Shooting Training in Austria

Practice how to handle firearms safely in our Shooting Training. Learn the theory and practise from the ground up. We will practice shooting on the range, cover how to acquire guns in Austria, how to correctly store and transport a firearm, and look at the peculiarities of Austria’s weapons law – such as forbidden pump-action shotguns.

The shooting training can be completed in just one day. You will:

• Shoot with Pistol (or Revolver) and Rifle,
• Learn to handle guns safely,
• and at the end of the day, you will know if shooting is more scary or more fun 😉

The Shooting Training for Beginners Includes:

• Unique versatility: one hour handgun shooting, one hour rifle shooting, two hours course for the firearms license.
• Exclusive training in small groups of up to four participants.
• More time and ammo: All bullets are already included in the package price.
• Bring a spectator to accompany you for free.
• Top instructors: We have decades of experience with firearms and we love to channel it all into seeing you succeed and enjoy the experience.

Includes all ammunition, rental weapons and protective gear. No hidden costs.

What you will learn

The Shooting Training consists of modules:

1. Pistols: Shooting training with handguns (required for the firearms license).
2. Rifles: Shooting Training with precision rifles.
   
3. Waffenführerschein: Austrian gun handling license online course.
   

All courses are conducted on the same day. Modules last between one and two hours. For upcoming dates please refer to our Calendar. Usually the course is conducted on a Saturday every month.

You can also book additional modules for the same day:

• Historical Firearms Shooting Training.
• Trap Shooting: Dynamic Clay Pigeon Shooting with Shotguns.
• Individual Shooting Training for gun owners.
  

Did you know? By completing the practical handgun shooting training you possess the practical knowledge needed for the the Waffenführerschein (WFS).

In combination with the e-learning course on Austrian weapons law you will acquire the WFS. Which can be used to apply for the local weapon owner’s license called “Waffenbesitzkarte” or WBK.

The e-learning course is also available in English.

Module 1: Shoot with Austrian Handguns

Practical Shooting Training with Pistol or Revolver

Learn to correctly handle and fire handguns. Our instructor supports you from the first aiming exercise to restoring safety after firing.

Weapons: Pistols & Revolvers

Usually we train with the Steyr L9-A1 9×19 caliber pistol. It has clear control levers and is great to get a feel for handguns. Occasionally we also employ:

• Pistol Glock 17 9×19
• Pistol Steyr L-A1 9×19
• Revolver Smith & Wesson .357 .38 special

Get a more in-depth look into revolver shooting and the evolution of handguns in the Historical Firearms course.

What you will learn

• Weapon safety
• Correct aiming with open sights
• Ergonomic shooting stance
• Loading, reloading
• Shoot on the range up to 25 meters
• Restoring safety after shooting
• Clearing stoppages – if they occur

Module 2: Shoot with Austrian Sniper Rifles

Practical Shooting with Precision Rifles Made in Austria

Firing rifles on the range is more relaxed than firing handguns. However, it will bring you face to face with the limits of your concentration: Aim steadily at 100 or up to 300 meters (long-distance shooting is an optional module).

Weapons: Repeating Rifle or Semi-Automatic

Usually we train with one of the following rifles:

• Semi-Automatic Steyr AUG A3 Z .223 / 5.56mm
• Sniper Rifle Steyr SSG08 .308 / 7.62mm
• Sniper Rifle Steyr SSG .223 / 5.56mm

Especially the larger caliber .308 (7.62mm NATO) packs an enjoyable punch!

What you will learn

• Safe handling
• Ergonomic shooting while seated
• Correct aiming with optics
• Rifle shooting on the range up to 100 meters
• Loading, reloading and unloading
• Techniques to steady your aim

Optional Module: Shoot with Historical Firearms

(optional) Practical Shooting with Historical Firearms

Experience the intensity of historically significant weapons: From the revolvers of the Wild West to the AK47 Kalashnikov.

Depending on the date, either historical shooting or shotgun shooting (see below) may be conducted. For details please refer to our calendar .

Historical Weapons

Usually we train with one or two of the following firearms:

• 1873 Cattleman Thunderer .357 Western Revolver
• AK47 Kalashnikov
• WWI+WWII: Steyr M95 or Lee Enfield
• Winchester .44 iconic Western Rifle
• Muzzle Loader
• Caliber 50 Black Powder Rifle

If you are keen to shoot with a specific weapon we recommend booking an individual lesson.

What you will learn

• Safe handling
• Correct aiming with iron sights
• Shoot on the range up to 100 meters
• Loading, reloading and unloading depending on the weapon type

Optional Module: Shoot with Shotguns

Clay Pigeon Hunting in the Vienna area

The ultimate challenge of your newly earned shooting skills: Hunting clay pigeons flying through the air.

This is the first time you will shoot at a moving target in this course.

Depending on the date, either historical shooting (see above) or shotgun shooting may be conducted. For details please refer to our calendar .

What you will learn

• Shotgun shooting at the trap shooting range
• Safe handling for dynamic shooting exercises
• Correct aiming with shotguns
• Ergonomic shooting stance while standing
• Intuitive shooting
• Shooting at a moving target
• Loading and reloading shotguns

Take it further

We also offer shotgun shooting in a half-day course with a pro trap competition shooter.

