Sergeant David Taylor is locked and loaded for the 2025 International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) World Championships, heading to the United Kingdom to represent Australia in August.
Aiming to outshoot the world's best marksmen at the competition near Birmingham, Sergeant Taylor earned his spot through three years of consistent excellence and a standout team performance at the 2024 IPRF Centerfire World Championships in Colorado, US.
Precision shooting demands intense focus and physical finesse, testing marksmanship across varied positions and distances.
"It's a good mental challenge that takes a lot of capacity to apply myself," Sergeant Taylor said, noting its blend of "mental approach" and "physical ability" to shoot from standing, kneeling or unconventional stances.
In Colorado, he competed against 266 marksmen, hitting targets out to 1418 metres across rugged canyons and hills - a stark contrast to Australia's flatter, templated ranges. His performance helped the Australian team secure fifth place among 26 nations.
"Holding the Australian flag at the opening ceremony was definitely the highlight," he said, a proud moment for the 13-year Air Force veteran.
Sergeant Taylor's passion for shooting, sparked over 20 years ago, became more serious in 2018 with Precision Shooting South Australia at Monarto.
"It appealed to me because it wasn't just static shooting," he said.
He was drawn to its dynamic, fitness-driven style.
In his first competitive season he took out a Production-class title, then two Military/Law Enforcement titles from 2018 to 2023, spurring him on to the national titles and a spot on Australia's 2024 team.
Now, he's preparing for UK's IPRF Rimfire World Championships, targeting distances out to 350 metres with his customised bolt-action Victrix Venus Pro.
"It's a different level of competition," Sergeant Taylor said.
'I feel the discipline I have developed through my sport enhances my readiness and focus for work.'
As senior non-commissioned officer at 27 Squadron's Weapons Training Section, Sergeant Taylor is continually looking for ways to improve, drawing on his experience from operational deployments and his role as an airfield defence guard.
"I'm very honest with myself for any mistakes, which drives me to be better," he said.
"I feel the discipline I have developed through my sport enhances my readiness and focus for work."
Recognised as an elite sportsperson by the Air Force Sports Council, Sergeant Taylor receives funding for competition fees and duty days, preserving his annual leave.
His chain of command's backing ensures he can train rigorously, from yoga for flexibility and mental clarity to technical drills for target acquisition and decision-making processes.
"Yoga helps me clear my mind and adopt unconventional shooting positions," he said.
He explained it was a practice that steadies him under pressure.
On face value, precision shooting is a solo discipline, but Sergeant Taylor sees it as "very much a team sport".
"While small, the Australian team members look after each other," he said.
"It can be as simple as carrying a bag for someone or making sure that they're fed and looking after themselves between stages. That's real teamwork so we can succeed together."
Sergeant Taylor urged Air Force members to explore shooting sports, especially the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM) with the ADF, or any civilian sporting disciplines as "it's a safe, rewarding challenge the whole family can get involved in".
"Get out there with like-minded people. The environment, from my experience, is fun and supportive," he said.
"It's a chance to compete and grow. It can also help improve your fitness and mental wellbeing, and we all know that is so important."
For more information about the precision rifle discipline, visit www.precisionrifleseries.com.au and www.aupra.au
