On Target Africa

The dedicated efforts of various firearms-related associations, such as the SA Gun Owners’ Association, are critical in protecting the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, firearm training groups, and gun store dealers. While the impact of their work may not always be immediately visible, rest assured that these associations are actively networking and advocating on behalf of all firearm owners. Staying informed and up to date with verified information is essential in maintaining these rights. As we compile the 2025 calendar guide for long-range and extreme long-range shooting events, it is clear that South African competitors now have a valuable tool to plan their matches and prepare their round counts across various calibres. With the 2024 season concluding in December, there is much anticipation for an exciting 2025 season ahead. In…

As a discipline, Precision Rifle Series (PRS) demands a perfect balance of skill, patience, and equipment. It involves target engagements at varying distances, often with minimal information about wind, elevation, and other environmental factors. While the calibre debates rage on in the long-range shooting community, the humble .22LR cartridge has seen a significant resurgence in popularity, particularly in the PRS realm, locally and internationally. When it comes to precision shooting, few names stand out among enthusiasts, especially in the realm of rimfire rifles. Over the past decade, Savage® Arms has become synonymous with value, accuracy, and innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Their B-Series, specifically the B22 Precision platform chambered in .22LR, is a solid testament to an unwavering commitment to produce world-class precision rifles. This commitment ensures that…

I have been to a number of rifle shooting ranges in Gauteng. While all were functional and some boasted beautiful scenery, none are as well laid out or as professionally presented as CMH Sport Shooters Retreat. From its humble beginnings, Herme Smit has, over four years, built a fully accredited, world-class rifle shooting range. This 38 ha facility is 9.7 km from the Kwikspar Four Ways, outside of Three Rivers, Vereeniging on the R54 road to the Vaal Dam and Vaal Marina. Herme himself is a Bisley competitor and it is thanks to his passion that facility boasts a world-class 900 m shooting range complete with electronic targets on all 20 shooting bays. This grassed range has level, crushed stone, built up firing points at 300 m, 600 m, 700…

This year’s International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) World Championship was held in Grand Junction at the Cameo Shooting and Training Centre, Colorado, USA from the 11 to 17 September. The centre is in a mountainous area, with a very dry desert like climate, some small juniper, Pinyon trees, and shrubs that made target acquisition sometimes challenging. I would like to thank Gregory Bell, President of the USA IPRF, and Marcus Olsson from the IPRF for all their time and effort in organising such a successful event. The setting up of the course of fire by Michael Beemer was indeed world-class, using a variety of natural and manmade props throughout the match to challenge most shooters’ ability to shoot from different positions. Our team members departed from Johannesburg at different times…

As a 17-year-old Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitor from South Africa, travelling to the USA for an international competition was nothing short of a dream come true. The journey to compete on foreign soil marked a new chapter in my journey—one filled with excitement, growth, and plenty of learning opportunities. Here I want to share my experience of traveling across the globe for this competition, what I learned, and how it impacted me as a shooter. The excitement of preparation and travel The journey began long before I even stepped on the plane. Preparing for an international competition requires immense planning and coordination. From obtaining the necessary documentati on and permits for my rifles to working with my sponsors to ensure all my gear was ready, there were a lot…

From the vibrating fynbos and the swirling winds and steep ridges of Touwsriver, to the hot and humid military range in France to the desert like climate of the Cameo facility in Colorado, I am still unsure as to what was more daunting: Not knowing what to expect when we travelled to compete in the inaugural IPRF Centrefire World Championship in France two years ago, or knowing what immense challenges we were about to face in the USA. But what I undoubtedly was sure about was the fact I was part of an exceptional team. Never have I been prouder to stand shoulder to shoulder with my teammates. There is not one whom I would have substituted. Nothing can take that feeling of pride away, of putting on your Protea…