Target Pistol
Precision, control and excitement with handguns
Precision Target Pistol shooting NSW offers a dynamic, disciplined, and highly skilled shooting sport using handguns – both revolvers and self-loading pistols. This discipline gives you the opportunity to test precision, timing and safe firearm handling under regulation.
Precision Target Pistol is an international rimfire and centrefire revolver and self-loading pistol shooting discipline. There are six main classes and several side matches, with each based around the class of the handgun and ammunition used and many having their roots in different eras and types of service pistol shooting.
The discipline includes four main matches: National Match Course, 900 Match Course, International Mayleigh Match, and Short Course Match, and competitors have varying time restrictions to shoot single-handedly in the standing position at paper targets placed at 25 and 50m.
Precision Target Pistol is the result of the SSAA adopting the American NRA Target Pistol match as its international target handgun discipline in 2005. The discipline itself is a single-handed handgun sport where shooters engage paper targets at 25 and 50m with a variety of handgun types and calibres.
Many of the matches have their roots in previous eras and types of service pistol shooting. Indeed, the discipline originated in the late 19th century as a means of training and competing with handguns. The Olympic Standard Pistol match traces its origins to an adaption of the NRA Standard .22 section, with the slow-fire stage brought back from 50 to 25 yards.
View the NRA Precision Pistol rule book for international rules.
Precision Target Pistol comprises several main events and side matches, with each based around the class of handgun used. The use of telescopes or spotting scopes to spot shots is permitted. However, sighting shots are not permitted as part of the course of fire. All events are registered and graded via the National Discipline Chairman. Once shot, scores are sent in for registration and a graded copy is returned. The Chairman maintains the national grading register for all competitors.
Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver
This permits the use of any .22-calibre handgun using any .22 rimfire cartridge having an overall length of no more than 1.1″ or a projectile heavier than 40 grains. The handgun’s barrel length must be no longer than 10″ and the trigger pull weight must be no less than 2lb. Any sights including a telescopic or red dot sight may be used. Iron sights are to be no more than 10″ apart. Sights that project an image onto the target are not permitted.
These handguns may be shot in either the National Match Course (30 shots) or the full 900 Match (90 shots), which forms one half of the 1800 Aggregate Match principal event at National Championships.
Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire
This permits the use of any .22 rimfire pistol with metallic/iron sights only. The pistol’s trigger pull weight must be no less than 2lb. Orthopaedic grips are permitted. Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire is largely historical and is aimed at how Target Pistol was contested in its early days. With iron-sighted handguns such as the High Standard, Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire was superseded by Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver and is now largely shot as a side event at some State Championships and the National Postal Championships.
The basic rules for this event form the basis for other side events such as the Made in America Match, which is contested with US-manufactured handguns conforming to these rules, principally as a junior competition. The course of fire used for all variations is the National Match Course (30 shots).
International Mayleigh
This permits the use of the same handguns as used in the Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver event. The course of fire is 30 shots at 50m.
Distinguished Revolver
This permits the use of any revolver capable of chambering and firing a 158-grain round-nose or semi-wadcutter .38 Special cartridge. The revolver must be factory manufactured, with no external modifications. Stocks are to be factory or as near as possible to factory configurations, with a mirror-image left and right grip. Orthopaedic grips are not permitted. The revolver’s barrel length is to be no longer than 6.5″. Fixed or adjustable rear sights are permitted, but adjustable fore sights are not. The revolver’s trigger must have single- and double-action capability, and the trigger pull weight must be no less than 2.5lb when tested in single-action mode. Trigger shoes, compensators, tape or sticky substances on the stock and non-original triggerstops are not permitted.
Distinguished Revolver pays tribute to the revolver’s historical domination in police forces the world over. In the US, the event is very prestigious, with competitors vying to qualify for the Distinguished badge, which service personnel can wear as part of their uniform. The course of fire is the National Match Course.
Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver
This permits the use of any .32-calibre (7.65mm) or larger centrefire handgun. The handgun’s barrel length including the cylinder is to be no longer than 10″ and the trigger pull weight is to be no less than 2.5lb. Any sights including a telescopic or red dot sight may be used. Iron sights are to be no more than 10″ apart. Sights that project an image onto the target are not permitted.
Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver may be shot in the 30-shot National Match Course or the full 90-shot 900 Match Course. As a 900 Match Course, it forms the other half of the 1800 Aggregate Match at National Championships.
M9 Distinguished Service Pistol Match
This permits the use of a Beretta 92 9mm pistol of US-issue type or a commercial pistol of the same type and calibre. The handgun’s barrel length is to be between 4.9 and 5″, and the handgun’s overall length is to be between 8.52 and 8.62″. The sights are to be no more than 7.25″ apart. The stocks are to be no more than 1.5″ wide and may not be of a wraparound design. Tape may be used on the fore-strap or grip-rear, but may not be wrapped around the grip. The trigger pull weight is to be no less than 2.5lb. Any safe 9mm Parabellum load with a minimum 115-grain projectile may be used. The double-action capability of the firing mechanism must be operable. A long list of pistol modifications is permitted, including replacement barrels, slides and sights.
In the US, M9 Distinguished Service Pistol Match forms the Service Pistol match and may be shot with either a current-issue M9 Beretta 9mm or the previous standard 1911 .45 Auto in service-issue format. Due to restrictions on .45-calibre handguns in Australia, we limit this match to the M9 Beretta in 9mm.
This match is to military service personnel as to what the Distinguished Revolver match is to police officers. Once again, in the US, there is a Distinguished badge to be contested, which has a coveted place on a serving soldier’s uniform. There are also several side matches based on the M9 Beretta. The DCM match is shot using unaltered as-issued M9 handguns. The course of fire used for all variations is the National Match Course.
Open Revolver Match
This is an important side event, which uses an any sight .32- (7.65mm) to .38-calibre revolver with a maximum barrel length including its cylinder of 10″. The handgun barrel may be rebarrelled and fitted with custom grips, and the trigger weight is to be no less than 2.5lb.
Open Revolver Match includes a class of handgun that recreates the golden age of the revolver in the Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver event, and is principally shot today in the Harry Reeves Memorial Match in the US. The course of fire is the National Match Course.
The rules specifically prohibit ‘custom shop’ models. When you see scores shot with Production and Open class handguns, you will observe the disparity that indicates the advantage that optical sights offer. This category will, however, get you going in Action Match for a minimal cost. Luckily, for Australian handgun competitors, there are a number of experienced custom gunsmiths who are capable of modifying a stock handgun to a serious competitive standard. These gunsmiths are conversant with Action Match rules and what can and can’t be done to your handgun to ensure compliance with those rules.
Precision Target Pistol comprises several main events and side matches, with each based around the class of handgun used. The use of telescopes or spotting scopes to spot shots is permitted. However, sighting shots are not permitted as part of the course of fire. All events are registered and graded via the National Discipline Chairman. Once shot, scores are sent in for registration and a graded copy is returned. The Chairman maintains the national grading register for all competitors.
Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver
This permits the use of any .22-calibre handgun using any .22 rimfire cartridge having an overall length of no more than 1.1″ or a projectile heavier than 40 grains. The handgun’s barrel length must be no longer than 10″ and the trigger pull weight must be no less than 2lb. Any sights including a telescopic or red dot sight may be used. Iron sights are to be no more than 10″ apart. Sights that project an image onto the target are not permitted.
These handguns may be shot in either the National Match Course (30 shots) or the full 900 Match (90 shots), which forms one half of the 1800 Aggregate Match principal event at National Championships.
Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire
This permits the use of any .22 rimfire pistol with metallic/iron sights only. The pistol’s trigger pull weight must be no less than 2lb. Orthopaedic grips are permitted. Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire is largely historical and is aimed at how Target Pistol was contested in its early days. With iron-sighted handguns such as the High Standard, Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire was superseded by Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver and is now largely shot as a side event at some State Championships and the National Postal Championships.
The basic rules for this event form the basis for other side events such as the Made in America Match, which is contested with US-manufactured handguns conforming to these rules, principally as a junior competition. The course of fire used for all variations is the National Match Course (30 shots).
International Mayleigh
This permits the use of the same handguns as used in the Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver event. The course of fire is 30 shots at 50m.
Distinguished Revolver
This permits the use of any revolver capable of chambering and firing a 158-grain round-nose or semi-wadcutter .38 Special cartridge. The revolver must be factory manufactured, with no external modifications. Stocks are to be factory or as near as possible to factory configurations, with a mirror-image left and right grip. Orthopaedic grips are not permitted. The revolver’s barrel length is to be no longer than 6.5″. Fixed or adjustable rear sights are permitted, but adjustable fore sights are not. The revolver’s trigger must have single- and double-action capability, and the trigger pull weight must be no less than 2.5lb when tested in single-action mode. Trigger shoes, compensators, tape or sticky substances on the stock and non-original triggerstops are not permitted.
Distinguished Revolver pays tribute to the revolver’s historical domination in police forces the world over. In the US, the event is very prestigious, with competitors vying to qualify for the Distinguished badge, which service personnel can wear as part of their uniform. The course of fire is the National Match Course.
Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver
This permits the use of any .32-calibre (7.65mm) or larger centrefire handgun. The handgun’s barrel length including the cylinder is to be no longer than 10″ and the trigger pull weight is to be no less than 2.5lb. Any sights including a telescopic or red dot sight may be used. Iron sights are to be no more than 10″ apart. Sights that project an image onto the target are not permitted.
Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver may be shot in the 30-shot National Match Course or the full 90-shot 900 Match Course. As a 900 Match Course, it forms the other half of the 1800 Aggregate Match at National Championships.
M9 Distinguished Service Pistol Match
This permits the use of a Beretta 92 9mm pistol of US-issue type or a commercial pistol of the same type and calibre. The handgun’s barrel length is to be between 4.9 and 5″, and the handgun’s overall length is to be between 8.52 and 8.62″. The sights are to be no more than 7.25″ apart. The stocks are to be no more than 1.5″ wide and may not be of a wraparound design. Tape may be used on the fore-strap or grip-rear, but may not be wrapped around the grip. The trigger pull weight is to be no less than 2.5lb. Any safe 9mm Parabellum load with a minimum 115-grain projectile may be used. The double-action capability of the firing mechanism must be operable. A long list of pistol modifications is permitted, including replacement barrels, slides and sights.
In the US, M9 Distinguished Service Pistol Match forms the Service Pistol match and may be shot with either a current-issue M9 Beretta 9mm or the previous standard 1911 .45 Auto in service-issue format. Due to restrictions on .45-calibre handguns in Australia, we limit this match to the M9 Beretta in 9mm.
This match is to military service personnel as to what the Distinguished Revolver match is to police officers. Once again, in the US, there is a Distinguished badge to be contested, which has a coveted place on a serving soldier’s uniform. There are also several side matches based on the M9 Beretta. The DCM match is shot using unaltered as-issued M9 handguns. The course of fire used for all variations is the National Match Course.
Open Revolver Match
This is an important side event, which uses an any sight .32- (7.65mm) to .38-calibre revolver with a maximum barrel length including its cylinder of 10″. The handgun barrel may be rebarrelled and fitted with custom grips, and the trigger weight is to be no less than 2.5lb.
Open Revolver Match includes a class of handgun that recreates the golden age of the revolver in the Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver event, and is principally shot today in the Harry Reeves Memorial Match in the US. The course of fire is the National Match Course.
