Local marksman has his sights set on America

What makes Anthony’s achievement so commendable is after just two years in this sporting discipline, he was able to advance in the ranks to this level.

Anthony Barraball’s skills as a shooter will be put to the test in the United States of America soon.

Anthony, a long-standing member of the KwaZulu-Natal Hunting, Shooting and Conservation Association (KZNHSCA) and the Buffalo River Shooting Club (BRSC), has been selected to represent the National Rifle South Africa in America.

This after he finished third in the National Rifle League South Africa (NRLSA), which qualified him for this prestigious international event.

“It feels awesome to be invited to participate,” said an ecstatic Barraball.

He is among four other skilled marksman in the country who will jet off to the States come December.

He explained there were two shooting disciplines, namely Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL).

“I’ve been shooting for almost eight years and about two years ago I focused on the NRL and the bug bit,” he added.

What makes Anthony’s achievement so commendable is after just two years in this sporting discipline, he was able to advance in the ranks to this level.

“Most competitors have been participating for a few years before they reach this point,” said a fellow shooting member.

Barraball said his aim was to place in the top five at the NRL and with training and ample practice, he has reaped the fruits.

According to shooting members the competition was so intense this year, only two points separated the first and third position competitors.

The NRL discipline involves shooting from various positions to hit gongs (metal plates) of between 200 millimetres and 500mm in diameter, at a distance of 200 to 800 metres.

Members said the greatest challenge was not only the outside factors, such as terrain and wind conditions which make shooting difficult, but also the ability and skill to contend with the intricacies of reloading bullets, and testing different speeds and powder volumes with the cartridges.

Barraball will be competing against 200 of the best shooters in the world:

“In the USA, more than 4 000 shooters participate in a final tournament and only 125 are selected. The other 75 are chosen from other countries. These are the best of the best, consisting of American snipers to name a few,” said Barraball.

He thanked his family and sponsors for their support during and ahead of his journey.