I don't know of any comps outside of the Midlands so good choice on the range for membership. That doesn't mean there are none, simply that I know of no other ranges running these types of competitions and an NASRPC person at the MNSCI told me once that I could not compete in their disciplines with my 223 SA. Wrong caliber. Perhaps someone else can name a few ranges with the disciplines that allow for a SA 223.

As mentioned above the Bullseye 360 competitions are open caliber/open sights so any type of firearm is allowed. The semi-auto is brilliant for this competition as its a timed event and the semi-auto function of the rifle allows for quicker shooting, reduced recoil (so stay on target, more accurately), and with no bolt to work you can retain better target sight/picture.

Other competitions run, and you'd have to check this out, are the sporting rifle, Guardian matches, and there is one other I cannot for the life of me remember the name of. All three comps are open comps with any rifle just so long as its mag fed, iirc. Some of these are also timed so a semi-auto may be an advantage over a bolt action in terms of shot speed, retaining target picture/sight, cycling, etc.

When I applied I named the comps, but its not really a condition. Only that you're a member of a range. Now to be completely upfront with the CS, and to aid in your application I'd suggest giving as much info as possible.

The other side of your argument, as per your OP, is the hunting aspect of your application. If you intend to use the rifle as a dual purpose firearm, as I did with mine, then this aids in your application. When I applied I ticked "Target shooting" and "Other" on the FCA1. My reasons for the target shooting were covered by the membership to the range, the comps, etc. and for hunting I gave reasons such as quicker follow up shot, less recoil hence more accurate (basically the same reasons it made a good target rifle), but the most important reason I gave was the duality of the rifle. If I couldn't have the rifle for both purposes then It'd require me to get one dedicated rifle for target shooting and another for hunting hence I'd be seeking two licenses for two rifles when the semi-auto fulfilled both purposes as a single firearm.

When I met with my Chief Super I outlined these reasons, brought records of attendance of the range (remember competition entrances are not a prerequisite for any application), and cited my years as a hunter with copies of my and permissions for the hunting aspect. I got the nod here and then and the license followed within the coming week.

Lastly, and I know you opened with your understanding of current events, but I feel it important to reiterate it. This "proposed ban" is now no longer proposed and is in fact drafted and in the first stages of the Dáil according to letters received from the DoJ. That means whether it takes months or a year legislation is on the way and you risk loosing the firearm almost immediately after you'd get it. Forewarned is forearmed.

For your reading consumption. Head 2, amendment to section 3 with the insertion of section 3(f). The ban is there is the exact same format as the 2008/2009 pistol ban. Word for word copy of section 3(d) which banned pistols and grandfathered anything before the cut off point.

If you buy the receiver, you're going to lose it.