Pistol: How to Get Started
Alpine holds frequent pistol matches on many Sundays. To join a match, you need to be a member of Alpine. For details of our membership categories — visit alpinearmoury.com.
ALL pistol shooters must also read and strictly follow Alpine’s Pistol Safety Rules and safety procedures. (Note: Alpine pistol matches follow Alpine/NSWSA protocols. Do not expect other clubs or peak bodies to automatically recognise your Alpine qualifications.)
For times and instructions, please read the section below that applies to you.
I DO NOT HAVE A NSW PISTOL LICENCE (Category H)
If you have no pistol licence, you must first become a Full Member of Alpine, take the safety test and then attend your pistol practical. You can join at Alpine Armoury.
ALL SHOOTERS WHO DO NOT HAVE A NSW PISTOL LICENCE (including holders of longarms licences) NEED TO BRING:
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- A completed P650 form (download here). YOU MUST BRING A COMPLETED P650 FORM EVERY TIME YOU SHOOT until you have your pistol licence
- Photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, Australian government-issued photo ID, or NSW longarms licence)
- Receipts for your pre-booked shooting session from the club booking system.
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All new pistol shooters need to complete a written examination and a practical shoot.
You also need to provide two written references – stating that you are a suitable person to own high powered rifles and pistols. References are only valid if they are from someone who has known you for at least two years.
I HAVE A NSW PISTOL LICENCE (Category H)
You are welcome to become a Member and join us in pistol sessions. You’ll just need to book in, show your licence and sign the attendance register.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PISTOL LICENCE
- Join the club as a Full Member at the Alpine Armoury website. You must later provide us with 2 written references from people who know you well, stating that you are a fit and proper person to use and own high-calibre pistols and rifles, and that you are not subject to any reason for licence refusal (listed here under “Refusals”).
- Complete a safety test. Please contact the club (jasper@alpine.org.au) to book your course.
- Complete a pistol and longarms practical and send in your licence application paperwork.
- Send the Firearms Registry your completed licence application form with the pistol certificate, longarms certificate and membership letter you receive back.
- If your application is approved (this can take two months or more), you will receive a probationary pistol licence. To progress to a full licence, you must complete 3 competition shoots in the first 6 months, then continue to maintain your Alpine membership and meet the attendance requirements (explained in this Firearms Registry fact Sheet).
- You can download a fact sheet on target pistol (Category H) licences here. For more info, see the Firearms Registry FAQ page.
- When you qualify to purchase a pistol, contact your club for details for the process that needs to be followed in NSW. Club storage of your firearm frame is available.
PISTOL GRIP
“The four index points of the proper grip on an autoloading pistol are:
1. Web of firing hand meets tang of pistol.
2. Bases of both thumbs mate closely.
3. Support hand trigger finger makes contact with trigger guard.
4. Contact point of the firing thumb on the support thumb.”
CLUB LINKS
