For anyone new to firearms
Safety foundations
Safe handling rules, range commands, eye and ear protection, and storage and transport basics, with the parts that differ by state marked.
4 lessons · 17 minStart the path: Safety foundations
Learn
Learn to shoot safely, then keep getting better.
Plain-English guides for new and returning shooters: what happens on a come-and-try day, how licensing works in each state, range etiquette, and how each discipline is scored.
General information only. It doesn't replace a club's safety induction or your state's licensing requirements.
01 · Guides
Guides
- Getting started
Your first come-and-try day
What happens on the day, what to bring, and how to get the most from your first supervised session on the range.
4 min readReviewed - Getting started
What target shooting involves
A plain-English introduction to target shooting in Australia: the main disciplines, how clubs and sporting bodies are organised, what happens on a range and how newcomers get started.
4 min readReviewed - Safety
The range officer's role
What a range officer is responsible for, what they do before, during and after shooting, and what makes a good one.
4 min readReviewed - Safety
Supervision on the range
How clubs supervise junior shooters, who is responsible for what, and what parents and guardians should expect and ask.
3 min readReviewed - Safety
Storage and transport basics
The principles behind firearm storage and transport in Australia, and why the exact requirements come from your state or territory registry.
3 min readReviewed - Disciplines
Smallbore rifle
Precision .22 rimfire target rifle shooting, its main events and distances, the national body and how to get started.
2 min readReviewed
02 · Education
Learning paths
Short lessons in order, from your first safety briefing to helping run a range.
For parents and young shooters
Juniors and families
Why air rifle suits young beginners, how supervision works on the range, and how to find a junior program near you.
3 lessons · 9 minStart the path: Juniors and familiesFor club members
Becoming a range officer
What range officers do on the day, how a detail is run, and how clubs and associations train and accredit them.
3 lessons · 11 minStart the path: Becoming a range officer
Education here is general information. Clubs run their own inductions, and licensing courses are set by each state. Requirements differ by state; check with the club and your state firearms registry.
03 · Resources
Checklists, glossary and links
- Web pageCome-and-try day checklistWhat to bring to your first supervised session and what to ask the club when you book, on one printable page.
- Web pageSafe handling rules cardThe core firearm handling rules shared by Australia's safety codes and club range rules, on one printable card for your range bag.
- Web pageRange terms, A to ZPlain definitions for words you'll hear at a club, from bay to X ring.
- 8 linksState firearms registriesLinks to the firearms licensing authority in every state and territory. Licensing is handled by each state and territory, and Where to Shoot isn't affiliated with any registry.