What do you shoot, and is it safe?
We shoot at paper targets, at 300-1200 yards, using bolt-action rifles chambered for .308/7.62mm ammunition. It is an extremely safe sport, if all proper safety precautions are observed.
We shoot at paper targets, at 300-1200 yards, using bolt-action rifles chambered for .308/7.62mm ammunition. It is an extremely safe sport, if all proper safety precautions are observed.
I've never shot fullbore before. Can I still join C.U.R.A.?
If you have not shot fullbore before, you will need to be deemed competent at shooting smallbore through membership of the smallbore club, C.U.S.B.C., before joining C.U.R.A. Having done that, you can attend the Easter Bisley training week to learn fullbore shooting, with many first time fullbore shooters going on to shoot in Varsity matches later in the year.
If you have not shot fullbore before, you will need to be deemed competent at shooting smallbore through membership of the smallbore club, C.U.S.B.C., before joining C.U.R.A. Having done that, you can attend the Easter Bisley training week to learn fullbore shooting, with many first time fullbore shooters going on to shoot in Varsity matches later in the year.
What's the difference between 'small bore' and 'full bore'?
In the context we use it, 'small bore' refers to .22 calibre firearms, shot indoors at short range (25 yards).
'Full bore' corresponds to larger calibre firearms (.308 / 7.62mm), shot outdoors at long range (300-1200 yards). Marksmanship skills, and elements of equipment, are directly transferable between the two, and it is generally required to demonstrate competence at shooting small bore before being able to shoot full bore.
In the context we use it, 'small bore' refers to .22 calibre firearms, shot indoors at short range (25 yards).
'Full bore' corresponds to larger calibre firearms (.308 / 7.62mm), shot outdoors at long range (300-1200 yards). Marksmanship skills, and elements of equipment, are directly transferable between the two, and it is generally required to demonstrate competence at shooting small bore before being able to shoot full bore.
What's the difference between 'Target Rifle' and 'Match Rifle'?
These are the two main disciplines of fullbore shooting that we shoot in C.U.R.A.
Target rifle is shot using an iron sighted rifle, in the prone position with no additional supports permitted, at distances between 300-1000 yards.
Match rifle is shot using a telescopic sight, in either the prone position off a rest, or the supine position (often referred to as 'backgunning'; see below), at distances from 1000-1200 yards, where reading the wind becomes considerably more challenging. Hand-loaded ammunition is also permitted for MR.
Many members choose to take part in both, but some only do one or the other, and both have hotly-contested half-blue eligible Varsity Matches.
These are the two main disciplines of fullbore shooting that we shoot in C.U.R.A.
Target rifle is shot using an iron sighted rifle, in the prone position with no additional supports permitted, at distances between 300-1000 yards.
Match rifle is shot using a telescopic sight, in either the prone position off a rest, or the supine position (often referred to as 'backgunning'; see below), at distances from 1000-1200 yards, where reading the wind becomes considerably more challenging. Hand-loaded ammunition is also permitted for MR.
Many members choose to take part in both, but some only do one or the other, and both have hotly-contested half-blue eligible Varsity Matches.
What's the difference between 'C.U.S.B.C.' and 'C.U.R.A.'?
C.U.S.B.C. (Cambridge University Small Bore Club), as the name suggests, only shoot small bore, generally during Michaelmas and Lent terms, and C.U.R.A. (Cambridge University Rifle Association), only shoot full bore, generally during the Easter vacation and Easter term. Most members of C.U.R.A., however, are also members of C.U.S.B.C., and so in practice the two clubs are intrinsically linked.
More information about C.U.S.B.C., and small bore shooting, can be found on their website.
C.U.S.B.C. (Cambridge University Small Bore Club), as the name suggests, only shoot small bore, generally during Michaelmas and Lent terms, and C.U.R.A. (Cambridge University Rifle Association), only shoot full bore, generally during the Easter vacation and Easter term. Most members of C.U.R.A., however, are also members of C.U.S.B.C., and so in practice the two clubs are intrinsically linked.
More information about C.U.S.B.C., and small bore shooting, can be found on their website.
How much does shooting cost/ what does my membership fee get me?
As part of your annual membership fee (£50 p.a.), you will be able to use all C.U.R.A. club equipment, with the only additional costs being ammunition, and travel/accommodation costs at Bisley. A 20-round box of match-quality .308 ammunition costs ~£25, charged as part of your annual bill. Fullbore is a potentially expensive sport, but ammunition cost are highly subsidised by the Lovell & Green Trust in order to keep the cost of shooting down for young shooters, and the large arsenal of club equipment kindly donated by alumni makes C.U.R.A. one of the more affordable fullbore clubs.
As part of your annual membership fee (£50 p.a.), you will be able to use all C.U.R.A. club equipment, with the only additional costs being ammunition, and travel/accommodation costs at Bisley. A 20-round box of match-quality .308 ammunition costs ~£25, charged as part of your annual bill. Fullbore is a potentially expensive sport, but ammunition cost are highly subsidised by the Lovell & Green Trust in order to keep the cost of shooting down for young shooters, and the large arsenal of club equipment kindly donated by alumni makes C.U.R.A. one of the more affordable fullbore clubs.
Do you shoot air pistol/rifle, gallery rifle, and/or clay pigeon? Do you shoot F-Class, CSR, or historic disciplines?
No. For air weapons and gallery rifle, please contact the Cambridge University Revolver and Pistol Club, and for clays, please contact the Cambridge University Clay Pigeon Shooting Club.
At present, no Cambridge club exists for F-Class, CSR, or historic disciplines, however if you are interested in these, we will try to put you in touch with someone active in those communities at Bisley.
No. For air weapons and gallery rifle, please contact the Cambridge University Revolver and Pistol Club, and for clays, please contact the Cambridge University Clay Pigeon Shooting Club.
At present, no Cambridge club exists for F-Class, CSR, or historic disciplines, however if you are interested in these, we will try to put you in touch with someone active in those communities at Bisley.