The Cowra Gun Club Inc. continues to be a hub for local clay target shooting enthusiasts, hosting monthly competitions and learner/practice afternoons. These events are a great opportunity for both seasoned shooters and newcomers to experience the sport in a safe and supportive environment.
On the first Saturday of each month, the club conducts its regular clay target competitions, where participants of all skill levels compete in various categories under the discipline of Down The Line (DTL). In addition, the club holds practice sessions on the third Saturday of most months, starting at 2pm. These practice afternoons are open to those looking to hone their skills or try the sport for the first time.
More information about upcoming events and practice afternoons is available on the Cowra Gun Club’s Facebook page. The club can also be contacted via email at cowragunclub@gmail.com, or by calling the President, Mick Crowe, at 0427 649 827.
Located on Grenfell Road, the club been a part of the local community for nearly 70 years. Since its early days with rudimentary target-throwing machines, the club has grown into a well regarded modern facility with state-of-the-art, automated trap machines. What started as a single trap layout has expanded to five, allowing the club to host major shooting championships on a regular basis. The club is well-regarded within the Australian shooting community for its facilities and events.
Offering a variety of shooting categories, including Double Barrel, Single Barrel, Pointscore, Double Rise, Continental, and Deauville Doubles - each club event presents a unique challenge for participants, and the monthly program changes to keep things interesting. Shooters are graded based on their skill level using a nationwide system, with grades ranging from AA to C.
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Double Barrel: Shooters have two shots at one target for one point.
Single Barrel: Shooters take one shot per target, earning one point if successful.
Pointscore: Shooters have two shots per target, with three points awarded for a hit on the first shot and two for a hit on the second.
Double Rise: Two targets are released simultaneously, with each shot needing to hit a separate target.
Continental: Targets are released at varying angles and heights, adding complexity to the challenge.
Deauville Doubles: Two shooters compete as a team, each aiming for a different target.
Clay target shooting is a sport open to all, whether you're a veteran, junior (over 12 years of age), male or female. The Cowra Gun Club encourages anyone interested in the sport to attend a learner/practice afternoon. The club has protocols in place to ensure safe firearm handling and offers guidance on the skills needed for successful clay target shooting. Equipment and ammunition are provided free of charge for the first three learner afternoons, and events are supervised by accredited coaches.
For those wishing to continue with the sport after their trial, the club assists with registering through the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) and the NSW Clay Target Association (NSWCTA).
Clay target shooting is a heavily regulated sport, with strict oversight from the NSW Firearms Registry, ACTA, and NSWCTA. The Cowra Gun Club operates in full compliance with these regulations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all members and participants.
Robert, a long-time shooter at the club, shared that his father introduced him to the sport in the 1970s, and he now enjoys passing on his knowledge to new members. "The range is welcoming to new members, and our trained staff is always on hand to help beginners get started," he said.
For those interested in giving clay target shooting a try, the Cowra Gun Club is ready to welcome you. Join the community of local shooters and discover the excitement of the sport.
GUN CLUB NOVEMBER NEWS
It was very pleasing to be able to welcome 21 shooters to the Club on Saturday 2 November for the monthly program. Competitors came from far & wide which made for a friendly afternoon of rivalry!
The program of events featured the Lachlan Valley Single Barrel Championship with the overall winner being former Cowra girl, Jodie Dunn with a perfect score of 50/50 – the only shooter to achieve the possible. Great shooting, Jodie. Other locals to feature on the winners list in this event were Malcolm Drury and Greg Oliver.
The Handicap event saw Tony Barton take out the event after a shoot-off with Tom Peadon, pipping Tom by one point, 37/38. Mick Crowe secured third place with 26/28.
Congratulations must go to Tony Barton who was in very hot form winning the Overall High Gun for the afternoon with a grand total of 146/150!! Excellent shooting against a strong field, Tony!!
Our next competition on 7 December will be our Christmas shoot which is always a fun afternoon. We hope to see quite a few here to celebrate the end of the year.
If you would like more information about clay target shooting, please contact the President, Mick Crowe via our email cowragunclub@gmail.com