Precision Target Pistol comprises several main events and side matches, with each based around the class of handgun used. The use of telescopes or spotting scopes to spot shots is permitted. However, sighting shots are not permitted as part of the course of fire. All events are registered and graded via the National Discipline Chairman. Once shot, scores are sent in for registration and a graded copy is returned. The Chairman maintains the national grading register for all competitors.
Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver
This permits the use of any .22-calibre handgun using any .22 rimfire cartridge having an overall length of no more than 1.1″ or a projectile heavier than 40 grains. The handgun’s barrel length must be no longer than 10″ and the trigger pull weight must be no less than 2lb. Any sights including a telescopic or red dot sight may be used. Iron sights are to be no more than 10″ apart. Sights that project an image onto the target are not permitted.
These handguns may be shot in either the National Match Course (30 shots) or the full 900 Match (90 shots), which forms one half of the 1800 Aggregate Match principal event at National Championships.
Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire
This permits the use of any .22 rimfire pistol with metallic/iron sights only. The pistol’s trigger pull weight must be no less than 2lb. Orthopaedic grips are permitted. Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire is largely historical and is aimed at how Target Pistol was contested in its early days. With iron-sighted handguns such as the High Standard, Standard Smallbore Pistol .22-calibre Rimfire was superseded by Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver and is now largely shot as a side event at some State Championships and the National Postal Championships.
The basic rules for this event form the basis for other side events such as the Made in America Match, which is contested with US-manufactured handguns conforming to these rules, principally as a junior competition. The course of fire used for all variations is the National Match Course (30 shots).
International Mayleigh
This permits the use of the same handguns as used in the Any .22-calibre Pistol or Revolver event. The course of fire is 30 shots at 50m.
Distinguished Revolver
This permits the use of any revolver capable of chambering and firing a 158-grain round-nose or semi-wadcutter .38 Special cartridge. The revolver must be factory manufactured, with no external modifications. Stocks are to be factory or as near as possible to factory configurations, with a mirror-image left and right grip. Orthopaedic grips are not permitted. The revolver’s barrel length is to be no longer than 6.5″. Fixed or adjustable rear sights are permitted, but adjustable fore sights are not. The revolver’s trigger must have single- and double-action capability, and the trigger pull weight must be no less than 2.5lb when tested in single-action mode. Trigger shoes, compensators, tape or sticky substances on the stock and non-original triggerstops are not permitted.
Distinguished Revolver pays tribute to the revolver’s historical domination in police forces the world over. In the US, the event is very prestigious, with competitors vying to qualify for the Distinguished badge, which service personnel can wear as part of their uniform. The course of fire is the National Match Course.
Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver
This permits the use of any .32-calibre (7.65mm) or larger centrefire handgun. The handgun’s barrel length including the cylinder is to be no longer than 10″ and the trigger pull weight is to be no less than 2.5lb. Any sights including a telescopic or red dot sight may be used. Iron sights are to be no more than 10″ apart. Sights that project an image onto the target are not permitted.
Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver may be shot in the 30-shot National Match Course or the full 90-shot 900 Match Course. As a 900 Match Course, it forms the other half of the 1800 Aggregate Match at National Championships.
M9 Distinguished Service Pistol Match
This permits the use of a Beretta 92 9mm pistol of US-issue type or a commercial pistol of the same type and calibre. The handgun’s barrel length is to be between 4.9 and 5″, and the handgun’s overall length is to be between 8.52 and 8.62″. The sights are to be no more than 7.25″ apart. The stocks are to be no more than 1.5″ wide and may not be of a wraparound design. Tape may be used on the fore-strap or grip-rear, but may not be wrapped around the grip. The trigger pull weight is to be no less than 2.5lb. Any safe 9mm Parabellum load with a minimum 115-grain projectile may be used. The double-action capability of the firing mechanism must be operable. A long list of pistol modifications is permitted, including replacement barrels, slides and sights.
