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ISU Info
The SSAA Para ISU Section is affiliated with the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and Pistol Australia (PA). This affiliation gives SSAA Para members who are members of this section the opportunity to reach Olympic, Commonwealth Games and other international target pistol shooting competitions if they so desire.
As the SSAA Para ISU section is affiliated with Pistol Australia (PA) there is an additional membership fee please see the section captain for more details.
The matches shot at SSAA Para include;
ISSF Matches:
10m Air Pistol,
50m Pistol,
25M Pistol Sport Pistol,
25M Pistol Women and Men's Sport Pistol,
25M Centerfire Pistol,
25M Standard Pistol
Pistol Australia Matches:
Service Pistol,
The Service Pistol Unrestricted,
The 25 yards Service Pistol,
25m Black Powder,
50m Black Powder,
Black Powder 13 shot event
ISSF Matches
10M Air Pistol
10m Air pistol are ISSF events shot by both men and women, at all levels of competition up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics.
Distance = 10m
Calibre = .177”, 4.5 mm air pistol – compressed air or gas
Minimum trigger pull = 500g.
Number of shots/time = 60 shots for Men & Junior Men in 105 minutes
= 40 shots for Women & Junior Women in 75 minutes
Target = 10 ring of 11.5 mm diameter, each ring increases by 16 mm
The 10m Air Pistol events, and the 50m Pistol event are arguably the most mentally demanding events.
50M Pistol
Formerly known as Free Pistol, the 50m Pistol event is shot at all levels of competition up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics using .22 calibre single-shot pistols.
Distance = 50 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = There is no minimum trigger pull specified for this event.
Number of shots/time = 60 competition shots in a total competition time of 2 hours
Target = 10 ring of 50mm diameter, each ring increases by 50mm
In this event the pistol may only be loaded with one round of ammunition at a time and must be operated with only one hand, which cannot be supported in any way. There are practically no rules for the pistol itself, trigger force may be as low as the competitor chooses, the grip may be designed in any way provided it does not give support beyond the wrist, and there are no restrictions on size and weight of the pistol.
50m Pistol is described as the purest form of precision shooting amongst the pistol events, which has undergone minimal rule changes over the past 75 years.
25M Pistol, Women and Men's Sport Pistol
Formerly known as Sport Pistol, the 25m Pistol event was introduced in the 1960s.
25m Pistol combines both precision and rapid-fire, in two stages each of 30 shots
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = 1000g.
Precision Stage,
Number of shots/time = 30 shots, in six series of 5 shots, each series is 5 minutes
Precision Stage target = 10 ring of 50 mm diameter, each ring increases by 50 mm
After all competitors have completed the Precision Stage, they then fire the Rapid Fire Stage.
Rapid Fire Stage
Number of shots/time = 30 shots, in six series of 5 shots.
Each series consists of 5 exposures of the target, each exposure is for 3 seconds; the shooter fires one shot per exposure.
Rapid Fire Stage target = 10 ring of 100 mm diameter, each ring increases by 100 mm.
25M Centerfire Pistol
Other than the calibre used, the Centre Fire event is exactly the same as the 25m Pistol Sport Pistol events.
The 25m Centre Fire match is shot with a handgun of any calibre between 7.62 mm (.30”) and 9.65 mm (.38”). The most popular choices by far are specially designed sport pistols and revolvers in .32 calibre. Using a revolver is not a disadvantage because there are no speedy series of shots involved. The name Center-Fire comes from the ignition system of these calibers as opposed to the Rimfire of .22 cartridges.
25M Rapid Fire Pistol
In 25m Rapid Fire Pistol competitors use semi-automatic pistols in .22 calibre (5.6mm) at all levels of competition up to and including the Olympics. A series (or string) consists of five (5) shots fired, one at each of five target within a limited time.
Five targets stand next to each other at a 25m distance from the shooter. When the targets appear, the competitor must raise his/her arm from a 45 degree angle and fire his/her five shots. If a shot is too late, it will score as a miss.
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = 1000g.
Number of shots/time = 60 competition shots, fired as two stages of 30 shots.
Targets = 10 ring of 100 mm diameter, each ring increases by 100 mm
There are three different time limits: 8 seconds, 6 seconds and 4 seconds for the series. A stage consists of two series in each time, and a full course of fire comprises two such stages.
25M Standard Pistol
25m Standard Pistol is one of the ISSF shooting events introduced at the World Championship level in 1970.
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = 1000g.
