Choosing a discipline

There's no single right first discipline. It comes down to what you enjoy, what you can get to and what you're willing to spend. This guide compares the main families so you can pick a first come-and-try day.

At a glance

• Air rifle and air pistol

  Slow, precise and indoors. 60 shots at 10 metres, standing.

  What drives the cost: Low. Target Rifle Australia notes that air rifle ammunition is cheap, and clubs lend equipment to beginners.

• Smallbore rifle

  Slow and precise. A 60 shot prone match at 50 metres has a 75 minute time limit.

  What drives the cost: Rimfire ammunition and session fees. Most clubs lend rifles while you learn.

• Fullbore rifle

  Deliberate, long-range shooting, mostly prone, at distances from 300 metres or yards out to 1000 yards.

  What drives the cost: Centrefire ammunition and, for F Class, a scope and rests.

• Pistol

  Precision and timed events, such as 25 metre rapid fire and 50 metre pistol.

  What drives the cost: Ammunition, the pistol itself once you own one, and the extra club and licensing steps for handguns.

• Clay target

  Fast and reactive. Moving targets thrown at different angles and speeds.

  What drives the cost: Targets and shotgun cartridges for every round you shoot, plus the shotgun.

• Action shooting

  Fast and physical. Move through a stage against the clock.

  What drives the cost: Ammunition, a holster and belt gear, plus handgun licensing steps.

Pace

Precision disciplines such as air, smallbore and target pistol involve long series of shots at fixed targets. Clay target and action shooting are faster: clays fly at different angles and speeds, and action scores divide points by the time taken.

What drives the cost

We don't quote prices, because they change and vary between clubs. Instead, think about what you'll pay for:

• Each session. Club range fees, plus ammunition and, for clay, targets. At come-and-try days these are usually bundled, though some clubs charge ammunition separately.

• Equipment. You don't need your own at the start. Target Rifle Australia says most clubs have equipment beginners can use, and there's no need to buy your own until you and your coach are ready.

• Licensing. Every firearm you buy needs its own permit, and handguns involve extra club and licensing steps. See How licensing works in Australia.

Ask the club for its current fees when you book.

Where you can shoot

• Air ranges are generally indoors, so weather isn't a problem.

• Smallbore: Target Rifle Australia says its clubs are in both city and country areas.

• Clay target is shot on dedicated grounds with traps and towers. Field and Game Australia alone has more than 50 clay ranges.

• Fullbore needs long ranges. For Target Rifle and F Class, national rules set targets from 300 metres or yards out to 1000 yards, with short-range matches up to 600 metres. Check the distances a range offers before you travel.

• Action shooting needs ranges set up for stages where competitors move and draw from a holster.

Use the finder to see which disciplines are offered near you.