If you’re new to pistol shooting in NSW, you will need to first obtain a Probationary Pistol Licence (PPL) before you can apply for a Category H firearms licence for sport or target shooting.
The PPL is a structured, supervised entry point designed to ensure new shooters build safe handling skills, are guided through their mandatory PPL shoots and gain experience in this exciting shooting sport discipline.
Who Needs a PPL?
A PPL is required if you have never held a Category H licence for the genuine reason of sport/target shooting. This includes people coming from other firearm categories, as well as those completely new to shooting sports.
If you have previously held a Category H licence in NSW or interstate, you may not need a PPL — but you could still be required to complete the Pistol Safety Training Course.
What a PPL Authorises You to Do
With a Probationary Pistol Licence (PPL), you can:
- Possess and use a registered pistol for sport or target shooting at an approved pistol club.
- Participate in competitions and club activities under the supervision of an experienced Category H licence holder during your first six months.
A PPL does not:
- Permit you to acquire a pistol within the first six months.
Authorise possession or use of a prohibited pistol.
Mandatory Training
All new pistol shooters must complete mandatory training under the guidance of a certified instructor.
Pistol Safe Handling Course – must be completed before applying, and is conducted by an approved pistol club.
Pistol Safety Training Course – must be completed within the first six months of your PPL, along with three recorded competition shoots. Your club will then forward your completion certificate to the NSW Firearms Registry.
Participation Requirements
In addition to training, NSW law sets minimum participation requirements for pistol shooters:
- Probationary Pistol Licence holders must complete at least three competitive club shoots during the first six months of their PPL.
- Full Category H licence holders must complete a minimum of six competitive matches each compliance period (12 months).
- If you own more than one kind of pistol (air, rimfire, centrefire, black powder), you must participate in a certain number of matches for each kind of firearm you own.
- Every shooter must nominate a principal club, which monitors compliance and reports to the Firearms Registry.
Failure to meet participation requirements may result in suspension or cancellation of your licence by the NSW Firearms Registry.
Restrictions During the PPL Period
First Six Months
You cannot possess or use a pistol unless:
- You are on the approved pistol club premises, and
- You are under supervision of a full Category H licence holder, with the level of supervision meeting the requirements of clause 156 of the Firearms Regulation 2017.
This ensures all new shooters build safe handling skills in a controlled environment.
Second Six Months
You may apply for up to two Permits to Acquire (PTAs). These are only issued if you have successfully completed the Pistol Safety Training Course. Your pistol club must send your completion certificate to the NSW Firearms Registry before you apply.
The firearms you may acquire are limited to:
- One centrefire pistol
- One rimfire pistol (.22 calibre or less)
- One air pistol (.177 calibre or less)
- One black powder pistol
Important: You cannot possess a centrefire and a rimfire pistol at the same time (Section 31(3C), Firearms Act 1996).
If you have already received two PTAs in the second six months, you cannot acquire additional firearms until your full Category H licence has been issued.
Progressing to a Full Category H Licence
To progress to a full Category H licence, you must:• Hold the PPL for the full 12-month term,
• Successfully complete the Pistol Safety Training Course,
• Apply online for your full licence before the PPL expires.
• Applying before expiry allows you to continue using your firearms under the PPL until the full licence is issued or refused.
Why This Matters for Our Members
The PPL ensures new pistol shooters enter the sport with a strong foundation in safety, rules, and an understanding of pistol competition requirements. For SSAA NSW members, it’s a structured pathway that combines skill development, club engagement, and safe, responsible firearm ownership.
