Service Pistol Matches & Classes

Service Pistol

SERVICE PISTOL and SERVICE PISTOL UNRESTRICTED
The Match is exactly the same for both, with the only difference being that in Service Pistol Unrestricted, the match is not shot from the holster, and there are no minimum load restrictions. The match comprises 90 shots, at varying distances from 50 yards to 7 yards, with variations in grip (both hands vs single hand, left vs right hand).

As well, there are different shooting positions, ranging from the prone position, sitting or kneeling, using the strong hand and the weak hand, shooting behind a barricade with support for the shooting hand, shooting totally unsupported and firing shots with one hand only. Times for the various stages are also different, from 165 seconds to fire 24 shots at 50 yards to 15 seconds to fire twelve shots at 7 yards.


25 METRE SERVICE
(aka Short Barrel)?
25 Meter service is an informal, friendly match shot with pistols. They can be revolvers or semi-automatics with the minimum barrel length of 4″ allowed. The match is shot at timed, turning targets, with 65 shots fired at distances that vary from 25 meters down to 7 meters, and is for calibers from .32 to .38/.357.

WA 1500
This is a 150-shot course where the maximum possible score is 1500 points. Like the other Service matches, WA1500 has varied distances, varied shooting positions (standing, standing supported, sitting, kneeling, prone), varied grips (two hands vs single hand, right vs left), and you can use either revolvers or semi-automatics.

As for all shooting disciplines, ear and eye protection are mandatory for all these matches. Please come and experience Service Pistol shooting!

Pistols must comply with firearms legislation for the state of residence of the member. Members must also possess the appropriate handgun licence and registration. The 3-Positional Core match is used to obtain the competitor’s grade. The rule book contains many different matches for Pistol, several of which are shot as graded, while the rest are contested as open.

Pistols used in Combined Services Pistol competition are classed as follows:

Class 1 (Defence) handguns comprise original issue or faithful reproduction centrefire service handguns, with a modified barrel length or caliber only to comply with national and state laws. Competitors may use revolvers or self-loading pistols, which are or have been on a regular issue to an army, navy or air force member.

Class 2 (Law Enforcement/Police) handguns comprise original issue or faithful reproduction centrefire service handguns, with a modified barrel length or caliber only to comply with national and state laws. Competitors may use revolvers or self-loading pistols, which are or have been on general issue to defence or law enforcement organisations. A Class 1 handgun cannot be classed as a Class 2 handgun.

Class 3 (Accurised/Modified/Target) handguns comprise any Class 1 or 2 service issue centrefire handgun or faithful reproduction that has been modified from its original specification, either post-production or at the factory, and may feature target-shooting-adjustable sights, custom hand grips, barrels, trigger systems, trigger saddles or compensators.

Class 4 (Rimfire) handguns comprise any rimfire handgun that substantially replicates the functions of Class 1, 2 or 3 handguns.

Class 5 (Black Powder) handguns comprise any original issue or faithful reproduction black powder military handgun, either a revolver or single-shot pistol, which has been on general issue to an army, navy, police or para-military force.

Combined Services Pistol competition permits the use of a handgun with a trigger weight no less than 1.36kg. Both stages of double-action triggers on revolvers must comply in both stages. The holsters used must be practical, safe, serviceable and fit the handgun. In supplementary events, where there is a requirement to draw from the holster, the shooter must hold their state or territory’s qualification and the holster must be of a type that covers the trigger.

Gloves or mittens are not permitted unless required for medical reasons. Optical aids such as telescopic, red dot and optical sights, spotting scopes or binoculars are not permitted during the competition, except under the direction of a designated official for target checking. A shooter may not use or wear any optical aids or devices of any type that provide an unfair advantage.