Canning Lever Action
Canning Lever Action is a rifle discipline dedicated exclusively to lever-action firearms, combining marksmanship, speed, and practical field shooting skills.
Matches are conducted at a variety of distances — typically 25m, 50m, and 100m — using a mix of paper, steel, and animal silhouette targets. Courses of fire vary in timing, ranging from slow precision shooting to rapid-fire stages.
Core Competition Categories
Competitions are generally divided into two main categories based on firearm type and calibre:
Classic Calibre
- “As-issued” factory rifles
- Chambered in centrefire cartridges produced prior to 1938
- Must feature:
- Traditional iron sights
- Two-piece wooden stocks
This category emphasises historical authenticity and traditional shooting skills.
Open Calibre
A more flexible category, often divided into:
- Rimfire
- Common calibres: .22LR, .22 Magnum, .17HMR
- Centrefire
- Any pistol calibre suitable for lever-action rifles
Permits:
- Modern sighting systems (e.g. peep or target sights)
- Handloaded and wildcat cartridges
This category allows for greater customisation and performance optimisation.
Match Format and Targets
Distances
- 10 metres
- 25 metres
- 50 metres
- 100 metres
Target Types
Competitors engage a variety of targets, including:
- Animal silhouette targets
- Examples: bear, fox, pig, buffalo
- Scoring zones represent vital areas
- Paper ring targets for precision shooting
- Steel targets for reactive shooting
Shooting Positions
Matches incorporate a range of field shooting positions, such as:
- Standing (unsupported)
- Bench Rest
- Post rest positions
These positions simulate practical hunting and field conditions.
Timing
Courses of fire vary significantly:
- Precision stages: up to 5 minutes for 5 shots
- Rapid-fire stages: as fast as 10–15 seconds for 5 shots
This variation challenges both accuracy and speed.
Key Rules and Restrictions
Clothing
To maintain a practical focus:
- Specialised competition gear is not permitted
- (e.g. shooting jackets, gloves, weighted boots)
- Competitors wear standard field or hunting attire
Accessories
Most artificial supports are restricted, including:
- Rifle attachments
- Palm rests
- Spotting scopes during competition
This ensures the discipline emphasises skill over equipment advantage.
Related Disciplines
Lever-action rifles are also used in disciplines such as:
- Canning Single Action (Cowboy Action Shooting)
- A themed multi-gun sport using period firearms in Old West scenarios
Why Shooters Enjoy Lever Action
This discipline is popular because it:
- Celebrates traditional rifle shooting
- Combines precision and speed
- Uses engaging and varied targets
- Reflects real-world field shooting conditions
In summary: Canning Lever Action is a versatile and traditional rifle discipline that challenges shooters across multiple distances, positions, and target types using classic lever-action firearms.