In the US, M9 Distinguished Service Pistol Match forms the Service Pistol match and may be shot with either a current-issue M9 Beretta 9mm or the previous standard 1911 .45 Auto in service-issue format. Due to restrictions on .45-calibre handguns in Australia, we limit this match to the M9 Beretta in 9mm.
This match is to military service personnel as to what the Distinguished Revolver match is to police officers. Once again, in the US, there is a Distinguished badge to be contested, which has a coveted place on a serving soldier’s uniform. There are also several side matches based on the M9 Beretta. The DCM match is shot using unaltered as-issued M9 handguns. The course of fire used for all variations is the National Match Course.
Open Revolver Match
This is an important side event, which uses an any sight .32- (7.65mm) to .38-calibre revolver with a maximum barrel length including its cylinder of 10″. The handgun barrel may be rebarrelled and fitted with custom grips, and the trigger weight is to be no less than 2.5lb.
Open Revolver Match includes a class of handgun that recreates the golden age of the revolver in the Any Centrefire Pistol or Revolver event, and is principally shot today in the Harry Reeves Memorial Match in the US. The course of fire is the National Match Course.
Selection Policy
There are two selection methods for SSAA International teams:
- Invitational Team:
The National Board or President may appoint and approve an Invitational or Presidents Team. The selection of this team may be done with advice from the National Coaching and Discipline Supervisor and National Discipline Chairman.
- Selection Criteria:
The National Discipline Chairman submits a Team selected according to the Selection Criteria to the National Board for approval. The selection is based on merit and must be approved by the National Board.
To qualify for a SSAA International Team a person
- must be a current financial member of SSAA
- must be eligible for, or, hold a valid Australian passport or have an exemption from the SSAA Inc on our Australian nationality requirement.
See other details in the document “SSAA Inc Information and General Requirement for SSAA Team Members” as approved by the SSAA Inc Board.
Discipline Selection Criteria
Selection will be based on a disciplines Annual National Championship, with competitors from a minimum of two SSAA State and Territory Associations.
Selection will be based on the top ten placings at a disciplines Annual National Championship in the core match or matches and/or the match or matches relevant to the international competition to be contested.
The core match or matches and/or match or matches relevant to the international competition will be determined for each Discipline. Contact the National Discipline Chairman for this information.
Any Annual National Championships may be used as a selection shoot. If a disciplines Annual National Championship is held six months before the scheduled date of an international event, that National Championship will be used as the selection shoot. If a disciplines Annual National Championship is held less than six months before the scheduled date of an international event, the National Championship of the previous year may, with approval, be used as the selection shoot. Any variation to this requires approval by the National Coaching and Discipline Supervisor or National President or Board.
There is no guarantee that a SSAA Team will be sent to an international event.
All SSAA International Teams are subject to the approval by the National President or Board and discipline funding.
A competitor can notify the National Discipline Chairman if they wish to be considered for selection as soon as possible and no later than two weeks after the finish of the National Championships. If notification wasn’t given a competitor must indicate their acceptance or rejection of their team position within two weeks of being officially informed of their eligibility by the National Discipline Chairman. Any variation to this requires approval by the National Coaching and Discipline Supervisor or National President or Board
The Team Selections should be completed by the relevant National Discipline Chairman as soon as possible after their Annual National Championship and submitted to the National Board for approval.
All Team Members selected according to the Discipline Selection Criteria must be approved by the SSAA National Board before the selection process is complete.
Approved by the SSAA National Board on 18 November 2018, for implementation on 1 January 2019
Find out more
To learn more about getting involved in NSW, contact Graeme Johnson, SSAA NSW Disciplines Chair.
Email: nswdisciplineschair@nsw.ssaa.org.au
Interested in becoming the Target Pistol Disciplines Chair? Please send a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, skills, and motivation for taking on the role to recruitment@nsw.ssaa.org.au.