Number of shots/time = 60 competition shots, fired as four stages of 20 shots.
Targets = 10 ring of 50 mm diameter, each ring increases by 50 mm
The 60-shot match is divided into 5-shot series with different timings:
• 4 series of 5 shots within 150 seconds for each series
• 4 series of 5 shots within 20 seconds for each series
• 4 series of 5 shots within 10 seconds for each series
Pistol Australia (PA) Matches
PA matches include Service Pistol and Black Powder. The Service Pistol event for 9mm and ·38/·357 pistols consists of 90 shots fired at distances varying from 50 to 7 yards with the pistol holstered at the commencement of each series. Shooters must hold a current PA Holster Accreditation to compete or train in this event. PA Service Pistol targets are used for this event and set in a bank of four targets per shooter. The 25m (Aggregate) Black Powder event combines both precision and rapid-fire, in two stages each of 20 shots.
Service Pistol
The Service Pistol event for 9mm and ·38/·357 pistols consists of 90 shots fired at distances varying from 50 to 7 yards with the pistol holstered at the commencement of each series. Shooters must hold a current PA Holster Accreditation to compete or train in this event. PA Service Pistol targets are used for this event and set in a bank of four targets per shooter
24 shots @ 50 yards
• 6 shots prone
• 6 shots sitting or kneeling
• 6 shots right side of barricade
• 6 shots left side of barricade
24 shots @ 25 yards
• 6 shots right side of barricade
• 6 shots left side of barricade
• 6 shots from each the right and left side of barricade
12 shots @ 25 yards
• 3 shots on each of two targets
• shots on each of three targets
18 shots @ 10 yards
• shots on a target
• 6 shots on a target, three shots with each hand only
• 3 shots on each of two targets
12 shots @ 7 yards
• 6 shots on each of two targets with the pistol below the shoulders.
The Service Pistol Unrestricted
The Service Pistol Unrestricted event for calibres allowed are ·32 to ·38 has the same course of fire as for Service Pistol. This event does not use holstered pistols at the commencement of each series.
The 25 yards Service Pistol
The 25 yards Service Pistol event for calbres from ·32 to ·38/·357 pistols consists of 65 shots fired at distances varying from 25 to 7 yards.
25 shots@ 25 yards
• 5 shots prone
• 5 shots sitting
• 5 shots kneeling
• 5 shots right side of barricade
• 5 shots left side of barricade
15 shots @ 25 yards
• 5 shots with three on one target and two on another
• 5 shots with one on one target, one on another, and two on another
• 5 shots on one target
15 shots @ 10 yards
• 5 shots on one target
• 5 shots with the weak hand on one target
• 5 shots with three on one target and two on another
10 shots @ 7 yards
• 5 shots on each of two targets with the pistol below the shoulders
The International Rapid Fire targets are used for this event and set in a bank of five targets per shooter
25m Black Powder
The 25m (Aggregate) Black Powder event combines both precision and rapid-fire, in two stages each of 20 shots:
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = maximum ·46 calibre, cap and ball revolver
Precision Stage
Number of shots/time = 20 shots, in four series of 5 shots, each series is 12 minutes
Precision Stage, target = 10 ring of 50 mm diameter, each ring increases by 50 mm
After all competitors have completed the Precision Stage, they then fire the Rapid Fire Stage.
Rapid Fire Stage
Number of shots/time = 20 shots, in four series of 5 shots.
Each series consists of 5 exposures of the target, each exposure is for 3 seconds; the shooter fires one shot per exposure.
Rapid Fire Stage, target = 10 ring of 100 mm wide x 150 mm high, each ring increases by 100 mm.
50m Black Powder
The 50m Black Powder event is based on the ISSF 50m Pistol match reduced to 40 shots:
Distance = 50 metres
Calibre = maximum ·46 calibre, cap and ball
Number of shots/time = 40 shots in four series of 10 shots, each series is 30 minutes
Target = PA Black Powder Target
The 13-shot events
The 13-shot events provide a 13-shot event for virtually every type of black powder ‘cap and ball’ pistols.
Although this is an event of 13 shots, only the ten best scoring shots are counted for the shooter’s score.
There are four suggested ‘categories’: Replica single-shot, Fixed-sight revolver, Adjustable-sight revolver, and Modern single-shot pistol.
