Events
NTRA Kings & CARC Open Prize Meetings Program & Entry Forms 2024
Note: CARC OPM is being held in Darwin for this year
Policies
Trading Post
This Trading Post is for the Sale, Swap or to Give Away to New Home for Club Members,
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Weekly Shoots
Check For Cancellation of Todays Competition
Club competition shoots
All Darwin Rifle Club competition shoots are conducted under the National Rifle Association of Australia, Standard Shooting Rules.
Be at the range by 1pm, 12.30 if you need to arrange to borrow club gear. Draw for shooting positions takes place at 1.20pm, so that shooting can commence at 1.30pm.
2 applications of 2 sighters and 10 counting shots.
At the end of the year, the club championship is awarded based on each member's aggregate of the best 2 scores at each range distance over the year.
Procedure for rain affected shoots
If shooting on a Saturday afternoon is cancelled because of rain, the shoot will reconvene on the next time up the range at the same distance as below.
Club competition shoots - shoot twice the next time up the range at the same distance with first draw at 10.20am, first shoot to commence at 10.30am. Other shoots - may be reconvened or cancelled at the Captains discretion. If to be reconvened, Captain will advise details at the time.
Australia Day Prize Meeting
Held on the Saturday closest to the Australia Day public holiday. This is part of the Northern Territory Australia Day Sports Carnival.
Grading is Club Grades
Be at the range by 12noon, 11.30 if you need to arrange to borrow club gear. Draw for shooting positions takes place at 12.20pm, so that shooting can commence at 12.30pm.
2014 onwards - Two applications of 2 sighters and 10 counting shots at each of the 500m and 600m ranges.
Darwin Open Prize Meeting
Held over 2 days on the first weekend in June every second year (alternate years are the NT Kings).
Be at the range by 08:30 hrs, 08:00 hrs if you need to borrow club gear. Draw for shooting positions takes place at 08:50 hrs so shooting can commence at 09:00 hrs.
- DAY 1: One application of 2 sighters and 10 counting shots at each of the 300, 400, 500 & 600 m ranges.
- DAY 2: One application of 2 sighters and 10 counting shots at each of the 600, 700, 800 & 900 m ranges.
Lou Hook and NT Kings
Held over the long weekend in June every second year (alternate years are the Darwin Open Prize).
The Lou Hook (lead up event) and the N.T. Kings Prize will be held over the Monarch's Birthday long weekend.
Refer to the NTRA website at www.ntra.org.au for details
Long Range Championship
Held on the last Saturday in June.
Be at the range by 12noon, 11.30 if you need to arrange to borrow club gear. Draw for shooting positions takes place at 12.20pm, so that shooting can commence at 12.30pm.
One application of 2 sighters and 10 counting shots at each of the 800m, 900m and 1000m ranges.
Turkey Shoot
Second-last shoot of the year.
Be at the range by 1pm, 12.30 if you need to arrange to borrow club gear. Draw for shooting positions takes place at 1.20pm, so that shooting can commence at 1.30pm.
One application of 2 sighters and 15 counting shots at the 900m range.
First prize in each division (A, B, C grade and F class) is a christmas ham.
BAPTAP - "bring a prize, take a prize"
Last shoot of the year. Everybody wishing to compete brings a prize to the value of $15 - $20.
Be at the range by 1pm, 12.30 if you need to arrange to borrow club gear. Draw for shooting positions takes place at 1.20pm, so that shooting can commence at 1.30pm.
One application of 2 sighters and 15 counting shots at the 900m range.
This event is a 'self-handicap'. Each shooter must nominate a handicap before they commence shooting. However, be warned! You will be penalised by 2 points for every one you over-shoot. For example, your total score will be out of 75 (15 shots). If you think you will shoot a 70, you may nominate a handicap of 5. However, if you shoot a 73, your final score would be 73 + 5 = 78, over-shooting by 3 shots. After applying the penalty, this would leave you with a final score of 75 - (3 x 2) = 69.
Members select a prize from the table in order of their final scores.
An Introduction to Full-Bore Rifle Shooting for Prospective New Members
Darwin Rifle Club Introductory Sessions to Full Bore Shooting
The Darwin Rifle Club conducts an introduction to full bore rifle shooting program twice a year, generally around April and August.
Since the second half of 2024 we have trialed a new format.
