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Pistol shooting is an exciting and rewarding sport, and getting started is easier than you might think! To shoot or own a pistol in New Zealand, you should join a Pistol New Zealand-affiliated club.
There are over 85 clubs nationwide, so there’s one near you. Your local club will guide you through every step, from trying pistol shooting for the first time to becoming a fully licensed member.
Want to learn more? Download the Members Handbook to see the full process in detail.
You don’t need any prior experience to get into pistol shooting – just an interest and a willingness to learn! The process of getting into pistol shooting can feel a bit daunting, so here’s a quick run-down on how it works!
Getting Started in Pistol Shooting
All new shooters must join a pistol club. Pistol New Zealand affiliate almost ALL of the approved clubs in New Zealand. You must join a club before applying for any endorsements. Joining a club ensures you receive proper training, develop safe handling skills, and meet the legal requirements for pistol shooting in New Zealand.
At this stage, you may not need a firearms licence to join a club—you can shoot under direct supervision using club firearms. (This is club specific)
Firearms Licensing & Safety Training
To progress in pistol shooting, you’ll need to obtain a New Zealand Firearms Licence and later a pistol endorsement. This process ensures all shooters meet strict safety and legal standards.
A New Zealand firearms licence is is valid for 5 years if it’s the first time you’ve had a firearms licence. In future, if you apply before your current licence expires, it will be valid for 10 years.
Club Membership & Probationary Period
Pistol shooting in New Zealand is heavily regulated, and to legally own or shoot a pistol, you must remain a member of a PNZ-affiliated club. The probationary period is a critical stage where new members develop safe handling skills before applying for full membership and a pistol endorsement.
Once you’ve successfully completed your probationary period, your club will determine if you’re ready to move to full membership and apply for your pistol endorsement.
Full Membership & Pistol Ownership
Once you have completed your training and probationary period, you can apply for full club membership and a pistol endorsement, which legally allows you to own and use pistols for target shooting.
Participating & Enjoying the Sport
As a full member of Pistol New Zealand, you’ll have access to a range of shooting disciplines, competitions, and training events across the country. Whether you’re looking to compete or just enjoy recreational shooting, pistol shooting is a fun, social, and challenging sport that requires skill, discipline, and a commitment to safety.
Pistol shooting in New Zealand is an exciting and rewarding sport, but getting started can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about joining a club, getting licensed, and becoming a full member.
If you need more information, contact us!
Yes and No, you don’t need a firearms licence to try pistol shooting. New shooters can visit a club and shoot under direct supervision using club-owned firearms. This may be different between clubs. However, if you want to continue in the sport, you’ll eventually need to get a New Zealand Firearms Licence and a pistol endorsement.
The process typically takes 6+ months from first joining a club to obtaining full membership and a pistol endorsement. This includes a 6-month probationary period and regular club shoots before applying for the endorsement.
The initial cost is minimal—you can attend a club session as a visitor for little to no cost. Clubs offer introductory sessions where you can try pistol shooting under supervision before committing to membership.
As you progress, costs will increase:
During the probationary period, you can use club-owned pistols, meaning you don’t need to buy your own firearm immediately. This allows you to get a feel for the sport before making a significant financial commitment.
To keep your pistol endorsement, you must attend at least 12 club shooting activities per year. If you don’t meet this requirement, you risk losing your endorsement, meaning you would have to surrender your pistol to the police or an approved dealer.
Explore the various types of shooting disciplines offered by Pistol New Zealand. From the fast paced Multigun, to the wild west fun of Cowboy Action Shooting, or the precision and focus of ISSF, to the FBI inspired Service Pistol matches.
PNZ Multigun is an exciting shooting sport that combines three different firearms—pistol, rifle, and shotgun—in one fast-paced match. Each match is unique, involving courses where you’ll shoot targets from various positions, often moving quickly between them. It’s dynamic, thrilling, and action-packed from start to finish!
Multigun is perfect for anyone who enjoys fast-paced action, challenges, and a bit of adrenaline. Whether you’re completely new or have some shooting experience, you’ll find Multigun engaging and fun. If you like variety and excitement, you’ll love Multigun.
In Multigun matches, you’ll move through stages, shooting various targets like steel plates, clay pigeons, and cardboard silhouettes. Stages usually require switching between two or three firearms safely and quickly. Scores depend on accuracy and speed—so hitting targets fast and cleanly is the key!
Multigun offers excitement, variety, and a supportive community. It’s great for making new friends and improving your shooting skills in a lively, welcoming environment. Once you try it, you’ll see why shooters keep coming back for more.
Action Pistol is an exciting and challenging shooting discipline developed in 1979 by former LAPD officer John Bianchi. It’s all about precision and speed, combining accuracy with the thrill of timed events. The famous Bianchi Cup in Missouri is the highlight for many shooters worldwide, showcasing the best in Action Pistol shooting.
