"Rifle is Beautiful," scheduled to begin airing in the fall of 2019, is a four-panel manga about high school girls and shooting, an official Olympic event that boasts one of the lowest profile in Japan. It is the only manga currently in existence that focuses on shooting, and considering the influence that this type of work has had in the past, this anime may just make shooting sports popular in Japan. We'd like to explain the shooting sports that the main characters of this series take part in: beam rifle and air rifle competitions!
Anyone can do it! Introducing beam rifle competitions!
Japan has the Firearms and Swords Control Act (Firearms and Swords Act), which severely restricts the possession and use of firearms. As a result, shooting competitions are difficult for Japanese people to participate in, so beam rifle competitions were developed to popularize them. No license or instructor is required, and anyone can participate as long as they have a place to practice. Because of this low barrier to entry, the main characters initially use beam rifles. This weapon is unrelated to Mobile Suit Gundam.
Beam Rifle Specifications
Beam rifles do not use lasers, but rather xenon lamps, the same type used in camera flashes. They typically weigh between 4.5kg and 5kg, though some beam pistols weigh as little as 3.0kg, small enough for children to handle. Because they operate on the same principle as camera flashes, they can trigger targeting devices even with camera flashes, which can cause malfunctions during competitions. Therefore, there are regulations for spectators.
What are the main tools used in beam rifle competitions?
Shooting Jacket
When shooting, even slight shaking can significantly affect accuracy, so a shooting jacket is worn to stabilize the body. For this reason, the jacket is made to be extremely stiff, even enough to stand on its own. As a result, it is generally a custom-made item, and the price is accordingly high.
Target Device
This device serves as a target for shooting. Hits are determined by an optical sensor. Points are calculated in decimals from 0 to 10.9. Targets that score within the 10-point range (10 to 10.9 points) are extremely small, measuring just 1mm in diameter. As mentioned above, the target device is also sensitive to camera flashes, so using cameras during the competition is strictly prohibited.
Display Device
The device displays the score and impact point, and also simulates gunfire sounds. The actual sound is a whoosh of air escaping. If you search on YouTube, you'll find videos of trial sessions where you can actually hear the sound. The video mentions that since there aren't many people trying it, if you try seriously, competing in the National Athletic Meet is not just a dream. It's a tough world!
Is it really that hard? Introducing the rules of beam rifle competitions!
Fire your gun at a target set 10 meters away. The closer you get to the center of the target, the higher your score. Each shot is awarded a score ranging from 0 to 10.9 points. The match lasts 45 minutes, with 60 shots fired, and the total score is the deciding factor. (In the story, there are matches with a total of 40 shots, but this is in accordance with the rules of the National High School Rifle Shooting Championships, with women being limited to 40 shots.)
Team Competition Rules
In team competitions, each team consists of three people, and the total score of the three players competes. Each team member is assigned a different firing position and firing group (shooting order).
Individual Competition Rules
The individual competition consists of two stages: the main competition and the final. In the main competition, competitors compete for points. The top eight competitors then advance to the final, where the results of the main competition are reset and a knockout round is played. In the first stage, competitors fire five shots twice, and in the second stage, competitors fire one shot at a time (14 shots). In the second stage, the total points from the first and second stages are tallied, and competitors with the lowest total points are eliminated every two shots. The website for the anime "Rifle is Beautiful" provides the clearest and most detailed explanation of the beam rifle competition rules.
On to a new stage! Introducing air rifle competition!
Our protagonist, Hinata, has been practicing every day in shooting with the goal of competing in the Olympics, but midway through the story, she quits beam rifle competition. Why did she quit, even though she was seriously aiming for the Olympics? It's because beam rifle competition isn't an official Olympic event! Realizing that she'd never be able to compete in the Olympics no matter how hard she tried, Hinata switches to air rifle competition, an official Olympic event.
The high barrier to entry is due to the Swords and Firearms Act! Learn about air rifles and the process for obtaining a license!
Although air rifles are air guns, they are still real firearms and, naturally, fall under the Firearms and Swords Control Law. Possessing one in Japan requires numerous procedures. While rifles are classified as big bore rifles (large caliber) or small bore rifles (small caliber), legally, high school girls are only allowed to operate air rifles. Obtaining an air rifle license is also quite a hassle.
A Brief Guide to Obtaining a License
To own an air rifle, you must first pass a beginner's course (through the Public Safety Commission or your local police station), then go through the following process: application → permission → purchase or receipt → verification. Minors must use the Shooting Elite System. A recommendation is required for those with a beam pistol proficiency level of 3rd dan or higher, as well as a recommendation from a sports association. Guns cannot be taken home; storage space, such as at a gun shop, must be secured.
Introducing the 10m Air Rifle Rules!
The basic rules follow those of beam rifle shooting, with shooting at a target 10 meters away. However, the beam rifle uses 0.5mm rounds for the central 10-point area, which is the highest scoring area. Men compete for a total of 60 shots, and women compete for a total of 40 shots, with each shot being worth between 0 and 10.9 points. However, in Olympic qualifying rounds, the maximum score is 10 points, with 10.9 points being the maximum in the finals. It seems that the rules are subject to change quite often.
[Rifle is Beautiful] Summary of Beam Rifles and Air Rifles
We explained beam rifle and air rifle competitions, which may become popular thanks to the Rifle is Beautiful anime broadcast. As they are minor sports, this series provides the easiest explanation, and they may become seriously popular in the future! If you've been influenced by light music or outdoor activities, this may be a good opportunity to start shooting sports. We're looking forward to seeing how much this series will contribute to popularizing the sport! The anime will begin airing in October!
