How it all began
Pistol shooting on Norfolk Island, in modern times, started with the establishment of Australian Banks on the Island. Staff were required to practice pistol shooting twice per year. They used an area at Cockpit Reserve.
In 1978 a couple of enthusiasts, Mike Sutton and Shane McCoy decided to carve a pistol range out of the bush at Longridge on the property owned by Mike Sutton. They spent twelve months of hard work clearing the land in the valley and eventually they created an area large enough for a 50 meter range. Pistol shooting as a sport started in about 1979 when Shane and Mike imported a couple of pistols to the Island. There were no laws restricting the import or use of pistols at that time. Use of the pistol Range became increasingly popular and soon a Club was formed. Bank Staff and the Police also used the range for their bi-annual shoots.
In the early 1990’s an initiative was commenced to enquire into the availability of a portion of Crown Land that could be used as a permanent pistol shooting range.
In about 1995 a lease was granted to the Pistol Association for the site of the current range for the purpose of constructing a live firing range. The portion is about 1 acre in size. The site is located on the North Western, Anson Bay, peninsular.
A very picturesque site with scenic coastal vistas and, on occasions, some rather spectacular sunsets over the back of the range.
An enthusiastic group of club members set about fencing and excavating the area and building earth walls around the range. A 25 Meter Range with target frames was built with a cable operated turning system. The Club now boasts an air operated, 15 bay 25 metre range, a 50 metre range and a 7 bay indoor 10 metre air pistol range
We mainly shoot International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Events.
The Pistol Club has been represented at 4 Commonwealth Games the latest being Delhi 2010 where 5 members took part.
We have conducted 9 International Competitions at the Club. The international event for this year is attracting a lot of interest from over seas shooters.
We currently have about 20 members including 4 women. A small bore rifle Club also forms part of the Pistol Club with a 50 Meter range.
Please explore and enjoy our site. Your comments are welcome.
Come and visit Norfolk Island and enjoy our peaceful way of life and our famous hospitality.
Come and enjoy pistol shooting the Norfolk way!
For further information regarding joining the 2012 Norfolk Island Pistol Championships, contact christan@travelcentre.nlk.nf or visit The Travel Centre website www.travelcentre.nf