I think, for a lot of us older guys, the .22 target rifle was the way into shooting. It certainly was for me in the 1950/60's although, of course almost every country boy had an air gun of some sort, my first one, when I was eight, was a pop-out barrel Diana No 2 pistol (I still have it).
Almost every town had an active miniature rifle club, often two or three. These were 25 yard indoor ranges, very often based at the local MOD drill hall. (Rent free and encouraged by the government) The only form of shooting in these clubs was prone, aperture sights and a sling. The average club would have half a dozen BSA Martini actioned single shot target rifles, these would be the Model 12 or the newer (but still pre-war) model 12/15.
These teams were arranged in leagues and targets, shot under controlled conditions, were sent by post every week to the NSRA headquarters for scoring.
A few of the more affluent established members would have their own rifles, often a BSA Martini "International" but very occasionally something more exotic and bolt action, usually an Anschutz but maybe something like a Finnish Lion.
It was a good apprenticeship, most clubs had full bore sections, again encouraged by the government with subsidised ammunition and range fees, but again only ever .303 (later 7.62)ex military rifles, aperture sights and a sling. It wouldn't have entered anyone's head to want to rest the rifle on anything.
As the clubs evolved pistol shooting started to gain a strong foothold. I think, when pistol shooting was banned, it was the turning point in the conventional local shooting club. MOD drill halls were knocked down, changed into fitness clubs or sold off. Government/media turned anti-gun/shooting and the NSRA club shooting scene becamea shadow of it's former self.
I those long gone days you could compete at the highest level no matter what your background - A Fulton regulated Enfield/P14 and issued ammunition. Now you need to drive a silver Mercedes and have deep pockets to even get a look in.
These old .22 target rifles are greatly undervalued, there must be loads gathering dust in cabinets and as the clubs have shut down they have been sold off for pennies.
My last .22 target rifle was Russian CM-2 bolt action. It's been a bit customised and I use it for long range rabbit shooting. Several inches chopped off the barrel and moderator and scope rail fitted.
Only this week I fitted a scope rail to a mates .22 Mk 5 International - In payment he gave me a Telephone exchange master regulator clock and a couple of slave clocks in need of restoration.