Target Pistol

AS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TRADITIONAL SHOOTING EVENTS, TARGET PISTOL MATCHES ARE ALL ABOUT PUTTING AS MANY ROUNDS THROUGH THE BULLSEYE AS POSSIBLE.

Broadly speaking, there are three distinct matches within the Target Pistol discipline – National Match, which involves 30 rounds fired at 25m and 50m, the 900 Match which involves 90 rounds at 25m and 50m, and the International Mayleigh Match which involves 30 rounds at 50m.

Within these matches, there are categories for centrefire handguns, rimfire handguns, service-type revolvers chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum, and a match for the 9mm calibre M9 or Beretta M92 service pistols.

The National Match Course comprises one string of 10 shots slow-fire at 50m/yards in 10 minutes, two strings of five shots timed fire at 25m with 20 seconds per string, and two strings of five shots rapid-fire at 25m with 10 seconds per string.

This course of fire is applicable to all firearm classes, except International Mayleigh.

The 900 Match Course is the basis for National Championships and comprises two strings of 10 shots slow-fired at 50m with 10 minutes per string; the 30 shots from the National Match Course; four strings of five shots timed fire at 25m with 20 seconds per string; and four strings of five shots rapid-fire at 25m with 10 seconds per string, making 90 shots in total.

This course of fire is applicable to the Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver and Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver firearm classes.

The International Mayleigh Match is based on an International Postal match, which has been running for more than 50 years and is shot as a side match at National Championships. It permits the use of the same handguns as used in the Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver class and comprises three strings of 10 shots slow-fire at 50m with 10 minutes per string.

Depending on the category, a wide range of modifications and accessories are permitted for guns in Target Pistol events, ranging from specialist grips to laser sights and compensators. Legislation limits the maximum calibre in Target Pistol matches in Queensland to .38 calibre.

Competitors generally shoot from a standing position using one hand, which adds to the skill and challenge required to excel in these events.

Target Pistol continues to grow in popularity, with some competitors even heading to prestigious events in the USA to represent both Queensland and Australia.