What shooting disciplines are available in Victoria?

Victoria offers one of the most diverse selections of shooting disciplines in Australia. Whether you’re interested in precision rifle, dynamic pistol shooting, or clay target sports, there’s a discipline — and a club — for you.

Most disciplines fall into four main categories: pistol shooting, rifle shooting, shotgun sports, and field & hunting-based events. Each discipline is supported by clubs across both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, many of which offer coaching, competition, and beginner-friendly sessions.

Pistol Shooting Disciplines

Pistol shooting is hugely popular in Victoria, with clubs offering a wide variety of events and matches. Common pistol disciplines include:

• Precision Target Pistol – Shooters aim at fixed paper targets from set distances
• Practical/Action Pistol – Speed, movement, and accuracy-based matches (e.g. IPSC-style)
• Revolver & Service Matches – Timed matches with classic or military-style sidearms

Clubs like the Ballarat Pistol Club and Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club offer a wide range of pistol competitions and training for new shooters.

Rifle Shooting Disciplines

Rifle disciplines range from small-calibre target shooting to long-range, centrefire formats:

• Rimfire (.22) Benchrest or Prone
• Centrefire Silhouette or Field Rifle
• Military/Service Rifle Matches

Many rural and regional clubs like the Hume Pistol Club include rifle bays and support rifle-based disciplines in addition to handguns.

Clay Target & Shotgun Sports

Clay target shooting is extremely popular across Victoria, especially in regional areas. Disciplines include:

• Trap – Targets launched directly away at various angles
• Skeet – Targets cross from two houses at high speed
• 5-Stand / Sporting Clays – Varied trajectories simulating hunting scenarios

If you’re interested in shotgun sports, try the Kyneton Clay Target Club or the Mt Bogong Clay Target Club — both offer regular practice and competition.

Field & Hunting-Based Disciplines

Some clubs offer practical disciplines that simulate real hunting or involve moving targets. These include:

• Field Rifle
• Hunter Class
• Silhouette or Practical Shooting

For shooters who hunt or want real-world skills, the Echuca Pistol Club supports relevant disciplines and practical shooting formats.

Want to Try a Discipline?

Many Victorian clubs welcome beginners and allow supervised shooting in most disciplines. You can try before you apply for a licence by visiting a club near you. Visit our Victoria club directory to explore clubs by discipline, location, and licence requirements.

Whether you’re into precision, speed, or sporting clays — Victoria has a discipline (and a club) for you.

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