Established in 1972, the Rotorua Pistol Club is one of New Zealand's first pistol clubs and has the reputation of having some of the best shooting facilities in the country.
From humble beginnings, shooting air pistols in a member's shed, the club is now based in Meade Rd on the way
to Lake Tarawera.
Club president Don Perry said the most enjoyable part of being a member was the club environment and comradeship of sharing a love of shooting.
"If you have an interest in firearms and particularly pistols, the club environment is fantastic with the large array of pistols that are available today.
"You get to see and shoot other firearms that you might never have seen, let alone shoot."
Mr Perry said pistol shooting involved several disciplines.
"Practical shooting involves setting up stages where you shoot from behind walls, doorways and through windows, all while on the move.
"Speed shooting is shooting at five steel targets over seven different stages.
"And service match shooting is shot as a discipline match, shooting at targets with specific round counts and time limits from a range of 50m down to 7m, shooting prone, sitting, around barricades or with your left or right hand only."
Members also engage in target shooting on a 25m range.
"Our club is quite small with just over 50 members and we are currently encouraging new members to join.
"Our club is the largest club in New Zealand, as far as the number of ranges it has," Mr Perry said.
"It is where all the practical shooting nationals are held each year, with more than 200 shooters competing."
Mr Perry said plans were in the pipeline to host the 2013 Australasian championship, with about 700 shooters competing from around the world.
He said on average the club held a shoot every second weekend.
"Members will set up and shoot the discipline that's on the calendar, some members may just test new pistols.
"But the comradeship is great and most members are there just to enjoy the fun of shooting pistols and the friendly rivalry."
He said anyone interested in joining would need to pay a membership fee and be on probation for six months and attend the club 12 times within that period.
"This then entitles you to obtain a "B" endorsement on your firearms licence, once vetted by police and gives you the ability to purchase pistols and shoot at club events.
"Safety is always paramount."
Established in 1972, the Rotorua Pistol Club is one of New Zealand's first pistol clubs and has the reputation of having some of the best shooting facilities in the country.
From humble beginnings, shooting air pistols in a member's shed, the club is now based in Meade Rd on the way
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