104Handgun sho

Handgun shooting guide

Handgun
Introduction
This Basic Training Program is to assist you in receiving initial training covering
the safe handling and use of target handguns. Along with safety and shooting

shooting
fundamentals, the training will include some of the legal responsibilities of
target handgun ownership, basic description of parts and operation as well
as range procedures.
Proper initial training will enhance your enjoyment of the sport, by giving
you the knowledge and confidence required to build a set of fundamental
skills and with practice, the confidence to participate in the activities of the

guide
club. This program addresses the basic knowledge needed for you to be a
safety-conscious member of our club.

Purpose of this manual

From the start it must be made clear that this manual is not designed as a
coaching manual to assist in gaining better competitive scores or higher levels
of accuracy, although some topics may assist in these aims. It is a plain English
guide that has been developed as a resource to assist you during your initial
safety training, as a new target handgun club member.

Training for target It is in a simple format and only covers the basics in introductory form. Its
purpose is to set some guidelines that can easily be referred to by you.

handgun shooters
Safety rules
Contents As with all firearms, safety must always be the first concern when handling or
using any form of handgun. The need for safety exists wherever handguns are
104 Introduction located or used: at home while cleaning, on the shooting range and during

104 Safety rules

transportation from and to home.

Causes of gun accidents

106 Handgun parts and operation
The cause of all accidents involving firearms can be traced to ignorance and/
108 The fundamentals of handgun shooting or carelessness. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge being displayed by a person
when they handle a firearm without knowing the safety rules or how the fire-
111 Handgun choices arm operates and can be classed as a dangerous lack of knowledge. Equally
dangerous is the person who, although knowing the correct firearm opera-
111 Shooting positions tion and safety rules, becomes careless in properly applying that knowledge.
In both of these cases, accidents can easily happen. But when people practise
113 Range safety responsible ownership and use of firearms, accidents do not happen.

114 Exercises Three fundamental safety rules

115 Master tips
1. Always keep the handgun pointed in a safe direction muzzle
at 45° downwards
116 Common shooting errors It is important that you are always aware of the direction the muzzle (front
end of the barrel) is pointing in, which, while on the range, should be at an
117 Master tips angle of 45° downwards, facing the target area. In this position, even if it
were unintentionally discharged, it would not cause any injury or damage.
117 Safety first This general safety rule may have additional restrictions if at an indoor range
and as a shooter, you should make yourself aware of these if visiting an
118 Handgun competitions indoor range.
ooting guide 105
Regardless of this, you are responsible for being aware at all times 4. Wear eye and ear protection to protect yourself against the noise and
of where your muzzle is pointing. You should never point a handgun debris that can be emitted from handguns. Appropriate footwear is also
at another person, even when you know it is unloaded. Don’t forget, recommended.
a handgun has a very short barrel and a little movement can move the 5. Alcohol or drugs are never to be used prior to or during a shooting match.
muzzle through a large arc. Some prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications
can also impair judgement and cause undesirable physical side-effects that
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot could contribute to an accident. It is your responsibility to be aware of their
Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. When effects and if necessary refrain from shooting in these circumstances.
holding a handgun, a person has a natural tendency to place their index
6. Store handguns so they are not accessible to unauthorised persons. Many
finger through the triggerguard and onto the trigger. When holding a hand-
factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store hand-
gun, you must consciously remember to straighten your index finger and
guns. At all times you must follow and comply with your state’s Firearms
rest it along the outside of the triggerguard. With practice, this will become
Registry requirements. This also applies to the transportation of handguns
an automatic action.
to the range or a firearms dealer or gunsmith. Ammunition must also
Do not touch the trigger until the Range Officer has give the command to
be stored in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and the
fire and you are actually ready to fire at the target.
requirements of the Police Firearms Registry guidelines.

3. Never load the handgun until told to do so by the Range Officer 7. Be aware that some types of handguns and shooting matches require
You must always keep the handgun unloaded until instructed to load by the additional safety precautions, especially when using other than paper
Range Officer. When picking up a handgun, keep it pointed in a safe direction, targets.
with your finger outside the triggerguard and immediately remove the maga- 8. Carry out all safety checks of the handgun and any magazines prior to
zine, if fitted, and open the action if a handgun, or swing out the cylinder if a cleaning and always ensure no ammunition is present while cleaning
revolver. Then look into the chamber and magazine or cylinders to ensure all your handgun. While cleaning your handgun use the opportunity to
are clear of ammunition and therefore unloaded. check it for correct function and damaged or broken parts. If a problem
If you are not sure how to open the action and unload the handgun, leave is discovered, don’t try to fix it; take it to a gunsmith or return it to the
it alone and get help from a competent person. manufacturer for repair.
No handgun should be stored in a loaded condition and you must treat 9. Always be sure the barrel is free from obstructions, as a blocked barrel
every handgun as if it were loaded. can cause a serious accident by bursting the barrel or action if a round is
fired with the barrel in this condition. Before checking this, carry out the
General safety rules correct safety checks to ensure that the handgun is unloaded and pointed
The following safety rules should be observed when using or storing a in a safe direction.
handgun. 10. When handing a handgun to another person, always be sure that the
1. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Just like other sporting equipment, muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, your finger is off the trigger, the
handguns need regular maintenance to remain operable and safe. Regular action is open and the magazine is unloaded and removed, or in the case
cleaning and proper storage is essential. Have a gunsmith or the club of a revolver, the cylinder is open and empty. If you are passed a handgun
armourer inspect it if you are not sure of the handgun’s condition. that is not in this condition, then carry out the correct safety checks to
2. Know how to use the handgun safely before using it. Read the instruction satisfy yourself that the handgun is unloaded and in a safe condition.
manual or get a competent person, Range Officer or club instructor to
show you how it operates, its basic parts, how to safely open the handgun
to see if it’s loaded and how to remove ammunition from chambers and/
or magazines. Nothing can replace safe firearms handling. Don’t rely on a
handgun’s safety mechanism. Like any mechanical device, it can fail. Use
it, but don’t let it be a substitute for correct safe handling and observance
of the three fundamental rules for firearms safety. A defective safety or
firing mechanism could result in an accident. Don’t play with the safety
by changing its position constantly; if the safety is used leave it in the ‘on’
position until you have been instructed to fire.
3. Use only the correct ammunition for the handgun. Most handguns have
the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. If in doubt, ask!
106 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
Front-sight

