Match crossbow: what is it?

Match crossbow is a shooting sport using crossbows, of course. Unlike field crossbows, match crossbows are very similar to Olympic rifles.

Are you interested in this sport? If so, this article is for you.

International Crossbow Union

The International Crossbow Union or Internationale Armbrustschutzen Union-IAU is the world governing body for crossbow shooting. The IAU was founded on June 24, 1956 in Landshut, Germany, to control the world and continental crossbow championships in the 10 m and 30 m Match events.

The World Championships are held every two years. Continental championships are held in between. Otherwise, every year, you can take part in other international competitions and the IAU-Cup.

The equipment used

The bolts have been manufactured to have the same diameter as the air rifle (.177) and smallbore (.22) pellets. The end of the bolt is a blunt-headed screw, and the screw's rotation pattern helps the shooter easily remove the bolt when unscrewing it from the target. To load the bolt, a lever must be used. This accessory can be either a separate component or a mechanism included in the crossbow.

Since the early 1980s, the match crossbow has generally been triggered using an electronic trigger capable of providing a dry firing mechanism and an electronic level.

The match crossbow stock can be likened to an Olympic air rifle or a small-bore rifle, usually made of laminated wood.

The crossbowman's outfit

The projectiles are inserted into quivers, which come in a variety of models. The most classic is cloth, which holds around 8 bolts and attaches with a simple snap on the belt. Alternatively, some models are brackets into which three bolts can slide, and which can be mounted directly onto the crossbow. As a result, the crossbowman can re-cock almost without changing position. You can borrow this special equipment by joining a crossbow club.

As for the rest, you don't need to wear anything special if you practice as a hobby. Just make sure you wear flat shoes for stability and to avoid fatigue. In addition, light, casual outfits are required so that your clothes don't get in the way and you're comfortable with your movements.

Crossbow shooting clubs in France

Crossbow shooting is generally practised in clubs where several disciplines coexist: rifle or pistol shooting, archery and crossbow shooting. At national level, 1,643 clubs and numerous regional leagues organize competitions, including the French Championship. Of course, not all clubs offer crossbow shooting, but there are a few near you where you might like to try it.

The price of a shooting club license varies from region to region, depending on the age of the shooter. It should be remembered that the crossbow, even when used for purely sporting purposes, remains a weapon, and its use must be governed by safety rules.

Equipment has a cost, and not all clubs offer the same service, which may explain the difference in price.

Regulations

The match crossbow is shot with a shoulder-mounted weapon such as a rifle or shotgun, which fires a projectile known as a 4.5 mm diameter bolt. The crossbow is loaded using a cocking arm, hence its similarity to a rifle. The weapon weighs no more than 6,750 kg.

The crossbowman shoots from "standing" and "kneeling" positions. The crossbow is loaded and the bolt is fired at the black and white target card (shot by shot, the same bolt fires several times). Bolt tip diameter is 0.22.

The target is less than 10 meters away when shooting from a standing position, and less than 30 meters away when shooting from a kneeling or standing position. Match crossbow is a discipline generally practised on a shooting range (usually outdoors), on a target, using a bolt. Crossbow shooting at 30 meters is the IAU's main discipline, and championship entries usually include several smallbore and air rifle Olympians.

The shooting range is enclosed and equipped with electrically driven systems for transporting crossbow targets. Existing small-calibre shooting ranges can be converted for 30 m crossbow shooting. If no permanent facilities are available, shooting can be carried out on temporary, tented ranges with portable target systems.