PA Affiliates may add further categories, but pistols must be black powder:
Distance = 25 metres
Number of shots/time = 13 shots in 30 minutes
Target = ISSF 25/50m Precision Target
See SSAA Para Black powder section for more details on black powder pistol shooting (PA membership not required)
As the SSAA Para ISU section is affiliated with Pistol Australia (PA) there is an additional membership fee please see the section captain for more details.
The matches shot at SSAA Para include;
ISSF Matches:
10m Air Pistol,
50m Pistol,
25M Pistol Sport Pistol,
25M Pistol Women and Men's Sport Pistol,
25M Centerfire Pistol,
25M Standard Pistol
Pistol Australia Matches:
Service Pistol,
The Service Pistol Unrestricted,
The 25 yards Service Pistol,
25m Black Powder,
50m Black Powder,
Black Powder 13 shot event
ISSF Matches
10M Air Pistol
10m Air pistol are ISSF events shot by both men and women, at all levels of competition up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics.
Distance = 10m
Calibre = .177”, 4.5 mm air pistol – compressed air or gas
Minimum trigger pull = 500g.
Number of shots/time = 60 shots for Men & Junior Men in 105 minutes
= 40 shots for Women & Junior Women in 75 minutes
Target = 10 ring of 11.5 mm diameter, each ring increases by 16 mm
The 10m Air Pistol events, and the 50m Pistol event are arguably the most mentally demanding events.
50M Pistol
Formerly known as Free Pistol, the 50m Pistol event is shot at all levels of competition up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics using .22 calibre single-shot pistols.
Distance = 50 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = There is no minimum trigger pull specified for this event.
Number of shots/time = 60 competition shots in a total competition time of 2 hours
Target = 10 ring of 50mm diameter, each ring increases by 50mm
In this event the pistol may only be loaded with one round of ammunition at a time and must be operated with only one hand, which cannot be supported in any way. There are practically no rules for the pistol itself, trigger force may be as low as the competitor chooses, the grip may be designed in any way provided it does not give support beyond the wrist, and there are no restrictions on size and weight of the pistol.
50m Pistol is described as the purest form of precision shooting amongst the pistol events, which has undergone minimal rule changes over the past 75 years.
25M Pistol, Women and Men's Sport Pistol
Formerly known as Sport Pistol, the 25m Pistol event was introduced in the 1960s.
25m Pistol combines both precision and rapid-fire, in two stages each of 30 shots
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = 1000g.
Precision Stage,
Number of shots/time = 30 shots, in six series of 5 shots, each series is 5 minutes
Precision Stage target = 10 ring of 50 mm diameter, each ring increases by 50 mm
After all competitors have completed the Precision Stage, they then fire the Rapid Fire Stage.
Rapid Fire Stage
Number of shots/time = 30 shots, in six series of 5 shots.
Each series consists of 5 exposures of the target, each exposure is for 3 seconds; the shooter fires one shot per exposure.
Rapid Fire Stage target = 10 ring of 100 mm diameter, each ring increases by 100 mm.
25M Centerfire Pistol
Other than the calibre used, the Centre Fire event is exactly the same as the 25m Pistol Sport Pistol events.
The 25m Centre Fire match is shot with a handgun of any calibre between 7.62 mm (.30”) and 9.65 mm (.38”). The most popular choices by far are specially designed sport pistols and revolvers in .32 calibre. Using a revolver is not a disadvantage because there are no speedy series of shots involved. The name Center-Fire comes from the ignition system of these calibers as opposed to the Rimfire of .22 cartridges.
25M Rapid Fire Pistol
In 25m Rapid Fire Pistol competitors use semi-automatic pistols in .22 calibre (5.6mm) at all levels of competition up to and including the Olympics. A series (or string) consists of five (5) shots fired, one at each of five target within a limited time.
Five targets stand next to each other at a 25m distance from the shooter. When the targets appear, the competitor must raise his/her arm from a 45 degree angle and fire his/her five shots. If a shot is too late, it will score as a miss.
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = 1000g.
Number of shots/time = 60 competition shots, fired as two stages of 30 shots.
Targets = 10 ring of 100 mm diameter, each ring increases by 100 mm
There are three different time limits: 8 seconds, 6 seconds and 4 seconds for the series. A stage consists of two series in each time, and a full course of fire comprises two such stages.
25M Standard Pistol
25m Standard Pistol is one of the ISSF shooting events introduced at the World Championship level in 1970.
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = .22 long rifle rimfire
Minimum trigger pull = 1000g.
Number of shots/time = 60 competition shots, fired as four stages of 20 shots.
