Target Shooting
Target shooting is one of the most enjoyable activities within the Air Training Corps. All cadets undergo safe weapons handling training and assessment before being permitted to use live ammunition on a shooting range. This happens under the close supervision of qualified range staff and instructors.
Cadets within the Air Training Corps can learn to fire a number of different rifles. As their proficiency in handling the rifles improves the cadets will progress on to more advanced rifles with increased complexity.
Note: Cadets will only fire rifles and not pistols.
Air Rifles
There are a variety of air rifles used throughout the Air Training Corps and will normally be of .177in (4.5mm) calibre. Air rifles will normally be the first stepping stone within target shooting. 200 Squadron uses the BSA Scorpion (.177 in) air rifle.
BSA Scorpion Air Rifle
Savage Arms L144A1 - Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle
The L144A1 is a .22 inch calibre, single-shot bolt action rifle. This rifle will normally be used on ranges up to 25 metres.
Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle
L98A2 Cadet General Purpose Rifle
The L98A2 is of 5.56mm calibre and is one variation of the SA80 family of rifles used by the regular and reserve Armed Forces. A key difference between this and the L85-A2 is that there is no change lever on the L98-A2, preventing cadets from switching to automatic fire.
L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle
Shooting Development
Cadets will development their shooting proficiency by undertaking progressive Cadet Live Fire (CLF) exercises for each weapon fired. They will only advance if they fulfil the criteria of the earlier lessons. Ultimately, this comes down to cadets mastering the four Principles of Marksmanship.
Principles of Marksmanship
- Position and hold of the rifle must be firm enough to support the weapon.
- The weapon must be naturally pointing towards the target.
- Sight aim and picture must be correct.
- The shot must be fired and followed through without undue disturbance to the position of the rifle.
Shooting Badges
After completing a certain number of CLFs, cadets will be awarded shooting marksmanship badges and certificates. There are four levels that can be achieved.
Blue Shot Badge
Bronze Shot Badge
Silver Shot Badge
Gold Shot Badge
It is possible to achieve each badge on any of the available rifles. At Gold badge level, cadets may also take part in learning foundation coaching skills or competitions, even competing at a national level against other youth organisations.
Page last updated 23 December 2025.