New Shooters
Interested in Service Rifle? Start here.
You do not need to understand competition formats, range commands or club procedures before getting in touch. USI welcomes enquiries from people interested in organised Service Rifle shooting at ANZAC Rifle Range, Malabar.
USI / MRCA shoots Service Rifle on Saturdays, 12:00 pm–4:00 pm.
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Suggested: USI / MRCA shooters at ANZAC Rifle Range
Landscape · ideally 16:9
Your First Step: Contact Damon
Before coming to the range for the first time, contact Damon Livermore, USI Club Captain. He is the best person to confirm the day’s shoot, when you should arrive, what current visitor requirements apply and what you should bring.
Damon Livermore — Club Captain
Email: damon_livermore@hotmail.com
Phone: 0413 267 493
Email is the preferred first point of contact. Mention that you are a prospective new shooter and whether you already hold a firearms licence or permit.
Please do not rely on simply turning up. Competition programs, range arrangements and legal requirements can change, and advance contact makes it much easier for the club to look after a first-time visitor properly.
What USI Shoots
USI is a Service Rifle club and one of the member clubs of the Military Rifle Clubs Association (MRCA). MRCA has conducted Service Rifle competition in Sydney since 1923 and organises the shared competition program used by its member clubs.
Service Rifle is varied by design. Different matches can use different targets, distances, positions and time formats. At Malabar, MRCA competition commonly uses 100, 200 and 300 metres, with standing, sitting or kneeling, and prone positions depending on the course of fire.
Application
A precision-style practice where shots are individually marked and scored.
Rapid
A timed practice completed during a defined target exposure.
Snap
A practice using short target exposures rather than one continuous exposure.
Deliberate
A longer timed practice where the course of fire sets the target, position and time allowed.
You are not expected to understand all of this before your first visit. The Shooting Guide explains common formats and scoring in more detail.
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Suggested: pre-match briefing or wide view of the firing point
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What a Saturday Looks Like
USI / MRCA Service Rifle shooting is held on Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The competition changes throughout the calendar, so no two Saturdays are necessarily the same.
- Before the day: contact Damon and check the Shooting Calendar.
- Arrive as arranged: a club member can show you where USI meets and explain the range layout.
- Check in: current visitor, licensing, identification and range requirements are dealt with before participation.
- Listen to the briefing: the day’s match, range conditions and safety requirements are explained.
- Observe and learn: focus on how the range operates and ask whenever something is unclear.
- Participate only when authorised: participation depends on current law, range requirements, club approval and supervision.
- Finish as directed: follow the Range Officer and club officials before leaving the firing area.
You Do Not Need to Buy Equipment Before You Visit
If you are new to Service Rifle, speak to the club before buying a rifle, ammunition or specialised equipment. The club can explain what is appropriate for USI / MRCA competition and what current legal requirements apply.
What to Bring for a First Visit
Bring
- Photo identification.
- Your current firearms licence or permit, if you hold one.
- Hearing protection.
- Eye protection.
- Closed footwear and practical clothing suitable for the weather.
- Hat, sunscreen and drinking water.
Check First
- Ask Damon before bringing a firearm to your first USI visit.
- Ask before bringing ammunition or other shooting equipment.
- Do not assume equipment suitable for another discipline is suitable for the day’s Service Rifle match.
- If you are unlicensed, tell Damon when you first make contact so the current lawful visitor process can be confirmed before you attend.
The MRCA New Members Handbook also recommends practical personal items such as hearing protection, shooting glasses, a hat and sunscreen.
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Suggested: new shooter speaking with an experienced USI member
Landscape or 4:3
Range Safety: What Matters Most
You are not expected to memorise the rule book before your first visit, but you are expected to listen carefully and follow the instructions of range officials.
- Range Officer instructions take priority. If you do not understand a command, ask.
- “Cease fire” means stop immediately. Follow the Range Officer’s directions and do not resume until instructed.
- Do not handle firearms or ammunition simply because other people appear to be doing so. Wait for the appropriate instruction and supervision.
- Stay out of restricted areas and follow all range signs, flags, barriers and directions.
- If anything feels unclear or unexpected, stop and ask a club or range official rather than guessing.
The detailed USI Shooting Guide explains common terminology and match formats. Official range instructions and current rules always take precedence over website summaries.
Licensing & Unlicensed Visitors
Firearms licensing and visitor requirements are regulated by the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry. These rules can change, so USI does not publish a fixed legal pathway for unlicensed visitors on this page.
If you do not currently hold an appropriate firearms licence or permit, tell Damon before you attend. He can confirm what the club and range can accommodate under the rules in force at that time.
Why this page does not simply say “complete a P650”: NSW firearms legislation and the process for unlicensed people trying target shooting are changing. Always use current NSW Police guidance and confirm arrangements with the club before attending.
This is general club guidance, not legal advice. Use NSW Police Firearms Registry information for current licensing and permit requirements.
Where We Shoot
USI shoots at ANZAC Rifle Range, Malabar, Sydney NSW as part of the MRCA competition program. The range is an active controlled shooting facility, and public-access restrictions can apply to surrounding areas while shooting is underway.
Before travelling, check the Shooting Calendar and follow all signs, gates, flags and instructions on arrival.
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Suggested: ANZAC Rifle Range / Malabar establishing photo
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does USI shoot?
USI / MRCA Service Rifle shooting is on Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Check the calendar before travelling.
Do you shoot on Sundays?
No. USI / MRCA Service Rifle shooting is on Saturdays.
What discipline does USI shoot?
Service Rifle. The Shooting Guide explains the common competition formats used by USI / MRCA.
Can I come if I have never shot before?
New enquiries are welcome. Contact Damon first and tell him about your experience and licence/permit status. Whether a visitor can participate on a particular day depends on current legal, range and club requirements.
Do I need to own a rifle before I contact the club?
No. If you are new to Service Rifle, speak to the club before buying specialised equipment so you understand the competition and current requirements first.
Can I just turn up on Saturday?
Contacting Damon in advance is strongly recommended. It lets the club confirm that the scheduled shoot is proceeding and explain any requirements that apply to your visit.
How much is membership?
Current fees and the application form are on the Membership page.
Useful Reading
USI Shooting Guide
Plain-English explanations of common Service Rifle formats, targets, scoring and range terminology.
MRCA New Members Handbook
MRCA’s longer handbook covering the association, range organisation and practical information for members.
NSW Police Firearms Registry
Use the official NSW Police site for current firearm licensing, permits and legal requirements.
Interested? Get in Touch Before Saturday
You do not need to know everything before contacting the club. Send Damon an email, explain that you are interested in Service Rifle and he can tell you the appropriate next step.
New-shooter information reviewed September 2026. Range procedures and NSW firearms requirements can change; confirm current arrangements before attending.