The final day of the 132nd South Australian Kings Prize delivered a demanding 900-metre test, with a persistent easterly land breeze challenging competitors across every discipline. Despite the conditions, shooters produced outstanding performances to bring the 2026 Kings Series to a memorable close.

A nine o’clock easterly, estimated at around 12–17mph, kept scores down for much of the day. It was not quite strong enough to blow over the scoreboards, but it was certainly strong enough to have competitors reaching for the brim of their hats and watching the flags closely.

A testing 900 metres

The opening detail at 900 metres saw .308 rifles working with approximately 16 MOA of wind adjustment, while F-Open calibres were running around 7–8 MOA. The conditions placed a premium on patience and timing, with competitors needing to read the wind carefully and make confident decisions before each shot.

Phil Bradshaw’s “naughty target”, set with a 100-metre zero, was working hard throughout the day, with as many as 15 shooters waiting in line at one point.

A resquadding was required for the final detail after several wide sensors were damaged, leaving the field a couple of Hex targets short. By then, the strong left wind had been lowering shots by up to 2 MOA from average elevation settings. Although the wind eased slightly, it became more variable, with noticeable “lumps” that tested even the most experienced firers.

Those who waited, watched the flag tips and lined them up with the top of the butts were rewarded. The flagpole ropes continued ringing against the aluminium poles, confirming that the wind was still around 14mph.

Kings champions

Congratulations to the following 2026 Kings winners:

Duncan Muller held firm through the final conditions to claim his second Kings TRA title. He finished just ahead of his proud father, Kym Muller, and teammate Flav in a strong conclusion to the Target Rifle A competition.

Connor Bland of CTV continued his impressive form in TRB, producing another excellent shoot and bettering the scores of many A Grade competitors. In F-Class, Maitland shooters were successful, with John Habets taking F Standard and Lynton Wakefield winning F/TR.

John Mammoliti of Colac claimed Sporter Open, dropping only two points throughout the Kings. In a particularly close F-Open finish, SARA Chair Cameron Whant of Phoenix Rifle Club returned from Europe to win by just one X over Colac’s James Hay.

Special awards

The final presentation also recognised competitors across age groups, disciplines and the wider shooting community.

Congratulations to all recipients, including Dale Paton, who received both the F-Class Under 18 Trophy and the CTV Encouragement Award.

Thank you

The South Australian Rifle Association congratulates every competitor who took part in the 132nd Kings Prize. From the early Hunt Series through to the final shots at 900 metres, the event reflected the skill, resilience and sportsmanship of the rifle-shooting community.

Thank you to the Range Officers, target and butts crews, scorers, volunteers, caterers, sponsors, donors and supporters whose work made the 2026 Kings Prize possible. Special thanks also go to the event’s major sponsors – HuntsFuel, Ziersch Custom Rifles and ColdLogic - for their support.