Law Enforcement Activities

LEAD matches are timed and carefully structured to reflect law enforcement training principles in a sporting context. Shooters are required to demonstrate safe and effective handling while moving through different shooting positions and drills.

Typical shooting positions include:

• Standing unsupported
• Left and right barricade
• Sitting or kneeling
• Prone

Courses may also include:

• Target-to-target transitions
• Reloads under time pressure
• Strong-hand and weak-hand drills

All shooting is conducted under strict range supervision, with safety as the highest priority.

The Law Enforcement Activities Discipline was formally established in Australia in 2014, initially in Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, to support this style of structured handgun competition.

Its roots trace back to the 1960s, when the NRA in the United States developed Police Pistol Combat (PPC) as a training and competition format. Australian shooters later adapted these ideas to include multiple targets and more advanced handling skills, resulting in what became known locally as Australian Police Service (APS) style matches.

Over time, the NRA refined PPC into several distinct courses, many of which continue to influence LEAD competition today. While some newer scenario-based formats have limited application in Australia due to legislation, LEAD matches are designed to closely mirror their international counterparts wherever possible.

LEAD competitions may include several recognised match types:

Australian Police Service (APS)

A 90-round match shot from distances of 7m, 10m, 25m and 50m, incorporating positional shooting and handling skills. NRA divisions of Open, Distinguished and Duty apply.

PPC Open

A 150-round course shot from 7m, 15m, 25m and 50m, with longer time allowances and fewer handling requirements. Firearms may be modified within the Open class rules.

PPC Distinguished

A 60-round match shot from 7m, 25m and 50m, using unmodified six-inch revolvers or self-loading pistols as supplied by the manufacturer.

PPC Duty

A 48-round match beginning with single-hand shooting at 3m, followed by stages at 7m, 15m and 25m. Firearms must meet duty specifications with no modifications.

While TPC (Tactical Pistol Course) exists internationally as a scenario-based format, its use in Australia is limited. Where applicable, LEAD matches align as closely as possible with international rules to support consistency and fair competition.

LEAD uses service-style equipment, reflecting the discipline’s training-based origins.

Competitors should expect to use:

• Centrefire revolvers or self-loading pistols
• Holsters, reloaders and pouches of service type
• Service-equivalent ammunition (most commonly 9mm and .38 Special)

All participants must also wear:

• Eye and ear protection
• Suitable outdoor or active clothing
• Sun protection and insect repellent as needed

• LEAD – Guidelines – Revised Nov 2023
• SSAA Standard Rules No 9.2 Rev Nov 2022
• LEAD – Guide to NRA Rules for PPCC – No. 2, Rev 2022
• LEAD – Australian Police Services Match – National Rules – No. 1 (2022)
• LEAD – APS 150 Challenge – No. 2, Rev 2022