The SSBSA is Somerset County’s official small bore shooting association.

The first reference available in the minute book is of a meeting held on the 30th April 1927 at St John’s outdoor range in Bedminster. The meeting was called to discuss the reforming of the Somerset County Miniature Rifle Association. In September 1940 the minutes noted that “no meeting was held in Sept.1939 due to the declaration of hostilities. It was agreed to discontinue the Association until such times as it was considered propitious to reopen”. The Association was revived in 1946 and has continued ever since. The SSBSA is affiliated to the NSRA and currently has 18 affiliated Somerset clubs; these clubs have over 500 shooting members.

As well as small bore rimfire rifle the Association has an active air gun and lightweight sport rifle section.

The executive committee usually meets four times a year which includes the AGM and prize giving. All the work done by the various committees is on a voluntary basis although out of pocket expenses are covered by the Association.

A brief history of the SSBSA is available on request from the Secretary and a copy of the Association's Constitution is available here.

The object of the Somerset Small Bore Shooting Association is to perform the duties of a County Association as indicated in the handbook of the National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA) and to encourage skill in small-bore target shooting by providing instruction and practice in the use of small-bore arms. The Association represents and supports its member clubs, selects and manages county teams, and provides competitions for shooters within the County of Somerset.

If you are interested in small bore target shooting in Somerset (including air guns) please use the Contact Us link on this website giving your name and email address or phone number and we will ensure that a member of the Association contacts you directly. An indication of your location will help us to direct you to the club closest to you.

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