Pistol shooting

Target pistol is precision shooting with a handgun at targets set at fixed distances, in precision stages or in timed series. In the international (ISSF) events, the pistol is held and fired with one hand.

Events and distances

Target Pistol Australia grades shooters in the main precision events:

• 10 metre air pistol, shot with a .177 calibre air pistol. It's an Olympic event.

• 25 metre events, including rapid fire, standard pistol, centre fire pistol and the 25 metre pistol event. 25 metre rapid fire is an Olympic event for men, and 25 metre pistol is an Olympic event for women.

• 50 metre pistol, a precision event.

Beyond the international events, Target Pistol Australia also runs national championships in black powder, service pistol, Bianchi action pistol, metallic silhouette and WA1500 events. Clubs vary in which of these they run.

Who runs it

Target Pistol Australia, known as Pistol Australia until it adopted its current trading name in 2024, is the national body for pistol shooting and has about 20,000 members across its state and territory associations. You join a club, and the club belongs to your state association. Some SSAA clubs and branches also run handgun disciplines.

How to try it

Some clubs and associations run supervised introductory handgun sessions with equipment provided. SSAA Victoria's pistol package includes ear plugs and eye protection, and Brisbane Pistol Club, a practical shooting club, provides firearms, ammunition, safety equipment and an instructor. Ask a target pistol club near you whether it runs something similar. If you join, expect to start with training. One Sydney club starts new members on air pistol before moving to .22 club matches under a range officer.

Pistol licensing has extra steps. Under the national agreement, clubs endorse each application to acquire a handgun, and new pistol shooters move through a period of graduated access.