About Us

One of the main aims of Disability Target Shooting Great Britain is to develop links with able-bodied shooters and governing bodies.

This is achieved by disabled shooters competing in able-bodied shoots and involving able bodied coaches in the training of disabled shooters.

At the present time we have approximately 57 members, the interest in shooting is rapidly growing. Although shooting as such has been known since the invention of gunpowder, target shooting really came into its own in 1907 with the formation of the U.I.T. which is the governing body for able-bodied shooting. The British Paraplegic Shooting Association was formed in 1976 to introduce shooting to people with disabilities. The BPSA changed it's name to Disability Target Shooting Great Britain in 2005.

Rules and regulations in conjunction with the ISSF were drawn up, the only difference being that wheelchair competitors shoot Air Rifle Prone and standing as per bodied competitors who shoot standing only.

Disabled shooters compete in the same competitions as the able-bodied competitors.Shooting events for athletes with physical disabilities started in 1970 in Scotland. Shooting first became a Paralympic sport in 1980 Great Britain has won many medals at Paralympic Games through the efforts of such stars as Di Coates and Isabel Newstead.

Getting Into Competitions

Once you have learned the basics of shooting the world of competitions really opens up to you. Up to National levels of competition disabled shooters may take part in able-bodied matches.

International competition is restricted to disabled championships. The Great Britian team travel all over the world to try to bring credit to the sport - and of course win some medals!

What About Equipment?

To get started it is usually a good idea to look for decent second hand equipment while you look around and try out what else is available. As you improve you can buy additional itms as appropriate. Pistol shooters get off lightly as no special clothing is required, whereas Air Riffle shooters may need a leather jacket and gloves.

The Association has a stock of equipment available for members or visitors to borrow by prior arrangement, so don't feel you can visit us due to a lack of equipment. We can at least get you started and give you good advice.

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