Specifics

  • When: Next season starts in September 2024.
  • Where: Indoor Range.
  • Who: Members and escorted guests age 12 or older.
  • Price: Starts at $2.00 for juniors and $6 for adults. See "Fees/Prices" on the left side of this page for a more detailed/precise price break-down.
  • Contact: Frank Allen, administrator@bffgc.com

Sporterifle Information Resources