Rear-sight

Anatomy of the revolver

Hammer

Barrel Ejector rod Release

Cylinder

Ejector
Frame Trigger
Loading gate
Triggerguard

Grip

Handgun parts and attached to the frame with screws. These form the grip (handle) by which
the shooter holds the revolver.

operation Backstrap: The rear vertical portion of the frame that lies between the grip
panels.
A handgun is a mechanical device and as with any machine, it is necessary
Triggerguard: Located on the underside of the frame and is designed to
to understand how it works before it can be safely used and its operation
protect the trigger in order to reduce the possibility of an unintended firing.
mastered. In the hands of a responsible, knowledgeable and safety-conscious
person, a handgun is safe. In order to begin to understand how a handgun Trigger: Located on the underside of the frame within the triggerguard.
functions, the names and definition of various handgun types and main com- There is a ’hammer‘ attached to the rear of the frame. When the trigger is
ponents must first be identified. pulled it activates the hammer, which in turn causes the ’firing pin‘ to strike
and fire the cartridge. In some revolvers, the firing pin is attached to the
Types of handgun hammer; in others, it is located inside the frame.
The two main types of handguns in use are the revolver and self-loading In ‘single-action’ revolvers, the trigger performs only one action - releasing
handgun. They consist of three major components: the frame, the barrel and the hammer. The trigger does not ’cock‘ the hammer. The hammer must be
the action. Although both revolvers and self-loaders have these three main cocked with the thumb and will stay in a cocked position until the trigger is
parts, some of these components have a slightly different function between pulled to release it.
the two. In ‘double-action’ revolvers, the trigger performs two tasks. When it is
pulled, it will cock and release the hammer, firing the revolver. Most double-
Revolver action revolvers can also be fired in single-action mode by manually cocking
A revolver is a handgun that has a rotating cylinder designed to contain the hammer with the thumb. The hammer will stay in the cocked position
cartridges. The action of the trigger and/or hammer will rotate the cylinder until released by pulling the trigger.
and fire a cartridge. To understand how this firing process occurs and how to Barrel: The metal tube through which a bullet passes on its way to a target.
safely load and unload cartridges, it is necessary to first become familiar with The inside of the barrel is called the ‘bore’. The bore has spiral grooves cut
the names and functions of the various parts of a revolver. These are: into it. The ridges of metal between these grooves are called the ‘lands’.
Frame: The revolver chassis to which all other parts are attached. Together, the grooves and lands make up what is known as ‘rifling’. Rifling
makes the bullet spin as it leaves the barrel so that it will be more stable
Grip panels: Are attached to the lower rear portion of the frame. Grip
in flight and travel more accurately. The internal diameter of the barrel
panels are usually composed of wood, rubber or moulded plastic and are
ooting guide 107
Slide

Frame

Safety

Anatomy of the
self-loading handgun
Magazine

measured between the lands determines the calibre of the handgun. or placed into the chamber, this type of handgun is sometimes referred to
This distance is measured in hundredths of an inch (such as .22-calibre or as an ‘autoloader’.
.45-calibre) or in millimetres (such as 7.65mm or 9mm). The front end of Although the basic operation of a self-loading handgun differs from that of a
the barrel where the bullet exits is called the ‘muzzle’. revolver (one of the reasons for the name ‘pistol’ as opposed to the ‘revolv-
Sights: There is a rear-sight located on top of the rear of the frame and a ing’ operation of a revolver), it still has all the same major components of the
front-sight located on top of the barrel at the muzzle end. These are used revolver, except for the cylinder. There are also some additional components
for aiming the revolver. on a self-loading handgun, as well as some differences in the operation of
some components. These are:
Action: The action comprises the moving parts used to load, fire and unload
a handgun. The action of a revolver is made up of parts attached to or within Safety: Operated by a lever located on the handgun’s frame. The safety
the frame including the cylinder. is a mechanical device designed to reduce the chance of an accidental dis-
charge by, in most cases, blocking the movement of the firing pin or action
Cylinder: Holds individual cartridges, which are arranged in a circular
or both. Since safeties, like all mechanical devices, can malfunction, the
pattern. Cylinders usually contain five or six ‘chambers’ into which the
prevention of an accident is ultimately the responsibility of the individual
cartridges are placed. Each time the hammer moves to the rear, the cylinder
who is handling the handgun.
rotates and brings a new chamber in line with the barrel and the firing pin,
which fires the cartridge. Slide: Located on top of the frame, at the rear of the barrel. It moves back
and forth to chamber a cartridge, cock the action, fire, extract and eject an
Cylinder release latch: Found on most revolvers, it releases the cylinder
empty case after firing and reload a new cartridge into the chamber. It also
and allows it to swing out so cartridges can be loaded and unloaded. Most
incorporates the firing pin. In some self-loading handguns, the slide also
revolvers have an ‘ejector’ (also known as an ‘extractor’) and/or an ‘ejector
envelops the barrel or can be enclosed inside a fixed outer frame, in which
rod’. Although the operation and location of ejectors and ejector rods may
case you may hear it referred to as the ‘breech block’ or ‘block’.
vary, the purpose is the same - to remove cartridges from the cylinder.
Slide stop: Also known as a ‘slide lock’ or ‘slide release’, the slide stop is
Self-loading handgun designed to hold the slide of the self-loading handgun to the rear. Some self-
A self-loading (also known as an automatic) handgun differs significantly loaders also have a part known as a ‘decocking lever’, which is used to lower
from a revolver in its operation. After a cartridge is fired by pulling the the hammer and/or uncock the handgun.
trigger, the empty ‘case’ is extracted and ejected and a new cartridge is Action: As can be seen by the description of the slide (which, in many cases,
inserted into the chamber. Because a new cartridge is automatically ‘loaded’ can also be referred to as the ‘action’), a large number of different mechanical
108 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
designs exist for self-loaders and the actions can vary greatly. Some self-load-
ers have a hammer that strikes the firing pin; in others, the firing mechanism The fundamentals of
may be designed without a hammer. Those models that do not have a visible
hammer are commonly referred to as ‘hammerless’, even though the ham- handgun shooting
mer may actually be part of an internal firing mechanism. In all self-loading To shoot a handgun accurately, it is first necessary to learn and understand
handguns, the first round (cartridge) must always be manually cycled into the the fundamentals or basic essential components of handgun shooting. These
chamber by retracting and then releasing the slide. As the slide returns to fundamentals must be properly performed every time a handgun is fired. The
the closed position, it removes a round of ammunition from the top of the fundamentals are:
magazine and inserts it into the chamber. • Position
Magazine: A storage device designed to hold cartridges ready for insertion • Grip
into the chamber. It replaces the cylinder of the revolver, but unlike the • Breathing control
revolver cylinder, does not contain the chambers in which the firing process • Sight alignment
takes place. The chamber in a self-loader is located in the action end of the • Trigger squeeze
barrel. The cartridges in a magazine are forced upwards by the magazine • Follow-through
spring to be picked up by the slide as it returns under pressure from a
‘recoil’ or ‘slide spring’ to the closed position after being pulled back to Determining the best shooting hand
cock the handgun. Before any practice can be carried out, or indeed a shot fired, the shooter
must first determine which hand will be used to grip and fire the handgun. As a
Types of self-loading handguns general rule of thumb it is recommended that a shooter use the hand which is
There are three different types of self-loading handguns: single-action, on the same side of the body as the dominant eye.
double-action and double-action only. These actions rely on the function of
the trigger for their different operations. Examining the fundamentals
Each of the above fundamentals must be studied in detail.
Single-action self-loading handgun: The trigger performs a single task,
Position
releasing the hammer or the firing mechanism so that the firing pin hits the
Proper body position is essential in order to shoot a good accurate shot.
cartridge.
When learning any shooting position, the following basic steps must
Double-action self-loading handgun: The trigger performs two tasks. It
be followed.
cocks and releases the hammer or internal firing mechanism for the first shot.
• Carefully study and practise adopting the correct body position
After the first shot is fired, the movement of the slide will cock the hammer
that will be shown to you by the instructor.
or internal firing mechanism for all successive shots and the trigger will be
• Practise the position without holding a handgun.
used only to release the hammer or internal firing mechanism. It returns to
• Practise the position with a handgun.
a single-action function.
• Practise obtaining and maintaining the correct grip.
Double-action only self-loading handgun: The trigger will cock and release • Adjust your body position so that the handgun points
the hammer or internal firing mechanism on the first and all successive naturally at the target when you raise your arm to
shots. The slide will chamber a new cartridge after each shot, as it does for take a sight-picture.
the other types of self-loaders, but it will not cock the firing mechanism. A variety of positions can be used
The cock-and-release action is accomplished by pulling the trigger for each when shooting a handgun. The three
shot. In this way, the action of the trigger is similar to that of a double-action basic handgun positions will be exam-
revolver. However, in most double-action-only self-loaders, the hammer ined after you have an understanding
cannot be manually cocked to a single-action position as it can in a double- of the fundamentals. These are the
action revolver. Bench rest, Two-handed standing and
Some self-loading handguns may vary from the above descriptions One-handed standing positions. • Feet shoulder-
due to the large variety of mechanical designs available today. Always be width apart.
• Angle between
sure to carefully read and understand the instruction manual for each
line of shoulders
handgun. If you are unsure or questions still exist, be sure to consult a • Feet should be shoulder-width apart and and line of arm
parallel. is 12o to 20o.
knowledgeable person.
• Non-shooting arm secured close to body.
• Stance should be straight with head held
upright.
• Elbow and wrist of shooting arm straight.
• Eyes in line with sights.
ooting guide 109
Grip
To achieve a proper grip, the following basic steps must be followed.
• Keep the handgun pointed in a safe direction and your fingers away from
the trigger.
• Using the non-shooting hand, place the handgun in the
grip of the shooting hand.
• Fit the ‘V’ formed by the thumb and finger of the shoot-
ing hand as high as possible on the backstrap of the frame.
• Align the handgun so that it forms an imaginary straight line from the
muzzle, along the barrel through the wrist and forearm.
• Grip the handgun using the base of the thumb and the lower three fingers
• Spread the hand and push
of the shooting hand. the ‘V’ as high as possible into the
• The pressure of the grip should be directed straight to the rear. back of the grip.

