Air Pistol Open
Open to all abilities · graded prizes · twice yearly
- Format
- 60 shots
- Position
- Standing
- Distance
- 10 metres
- Entry
- £15
- Frequency
- Twice yearly
About the Competition
The Pinhoe TSC Air Pistol Open is a well-established competition on the regional shooting calendar. Held twice yearly (spring and autumn), it attracts air pistol shooters from across the South West and beyond. With generous prizes across multiple grades, there’s competitive shooting for everyone from beginners to national-level competitors.
Spring Open
Autumn Open
Entry Fee: £15
Competition Format
Format
- • 60 shots for record
- • 15 minutes preparation time
- • Unlimited sighters
- • 90 minutes for record shots
- • Standing position, unsupported
Equipment
- • Air pistol (.177 / 4.5mm)
- • Maximum 6 ft/lbs
- • Single shot or repeater
- • Iron sights or red dot
- • NSRA rules apply
Target
- • 10 metres distance
- • ISSF 10m air pistol target
- • Electronic scoring
- • Maximum score: 600
Grading
- • Grade A: 520+
- • Grade B: 480–519
- • Grade C: 440–479
- • Grade D: Under 440
Prizes
Prizes awarded in each grade ensure fair competition across all ability levels:
Grade A (Expert)
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place prizes
Grade B (Advanced)
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place prizes
Grade C (Intermediate)
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place prizes
Grade D (Beginner)
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place prizes
Special Prizes
- Best Junior (under 18)
- Best Veteran (60+)
- Best Lady
- Best Club Member (Pinhoe TSC)
[Specific prize amounts to be announced]
- Special prizes awarded to highest scorer in category if not already winning a grade prize
Everyone has a chance: The graded format means you’re competing against shooters of similar ability. Whether you’re scoring 350 or 550, there’s a prize category where you can win!
Schedule
- 8:30 AMRegistration and equipment check
- 9:00 AMDetail 1 — Preparation time begins (15 min + sighters)
- 11:00 AMDetail 2 begins (approx)
- 1:00 PMDetail 3 begins (approx). Lunch break for completed shooters.
- 3:30 PMAll details complete. Final scoring and verification.
- 4:00 PMPrize presentation
Note: Detail times are approximate and depend on shooter numbers. Your assigned detail will be confirmed upon registration.
Who Can Enter?
This is an open competition welcoming:
- All Clubs: Shooters from any NSRA-affiliated club
- Individual Shooters: NSRA members not attached to a specific club
- All Grades: From complete beginners to national-level competitors
- All Ages: Juniors (12+), adults, and veterans all welcome
- Both Genders: Separate ladies prizes available
First competition? Never shot a competition before? The Air Pistol Open is a great first competition! The graded system means you’ll compete against others at your level, and our friendly atmosphere helps nervous first-timers feel comfortable.
Entry & Booking
Pre-Entry
Entry forms available 6 weeks before each competition:
Pre-entry closes 3 days before the competition. Preferred detail times allocated on first-come, first-served basis.
Day Entry
Entries accepted on the day subject to capacity:
- • Registration from 8:30 AM
- • Pay on arrival (cash or card)
- • Assigned to available details
- • May be limited if pre-entries are high
To guarantee your preferred shooting time, we recommend pre-entry.
What’s Provided
- Pellets: Match-grade pellets available for purchase
- Equipment Check: Pre-competition pistol checks to ensure compliance
- Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and snacks available throughout the day
- Score Posting: Scores posted as details complete
- Experienced RCOs: Qualified range staff ensure fair, safe competition
- Results: Full results published online after the event
What to Bring
- Air Pistol: Your own pistol (no club pistols available for competition)
- Pellets: Approximately 100 pellets (extras available for purchase)
- Entry Fee: £15 (if not pre-paid)
- NSRA Membership Card: Current NSRA membership required
- Shooting Gear: Shooting glasses, glove if you use one
- Comfortable Clothing: You’ll be standing for up to 2 hours
Rules & Regulations
Competition conducted under NSRA rules for air pistol shooting:
- Pistols must comply with NSRA air pistol specifications
- Maximum power 6 ft/lbs
- Single or multi-shot pistols permitted
- Iron sights or red dot sights allowed (no magnification)
- Standing position, unsupported (no rests or supports)
- One hand only (no two-handed shooting)
- Shooters must follow all range commands
- Equipment may be checked for compliance
Equipment compliance: If you’re unsure whether your pistol complies with NSRA rules, contact us before the competition or arrive early for an equipment check. Non-compliant equipment cannot be used in the competition.
Facilities
Range Facilities
- • 10-metre air pistol range
- • Electronic scoring system
- • 8 firing points
- • Climate-controlled indoor facility
- • Viewing area for spectators
Club Facilities
- • Free parking
- • Refreshment area
- • Restrooms
- • Disabled access
- • Easy access from M5
Previous Winners
Autumn Open 2025
Grade A
- 1st: James Wilson — 568/600
- 2nd: Sarah Parker — 562/600
- 3rd: Michael Chen — 558/600
Grade B
- 1st: David Thompson — 512/600
- 2nd: Emma Roberts — 508/600
- 3rd: Robert Davies — 496/600
Grade C
- 1st: Laura Mitchell — 472/600
- 2nd: Tom Anderson — 465/600
- 3rd: Sophie Brown — 458/600
Grade D
- 1st: Mark Harrison — 428/600
- 2nd: Jane Foster — 415/600
- 3rd: Paul Stevens — 398/600
Contact
Questions about the Air Pistol Open? Contact our competition secretary:
Enter the Air Pistol Open
Test your skills in our popular air pistol competition. Graded prizes mean everyone has a chance to win.