I.S.S.F (International Shooting Sports Federation)
Truely worldwide, it includes both precision and rapid fire matches, with affiliates in many countries. Controls matches shot at Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Conducts World Championships. Matches for Women and Juniors, plus matches graded on shooting skills, i.e. learners shoot against other learners. New Zealand pistol shooters have competed at all Commonwealth Games since 1974 and have been regular medal winners.
Muzzle Loading (Black Powder)
Matches are shot to Muzzle Loaders Association International Committee (M.L.A.I.C.) rules and are graded so shooters compete equally. Matches are held for flintlock pistols, percussion pistols and revolvers, both originals and modern designs. Origins are deep in history, which have been revived by the historical enthusiasts and the serious target shooter. New Zealand muzzle loading shooters attend Continental and World muzzle loading Championships.
HandGun Metallic Silhouette
Originating in Mexico after WWII, this is long range shooting, and the nearest thing in New Zealand to handgun hunting. Features steel targets in the form of four different birds and animals, at up to 200 metres distance. Shot with a variety of handguns from production revolvers to custom single shot pistols in rifle-type calibres. Matches are graded, giving all shooters an equal winning chance. New Zealand HMS shooters have attended World Championships and other international competitions with distinction.
Action Shooting
Speed and action create high speed shooter/spectator interest in this pistol sport. As many of the matches require the pistol to be drawn from a holster, training and certification for holsters are handled by this section. Action shooting covers several different types of competition, each promoted by different international bodies, e.g. Speed, NRA. Involves competing against time limits with powerful handguns, and sets speed against accuracy.
Practical Shooting (I.P.S.C)
The sport of Practical Shooting is shot to the rules of the International Practical Shooting Confederation whose motto is “Dilgentia, Vis, Celeritas” (Accuracy, Power, Speed). Matches consist of individual course of fire (called stages) and many aspects are not found in more traditional sports, such as movement by the shooter, drawing from the holster, moving targets, multiple targets, and freedom for the competitor to solve the shooting problems presented within the course design. This sport uses pistols, rifles and shotguns.
Cowboy Action Shooting (C.A.S)
A new, fun, shooting sport for the whole family. Shot to international rules (Single Action Shooting Society, S.A.S.S) using firearms from the late 1800′s to more modern 1900′s firing black powder and smokeless cartridges. Dressing the part of a cowboy or early NZ pioneer is a mandatory requirement and whole families are involved in this fun sport.