• Hold the handgun firmly, but without exerting so much pressure that you
are straining or causing your hand to shake.
• Your index finger should be placed along the outside
of the triggerguard or frame of the handgun, not on
the trigger. Always keep the index finger off the trigger
until ready to shoot.
• The thumb should lie relaxed along the side of the frame at a level above
that of the index finger.
Uniformity is the most important feature of a proper grip. The grip should • The trigger should be
be the same each time the handgun is handled. pulled straight back with the
pressure on the first half of the
This knowledge should be applied when practising the basic handgun pad of the finger.
positions.

Breath control
In order to minimise body movement, the breath must
be held while firing. As the handgun is lifted towards the
target take in a slightly more than average-sized breath.
• The trigger finger should be clear of
Before each shot, take a breath, let out enough air to be comfortable and the grip and should not touch the handgun
hold the remaining breath while firing the shot. Because firing will usually oc- anywhere except at the trigger.
cur within a few seconds, there should be no difficulty from lack of oxygen.
For a single precision shot do not hold for longer than 10 seconds.
However, if the breath is held too long, muscle tremors may start. If
tremors begin to occur, take the index finger off the trigger while keeping the • The first and second joints
of the fingers should be
muzzle pointed in a safe direction, lower the gun to 45°, relax briefly, take a
along the front of the grip.
few breaths and begin the firing cycle again. Thumb and fingertips should
be relaxed.

Sight alignment
Sight alignment is the relationship of the front and rear sights. The eye must
be lined up with the front and rear sights and the sights positioned so that
their alignment is correct. Proper alignment of the two sights means that the
top of the front-sight is even with the top of the rear-sight. The front-sight
must also be centred in the notch of the rear-sight so that there is an equal
amount of space on each side of the front-sight. Correct sight alignment is • Hold in the white area below
the key to accurate shooting. Angular misalignment of the front-sight with the the black.
• Focus on the front-sight only.
rear-sight introduces an error that is multiplied with distance. • Maintain a steady, balanced
sight-picture.
110 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
To fire an accurate shot, it is essential to concentrate on the front-sight Target analysis guide
while squeezing the trigger. The eye is capable of focusing clearly on only one These guides may be used as an aid to determine the probable cause
object at a time. It cannot keep the rear-sight, the front-sight and the target in of an ill-placed shot.
focus at the same time. When the eye is focused properly for a shot, the front-
sight should appear sharp and clear, the rear-sight should appear a little less sharp
and the target should look blurred. Breaking wrist up

