Practical shooting championship set to attract competitors in Finland this August

The sharp sound of a whistle, the rapid footsteps of competitors, and the sharp crack of rifle shots towards targets illustrate a few seconds of a practical shooting competition. This sport involves moving through various courses while shooting at targets with rifles, shotguns, or pistols, with performance measured based on hits and time.

According to the Finnish Shooting Sport Federation, practical shooting is the fastest-growing shooting sport in Finland, particularly among younger people. Sami Ylönen, the spokesperson for the upcoming Practical Rifle Shooting World Championships to be held in early August, remarks, “Perhaps it’s a more dynamic shooting sport, unlike [the others] which are seen as dull, older competitions.”

Safety is paramount in this sport, with competitors required to complete a basic safety course before they can compete. Currently, around 2,200 individuals have officially competed in Finland over the last two years. Violations of safety regulations lead to immediate disqualification, fostering a strong incentive to adhere to safety measures, as explained by competitor Petrus Schroderus.

In just a few weeks, top competitors will gather in Finland for the World Championships, taking place at the spacious Ruutikangas shooting range near Liminka and Lumijoki. Pre-competitions kick off at the end of July, with main events running from August 4 to 9, expecting approximately 680 main competitors and 250 officials, totaling around 1,000 attendees.

Petteri Aro, the event’s coordinator, acknowledges that while preparations are ongoing due to construction at the venue, everything will be ready in time for the competitions. Although practical shooting will not be featured at the upcoming Olympics, discussions for its inclusion are ongoing, with promising developments anticipated in the near future.