Air rifle and pistol

Air rifle and air pistol are precision events shot at 10 metres with .177 calibre target air guns. Both are Olympic and Paralympic events. Target Rifle Australia says air ranges are generally indoors.

The events

• 10 metre air rifle. Shot standing, 60 shots in the full match, with a target air rifle fitted with an air cylinder. Target Rifle Australia notes that beginners are usually given a supporting frame to help with stability, and that air rifles are lighter than smallbore rifles. Paralympic events include prone and standing air rifle.

• 10 metre air pistol. Shot standing, with the pistol held in one hand, 60 shots in the full match.

The international rules also include junior categories and mixed team events for both.

Why people choose it

Target Rifle Australia says air rifle is becoming very popular because ammunition is cheap and indoor ranges let you practise day or night in any weather. It calls air rifle an excellent introduction for beginners and juniors. One Sydney pistol club starts unlicensed new members on air pistol.

Who runs it

• Air rifle: Target Rifle Australia, the national body for smallbore and air rifle.

• Air pistol: Target Pistol Australia, which runs national championships in all the ISSF pistol events.

How to try it

Contact a target rifle or pistol club that runs air events and ask about introductory sessions. Target Rifle Australia says most clubs have equipment beginners can use while they learn. Air guns are not exempt from firearms rules: Australia's National Firearms Agreement includes air rifles and air pistols in its licence categories.

For juniors, see Air rifle and pistol first.