No shooter, no matter how expert, can hold a handgun in a firing position Pushing
anticipating Heeling
without some movement. This movement is called the ‘arc of movement’. The recoil or no anticipating
follow-through recoil
very best that any shooter can do is to keep the arc of movement at a minimum;
it cannot be eliminated. While maintaining a correct sight-picture the shooter
should gently squeeze the trigger while concentrating on minimising the arc of
movement.
Too much
‘Dry firing’ is the ‘shooting’ of an unloaded firearm. It is useful in practising or too little
7 8 9 10 9 8 7 Thumbing
marksmanship skills and allows a new shooter to concentrate on sight align- trigger
finger
ment and trigger squeeze without being distracted by the noise or recoil of live
ammunition. Dry firing is a good training exercise and can be practised at home
by picking out a point on the wall and going through a firing sequence. Dry-firing
practice will provide an opportunity to the new shooter to become familiar with Squeezing
fingertips while Squeezing
properly applying good shooting fundamentals, especially trigger squeeze and applying whole hand
sight alignment. trigger with trigger
pull pull
Always be absolutely certain that the handgun is unloaded and that it never Jerking Breaking wrist
down or relaxing
points in the direction of any other person. Don’t forget, you must obey all too soon Right-handed
firearm safety rules whenever handling a handgun, even when dry firing. shooter

Trigger squeeze
• Start to apply trigger pressure as soon as the sights come down into the
white aiming area of the target. Breaking wrist up
• Trigger finger continues to apply steady pressure while shooter concen- Pushing
trates on sight-picture and waits for shot to break. Heeling anticipating
anticipating recoil or no
• If the shot does not break within 8-10 seconds, lower handgun, relax and recoil follow-through
breathe, then try again.

Shot breaks
Too much
or too little
Thumbing 7 8 9 10 9 8 7
trigger
Trigger finger
pressure

Squeezing
Squeezing fingertips while
whole hand applying
Time - seconds with trigger trigger
pull pull
Breaking wrist Jerking
Follow-through down or relaxing
too soon Left-handed
• As shot breaks continue to focus on sight-picture.
shooter
• After recoil sights will return to position held before the release of the shot.
• Hold this sight-picture for 1-2 seconds before lowering arm.
• The sight-picture at instant of shot breaking will indicate probable position
Queensland Coaching Council
of shot on target. Queensland Amateur Handgun Shooting Association Ltd
Queensland Coaching Council
ooting guide 111
The sight-picture

Correct aim Too low - adjust sight Too high - adjust sight A little too far to the left -
adjust your aim

Too low - adjust your aim Too high - adjust your aim Too far to the right - Too far to the left -
adjust your aim adjust your aim

Handgun choices Shooting positions

For new target shooters, the best handgun with which to learn the A variety of positions can be used when shooting a handgun. The three basic
fundamentals is a .22-calibre target handgun. The fundamentals are the handgun positions are the Bench rest, two-handed standing and one-handed
same for all handguns, but the .22-calibre handgun offers many advantages. standing positions.
It has minimal recoil and noise and the ammunition is inexpensive, which
allows for greater practice. Most .22s are very accurate and they are Bench rest position
relatively cheap to purchase. The fundamentals that have been explained can best be applied by using the
Either a revolver or self-loading handgun may be used during basic Bench rest position as the introduction to handgun shooting. This position
marksmanship training, although a self-loading handgun offers more versatil- permits the use of a sandbag or other object to support the hands and the
ity and is easier to master. If a revolver is chosen, it would be preferable to handgun at the proper height and allows the shooter to concentrate upon
choose a double-action over a single-action, but it should be fired in single- proper sight alignment and trigger squeeze.
action mode whenever possible. By shooting in single-action mode, less The following guidelines for gripping and operating the handgun are for a
pressure will be needed to pull the trigger and it will be easier to concen- right-handed shooter; left-handed shooters should make appropriate adjust-
trate on sight alignment and trigger squeeze. ments to these guidelines.
Once your competency levels, accuracy and confidence have • Sit behind a bench or table and face the target.
improved, you can then start to look and inquire with other shooters as • Keeping the handgun pointed downrange, with your finger off the trigger,
to other types of handgun and their suitability for various matches and place the handgun in your right hand while taking a proper grip on the
competition. handgun as previously explained and practised.
112 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
• After correctly gripping the handgun in the right hand, place the heel of the One-handed
left hand against the heel of the right hand. shooting position.
• Rest the left thumb on top of the right thumb and wrap the fingers of the
left hand firmly around the fingers of the right hand. Caution: To avoid
injury when using a self-loader, be careful not to place the left thumb in the
path that will be taken by the slide when it recoils after a shot is fired.
• Fully extend both arms in front of the body with the hands (not the hand-
gun) resting on the sandbags.
• Position the handgun so that it points naturally at the target.

Two-handed standing position

The Two-handed standing position is perhaps the easiest position for a new Direction
shooter. Both hands will be used to support the handgun when shooting, of target.

making it easier to hold the handgun steady.

• While keeping the handgun pointed downrange and your finger off the
trigger and using the proper grip, take the handgun in your right hand as
previously shown.
• After correctly gripping the handgun in the right hand, there are two
different methods that can be used to support the right hand.
1. Rest the bottom of the grip portion of the frame and the heel of the One-handed standing position
right hand in the palm of the left hand. Hold the fingers of the left hand The One-handed standing position is used
firmly up along the side of the right hand. in many competitive handgun shooting
2. Place the heel of the left hand against the heel of the right hand. Rest the matches. Because only one hand is used
thumb on top of the right hand. Wrap the fingers of the left hand firmly when holding the weight of the handgun,
around the fingers of the right hand. there is not as much support as with a Two-handed standing position. The
• Face the target squarely with the body directly in front of one-handed position is required in these competitive events because it is
the target. Place your feet shoulder-width apart more challenging than the two-handed position. However, this position can
with body weight distributed evenly. Keep be easily mastered with practice and the use of the correct technique and
your legs straight, back position.
bent slightly backward, • Keeping the handgun pointed downrange at 45° with the finger outside the
head erect and arms fully triggerguard, hold the handgun using the correct grip in the right hand.
extended. • To establish a natural point of aim, position the body at an angle of
• After taking the above position approximately 45° to the target with the right side of the body closest to
and while using a proper two-handed the target.
grip, bring the handgun up to eye level. The • To find if you are in the best position, raise the right arm in line with
handgun should point naturally at the centre the target then turn your head away, rotate the arm in a small circular
of the target. pattern. Stop the motion when you feel your arm is in a comfortable,
‘natural’ position.
• Turn your head back towards the target. Look at the target and if your
Two-handed hand is pointing towards the centre of the target area, a natural point of
shooting position.
aim has been established.
• If the hand is not pointing at the centre of the target area, move the left
foot and pivot the right foot until the hand is pointing correctly. Turn the
head away and repeat the arm rotation and pointing steps again. Keep
repeating these steps until a natural point of aim has been achieved.
• Once you have confirmed a natural point of aim, ensure your body is
positioned with your feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed
Direction and legs straight, but not tense. Your body and head should be erect, but
of target.
comfortable.
ooting guide 113
• When raised, the right arm should be fully extended with the wrist and
elbow locked in place.
• The left hand should be relaxed and placed in a pocket, or hooked in a
belt or waistband. If the left hand is left hanging by the side it can become a
distraction and can also affect the stability of your shooting position.
• You are now ready to bring the handgun up to eye level and commence a
firing sequence.
Other shooting positions can be used successfully in addition to those
described in this section and with experience you will become familiar with
In a neutral stance, recoil is directed
them. However, the One-handed and Two-handed standing positions are straight back, not laterally. The
the ones more commonly used. farther the centreline of the gun shifts
from the body centre, the more recoil
will destabilise the stance.
Holding a revolver

