What is para shooting?
B · Beginner · Classes and equipment · 1 of 2Para shooting is rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting for athletes with an eligible physical or vision impairment, governed by the IPC as World Shooting Para Sport. The ISSF rules apply unless WSPS says otherwise. Paralympic events are rifle (R1 to R9) and pistol (P1 to P4), in classes SH1 and SH2. Many athletes shoot from a chair with a table.
How it works
- Governing body: World Shooting Para Sport, the IPC.
- Base rules: ISSF, unless WSPS says otherwise.
- Paralympic: rifle R1 to R9, pistol P1 to P4.
- Classes: SH1 and SH2; SH-VI for vision.
- Not Paralympic: P5, para trap, VI rifle.
- Equipment: chairs, tables, stands, adapted triggers.
- Licence: records each athlete's approved aids.
- Banned: anything not expressly allowed.
The glossary has the para shooting, the World Shooting Para Sport, the ISSF rules (para shooting), the para shooting events, the SH1 and SH2 and the WSPS licence.
Tricky cases
Is para trap at the Paralympics?
No.
Are men and women always separate?
No. Some rifle events are open.
Is unlisted equipment allowed if it helps?
No. Anything not expressly permitted is banned.
Do ISSF finals rules apply?
Yes, unless WSPS says otherwise.
Why the rule exists
Shooting tests aim and control, which many impairments do not limit. Adapted positions and kit let the athlete hold steady fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | R1 to R9, SH1 and SH2 | 2.1.1 |
| Pistol | P1 to P4, SH1 | 2.1.1 |
| Shotgun | PT1 to PT3 | 6.1.3 |
From the rule book
World Shooting Para Sport, Technical Rules and Regulations, version 1 (1 January 2026), articles 1.3, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WSPS Technical Rules and Regulations 2026.