An official 303 Class is shooting alongside Target Rifle and F Class since 2002 and the 303 Class enjoys the same benefits as the other classes.

The 303 Class Bisley Club was founded at the SA Open Championship Meeting in 2005 and the constitution has been accepted by the SABU Council. The chairman of this club serves as the 303 representative on the council.

The 303 Class also has also adopted a unique set of rules from the Target Rifle rules. There are currently only two provinces who actively participates in 303 Class Bisley shooting (Western Province and Gauteng North), but since inception of this class, Interprovincial matches between these provinces have been shot at the Western Province Bisley, Louis le Grange and SA Open Championships.

303 Class Rules
general

All SABU rules pertaining to 7.62 NATO target rifles apply to the .303 Class with the following exceptions:

1. Rifles

a. Rifles must be standard .303 service rifles which were at some time issued to British Empire or Commonwealth armed services.

b. Rifles may be rebarrelled with barrels that conform to original weight and length. No bull barrels will be permitted

c. Rifles must be equipped with vernier adjustable target aperture rear sights as manufactured by Parker Hale, A.J. Parker, Central etc. Rifles equipped with battle sights only will not be permitted.

d. All other rules with regard to rifles are as per the SABU Target Rifle rules, including sights, slings, etc.

2. Ammunition

Only .303 174 grain Mk VII Ball ammunition or the handloaded equivalent thereof is permitted.

calibre

Rifles must be chambered for a .303 cartridge.

rifles

The Rifles must be a .303 service rifle issued by the British Empire or Commonwealth Armed Services.

The stock must be as issued, and no adjustments and / or modifications, of a temporary or permanent nature, are permitted. However, cheek pieces and / or recoil pads of a semi-permanent nature may be added to the butt, as long as the length remains within 290 - 330 mm. When removed, the butt must conform to original specifications.

barrels

The Rifle may be re-barrelled with barrels that conform to the original weight, diameter and length.

No bull barrels will be permitted.

back sight

A Vernier adjustable aperture back sight as manufactured by Parker Hale, A.J. Parker, Central, etc. is permitted.

Rifles equipped with battle rear sights only, will not be permitted.

ammunition

Only .303 174 grain MK VII Ball ammunition or the hand loaded equivalent thereof, is permitted.

conduct of shooting

Apart from the exceptions in respect of rifles and ammunition, as stated above, all the other general rules as laid down, and where applicable, must be adhered to by the .303 Class Competitors.