Range safety
An approved SSAA range is one of the safest places to enjoy shooting.
Standard SSAA range commands are used to control the shooting and
Cocking a single-action revolver maintain uniform safety practices.
with thumb of left hand. The overall person in charge of the range is known as the Range Captain.
They have people assisting them called Range Officers. These people’s
primary duty is the control of all shooting and associated activities on the
range. They are responsible for ensuring that shooters obey all safety rules
and that the range operates in a safe manner for the benefit of all shooters.
The Range Officer is generally the person who conducts the matches at
the range and is the one who gives the verbal instructions, or range com-
Two-handed grip for a
double-action revolver. mands, to shooters on the firing line and during the course of a match. The
purpose of these range commands is to provide clear, concise instructions,
in a standardised form to all shooters. These commands must be obeyed
by all shooters on the range in order to ensure the safety of all personnel
on the range.
Each shooter is responsible for knowing, understanding and obeying all of
Holding a self-loading handgun the commands spoken by the Range Officer. Commonly used commands are:
“Load”: When the Range Officer gives this command to shooters on the
firing line, the handgun may be loaded. Ammunition is placed into the cylin-
ders or the magazine and the cylinder closed or the magazine fitted to the
pistol. The handgun must be held pointing downrange at 45°. Prior to this
command the pistol or revolver should be placed on the bench with either
cylinder swung open, or magazine removed and empty and action open.
“Are you ready?”: When this command is given by the Range Officer, shoot-
ers may cock the hammer on revolvers, or work the slide to place a round
of ammunition into the chamber of pistols. The shooter must still hold the
firearm pointing downrange at an angle of 45° towards the ground.
“Fire”: The signal to commence firing may be a verbal command such as
Two-handed grip for a
“Fire” or “Commence firing”, or another signal such as a whistle blast or
self-loading handgun. When the action of the targets turning towards the shooters. As the signal to fire
holding a self-loader, keep
may change due to the type of match to be shot, you should ask the Range
your hands clear of the slide
upon recoil. Officer prior to the match if unsure. When the command to fire is given,
shooters may commence firing the sequence.
114 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
“Cease fire”: May also be signalled by the Range Officer calling “Cease fir- Five-shot precision exercise
ing”, “Stop”, a whistle blast, the targets turning way from the shooters, or one This exercise will involve the loading and firing of five rounds in the handgun.
of a number of other means. Once again, if you are unsure, seek clarification All five rounds will be fired at the centre area of a blank target. If using a
from the Range Officer. When the command “Cease fire” is given, shooters revolver that has more than five chambers, be sure to close the cylinder
must stop firing immediately; even if in the process of pulling the trigger the with an empty chamber under the hammer.
shot must be stopped. Fingers must be removed from the trigger, the hand- As in the single-shot exercise, be sure that when the cylinder rotates that
gun held at 45° to the ground pointing towards the target. The shooter must a loaded chamber will rotate into the firing position when the hammer is
wait for further instructions from the Range Officer. cocked. If using a self-loading handgun, load all five rounds into the magazine.
Don’t assume that the Range Officer is just calling the completion Once again, fire all five shots onto the target with the blank side facing you,
of that particular sequence of fire. The Range Officer may have seen a relaxing between shots and concentrating on trigger and sight control. To be
situation that you are not aware of that could lead to a breach of safety a good shot you must be consistent and always perform the fundamentals
if left to continue, or some other activity that calls for the immediate correctly, the same way and in the same length of time.
cessation of shooting. By using this consistent technique, good rhythm can be achieved. The
“Unload”: With the firearm pointing downrange, swing out the cylinder and rhythm pattern that is used in slow-fire shooting is achieved through practice
remove all cartridges from the chambers if a revolver, or remove and unload and this will be the same pattern that will be used in rapid-fire shooting. The
the magazine and pull and lock open the slide, clearing the chamber of any pace will quicken, but the pattern will remain the same.
ammunition if a pistol. When the exercise is finished, carry out the same safety checks as you did
“Show clear”: Still keeping the muzzle pointing downrange, hold the firearm in the previous exercise.
so that the Range Officer can look into and inspect the chambers of the
cylinders for a revolver, or the magazine and chamber if a pistol. Rapid-fire exercise
When visiting a new range ensure you report to the Range Officer and Load and fire five more rounds in quick sequence, once again onto a blank
make yourself aware of the range commands in use. target. The exercise is completed when all five shots have been fired. When
you are finished, carry out the correct unloading and safety checks.

Exercises Sight adjustment

There are many exercises you can do to help perfect your shooting If shots are consistently grouping away from the centre of the target, it
technique. Some exercises are: may be necessary to adjust the sights so that the bullets will hit the centre
of the target.
Single-shot exercise Always move the rear-sight in the same direction that the bullet impact on
Loading and firing off one shot at a time at the centre area of a blank target. the target should move to be on the point of aim. For example, if the shots
A total of five shots will be fired. are hitting to the right, move the rear-sight to the left. If the shots are hitting
For a revolver, load only one round into the cylinder. Remember that high, move the rear-sight down. After making the adjustments, fire five more
the cylinder will rotate when the hammer is cocked. In order to load the shots to see where the bullets are hitting. If necessary, make further adjust-
chamber that will be rotated into the firing position when the hammer is ments to the sights and repeat the grouping shots until the bullets are striking
cocked, it is necessary to know in which direction the cylinder will turn. at the point of aim.
This direction is not the same for all revolvers. Use single-action mode by
cocking the hammer. Don’t use double-action mode for this practice. Practice
For a self-loading handgun, load only one round into the magazine. Don’t The above exercises will provide a basic initiation to handgun shooting.
try to bypass the magazine by manually inserting a round directly into the However, to improve or maintain shooting skills, it is necessary to practise
chamber. If the cartridge is not seated properly in the chamber, it is possible on a regular basis. Shooting at a bullseye target is a good way to practise
for the slide to hit and ignite the primer and hence the powder as the slide marksmanship skills and the scores that are shot can be recorded and
returns to its forward position. monitored for improvement.
Relax and don’t rush. Concentrate on keeping the sights aligned while You should now have a level of competence and confidence that will
squeezing the trigger slowly to the rear. Remember that the firing of the shot allow you to commence improving your skill levels through practice and
should come as a surprise. Fire the total of five shots under the control of the continue to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of the sport of target
trainer and/or Range Officer. When you are finished, carry out the correct handgun shooting.
unloading and clearance procedure and when directed by the Range Officer
inspect the target.
ooting guide 115