Module 3: Firearms License for Austria “Waffenführerschein”

Austrian Gun License

To acquire a handgun in Austria, you need to prove knowledge of the law, safe storage and practical shooting experience , as well as psychological accountability .

The first two points are covered by the so-called weapons license . You can get this by completing practical handgun shooting (this course) and the theoretical course (available online).

Psychological suitability is tested in a psychological exam conducted by licensed doctors.

Once you have both, then you can apply for a firearms license, called Weapon Ownership Card , with the local police . After that, you are allowed to buy (usually up to two) handguns in Austria.

This module is ideal for beginners to get an idea of ​​weapons and the governing laws. The course is also mandatory for handgun owners at regular intervals.

What you will learn

• Weapons law
• Technical terms of firearms and ammunition
• Kinds of documents relating to firearms
• Safe handling
• Safe storage
• Safe transportation

This course is available in English.

Optional Module: Private Shooting Lessons

Individual Weapons Training

Available for individuals and groups, with pistols or revolvers, rifles or shotguns.

Book your private shooting training .

Prerequisites for the Shooting Training in Austria

• Ideal for beginners.
• Our general participation requirements apply.
• Absolutely no alcohol on site (also not inside of our participants 😉

Course Certificate

Upon successful completion you are entitled to receive a certificate of participation.

Safety Briefing

Before we dive into the practical part, make sure to familiarize yourself with the guidelines for safey, posture, and shooting technique. See the video below to get started:

Date & Time

Choose any date from our Calendar.

Would you prefer a different time? Let us accommodate you in individual lessons.

Schedule for Shooting

Shooting schedules will be arranged between 09:30 and 17:00 depending on the date, and depend on the number of participants. You will receive an e-mail 10 days before the date with the detailed schedule for the day.

If you have any special requests, e.g. morning preferred, please let us know as a note when booking.

We begin with an introduction for all participants to explain about safety and weapon handling. Then one person at a time will be shooting with our instructor.

Schedule 1: Shooting with Pistols & Revolvers

approx. 10 minutes welcome & safety

approx. 50 min rotation on the range with approx. 3-4 participants:

Round 1: Getting to know the revolver (3 shots at 10m)
Round 2: Getting to know the pistol (4 shots at 10m)
Round 3: Shooting the revolver (6 shots at 10-25m)
Round 4: Shooting the pistol (12 shots at 10-25m)

Schedule 2: Shooting with Rifles

approx. 10 minutes welcome & safety

approx. 50 min rotation on the range with approx. 3-4 participants:

Round 1: Getting to know the repeating rifle (4 shots at 50m)
Round 2: Getting to know the AUG (5 shots at 100m)
Round 3: Shooting the repeating rifle (6 shots at 100m)
Round 4: Shooting the AUG (10 shots at 100m)

(optional) Schedule 3: Shooting with Shotguns

approx. 10 minutes welcome & safety

approx. 50 min rotation on the range with approx. 3-4 participants.

Practice takes place by loading the shotgun and firing at one clay pigeon. This is repeated throughout the lesson with hints from our instructor.

Ammo included

The listed number of shots is the maximum included in the course. Depending on questions and individual wishes from each participant, it is possible that fewer shots be fired in the time that is available.

Seize the day

You are welcome to expand your clay pigeon hunting skills, book individual lessons , complete your firearms license , or try additional weapons. Availabilities depend on the date. We are happy to offer details.

Locations in Austria

All shooting courses are held in the greater Vienna area. We’ll send you details after registration. Locations are:

• Vienna
• Wiener Neustadt (Lower Austria)

There is ample parking space available.

Private lessons available in all shooting ranges upon request.

Your Instructors

A good instructor wants to ignite the fire in you, help you enjoy new skills, and unleash new confidence through a sense of achievement. It is important to us that you learn to shoot with confidence, in a pleasant environment that supports you in achieving your best performance.

Our team of professional instructors introduce themselves on the landing page for shooting courses .

Equipment for Firearms Training

All materials will be supplied.

Included in the booking

• Rental weapons.
• Rental ear muffs.
• Rental safety goggles.
• Ammo: Up to 25 bullets for handguns.
• Ammo: Up to 25 bullets for rifles.
• Souvenirs: Paper targets and empty cartridges.
• Parking on site.

No hidden costs.

Gear Up

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. We recommend Hosn.

The ranges are either covered in the open air, or indoors. Clay pigeon shooting always takes place outdoors.

Sturdy shoes are also an advantage. If you wear open shoes such as sandals or high heels, hot shells can burn your skin.

For the same reason, we recommend clothing with a closed collar. Hot cartridges can fall into wide-cut tops.

Drinks are available for purchase at the shooting range. A restaurant is only available in Wiener Neustadt.

Birthday Voucher & Gift Coupon

Fancy vouchers are available for all our courses.

Perfect for any birthday, company event, bachelor party or group experience with a bit more action.

We are looking forward to a safe and challenging course!

Photos by Patrick Esser,  Tom Weilguny  or Markus Weilguny , unless stated otherwise.