The introduction sessions are conducted on one Tuesday night (for safety brief and theory) then live fire on the following Sunday at the 300m range then the next following three Saturday mornings. Those who want to continue are integrated into the Saturday afternoon competition which increases in distance by 100m each week until we reach 900m. The Sunday sessions commence at 9:00 am and are split into groups if necesarry to eliminate long waiting times. During these sessions, those who intend to continue and become club members are helped to obtain their firearm licence which is a requirement to becoming a member.
Targe rifle shooting is a precision outdoor activity which is challenging, competitive and recreational. Rifle shooting is a sport for both men and women of all ages.
By taking part in these lessons, it is presumed that you are interested in learning more about target rifle shooting as a sport. The purpose is to broaden the awareness of full-bore rifle shooting through the provision of training in a relaxed, friendly environment for persons of variable capacities who have no knowledge or skills in the sport.
What is Full-Bore Rifle Shooting?
A variety of rifles and sighting systems may be used in competition. The Standard Rifle is as defined in "Standard Shooting Rules". It is a centre-fire rifle capable of safely firing one of the following cartridges: .308" Winchester; 7.62mm NATO; 5.56mm NATO; or, .223" Remington. There are rigid restrictions on the weight of projectiles that may be used.
Standard Rifle competitions require the use of iron peep sights or telescopic sights, although there are provisions for in-built lenses (in the iron sights) designed to correct an eyesight problem or to enlarge the sight picture using a system known as an "Eagle Eye".
In the discipline TR (Target Rifle) each shot is taken from a prone position (unless disabled or incapacitated), shooting off the elbows, using only a sling and adjustable shooting jacket for support and padded shooting mat for comfort. Darwin Rifle Club members participating in this discipline are graded in A, B and C categories.
The F Class category is based on the same standard centre fire rifles used in TR but other calibres up to 8mm are also allowed in the F-Class Open discipline. Telescopic sights are typically used in all F-Class disciplines with equipment weight restrictions in all disciplines. These disciplines allow the use of supports, such as sandbags, bipods, and portable stands but there are restrictions with these as well.
There is also (as of 2022) a further discipline which has been introduced called Sporter Class. This class is for firearms which are bulk produced and can be purchased off the shelf. This discipline uses a bipod on the front end of the firearm for support, uses telescopic sights but does have restrictions with barrel length and weight. All calibres up to 8mm may be used. Muzzel brakes are also allowed with restrictions.
Australian Outback (Sierra) factory ammunition is available for Standard Rifle competition. Many competitors choose to hand load their ammunition, principally to achieve cost savings.
Standard Rifle and F Class competitions are typically fired over distances ranging from 300 metres to 900 metres. To score a central bullseye the shooter must judge the wind strength and direction, aim, and release the trigger without moving the rifle more than 0.254 mm (1/100th of an inch).
Is it Safe?
Contrary to popular belief, rifle shooting is one of the safest sports available; injuries are virtually unheard of. Whilst a firearm used improperly can be a dangerous weapon, safety is a paramount consideration of the rifle range. Participating in organised shooting is undoubtedly the best way to learn firearms safety.
Shooting is carried out under strict safety conditions and in accordance with a prescribed code called the "Standard Shooting Rules". You will be instructed in the safe handling of firearms.
What is the Challenge?
Most sports have a number of innate qualities that attract participants. The desire to compete, mastery of a challenge, companionship. Likewise with rifle shooting. Full-Bore however offers a deeper level of involvement. Those with a practical or mechanical bent may find an extra challenge in the maintenance and tuning of equipment, while the scientific mind may prefer experimentation and analysis of technique and psychology. Indeed the self control and discipline required to become a marksmen differentiates Full-Bore from most other sports. An adrenaline surge or an attach of self doubt at the wrong time can be costly! Rifle shooting is also non-adversarial, you compete against yourself. There is nothing you can do to influence the performance of another shooter.
Tuition, practice and dedication are required to reach a high level of proficiency.
In long distance shooting the wind, mirage and distance affect the path of the bullet to varying degrees. This presents additional skills to be learnt so the shooter can adjust the sights to compensate for these variables.
Who Can Compete?
Rifle shooting is one of the few sports where people can compete on an even basis regardless of age, sex, fitness, or physical disability. In open competition, shooters are graded only on ability. In State and National teams or individual events women compete alongside men, teenagers alongside octogenarians, and perfect physical specimens alongside those who have had triple cardiac bypass surgery. Target rifle shooting is enjoyed by both men and women from the age of 12 to some who are in their eighties.
What are my Opportunities to Compete?
Full-bore is a sport of the Commonwealth Games. There is a gradual representative path that extends through Club and District teams, to State and National levels.
