Given that the Big Game Rifle Club, Victoria hosted the Nationals in 2023 and again in 2024, an explanation of why we are hosting them in 2026 is worthwhile.
Background
When the NSW club found itself unable to conduct the BGR Nationals in 2026, the BGR Discipline Chairman sought expressions of interest from the other states and territories. Only Victoria was prepared to hold them and we were asked to do so by the National Discipline Chairman.
In giving consideration to holding the shoot, the Victorian Committee were happy to oblige this request although with some important changes to the National shoot format, in the interest of making the event more accessible and appealing to members from around the country. The National Discipline Chairman agreed to the changes being trialled for two years to see if they do generate greater participation.
It has long been Victoria’s belief that the current format of the National shoot is not particularly conducive to encouraging participation by interstate members. Our aim (pardon the pun), has been to change the format so that a competitor can win the National Titles with just one gun, or possibly two. The greatest hinderance up to this point has been the need to compete with a significant number of firearms and a huge quantity of ammunition, including cartridges loaded with Black Powder (not legal on Australian airlines). If choosing to fly, which is the most common method used by interstate competitors, then a second person needs to act as a mule to help spread the number of firearms and ammunition across two people. The high cost and logistical difficulty of such an undertaking has dramatically limited the number of shooters who are prepared to undertake such a
challenge. Therefore, the Nationals have never really been all that National, as only a few shooters have been prepared to, and/or financially able to make the trip on from interstate.
Victoria has identified some simple changes that make traveling from interstate much easier, with the end goal that a one gun competitor can potentially win the titles, therefore increasing the enthusiasm of members to make the effort, and help increase participation at BGR National shoots.
The following changes will apply for the 2026 and 2027 National shoots:
- A reduced course of fire for most events – thus solving the 5kg airline ammunition restriction.
- Shoot all the normal National shoot Core Events, plus one additional Stopping Rifle speed and accuracy event. This simple addition will give a shooter using a qualifying rifle of 0.40 calibre or greater, a chance to qualify for the National Championship and in no way disadvantages the shooter who can still compete in all core events. (Clause 5.5 requires that the National
National BGR Events for 2026 will comprise of:
| 1. Special Snap | 8 rounds | Stalking Class |
| 2. Stalking Double Rifle | 10 rounds | Stalking Class |
| 3. Group 1 Nitro | 10 rounds | Stalking Class |
| 4. Black Powder Express | 10 rounds | Stalking Class |
| 5. Group 2 Nitro | 10 rounds | Stopping Class |
| 6. Stopping Double Rifle | 10 rounds | Stopping Class |
| 7. Bore Guns | 10 rounds | Stopping Class |
| 8. Group 3 Nitro | 6 rounds | Stopping Class |
| 9. Dangerous Game – Added Event | 4 rounds | Stopping Class |
The Nationals will be conducted in accordance with the BGR Rule Book No 5, which will not be amended until 2029. The above variations to event format will be trialled for a 2 year period in order to evaluate the success in attracting a bigger attendance to the Nationals.
The end goal is to bring as many keen BGRC members from around the country together for some serious competition, as well as a lot of fun, camaraderie and a chance to meet new people and visit new places.
The BGR National shoot will be held on Saturday the 7th of November at the Big Game Range at SSAA Vic., Eagle Park, near Little River. The shoot will be followed by a presentation dinner in the BGRC Vic clubrooms. Those wishing to stay at a motel or B&B have a number of nearby options or stay at our range overnight and tell tall tales until the early morning.
We sincerely welcome members from interstate and hope that the 2026 Nationals are a turning point in Australia wide BGRC competition.
Nomination forms and costs for both the competition and the accompanying dinner will be forwarded shortly.
Matt Schmidt
BGRC Vic President.