Master tips
Collected by Jon Winokur

Going prone

1. Position your mat at about a 30° angle to 3. As your knees hit the ground,
the target. This automatically places you reach out with your left hand
diagonally to the line of fire, which, in turn, as far as possible and plant it
forces you to lie on your side rather than on on the mat.
your chest. On the start signal, get a firm grip
and draw the handgun from the holster.

4. Extend your gun arm fully,

keeping it parallel to the ground;
that way you’ll already have
full extension when you hit the
ground. Your trigger finger goes
in. The safety catch is released.

2. Drop to your knees as soon as the gun

has cleared leather. The trigger finger is
not in the triggerguard at this stage. The
safety catch is on. The muzzle is pointing 5. Let the right side of your body collapse onto the mat,
downrange. then bring in your weak hand and you’re
ready to shoot.
116 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
Common 4. In this example, the shooter has ‘heeled’
the shots high on the target. This error is

shooting errors caused by anticipating the shot and, at the

last moment before firing, giving the hand-
Most shooters’ problems result from the failure to properly apply the two gun a slight push with the heel of the hand.
most important shooting fundamentals: sight alignment and trigger squeeze. The front-sight moves up to the right and
However, other factors may also cause a shooter to have problems in the bullets strike the target in the 1 o’clock
properly delivering a shot to the target. to 2.30 zone.
Illustrated in this section are eight common errors committed by many 5. The shots in this target are strung over to
handgun shooters. Study the bullseye target pictures and the accompany- the 2.30 to 3 o’clock zone and are caused
ing text carefully - the solution to a troublesome shooting problem might when the shooter ‘thumbs’ the handgun.
be found here. Be aware, however, that explanations other than the Just as the shot begins, the shooter pushes
ones suggested here may also apply to the illustrated problem. Shooters the right thumb against the side of the
who are having problems should seek advice from a handgun instructor frame, causing the aligned sights to move
or coach. to the right.
The shooting situations pictured below assume that the handgun and
6. The shot string shown here in the 5
ammunition are functioning correctly, that the handgun sights are adjusted
o’clock to 6.30 area is caused when the
properly and that the shooter is right-handed. The shot groups for a left-
shooter ‘breaks’ the wrist - another form
handed shooter will appear on the opposite side from the shot groups
of anticipation. The shooter expects the
illustrated.
handgun to recoil at a known instant and
tries to fight or control this anticipated
1. This pattern is caused when the shooter
recoil by cocking the wrist downward. The
jerks the trigger, causing the front-sight to
shooter may subconsciously believe that
dip low and to the left before the bullet
the recoil can be lessened by holding the
leaves the barrel. To correct this type of
wrist down. This shot group can also be
error, the trigger must be slowly squeezed
caused by a shooter who relaxes too soon.
until the shot fires, being careful while
7. This target illustrates what happens when
squeezing not to disturb the sight alignment
a shooter’s grip tightens as the trigger
and sight-picture.
is squeezed. This target area is known
2. This target show the effect of ‘riding the
as the ‘lobster’ area - just as a lobster’s
recoil’. This is where the shooter antici-
claw clamps together, the shooter’s hand
pates the recoil and makes the handgun
clamps or snatches at the last second. This
recoil before it really happens. This type
movement caused the front-sight to dip
of pattern can also be caused by improper
low and to the right, pushing the shots to
follow-through, in that, the shooter releases
the 3.30 to 5 o’clock zone.
the trigger finger too soon and may flip the
8. This pattern is often produced by a begin-
finger forward, causing the front-sight to
ning shooter. A new shooter usually does
rise to the left. Errors of this nature will
not consistently repeat one particular error,
usually produce shots in the 9.30 to 12
but instead commits many different errors.
o’clock zone.
The result is a target with shots scattered in
3. This pattern is created when the shooter
many places. Such a target may be caused
does not properly place the index finger on
by the shooter’s inconsistency, including changing
the trigger. In such cases, the shooter has a
the grip between shots, focusing on the target instead of the front-sight on
tendency to squeeze the trigger at an angle
some shots, failing to align the sights properly and so on. This pattern could
instead of straight to the rear. This improper
also be caused by a new shooter’s lack of holding strength and a result-
squeeze causes the muzzle to shift to the
ant large arc of movement. To improve handgun skills, shooters should
left, with the shots striking in the 8.30 to
carefully and periodically review the fundamentals of handgun shooting to
9.30 zone.
determine if they are missing any basic principles.
ooting guide 117

Master tips
Collected by Jon Winokur

The switchover
A solid grip is essential in practical shooting and it’s especially important
when shooting with the weak hand only. My technique allows a quick, safe
switchover and gives maximum control over recoil.
4. Wipe it off; that is, draw the right hand
sharply to the rear, along the plane
1. From the draw, as soon as the muzzle created by the extended fingers.
is pointing safely downrange, disengage
the safety with the right thumb.

2. Tilt the left palm slightly upward while 5. Elbow points downward, arm and
moving the thumbs and trigger finger wrist are locked. Keep the left shoulder
away from the handgun. lower than the right in order to get
more weight over the gun and thereby
dampen the vertical recoil.

3. Rock the gun into the web of the left

hand, thumbs following thumbs around
the grip safety.

