SSAA Griffith Branch

New South Wales Club Profile

The changes to the firearms laws were the impetus for the formation of SSAA Griffith Branch in 1996. Since then it has used the local rifle range, which it shares with a number of other shooting groups, to offer its members a variety of rifle matches and some clay target shooting.

From the beginning, emphasis was placed upon members’ enjoyment and being involved with their shooting, with everyone encouraged to join in each of the matches. While some members have specialised target rifles, most enjoy competing with their hunting rifles.

Matches shot regularly at the SSAA Griffith Branch include rimfire and centrefire versions of 3-Positional, Metallic Silhouette, Benchrest and Lever Action, as well as the Military Rifle event. A special .303 Match is held on Australia Day and a local version of the Rimfire and Centrefire Fly Shoot is held, with a Queensland fruit fly substituted for the usual blowfly on the target. For the past few years, SSAA Griffith has hosted a 5-Stand State Selection Shoot with the support of local shotgun clubs.

Sharing a traditional rifle range and being unable to construct any permanent covered shooting positions has meant the club uses portable shooting benches, targets and other equipment that has to be installed at each shoot and removed to storage afterwards. With the encroachment of suburbia around the range and its tenure unsure, the members decided, with the leadership of the inaugural President Warren Brown, to develop two alternate ranges for future use.

The disused 700m rifle range at Rankins Springs some 70km away was refurbished with the help of the local rifle club and re-licensed for most SSAA matches. Members were keen to introduce Centrefire Metallic Silhouette shooting with stands for three sets of silhouettes installed. An adjoining 200m range is available as is plenty of space for additional activities in the future. The local pistol club has installed a Field Pistol Metallic Silhouette range and also holds regular matches. The Metallic Silhouette matches are proving increasingly popular with more members and are a welcome addition to the shooting program.

On the outskirts of Griffith the club is currently constructing a 100m rimfire range that will have a covered shelter with permanent shooting benches, storage shed and other facilities. The range will be set up for all SSAA rimfire matches and will provide members with a convenient and comfortable shooting facility relatively close to Griffith, thereby eliminating the longer drive to Rankins Springs.

With the developing infrastructure on these two ranges, SSAA Griffith plans to expand the range of shooting opportunities for its members and attract additional ones. It has developed partnerships with some of the other local shooting clubs and this year, with the support of the Field and Game Club, will host another 5-Stand State Selection Shoot and the National Sporting Clays Championships.

For contact information check the state branch list here.