Action Pistol is ideal for shooters who love precision shooting combined with fast-paced excitement. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a sport that clearly measures your progress. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, if you enjoy improving your shooting skills, this is the sport for you.
Matches feature 16 different events, including the popular Tyro, Combat, and Speed Steel events. The 4 primary matches involve the Barricade, Practical, Moving Target, and Falling Plate events each offering dynamic challenges. Each event pushes you to shoot accurately at targets from various distances, all within strict time limits. Every match feels like a personal achievement as you improve your skills and scores.
Shooters compete using handguns in several categories:
Action Pistol keeps shooters coming back because it’s rewarding, competitive, and genuinely fun. You’ll clearly see your improvement through increasing scores and accuracy. Plus, you’ll become part of a welcoming community, enjoying a vibrant calendar of local and international competitions.
Come give Action Pistol a shot—we’re sure you’ll be hooked from your very first match!
Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) lets you step into the boots of the Wild West! Competitors shoot exciting courses that recreate famous scenes from western movies, historical events, or classic cowboy shootouts. It’s all about fun, fantasy, and friendly competition.
If you’ve ever imagined yourself in a cowboy movie or love the spirit of the Wild West, Cowboy Action is perfect for you! It’s great for anyone who enjoys dressing up, having a laugh, and shooting with friendly people. Beginners are always welcome.
CAS competitions are set on stages with targets designed to feel like scenes from the Old West. You’ll shoot at metal and cardboard targets using historical-style firearms. The key is accuracy and speed—hitting targets correctly in the shortest possible time. Misses can cost you, so careful shooting beats wild shots every time!
You’ll use three classic firearms:
Firearms must resemble those from before 1900, but modern reproductions are allowed. You’ll also need holsters, ammo belts, and period-appropriate clothing like long pants, boots, and a cowboy hat. Ammo uses lead bullets with specific speed limits.
CAS is fun, social, and full of adventure. You’ll love dressing up, testing your skills, and making new friends. It’s a unique blend of sport, history, and entertainment that guarantees an enjoyable experience every time you step onto the range.
Ready to saddle up and give Cowboy Action Shooting a try?
IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) is a thrilling sport that’s been popular worldwide since 1976, involving over 100 countries. It’s dynamic and exciting, combining speed, accuracy, and power into one challenging sport. Competitions range from local events to prestigious World Shoots held every three years, all following international IPSC rules.
IPSC is ideal for shooters who enjoy variety, excitement, and a competitive challenge. Whether you’re a newcomer looking for an engaging hobby or a mildly experienced shooter wanting more action, IPSC provides a welcoming environment for everyone—young or old, male or female. If you like changing challenges and improving your skills, IPSC is perfect for you.
IPSC matches are dynamic and always changing—no two competitions are alike. Shooters tackle stages designed to test their speed and precision with a variety of targets. You might find yourself quickly moving between targets, carefully aiming at distant ones, or balancing both speed and accuracy to achieve the best score. The goal is to hit your targets quickly and accurately, as both your speed and precision matter equally.
You’ll need some basic equipment to start shooting IPSC:
IPSC also includes special divisions for different firearms, shooter ages, and experience levels, meaning everyone can find their place in this sport.
IPSC shooters love the excitement, the variety, and the sense of community. It’s rewarding, fun, and welcoming to shooters of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re competing casually or aiming for championships, IPSC offers a great way to build skills, enjoy friendly competition, and meet fantastic people from all walks of life.
Service Pistol & WA1500 matches are all about accuracy, precision, and consistency. Originating from the FBI’s Combat Match in the 1950s-60s, these disciplines have grown into popular action-style competitions. Matches involve shooting from various distances and positions, testing your handgun skills and accuracy under mild pressure.
This sport suits anyone looking for a rewarding challenge without needing extensive equipment. Whether you’re completely new to pistol shooting or already have some experience, you’ll find Service Pistol and WA1500 both accessible and enjoyable.
Matches typically involve a series of stages shooting at cardboard or paper targets at distances from 10 to 50 metres. You’ll shoot from different positions, like standing, kneeling, or prone, and occasionally from behind barriers. Matches use scoring rings to measure accuracy, and each competitor shoots the same stages, ensuring fairness and fun.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Service Pistol & WA1500 is engaging and rewarding, emphasising accuracy and consistency over speed. It’s beginner-friendly, affordable, and a great way to build practical shooting skills in a welcoming environment. Give it a try, and you’ll soon understand why shooters find this discipline so rewarding and enjoyable!
Speed, also known as Steel Challenge, is an exhilarating pistol shooting sport focused on speed, accuracy, and consistency. Introduced to New Zealand in 1987, this exciting discipline mirrors the popular US Steel Challenge, keeping the same stages and simple scoring system. If you’re looking for fast-paced, high-energy shooting, you’ve found the right sport.
