Hunting Haven Blog Posts Harrison On Target for Portugal!

Author: J Reynolds Date Posted:25 April 2016

With the increase of women getting involved in Shooting Sports, and Mothers Day just around the corner, what better way to celebrate women shooters than an interview with my own mum, and local crack shot, Joy Harrison.

Joy started shooting as a teenager growing up in rural NSW. She began shooting competitively around 10 years ago, largely so she had something in common to talk about with her husband, John, after the kids had all left home.

Joy enjoys benchrest shooting, and competes in both Rimfire and Centrefire, IRB, RBA, Hunter and Group competitions.

Some of the highlights of her shooting career incude representing Australia as part of one of the Aussie teams at Milan in 2008, Charleston in 2011 and France in 2014. Joy has also been selected to compete at the IRB World Benchrest Championships as part of an Australian Team, to be held in Portugal in July.

The thing she loves most about Benchrest shooting is "The accuracy buzz - hitting that bullseye in the middle of the target!"

Joy's favourite target rifle is one that John had custom made for her for their 40th Wedding Anniversary - it's a 2500 FX Action with a Shinlin Barrel and a laminated Dixie Stock. I guarantee there's not too many women out there who have received a rifle as an Anniversary gift!

When asked where her favourite range is to shoot at, Joy stated that "all ranges have different challenges and atmosphere. The personalities and volunteers that run these events add another welcoming dimension". Some of these ranges include Belmont, Brisbane, Warwick, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Silverdale, Canberra, Melbourne, Glen Innes, Armidale, Guyra, Inverell, Taree, Grafton and Port Macquarie.

Joy loves the challenge of judging he weather conditions, depending on the environment you're in and the conditions on the day, and understands that how you read the flags can have a huge impact on your performance.

When Joy's not working or travelling around to shooting competitions, she loves spending time with her 3 grandkids!

Thanks Joy for sharing these insights with us, and all the best for the upcoming World Championships in Potugal!