A Brief History Of The Rotorua Pistol Club

In about 1972, shortly after pistol shooting became allowed in NZ, a group of enthusiasts got together and formed the club. In spite of limitations on what could be done, it was an exciting time, single shot .22 pistols were the only ones permitted at the start. A temporary range was started in Sala st. but was not used for long. We then shot air pistols in our president Roy Lyme’s workshop with keen members coming from Tokoroa and Tauranga.

An approach to the NZ Forest Service saw a start in outdoor shooting at the Te Wairoa valley nursery headquarters (where the kids camp is now) It was only for a few months, then we were allocated a licence for a spot further up the valley where our range is today.

A lot of work went into getting the range set up for the UIT matches, Standard, Centrefire and Free Pistol, which were keenly contested at every opportunity.  Roy and I bought the first two revolvers in the club:  Dan Wesson .38 specials.  It was not long, of course, before there was a great selection of target pistols being used.

The Australian match, Service Pistol, was approved for club shooting in N.Z.  It was immensely popular.  We were allowed to use a holster to carry only an unloaded pistol.

The late 70’s and 80’s saw a huge increase in the types of matches being allowed and the Rotorua Club has been at the forefront.  The American Silhouette shooting became popular and we hosted national events for many years.

Action shooting was the name of the game!  Sid Foot and I became the first instructors for those who wished to be holster qualified (and that was just about everyone.)
The early rules for action shooting were of mix of mainly American matches and eventually became more defined into NRA, Steel and IPSC with the Service Pistol also being altered to allow a loaded and holstered pistol.

The club is proud of its close support of Pistol New Zealand policies and ideals which have enabled champions to excel and others to enjoy the sport safely.

It is a tribute to all the people who have put such a tremendous amount of personal time and money into making the club work through nearly 40 years, that we have a facility that is so unique.

We must ensure that with all the uncertainties of modern times that our club continues to flourish into the future.

Ron Milne
Life Honorary Member

The very first service pistol shoot