Safety first
1. Before firing any gun, make certain that your shots will land in a safe place.
2. Be muzzle conscious - know where the handgun is pointing at all times and
never point it at anything you don’t warm to harm or destroy.
3. Make sure your holster does not allow the muzzle to point at any part of
your body.
4. Keep your finger out of the triggerguard unless the handgun is pointed
downrange and you’re ready to fire.
5. Make sure you have a solid grip with the drawing hand before you begin
the draw.
6. Keep the weak hand away from the muzzle when drawing and reholstering.
7. Make sure you have both hands on the handgun before you thrust the gun
toward the target.
8. Do not disengage the safety or move your finger towards the trigger until
you have a proper grip and the muzzle is pointing completely downrange.
118 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
Handgun competitions

Air Pistol
The Air Pistol match is a slow-fire match demanding similar levels of preci-
sion to Free Pistol except that it is shot at 10m on a target with a 12mm
bullseye. The match consists of 60 shots in the open event and 40 shots
for ladies and juniors.
Free Pistol Air Pistol is a great teacher of handgun shooting fundamentals, as the highly
This is one of the oldest matches and one that requires very specialised hard- accurate handguns with their minimum allowable trigger weight of 500g are
ware, It consists of shooting 60 shots at bullseye targets, offhand at 50m. The easy to control and have no recoil. They are also very economical to shoot
10-ring is 50mm in diameter. The handguns used are long-barrelled .22 Long and are noiseless compared to cartridge firearms.
Rifle calibre single-shots that are exceptionally accurate and have full wrap- There are three types of Air Pistol operating systems used on target air
around orthopaedic grips, very light set triggers and high precision sights. arms: spring and piston, pneumatic and gas powered. All spring and piston
Scoring well in this match is very difficult if the shooter has not mastered the handguns have to have some recoil compensating system built into the
elements of accurate handgunning. mechanism to dampen recoil. The pneumatic air arms have a built-in pump
that highly compresses air into a pressure chamber, from where it is released
with a trigger-operated valve. These types of handguns require more cocking
effort than the others. The gas-operated systems use carbon dioxide (CO2)
and are easy to operate, but require a separate gas supply and can be finicky
in extreme weather conditions.
All good-quality target air handguns have adjustable grips, sights and triggers
and are highly refined shooting tools that leave the shooter in no doubt who
is at fault if scores are down.
Most Air Pistol ranges are indoors and this offers shooters the advantage
of shooting of an evening and getting plenty of low-cost practice.
Rapid Fire
The Rapid Fire match is also one of the older matches, but it is still very
popular. The match is shot on five turning targets, spaced 75cm apart. The
match consists of four series of five shots each in 8 seconds, 6 seconds and
4 seconds. The course of fire is in two 30-shot segments of two series in
each time sequence. The shooter must wait with the handgun arm at 45°
to horizontal until the targets start to turn.
Rapid-fire handguns are highly developed self-loaders designed to fire
.22 Short calibre cartridges to minimise recoil. Most rapid-fire handguns
have vented barrels to assist in recoil control and triggers are very smooth
and light.
The handling characteristics of rapid-fire handguns are perhaps their most Centrefire
important feature. When the handgun is raised to the shooting position, it The Centrefire match remains one of the most popular events, although it
must point and recover from recoil with a minimum of effort, as the shooter too has been around for a lot of years. The match consists of two separate
has little time to make corrections in the faster time series. Well fitting ortho- 30-shot courses of fire. One is the Precision course shot at 25m on a bulls-
paedic grips, adjustable trigger and reliable functioning are characteristics of a eye target (50mm 10-ring), with 6 minutes allowed for each five-shot series.
good rapid-fire handgun. The other is the Duelling course, which is also shot at 25m, but on turning
ooting guide 119
targets. One shot is fired with each exposure of the target as it turns toward Margolin and other makers of appropriate pistols that fit the original
the shooter for 3 seconds and away for 7 seconds, with the shooter lowering concept are popular for use at club level.
their arm to 45° between each exposure of the target. The Standard Pistol match is a challenge to old and new pistol shooters
Any centrefire calibre from .32 to .38 can be used in a revolver or self- alike, as a momentary lapse in concentration in the faster series can see many
loader, provided the barrel is no longer than 150mm and the trigger pull is no points disappear from the score. The Standard Pistol match combines both
lighter than 1360g. Many target-grade revolvers are available for this match, Precision and Rapid Fire match techniques in its course of fire and the mixture
mainly in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, although there are some .32-calibre of both in the same match guarantees an interesting match.
revolvers also available. The heavier trigger pull specified for Centrefire
requires firm control of the handgun in both the Precision and Duelling series
and this coupled with the recoil of the centrefire ammunition make this quite
a difficult, but popular event for the new shooter.