The pinnacle of the rifle shooting movement is to win a Kings Prize Competition (previously Queens Prize). The Kings Prize is the title of various state and international events, which are held on an annual basis. The Darwin Rifle Club is proud to have achieved three Queens Prize winners.
Full-Bore caters for individuals and teams events for open, juniors, women and veterans competitions. Competitions are open and are conducted under a grading or divisional system so that all may compete. All participants of the Darwin Rifle Club introduction to Full-Bore lessons are automatically graded into the C Grade category of the club.
The Darwin Rifle Club currently has members competing in all disciplines. The Darwin Rifle Club has equipment available to new shooters who are interested in pursuing the sport through any discipline.
Can I become a member of the Darwin Rifle Club without having my own equipment?
Darwin Rifle Club rifles are available to new shooters, together with expert tuition from existing longstanding club members. The calibres are 7.62mm (.308) and 5.56mm (.223). Rifle makes are numerous using bolt actions with target quality barrels fitted with suitable sights for each discipline. Ammunition used is the .308 Australian Outback with 155 grain Sierra projectiles. At present the cost for a bag of 24 rounds is $58 (subject to change). A $5 equipment hire fee and a range fee of $5 may also be charged.
What is next?
To take part in the introductory sessions, participants will be required to pay a weekly charge of $40(subject to change) initially for the four week course, which covers range fees and ammunition used. The club will provide all equipment for the duration.
Topics covered over the coming weeks will include safety, technique, elements (including wind and mirage), marking, scoring and rifle cleaning. Please feel free to ask any of our volunteer club members questions at any time.
Post shoot everyone is invited back to the clubhouse for lunch to enjoy a sausage sizzle, drinks and a chat about the days activities. A nominal fee of $2 per sausage and $2.00 for softdrinks apply.
If you decide that you would like to participate in the sport, we would ask that you become a club member and commence participating in our weekly club shoots.
The Darwin Rifle Club meets every Saturday from 1p.m. and competes at various ranges expanding from 300 metres to 900 metres, however the range actually extends to as far as 1100 meters.
Membership of the club costs $80 for the first year(aprox a 50% discount) normal annual subscription is $140 and includes affiliated memberships of the Northern Territory Rifle Association as well as the National Rifle Association of Australia.
The club would be happy to provide equipment to you in the interim of you obtaining your own. In the past the club has assisted many new shooters in obtaining their own equipment at an affordable price.
Whilst attending the range for the coming weeks, we ask you to consider becoming a member of our club. The Darwin Rifle Club is a successful club, which promotes a meeting place for fulfilment and enjoyment to members of the sport.
Should you need to contact me away from the range, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Welcome and enjoy!
Phill West, CLUB CAPTAIN
Our History
Palmerston Rifle Club
Full-bore Rifle Shooting in Darwin can be traced back to 1881 when the first meeting of the Palmerston Rifle Club (Palmerston was the original name for the city of Darwin) was held. At the time of the meeting an 800yard range (location unknown) had been cleared and pits and targets installed ready for the opening day
A range opening day was held on 9th October 1881 the first shot fired by Mrs Sergison the only lady enrolled in the Club. In 1888 the Darwin Rifle Club was active at the Palmerston Range.
In 1894 a match was held against the Torres Straits Rifle Club and won by the Port Darwin Rifle club
Club names seemed to have been changed over the years some due to the name changes for Darwin itself. However there were two clubs in 1900 when a New Defence Rifle Club (or Port Darwin Defence Rifle Club) was formed and discussions held about competition at a range at the Police paddock (location unknown). This range was opened on 7th June 1901.
From records it appears the new club used a range at Dinah beach from 1901 to 1941 when shooting was moved to the Larrakeyah range.
Clubs would have formed and disbanded or were just put on hold over these years due to wars as at these times the Government of the day recalled the rifles for use by Army this includes Boer War, WW1 and WW2.
Some early prominent Darwin citizens to have involvement with Full-Bore rifle shooting in Darwin include:
Mr P. Cahill, Mr F. R. Finniss, Mr Stow, Mr J A V Brown, Mr Justice Dashwood, Mr G. R. McMinn, Mr E. A. Cleland, Mr Price and Mr A Searcy
And in more recent times Dr Gough Letts, Chief Magistrate Dave McCann, Sam Calder, Nick Dondas MLA and Police Inspector Lou Hook.
