52nd ISSF World Shooting Championship

Changwon, South Korea hosted the world's shooting sport community from August 31 to September 2018.

A record of the Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun and Running Target competitions held at the Changwon International Shooting Range under the supervision of the International Shooting Sport Federation.

Aerial view of a large sports complex with buildings, a parking lot, and fields surrounded by dense green forest on a calm day Close-up still life of a pistol with a tin of pellets and small tools on a cloth in metallic and blue tones Map illustration of the shooting range grounds in muted earth tones Aerial rendering of a large sports and training facility complex with buildings, fields, a parking lot and a running track Circular federation emblem rendered in gold and green tones on a plain background
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About the Championship

  • Organized under the auspices of the ISSF, with the Organizing Committee led by Chairman Lee Dalgon.
  • Competition ran from August 31 through mid-September 2018, spanning roughly two weeks of events.
  • Held at the Changwon International Shooting Range, the championship's primary venue.
  • Franz Schreiber served as ISSF Secretary General and Olegario Vazquez Rana as ISSF President during the event period.
View Overview

The shooting community gathered in South Korea for a landmark event that brought together athletes from across the globe. The championship represented a significant moment for the host nation, showcasing its capacity to organize world-class sporting competitions. Participants arrived with hopes of testing their skills against the best marksmen and markswomen in the world, while spectators anticipated displays of precision, composure, and dedication. The atmosphere surrounding the event reflected both the competitive spirit of the sport and the camaraderie that defines the international shooting community.

Rifle events formed a cornerstone of the competition program, challenging athletes across multiple distances and positions. Competitors demonstrated remarkable steadiness and breath control as they aimed for the tightest possible groupings on distant targets. The discipline rewards consistency over time, with even the smallest deviation separating medalists from the rest of the field. Throughout the rifle events, the quiet intensity on the firing line underscored the mental fortitude required to perform at the highest level of the sport.

Pistol competitions brought their own distinctive rhythm to the championship schedule. Unlike the supported positions of rifle shooting, pistol events demand that athletes manage every subtle movement through their own physical control. The precision required at close and mid-range distances leaves no room for error, and the format tests both speed and accuracy in equal measure. Spectators watched as competitors worked through their routines with measured calm, each shot carrying the weight of years of training and preparation.

Shotgun events added a dynamic visual element to the proceedings, with clay targets arcing across the skyline of the Changwon International Shooting Range. Athletes tracked fast-moving discs through the air, relying on instinct, timing, and honed technique to break each target cleanly. The discipline draws on a different set of reflexes compared to stationary target shooting, and the satisfying burst of shattered clays punctuated the competition days. The outdoor setting provided a dramatic backdrop for one of the sport's most spectator-friendly disciplines.

Running target events showcased one of the more specialized disciplines within the shooting sport spectrum. Competitors engaged a moving target that traversed a set path, requiring precise timing and the ability to track motion smoothly while maintaining sight alignment. The event blends elements of traditional marksmanship with the added complexity of a shifting point of aim. Though less widely known than other disciplines, running target shooting has a dedicated following and a rich competitive tradition within the international federation's calendar.

The Changwon International Shooting Range served as a fitting venue for a championship of this magnitude, offering facilities designed to meet the exacting standards of international competition. Purpose-built ranges, modern scoring technology, and thoughtful athlete amenities contributed to an environment where performance could flourish. The legacy of such a venue extends beyond the competition itself, providing a lasting resource for the development of shooting sports in the region and inspiring future generations of athletes to take up the discipline.

Aerial rendering of a large sports and training facility complex with buildings, fields, a parking lot and a running track surrounded by greenery

Shooting Disciplines

R

Rifle

10m Air Rifle, 50m Rifle Prone, 50m Rifle 3 Positions, plus 300m Prone, 3 Positions and Standard Rifle events.

P

Pistol

Air Pistol and Powder Pistol disciplines were contested across the competition schedule.

S

Shotgun & Running Target

Clay pigeon shotgun events were joined by Running Target competitions at 10m and 50m distances.

WCH
Close-up still life of a pistol with a tin of pellets and small tools arranged on a cloth, metallic and blue tones

Athletes, officials and media found detailed guidance for the Changwon championship.

Information for competitors covered rules and regulations, entry processes, immigration requirements, firearms and ammunition handling, anti-doping notices, accommodation and travel arrangements.

Info for Athletes

Explore the Site

Overview

Event symbols, organizational structure and background on the championship.

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Athletes

Rules, entry process, immigration, firearms handling and anti-doping information.

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Schedule

Opening and closing ceremony dates and the daily competition schedule.

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Events

Technical breakdown of Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun and Running Target disciplines.

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Ranges

Details on the Changwon International Shooting Range and other Korean facilities.

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Stay

Accommodation, travel, transportation and tour guidance for Changwon.

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Notices

Official notices, press releases and safety instructions from the Organizing Committee.

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Q&A

Frequently asked questions for athletes and spectators on procedures and logistics.

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Media

Photo gallery and video highlights from the competitions and ceremonies.

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