Army Rifle Association

Competition shooting amongst the Volunteer forces of the Crown was established by the National Rifle Association (NRA) which was founded in 1860, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1894 and registered as a charity in 1963 (No.

The object was to promote interest in small arms shooting for service purposes by means of individual and collective competitions, matches being framed to induce practice in methods which led to increased efficiency on the battlefield.

[2] The Objects contained in the ARA's Constitution, which reflect the current spectrum of operations and recent developments in charity law, are: “To promote military efficiency by encouraging disciplined marksmanship amongst members of the Army, by means of competitions and otherwise”.

Operational competition shooting emphasises the importance of accuracy with Service small arms.

It also provides the soldier with an element of excitement and an incentive to achieve success in conditions of tension, comparable in some degree to battle stress.

From such experience a soldier gains pride and confidence in his or her ability to handle his or her personal weapon to full effect.

These include accuracy, concentration under pressure, consistency of technique, allowance for weather conditions and teamwork.