Air Pistol

About Air Pistol Shooting

Air pistol is an Olympic discipline that demands exceptional precision, control, and concentration. Shooters fire from a standing position at targets 10-20 metres away, aiming for the center of small target rings. It’s an excellent starting point for new shooters and a lifelong challenge for experienced marksmen.

The Discipline

Key Characteristics

• Distance: 10 metres (standard) or 20 metres (advanced)
• Position: Standing, unsupported
• One-handed: Pistol held in one hand only
• Target: Small precision target with scoring rings
• Sights: Iron sights (no magnification)
• Caliber: 4.5mm (.177) air pistol

Our Facilities

Pinhoe TSC has a dedicated 10m air range equipped with electronic targets. These modern targets provide instant feedback on each shot, showing exactly where you hit and your score. This immediate feedback is invaluable for learning and improvement.

Why Try Air Pistol?

Skills Developed

Air pistol shooting develops numerous valuable skills:

• Concentration: Intense focus required for precision shooting
• Body Control: Learning to minimize movement and maintain stability
• Breath Control: Coordinating breathing with shot timing
• Trigger Control: Smooth, consistent trigger operation
• Mental Discipline: Maintaining composure under pressure
• Patience: Methodical approach to each shot

Equipment

For Beginners

Don’t worry about equipment when starting out! The club has air pistols available for use during Give it a Go sessions and for new members to borrow while they’re learning.

As You Progress

When you’re ready to purchase your own equipment, you’ll need:

• Air Pistol: Competition-grade air pistol (4.5mm/.177)
• Pellets: Quality match-grade pellets
• Eye Protection: Shooting glasses (clear or tinted)
• Ear Protection: Not essential for air pistol but available
• Shooting Shoes: Stable footwear for competitions

Our experienced members and instructors can advise on equipment selection when you’re ready.

Training & Development

We offer comprehensive training for air pistol shooters at all levels:

• Beginner Sessions: Fundamentals of stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control
• Improvers Coaching: Technique refinement and score improvement
• Advanced Training: Competition preparation and mental game
• NSRA Courses: Instructor qualifications available

Competitions

Pinhoe TSC hosts regular air pistol competitions and participates in external events:

• Club Competitions: Regular internal competitions for all skill levels
• Pinhoe 10m Air Pistol Open: Annual open competition in June
• County Championships: Representing the club at regional level
• National Events: NSRA competitions for qualified shooters
• Postal Leagues: Compete from home range with scores submitted online

Get Started

Interested in trying air pistol shooting? Our Give it a Go programme includes air pistol instruction as part of the introductory package. You’ll learn the basics in a supportive, safe environment with experienced instructors.