Handgun League
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About
The NRA has supported this type of shooting for many years by providing a greater range of competitions at Bisley as well as running a national league to support the sport across the country and encourage grass roots participation. The NRA handgun League is the largest of its type in the UK and entry to its matches is open to all, not just NRA members.
The competitions are always different and comprise of a number of stages where the competitors are faced with a different shooting challenge at each and the winner is the person that can shoot all the targets in the shortest time.
Equipment
Given the diverse nature of the discipline you will find examples of all types of long barrelled pistols and revolvers with various sighting systems and ancillary equipment in use. Various different sighting systems are also used and while many competitors use a red dot or telescopic sight for the the majority stay with conventional iron sights.
There are 3 divisions ( classes ) to shoot in:
Long Barrelled Pistol (LBP) Open- this is any .22 LBP with any sights, the holster and ancillary equipment may be worn in any position on the belt
Long Barrelled Pistol (LBP) Standard- this is any .22 LBP that is not fitted with optical or electronic/red-dot sights. The holster and ancillary equipment must be worn on the belt behind the hip.
Long Barrelled Revolver (LBR)- Open- this is any centre-fire revolver of greater than .355 calibre with any sights, the holster and ancillary equipment may be worn in any position on the belt.
Competitions
These fast growing events require not only marksmanship, but thought, movement, and complete familiarity with the gun and ammunition. Each competitor shoots each stage against the clock under the close supervision of a range officer who wields an electronic timer which picks up the sound of the shots. The shooter with the quickest time usually wins that stage, provided that they have hit all the targets. No two matches are ever the same – steel targets will fall when hit and the highest 2 hits per paper target are scored. . Moving targets are also used where the club has the facilities and you can be faced with anywhere from 1 to 30 targets at ranges from 5 to 50 metres!
See competitions dates – HERE
Awards
Awards are presented for final league standings, typically in the Spring of the following year.
NRA medals are presented to the top placed competitors in each handgun class. The amount of medals presented depends on the amount of competitors in each class over the league’s season:
- 2+ competitors – Gold medal awarded
- 6+ competitors – Gold and Silver medals awarded
- 11+ competitors – Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded
Competition Dates
The dates for the 2024 Season are being confirmed. At present there will be:
- Round 1: Sunday 24th March (Spring Action Weekend): National Shooting Centre, Bisley, .22 and LBR
- Round 2: Sunday 19th May: Silverstone
- Round 3: Sunday 26th May (Phoenix Meeting): National Shooting Centre, Bisley
- Round 4: Sunday 23rd June (Solstice Match): Headley Park RPC
- Round 5: Saturday 27th – Sunday 28th July: Headley Park
- Round 6: Saturday 3rd August: Silverstone, Entry via Practiscore (.22RF only)
- Round 7: Sunday 27th October (Autumn Action Weekend): National Shooting Centre, Bisley, .22 and LBR – More information
.22 Standard and .22 Open – 7 matches – best 5 to count
Revolver Open- 5 matches- best 3 to count
How to get invovled
Getting into any of the shooting sports can be hurdle however the league is open to any member of a home office approved club with the relevant firearm on their licence, ( remember that you can’t borrow an LBP or LBR).
You can enter any of the NRA events at Bisley, and no you don’t need to be a member, or any of the NRA Handgun League matches across the country. With clubs hosting matches across the country on a regular basis you are sure to find somewhere to suit you. If you have trouble finding a club please contact the league director for more information.