Service Pistol
The Service Pistol match was the first of the matches to break away from
Ladies Sport Handgun and Junior Sport Pistol the conventional one-handed, offhand shooting techniques used in the UIT
These matches are identical to the Centrefire match except that the matches described elsewhere. The course of fire is shot at ranges from 50
handguns are .22 Long Rifle calibre self-loaders that comply with the yards down to 7 yards and consists of 90 scoring shots. Shooting is done on
Standard handgun specifications. Some manufacturers make special light- turning targets and throughout the course of fire, shooters are required to
weight versions of their standard pistols for these matches, among them shoot prone, sitting, standing from behind a barricade with both right and
are Walther and Pardini Fiocchi. left hand, left and right hand only and from the ‘crouch’ position where the
handgun must be held below shoulder level. Time sequences are as short
as 4 seconds and several require reloading during the time allowed. As all
series are in six-round sequences, revolvers are equally well-suited to the
match as self-loaders.
The Service Pistol match has recently been split into Restricted and
Unrestricted categories. The course of fire is identical, with the main differ-
ences being that the Restricted course requires that the match be shot from
a holster rather than from the 45° ‘ready’ position and that the ammunition
used is of a minimum power determined by multiplying the bullet weight in
grains and the velocity in feet per second (fps). This power factor must be
Standard Pistol no less than 120,000. Any calibre up to .38 is permitted, but it is difficult for
The Standard Pistol match is shot at 25m with a .22 Long Rifle calibre self- the smaller calibres to meet the power factor requirements. Double-action
loader on a standard bullseye target with a 50mm 10-ring, in timed series of revolvers are very popular for this match, as they are highly reliable and once
five shots on turning targets. Four series, each of 150 seconds, 20 seconds the double-action and speed-loading techniques are mastered, give nothing
and 10 seconds are fired for a total of 60 shots. Each series starts with the away to self-loaders.
shooter’s arm at 45° to the horizontal. Service Pistol shooting combines precision, control, speed and timing
The pistol used in this event must have a barrel no longer than 150mm and can also be shot with a stock standard handgun that meets Centrefire
and trigger pull no lighter than 1000g. Recoil handling characteristics are Pistol requirements. The same handgun and ammunition that qualifies for
important in a standard pistol, especially in the 10-seconds series. the Restricted course can also be used in the Unrestricted course, but not
The original Standard Pistol match was developed to provide an event vice versa.
in which shooters could use the standard sporting .22-calibre self-loaders
that were available. Ruger, Smith & Wesson, High Standard, Browning,
120 Handgun sho
Handgun shooting guide
shooting disciplines. IPSC courses are generally divided into two segments:
the static course, where the shooter remains stationary and engages a
number of nominated targets and the Comstock course, where the shooter
moves around the course and engages nominated targets. Not all the targets
may be visible at the starting position of the Comstock course. The emphasis
in IPSC shooting is power, speed and accuracy, with some matches scored
against the clock rather than over a set time.
Self-loaders are the preferred handgun for the match. All shooting is
done from the holster and the most stringent requirements applied in
the match are the operation of the handgun safety and the security of the
holster. There are power factor requirements on the ammunition used for
IPSC and outer scoring rings are scored lower if lower powered loads are
NRA Action Match used. Internationally, the .45 Auto has long been popular for this match,
Action Match has been adapted from the Bianchi Cup match that is very but in recent times, with new national registration laws, the .38 Super
popular in the USA. Action Match consists of a series of 12 courses of autos have been making headway.
fire, the rules for each of which are defined. Each organised competition
consists of a selection of three or four stages. The most popular stages
consist of falling plate matches, moving target matches and a variety of
other courses shot on turning targets from barricade position. All matches
are shot from the holster and optical sighting equipment is permitted,
which has seen a boom in the sales of illuminated dot scopes and
specialised handgun scopes.
Double-action revolvers are used because of their reliability and the ease
with which they can be fitted with a scope. Ammunition must comply with
the 120,000 power factor minimum limit.
Some of the courses are shot in two main elimination courses on
falling plates and this provides some high pressure competition as well
as entertainment for the spectators. This match is rapidly growing in Metallic Silhouette
popularity. It is quite demanding of accuracy in some stages and of speed The introduction of Metallic Silhouette competition has allowed Australian
and coordination in others. shooters to compete with large-calibre handguns, not for the fun of it, but
because that is what is needed to effectively shoot the match. The main
Metallic Silhouette course is shot at ranges of 50, 100, 150 and 200m on
steel targets, including chickens at 50m, pigs at 100m, turkeys at 150m and
rams at 200m.
The cartridges used must have enough power to knock these targets
over and at 200m, the heavy ram targets require full Magnum loads to
work effectively.
There are four divisions in this event: Standing, Revolver, Production and
Unlimited. Specialised hardware has been developed for the match, along
with a number of special cartridges that are essentially rifle cartridges adapted
to heavy-duty handgun use. The .357 Magnum is the absolute minimum-
powered handgun cartridge that will work. The .357 Maximum or .41 or
.44 Magnums are preferred by most revolver shooters. In the single-shots,
there are several 7mm wildcat cartridges, as well as the likes of the .30-30
IPSC Practical Pistol that provides maximum knockdown power. Many Unlimited handguns use
The IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) Practical Pistol straight .308 rifle cartridges.
match originated in the USA and is a freestyle shooting competition with no
set courses of fire. It was originally conceived as a training course for practical-
style shooting without the rules and regulations of the more formal handgun
ooting guide 121
The firearms used are single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles and side-
by-side shotguns without automatic ejectors. Essentially, the firearms and
calibres used in competition are those commonly in use in the 19th century
up until 1896.
Competitors compete in various categories that dictate the type of firearm
and style of shooting. The scoring system most commonly in use today is the
‘rank scoring’ system where each competitor is ranked against others com-
peting in the same category. Rank scoring is where each competitor is ranked
for place over the number of stages that comprise the match.
Black Powder Matches may be as few as one stage or ‘course of fire’; however, most
There are two Black Powder matches: the Aggregate match and the 50m major matches above club level are 10 to 12 courses of fire, each being an
match. Cap and ball revolvers must be used in the Aggregate match, while individual match in itself.
single-shot percussion handguns are permitted in the 50m match. The calibre
is restricted to .46 maximum and projectiles must be round balls or conical
pointed bullets.
The Aggregate match is identical to the Centrefire match except that it
consists of 20 precision shots at 25m on a standard bullseye target and 20
shots duelling on a standard rapid-fire target.
The 50m match can be shot with revolvers, but some interesting hybrid
single-shots have been put together by Black Powder enthusiasts out of
single-shot cartridge handguns such as the Thompson Contender.

Colonial Action
This is a very new competition, developed within the SSAA. It is designed
to encourage the use of rifles, shotguns and handguns used in Australia’s
Colonial period. The discipline is dedicated to the remembrance of a histori-
cal time period where exploration, mixing of social cultures, settlement and
development of new lands took place. The Colonial period has been defined
as the years between circa 1850 and 1900.
The rules aim to provide an uncomplicated set of procedures for all par-
ticipants that will promote a safe, functional shooting sport. The flexibility of
Single Action the rules allows for a choice of firearms and period costumes, while practising
Single Action shooting is sometimes referred to as a ‘concept shooting commonly understood procedures of safe range practice.
discipline’. Having evolved more than 25 years ago in the USA, Single Action The clothing and accoutrements should be as close as possible to that
shooting has become one of the most popular shooting competitions in the worn during the period. Holsters must be of the belt loop or shoulder
world today. holster design. Competitors are allowed only one revolver.
Attracting participants from all walks of life from all age groups, both male The competitor’s category is determined by the choice of the revolver
and female, young and old alike they all have one thing in common - an and ammunition. Revolvers with competition sights are not permitted, but a
interest in the pioneering days of the Old West. This common interest revolver can have the rear-sight replaced with a non-adjustable insert that is
manifests itself in the mastering of skills associated with the use of antique in keeping within the lines of a revolver. Ammunition belts and pouches were
firearms or reproductions of these firearms, but in keen competition under- worn and used during the period and are permitted in competition.
pinned with a sportsmanship sometimes lost in today’s sporting activities.
Generally, as interpretive living historians or re-enactors, competitors aim
to preserve the spirit of the game by fully participating in what the competi- For more information and contact details on
tion asks. Competitors dress the part, use the appropriate competition tools these handgun disciplines, please visit
and respect the traditions of the Old West.
www.ssaa.org.au/newssaa/disciplines/disciplines.html
The SSAA is affiliated with the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), the
world governing body. Matches are conducted using the International Rules
of Single Action Shooting, as promulgated by SASS.