Bullseye shooting (also called Precision Pistol), IPSC and CISM (see below) are the sport target shooting disciplines seen as the gateways to international competition.

SFC runs the popular, introductory Recreational Target Shooting Program and the Coast-to-Coast Championship in this format (relaunching this fall) .

There are many other highly competitive target shooting disciplines not affiliated with the SFC that are enjoyed by Canadians, but each is unique and utilizes specialized sport target pistols. The SFC depends on these sports to identify talent and spot future Olympians.

• International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) - in Canada
• International Military Sport Council Shooting (CISM) - see Training Manual
• Canadian International Muzzel Loading Team (Black Powder Pistol)
• Cowboy Action
• Service Pistol
• Steel Challenge
• Bianchi Cup
• PPC
• Mayleigh Challenge Cup Trophy - Canadian National Mayleigh Cup Team

The following events fall under the rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

• Air pistol - 10M
  • Women
  • Men
  • Mixed team
• 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
• • Men
• 25m Pistol
• • Women

Athletes with a disability (AWAD) compete in Shooting Para Sport in Pistol in the Paralympic Games

The following events are also included in the ISSF World Shooting Championships.

• 50 M Pistol
• 25M Center-Fire Pistol
• 25M Standard Pistol

Under the current legislation, the Shooting Federation of Canada, as the national governing body in Canada for competitive shooting in the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, has been granted the authority to issue Handgun Exemption Letters. (The Provincial or Territorial Shooting Organizations also have this authority).

To comply with current legislation, to qualify for a Exemption Letter, the following provides an overview of what SFC requires to consider an exemption letter request.

Note: at the current, SFC only issues exemption letters for .22 calibre and .177  calibre air pistols.

Who is Eligible?

• Must have a RPAL
• Applicants must be a member in good standing of the SFC
• Must be able to substantiate that they compete or coach in a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee.

How do I submit a request for a letter?

Please contact operations@sfc-ftc.ca

SFC has sole discretion in issuing Exemption Letters and assumes no liability of any kind to any person or entity arising from issuing an Exemption Letter.

Want to train, compete or coach in a shooting discipline on the programme of the International Olympic Committee?

We have been waiting for you. Join the SFC. Check out our Recreational Target Shooting Program and prepare to compete in the Coast to Coast Championships (starting in the fall). Get your local club to start matches. Join an established pistol League such as the OIHL. Become a match director or even a coach. Participate in regional matches and learn about the next  Provincial Championships in your province.

Where to start Olympic type Shooting?

Most people begin by shooting Standard Pistol or Centre-fire pistol. To zip things up, you can try 10M Five-Shot Air Pistol (ISSF page) - a great introduction to Olympic Rapid Fire. On Ontario for example you can explore Pistol Ontario.

Are you a junior?

Then set your sights on the CANADIAN JUNIOR NATIONAL AIR GUN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Start going to Matches

Find what is going on at the SFC Calendar.

The 25m Rapid Fire Pistol is a high-intensity Olympic shooting event that challenges athletes' speed and precision under strict time constraints.

In this event, shooters shoot at five targets 25 meters away, aligned in a row. Athletes fire one shot at each target in quick succession, completing five shots per string. The event has three timed series:

• Shooters complete two strings of five shots within each of these time limits: 8 seconds, 6 seconds, and 4 seconds.

Qualification Stage

In the qualification round:

• Each competitor fires two rounds of 30 shots (a total of 60 shots).

• Each round includes three series of 10 shots (with each series made up of two strings of 5 shots), completed within the 8, 6, and 4-second limits.

The top 8 shooters with the highest scores in the qualification stage advance to the finals, where they compete head-to-head in an elimination format to determine the medalists.

At the Olympic level, this event is men-only, but it is enjoyed by many competitors worldwide. The event requires exceptional focus, timing, and technical skill to maintain accuracy within tight time limits.