PNZ Speed is perfect for anyone who enjoys dynamic, fast-action shooting. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some shooting experience, Speed shooting is accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding. It’s particularly suited to those who love immediate feedback on their performance, pushing their limits, and seeing clear improvements each match.
Matches consist of standard stages where you aim to hit steel targets as quickly and accurately as possible. Each stage involves multiple strings of fire—usually five—with your best runs counting towards your final score. It’s straightforward: shoot fast, avoid penalties, and watch your times drop. This structure helps you clearly track your progress and improvement.
You’ll primarily use a semi-automatic pistol, .22 Rifle and Pistol Calibre Carbine suitable for rapid, accurate shooting. Key gear includes:
Newcomers often borrow gear to start, so there’s no immediate need to buy everything upfront.
Speed shooting provides instant feedback and rapid improvement. You’ll quickly see your skills grow while enjoying the thrill of friendly competition. Plus, you’ll become part of a welcoming community that loves to see new shooters succeed.
Muzzle Loading is a unique and historic shooting discipline, perfect for those interested in the heritage and craftsmanship of black powder firearms. Shooters enjoy precision-based competitions using pistols from the 1700s and 1800s, mixing history, skill, and the dramatic spectacle of sparks and smoke!
Muzzle Loading is ideal if you’re fascinated by history, enjoy precision shooting, and love the distinct charm of classic firearms. Whether you’re completely new or have some experience, you’ll find a welcoming community passionate about history and accuracy.
In muzzle loading competitions, you’ll shoot precision-focused matches from a fixed position. Matches range from carefully timed shots to precision accuracy at various distances. There’s no movement or holsters involved—just the skill of accurate shooting and careful handling of your firearm.
Competitors typically use historic or reproduction black powder pistols:
Muzzle Loading offers an unmatched mix of history, skill, and visual spectacle. Each shot brings the thrill of sparks and smoke, transporting you back in time. Plus, you’ll become part of a friendly community passionate about tradition and precision shooting. Come experience the excitement and camaraderie for yourself!
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) is the pinnacle of precision pistol shooting, governing all Olympic, Commonwealth, and Oceania pistol events. At ISSF competitions, it’s all about your individual skills, focus, and determination. The playing field is levelled, giving everyone an equal chance to shine.
ISSF shooting is perfect if you’re someone who enjoys a calm, focused challenge. Whether you’re new to shooting or have some experience, ISSF offers a rewarding path to improving your skills, concentration, and precision. If you dream of competing on the international stage or just want to push your personal limits, ISSF is for you.
ISSF pistol matches test your accuracy, patience, and focus through carefully controlled conditions. Matches involve precision shooting at paper targets over set distances. You’ll compete in events featured at Olympic, Commonwealth, and Oceania competitions, which means the excitement and stakes can be high!
You’ll use specialised pistols for ISSF, typically air pistols and .22 calibre rimfire pistols, suited specifically for 10m, 25m, or 50m events.
Essential gear includes:
ISSF shooting is a test of precision and mental discipline. The satisfaction you’ll get from seeing your skills improve is unbeatable. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that cheers each other on, helping everyone grow and succeed.
Keep checking this website for regular updates and to discover how you can get involved in ISSF with Pistol New Zealand. See you at the range!
Handgun Metallic Silhouette is a unique shooting sport that blends precision, power, and strategy. Originating from early 20th-century Mexican shooting traditions, competitors use handguns, airguns, or black powder firearms to knock down steel silhouettes shaped like animals—chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams—placed at different distances.
This discipline suits anyone who enjoys a combination of accuracy and power. If you appreciate shooting that requires patience, skill, and thoughtful planning, you’ll enjoy this sport. It’s perfect for those who appreciate precision shooting and enjoy seeing instant results as targets fall.
Matches involve shooting metal animal-shaped targets set at specific distances in groups of five—chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams. You’ll shoot from a fixed position, with scoring based on knocking targets completely off their stands. Competitions are generally shot over 40 rounds, and accuracy counts more than speed, making it perfect if you prefer a measured, strategic style of shooting.
You’ll need a handgun suited for metallic silhouette, typically a revolver or single-shot pistol chambered in a calibre powerful enough to topple metal targets. Common calibres include .22 rimfire, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and others. Protective gear like ear and eye protection is essential, as is comfortable clothing suited to stable shooting positions.
Handgun Metallic Silhouette offers immediate satisfaction as you hear the “clang” and watch your targets fall. It’s rewarding, strategic, and easy to track your improvement over time. Plus, you’ll join a welcoming community of shooters passionate about precision and sportsmanship.
Ready to get started? Contact us
Pistol shooting is an exciting and rewarding sport, and getting started is easier than you might think! To shoot or own a pistol in New Zealand, you must join a Pistol New Zealand-affiliated club.
