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SAPRF · Sport Rules

SAPRF Divisions

Open · Ladies · Senior · Junior · Mil/LEO · Limited · Factory · Classic

Current Effective August 2023 Download original PDF

The equipment and eligibility rules for every SAPRF division and subdivision.

SAPRF Divisions

South African Practical Precision Rifle Federation (NPC)

Effective: August 2023

1. Introduction#

Precision Rifle competition is split into the following 4 Divisions in which athletes can choose to compete in.

The primary Divisions are based on rifle configurations aimed at different types of rifles and calibers that would not normally be competitive if they competed within the same competition. There are no limitation on optics.

Before the start of every match (generally on purchasing an entry), a competitor must indicate the Division that they choose to compete within at the match, which then dictates where their Match Points are earned.

2. Open Division#

Open Division is the anything goes rifle division, with the aim of utilising every possible equipment advantage in order to win. There are very few equipment rules in Open Division, and subsequently this division drives innovation in Precision Rifle sport rifles and in auxiliary gear and accessories.

Open Division rifles will not exceed a caliber of .30 or a velocity of 3,200 fps.

Anyone may enter Open Division, however it is also further broken down into the following division for those that are eligible.

3. Ladies Open Division#

Same as equipment rules as Open Division, but only for female shooters.

4. Senior Open Division#

Same as equipment rules as Open Division, but only for anyone over the age of 55.

5. Junior Open Division#

Same as equipment rules as Open Division, but only for anyone 14 years old and over, and 18 years old and under at the start of the calendar year.

6. Open Division — Mil/LEO#

Same as equipment rules as Open Division, but only for active Military or Law Enforcement Officer.

7. Limited Division#

The Limited Division (also known as Tactical Division) harkens back to traditional Military calibres used pre 2000 when the sport of Precision Rifle was in its infancy and where military style 'sniper' competitions at the time helped to define the modern day sport of Precision Rifle. As new more efficient long-range calibres have become more prevalent, the 308 / Nato 7.62×51 have become less mainstream as hit percentages with these calibres are much less when compared to newer calibres due to their higher wind dispersion and higher recoil.

The Limited Division remains at the roots of Precision Rifle competition, and given the significant calibre handicap, it appeals to the toughest of the tough. A skilled shooter in Limited Division truly has attained full mastery of their equipment and ballistics.

  • Limited Division rifles are restricted to .308 Winchester calibres only.
  • 7.62 NATO / .308 Winchester has a bullet weight maximum of 178 grains and may not exceed a Muzzle Energy of 500 kgr/fps (grain × fps / 1000).
  • Factory ammunition must be used (if provided).
  • If ammunition is provided by a sponsor at the match, then that ammunition must be used by all competitors.
  • A minimum of 200 rounds must be provided for each competitor.

8. Factory Division#

The Factory Division was designed for mainstream rifle manufacturers, and pits manufacturers products against each other on a level playing field. The rifle was broken down into 3 primary components, namely; the Action, the Chassis/Stock and the Trigger. By focusing on these components regardless of the caliber, the rifle systems can be directly compared. The caliber was removed from the system as caliber selection can have a significant skewing of results outside of the rifle system itself.

Athletes are required to compete with the rifle as it comes from the factory, with little to no modification to the rifle system.

  • Factory Division rifles must not exceed a caliber of .30 or a velocity of 3,200 fps.
  • A Factory Division Rifle is a non-custom, stock rifle, manufactured/assembled by a single mainstream manufacturer, in a configuration as available by that manufacturer at the time of production.
  • The action, chassis/stock and trigger must be manufactured by, or be proprietary to that manufacturer, or be a generic part.
  • 1.5 lbs minimum Trigger Pull Weight.
  • Magazine may not contain more than 10 rounds at the start signal of a stage.
  • A bipod may be attached to the rifle at a position that must remain fixed at that position for the duration of a stage. (It may be moved from stage to stage.)
  • No other stability device may be connected to the rifle in a fixed manner. I.e. Tripods may be used, but not attached. (When lifted the rifle must come clear.)

Allowed modifications:

  • The caliber may be changed to any caliber suitable to the division.
  • The barrel may be replaced, as long as the replacement barrel is the same profile and length as available in that model from the manufacturer.
  • The barrel may be re-crowned and / or threaded.
  • The action may be bedded to the chassis or stock, however the stock may not be altered for better fit.
  • A suppressor or muzzle brake may be fitted.
  • Minor detailing is permitted, including:
    • Removal of factory burrs,
    • Polishing,
    • Painting,
    • Adding of grip or protective tape.

Prohibited modifications:

  • No permanent alterations may be made to the rifle.
  • No permanent aftermarket parts may be added to, or swapped on, the rifle.
  • No further gunsmith modifications or truing are permitted.

Notes & definitions:

Factory Division is not designed for 3rd party component assemblers (see Open Division instead), or low volume custom or semi-custom rifles builders.

Proprietary Product/Part: A product/part that is produced by a 3rd party exclusively for a manufacturer for use in their product, and only available to the market from that manufacturer.

Generic Product/Part: A consumer product/part having no brand name or registered trademark. For further clarity, a product/part that is not reasonably recognised as a product/part sold to the general market under a different brand by the original manufacturer (or partner thereof) of that part.

9. Classic Division#

The Classic Division is a historical division that has been set around typical classic hunting rifles and equipment and the limitations thereon. This allows shooters to be competitive with the rifle that they use to hunt with, which has double benefits; a shooter only needs a single rifle, and that it upskills their hunting marksmanship skills in a competitive environment with their hunting rifle.

The key equipment factors for Classic Division are: Number of rounds in the rifle at any one time, Means of loading, Rifle readiness, Rifle weight, and Capability to deliver hunting terminal ballistics.

  • Classic Division rifles must not exceed a calibre of .30 or a velocity of 3,200 fps.
  • The rifle may only contain a maximum of 5 rounds of ammunition at any time.
  • Only 1 magazine may be used (if required).
  • A bipod may be attached to the rifle at a position that must remain fixed at that position for the duration of a match.
  • No other stability device may be connected to the rifle in a fixed manner. I.e. Tripods may be used, but not attached. The rifle must be able to be lifted from the stability device without loosening.
  • Maximum Weight: 16 lbs / 7.25 kg
  • Minimum Muzzle Energy: 380 kgr/fps (grain × fps / 1000)
  • Example: 140 gn projectile with a muzzle velocity of 2720 fps = 380.8 kgr/fps.

Note: Precision Rifle competition is a sport. This does not assist with hunting knowledge or correct shot placement, nor in the skills of stalking the prey. For these types of skills, athletes are well advised to also join a recognised Association like SA Hunters where they are able to learn the finer points and skills of hunting ethically.

Source file: docs/rules/divisions.md ← Back to Documents