Our Heritage
Over 115 years of preserving excellence in competitive rifle shooting. Discover the remarkable journey from a single club in 1901 to a thriving association representing the Isle of Man on the world stage.
The Founding Years
The Isle of Man Rifle Association was founded on 19th December 1908, emerging from a thriving local rifle shooting culture. The sport had already established deep roots on the island, with the first recorded club being Douglas in 1901. This was followed by clubs in Ramsey (1902), Laxey (1905), and several other locations across the island.
The formalisation of the association brought together these scattered clubs under one governing body, establishing standards and organising inter-club competitions that would become the foundation of Manx shooting for generations to come.
Early Competitions
In 1910, just two years after the association's founding, the IOMRA organised its first inter-association competition with the Liverpool Rifle Association. This marked the beginning of the Isle of Man's participation in competitive shooting beyond its shores.
The following year, in 1911, the association hosted an "Open Shoot" that attracted entries from across the British Isles. This event demonstrated the growing reputation of Manx shooting and established the island as a significant venue for competitive rifle shooting.
The War Years
The sport was suspended during the First World War from 1914 to 1919, as the nation's focus turned to the conflict. Following the war's conclusion, the association resumed its activities, and in 1923, the Castletown Rifle Club was formed, adding to the growing number of affiliated clubs.
By 1935, the association had grown to include nine active clubs across the island. However, this growth was interrupted by the Second World War, with the sport again suspended from 1939 to 1946.
In 1954, the association resumed competitions with the Cumberland and Westmoreland Rifle Association, re-establishing the inter-association connections that had been severed by the war years.
The Golden Era
The 1960s represented the heyday of Manx shooting. During this period, the island boasted 14 active clubs, and the standard of indoor shooting was truly outstanding. The decade saw exceptional marksmanship and a thriving competitive scene that would be remembered as a golden age for the sport on the Isle of Man.
The achievements of this era set benchmarks that continue to inspire shooters today, and many of the traditions and competitions established during this time remain central to the association's activities.
Modern Era
Since the peak of the 1960s, club numbers have stabilised at nine active clubs, reflecting broader changes in society and sporting participation. However, the association maintains a robust membership of over 110 active shooters who are passionate about the sport.
The IOMRA continues to organise inter-club and individual competitions throughout the year, with a particular focus on the winter shoulder-to-shoulder league competitions that run from October to March. The association also owns and maintains the Sinclair Range, a 50-metre outdoor shooting facility that provides year-round opportunities for competitive shooting.
Members of the association have represented the Isle of Man at Commonwealth and Olympic Games, demonstrating that the high standards of marksmanship established in earlier decades continue to this day. The association remains committed to promoting excellence in smallbore rifle shooting and fostering the next generation of competitive shooters.