Targets = 10 ring of 50 mm diameter, each ring increases by 50 mm
The 60-shot match is divided into 5-shot series with different timings:
• 4 series of 5 shots within 150 seconds for each series
• 4 series of 5 shots within 20 seconds for each series
• 4 series of 5 shots within 10 seconds for each series
Pistol Australia (PA) Matches
PA matches include Service Pistol and Black Powder. The Service Pistol event for 9mm and ·38/·357 pistols consists of 90 shots fired at distances varying from 50 to 7 yards with the pistol holstered at the commencement of each series. Shooters must hold a current PA Holster Accreditation to compete or train in this event. PA Service Pistol targets are used for this event and set in a bank of four targets per shooter. The 25m (Aggregate) Black Powder event combines both precision and rapid-fire, in two stages each of 20 shots.
Service Pistol
The Service Pistol event for 9mm and ·38/·357 pistols consists of 90 shots fired at distances varying from 50 to 7 yards with the pistol holstered at the commencement of each series. Shooters must hold a current PA Holster Accreditation to compete or train in this event. PA Service Pistol targets are used for this event and set in a bank of four targets per shooter
24 shots @ 50 yards
• 6 shots prone
• 6 shots sitting or kneeling
• 6 shots right side of barricade
• 6 shots left side of barricade
24 shots @ 25 yards
• 6 shots right side of barricade
• 6 shots left side of barricade
• 6 shots from each the right and left side of barricade
12 shots @ 25 yards
• 3 shots on each of two targets
• shots on each of three targets
18 shots @ 10 yards
• shots on a target
• 6 shots on a target, three shots with each hand only
• 3 shots on each of two targets
12 shots @ 7 yards
• 6 shots on each of two targets with the pistol below the shoulders.
The Service Pistol Unrestricted
The Service Pistol Unrestricted event for calibres allowed are ·32 to ·38 has the same course of fire as for Service Pistol. This event does not use holstered pistols at the commencement of each series.
The 25 yards Service Pistol
The 25 yards Service Pistol event for calbres from ·32 to ·38/·357 pistols consists of 65 shots fired at distances varying from 25 to 7 yards.
25 shots@ 25 yards
• 5 shots prone
• 5 shots sitting
• 5 shots kneeling
• 5 shots right side of barricade
• 5 shots left side of barricade
15 shots @ 25 yards
• 5 shots with three on one target and two on another
• 5 shots with one on one target, one on another, and two on another
• 5 shots on one target
15 shots @ 10 yards
• 5 shots on one target
• 5 shots with the weak hand on one target
• 5 shots with three on one target and two on another
10 shots @ 7 yards
• 5 shots on each of two targets with the pistol below the shoulders
The International Rapid Fire targets are used for this event and set in a bank of five targets per shooter
25m Black Powder
The 25m (Aggregate) Black Powder event combines both precision and rapid-fire, in two stages each of 20 shots:
Distance = 25 metres
Calibre = maximum ·46 calibre, cap and ball revolver
Precision Stage
Number of shots/time = 20 shots, in four series of 5 shots, each series is 12 minutes
Precision Stage, target = 10 ring of 50 mm diameter, each ring increases by 50 mm
After all competitors have completed the Precision Stage, they then fire the Rapid Fire Stage.
Rapid Fire Stage
Number of shots/time = 20 shots, in four series of 5 shots.
Each series consists of 5 exposures of the target, each exposure is for 3 seconds; the shooter fires one shot per exposure.
Rapid Fire Stage, target = 10 ring of 100 mm wide x 150 mm high, each ring increases by 100 mm.
50m Black Powder
The 50m Black Powder event is based on the ISSF 50m Pistol match reduced to 40 shots:
Distance = 50 metres
Calibre = maximum ·46 calibre, cap and ball
Number of shots/time = 40 shots in four series of 10 shots, each series is 30 minutes
Target = PA Black Powder Target
The 13-shot events
The 13-shot events provide a 13-shot event for virtually every type of black powder ‘cap and ball’ pistols.
Although this is an event of 13 shots, only the ten best scoring shots are counted for the shooter’s score.
There are four suggested ‘categories’: Replica single-shot, Fixed-sight revolver, Adjustable-sight revolver, and Modern single-shot pistol.
PA Affiliates may add further categories, but pistols must be black powder:
Distance = 25 metres
Number of shots/time = 13 shots in 30 minutes
Target = ISSF 25/50m Precision Target
See SSAA Para Black powder section for more details on black powder pistol shooting (PA membership not required)