The 2026 Junior National challenge was held at the SSAA Majura ACT range over the 10-12 July 2026. There was a great turn out with representatives from WA, NT, VIC, QLD, NSW and ACT.

The weather was surprisingly kind with the fog only really delaying the Friday silhouette match. I must admit Sunday was a little fresher than I would have liked but the facilities at the range, including gas heaters, made it bearable, especially for the NT participants who was unfamiliar with a gas heater.

For the 2026 event there were two new divisions, Novice and Mentors, participating complimentary to but separate from those participating in the Junior National Challenge.

Novice division caters for those who have just commenced their shooting journey. Field rifle and 3P events were undertaken at 25m with additional time given for rapid fire. Scoped Rifle Metallic Silhouette was shot at the respective distances but at half scale targets not fifth scale. There were four participants in the Novice division who all appeared to enjoy the experience.

Mentors division caters for previous junior shooters who have turned 18 and are not eligible to compete in the Junior Challenge. Inclusion of these participants enables the continuation of the friendships created through their junior development period but also provides a great opportunity for the Mentors to pass on hints, tips and their own experience to the other junior shooters. There were five participants in the Mentor Division who all shot in the respective matches.

There were 28 shooters competing in the Junior National Challenge competition, some only having taken up the sport within the last 12 months, whilst for some this will be their last Junior Challenge, excepting if they compete as a Mentor in the future.

There were some great scores shot as evidenced in the results and the number of claim forms to be processed

ACT Junior development section also put on some additional events for the participants, Lever Action metallic silhouette, BR30 match and an introduction to Western action event was also undertaken.

Adults beware there are some very promising shooters on the way:
– in Lever action silhouette the NT representative having never shot a lever action or metallic silhouette match shot a five chicken and five pig pin in her match going on to shoot herself into A grade
– an under 15 shooter, who in her fourth match of scoped rifle metallic silhouette shot a AA score of 22
– an over 15 shooter who shot a 30 in scoped rifle metallic silhouette

All in all a great event with everyone appearing to enjoy themselves and making new friends/contacts.

Scott Youngs Interim Junior National Discipline Coordinator