50m prone shooting
Precision, Focus, and Consistency
50m Smallbore Prone is one of the most technically demanding and rewarding disciplines in target shooting. Competitors fire a .22 Long Rifle (5.6mm) rifle from the prone position at a target 50 metres away, aiming to place every shot as close to the centre of the target as possible.
Success in prone shooting comes from mastering the fundamentals of body position, rifle stability, breathing control, sight alignment, and trigger release. While the discipline is accessible to newcomers, it offers a lifetime of learning and refinement for experienced athletes.
Whether your goal is recreational shooting, club competition, or high-level representative events, 50m Prone provides a challenging and enjoyable pathway for shooters of all ages.
A Brief History
Smallbore rifle shooting has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when .22 calibre rifles became popular for target competition and training. The discipline grew rapidly throughout Europe, North America, and Australia due to its affordability, accessibility, and emphasis on precision.
Prone shooting became a cornerstone of international competition and was featured as a standalone Olympic event from 1912 until 2016. Today, ISSF-style prone shooting continues to thrive through national championships, club competitions, and international events around the world.
In Australia, smallbore rifle shooting has a long and proud history, with clubs providing opportunities for athletes to develop their skills and compete at local, state, and national levels.
Equipment
To participate in 50m Smallbore Prone, shooters typically use:
New members can often begin with club equipment before investing in their own gear.
COACHING & PERFORMANCE TIPS
Build a Natural Point of Aim
Your rifle should naturally settle on the centre of the target without muscular effort. Adjust your body position rather than forcing the rifle onto the target.
Focus on Position Stability
A comfortable and repeatable prone position is the foundation of consistent shooting. Small adjustments to body alignment can have a significant impact on accuracy.
Master Your Breathing
Develop a consistent breathing routine. Most shooters fire during the natural respiratory pause after exhaling, helping minimise movement.
Smooth Trigger Control
The trigger should be pressed straight to the rear without disturbing the rifle's alignment. A surprise break often produces the best results.
Follow Through
Continue aiming and maintain your position after the shot breaks. Good follow-through helps ensure consistency and provides valuable feedback on each shot.
Keep a Training Journal
Record sight settings, weather conditions, ammunition performance, and training observations. Tracking your progress can help identify patterns and accelerate improvement.
GRADes & Rules
How Grading Works
Prone grades will be calculated on the average of the 10 best scores from up to 25 scores. For more information see the NSWSARAI Website - NSWSARAI Gradings
Rules
We follow ISSF Rules - read in full here - ISSF Official Statutes and Regulations.
A Grade
B Grade
C Grade
D Grade