RSL (Darwin) Rifle Club
The club was formed by an inaugural meeting held in the Darwin RSL club room on 18th of June 1953. The elected officers were:
- Club Captain, E Juster
- Vice Captain, K Knight
- Secretary, G Taylor
- Treasurer, E Carter
- Committee, J Fitzpatrick, J McDonald, D Shaw
The first shoot was held on the Larrakeyah range on Sunday, 28th of June 1953. The club facilities at the range were described as a "bush shed with 4 gallon drums to sit on while drinking your ale".
In 1954 K Knight was elected as Club Captain with H Steven as Vice Captain, the names of other elected officials are not available. At this time some names, familiar to older members, started to appear in club records:
H Stevens, L Jessop, M Weedon, N Wintle, Sid Angel, C Payne, A Legge, G "feathers" Fowlestone, Captain Ehnhuns, L Scott, Mick Ellis, M Shepherd and D George.
Darwin Rifle Club
The Darwin Rifle Club as it is today was formed after the war years as RSL Darwin Rifle Club and shortly after changed to Darwin Rifle Club.
The Club moved to the Winnellie Range at Hook Road in 1953 from the range at Larrakeyah.
The Darwin Rifle club was relocated to present location at the Micket Creek Shooting Complex in May 1996 in time to host with the Northern Territory Rifle Association, the 1996 National teams competition. This competition was for Open, Under25's, Ladies, Veterans and International Veterans shooters.
In all some 460 full-bore competitors participated in this event.
Thanks to the major contributors: Maurice Blake and Jan Dyer.
Committee Members
2024-25
- Club Captain - Phill West - mobile: 0447 311 364
- Vice Captain - Steve Martin
- Secretary - Robert McCann
- Treasurer - Warren Gibson
- Nancy Giblett
- Peter Hakes
- Andrew Grott
- Heather Thompson
Club Profile
The Darwin Rifle Club complex consists of a spacious club house with several meeting rooms, offices, fully equipped kitchen, bar and caretakers house, It has separate toilets and laundry facilities. The range is 300 metres to 1000 metres, with 30 target frames.
As at 1st May 2025, Darwin Rifle Club has 74 financial members.
The Darwin Rifle Club is located at the Micket Creek Shooting Complex, Brandt Road, Darwin.
Travelling up the Stuart Highway from South, make a right turn at the McMillans Road traffic lights. Turn right again at Farrar Road and left into Brandt road. Brandt Road leads to the Mickett Creek Shooting Complex.
Images from the 2006 NT Queens
https://www.darwinrifleclub.org.au/new-members?id=2&view=category#sigProIde09c3d452c
History of the Queens Prize
Queen Victoria in 1860 inaugurated the Queen’s Prize in an attempt to raise the standard of marksmanship following the Crimean War. The prize was 250 pounds, enough to purchase a small estate in those days. Countries throughout the Commonwealth quickly followed suit, and patriotic fervour swelled the ranks of marksmen around the globe.
In Australia, the states formed individual Rifle Associations soon afterwards, with each hosting their own Queen’s Prize. International competition flourished, indeed the first National Australian sporting team ever to tour overseas was a Rifle Team in 1876, making target rifle shooting the oldest international sport in Australia.
Useful Links
Rifle Associations
- National Rifle Association of Australia Limited.
- Sporting Shooters Association of Australia.
- Northern Territory Rifle Association.
NT Government Agencies
Other Interesting Sites
Australian Rifle Club Sites
- Kapunda Rifle Club SA.
- Canberra Rifle Club NSW.
- Natives Rifle Club QLD.
- Townsville Marksmen Rifle Club QLD.
- Ipswich and Districts Rifle Club QLD.
- Geelong Rifle Club VIC.
- Mossman-Neutral Bay Rifle Club NSW.
- South West DRA WA.
- New South Wales F Class.
- Bankstown-Chatswood Rifle Club NSW.
- Roseville Rifle Club NSW.
- Ravenshoe-Mt Garnet Rifle Club QLD.
- Armidale Rifle Club NSW.
- Wangaratta Rifle Club VIC.
- Sanford Rifle Club TAS.
- Moe Rifle Club VIC.
- Murwillumbah Rifle Club QLD.
Contact Us
Contact us by completing the form below:
We are the Darwin Rifle Club, Welcome
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The Darwin Rifle Club complex consists of a spacious club house with several meeting rooms, offices, fully equipped kitchen, bar and caretakers house, It has separate toilets and laundry facilities. The range is 300 metres to 1000 metres, with 30 target frames.
The Darwin Rifle Club as it is today was formed after the war years as RSL Darwin Rifle Club and shortly after changed to Darwin Rifle Club.
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