A shooting patent is an indefinite document that allows you to practice shooting sports in three disciplines: shotgun (smoothbore), rifle and pistol. After obtaining the Patent, we apply for a license. It is granted (suspended or revoked) by the Licensing Committee of the Polish Sport Shooting Association. It confirms the holder’s acquisition of basic skills that allow him to use firearms safely. It is also one of the elements required in Poland to obtain a permit for legal possession of weapons for sports purposes. To obtain a shooting license, you must be a Polish citizen, an adult, who has been a member of a sport shooting club for at least 3 months, i.e. belongs to a club subordinate to PZSS, and pass the exam evaluating the qualifications necessary to practice shooting with a positive result.
What does the exam look like?
The shooting license exam is divided into two parts: theoretical and practical. To pass the so-called theory, nine out of ten questions should be answered in the field of the act and regulations on weapons and ammunition, health and safety rules when handling weapons, shooting regulations, technical and service data of weapons (for sports purposes) and knowledge of those provisions of the Penal Code that deal with the use of weapons. The first four questions are always related to the law and security, and an incorrect answer to any of them results in the completion of the exam with a negative result. The practical part, of course, takes place at the shooting range and is separate for each type of weapon (shotgun, rifle and pistol). The “practice test” begins with an assessment of the knowledge of the shooting range regulations, then the patent applicant must demonstrate the ability to load ammunition and the knowledge of the correct behavior in the event of a weapon malfunction. The last stage is the shooting test, which varies depending on the type of weapon.
Pistol – The skill assessment lasts 6 minutes, during which 4 bullet holes are required in a 15 cm diameter circle from a distance of 25 meters in a standing position.
The rifle – differs from the pistol shooting test by the distance, which is 50 meters, the prone position and the diameter of the circle – 5 centimeters.
Shotgun – here, the time to fire at least 4 accurate shots from a distance of 15 meters at poppers (reactive targets) is 3 minutes.
What should you bring to the exam?
In order to take the exam, you must first face a few formalities, such as completing the application, medical examinations, initial training and payment. Below is a list of all the documents you need to bring with you to the exam.
Patent application.
Certificate of a sports medicine doctor about the health condition enabling safe practice of sport shooting.
Confirmation of being a member of a club belonging to PZSS, issued by the club manager..
Confirmation of payment for the exam and the issuance of the patent.
Cracow shooting range – check the entire offer and the current price list.
