Federal field shooting

Field Shooting: Participation, Procedure, Dates and Awards

Das Eidgenössische Feldschiessen ist der bekannteste Breitensportanlass im Schweizer Schiesswesen. Es verbindet sportliches Schiessen, sichere Waffenhandhabung, Vereinsleben und Schützentradition. Auf dieser Seite finden Sie die wichtigsten Informationen zu Teilnahme, Programm, Terminen, Kranzabzeichen und zur Bedeutung des Feldschiessens für die Schweizer Schützenvereine.

Field Shooting 2026 300m programme Free to attend Service weapons
Eidgenössisches Feldschiessen in der Schweiz mit Ordonnanzwaffe auf dem Schiessstand
Das grösste Schützenfest der Welt: 300 Meter Konzentration, Präzision und gelebte Schweizer Schützentradition.
Participation Open to participants born in a year such that they will be 10 years old in the year of the competition
Costs Participation is generally free of charge
Programme 300m rifle and 25/50m pistol in accordance with the regulations
Principle Taking part is more important than coming first

What is the Swiss Federal Field Shooting Competition?

The Swiss Federal Field Shooting Competition is a national shooting event with a long tradition. The Swiss Shooting Sports Federation describes it as the world’s largest shooting festival. The focus is not on prize money or top results, but on participation, safe conduct, camaraderie and the promotion of voluntary shooting.

Shooting is carried out using approved service weapons. In the rifle programme, field shooting takes place at a range of 300 metres. Anyone who has no previous experience with the relevant weapon will be supervised by the organising club.

The most important principle is: it’s taking part that counts. Field shooting is therefore also suitable for people who would like to try out the sport of shooting in a controlled environment.

Why is there field shooting?

Field shooting has historically been closely linked to non-military shooting. It promotes marksmanship, strengthens shooting clubs and makes the responsible handling of service weapons accessible to a broad section of the public.

Shooting expertise

Participants practise concentration, weapon handling, aiming, breathing and trigger control under supervised conditions.

Shooting tradition

Field shooting is an important part of Switzerland’s club and militia tradition.

Recreational sport

The event is designed to be accessible and is not aimed solely at experienced competitive shooters.

Community

Clubs, members, newcomers and anyone interested come together at the shooting range.

Who can take part in the field shooting competition?

Shooters who turn 10 during the competition year are eligible to take part. The year of birth is the determining factor. Anyone who does not belong to a shooting club will be assigned to the organising club for supervision, accounting and ranking purposes.

  • Club members: take part through their club.
  • Non-members: are administratively assigned to an organising club.
  • Under-19s: Participants may take part depending on their age and eligibility; the necessary forms must be completed in full.
  • Participants in the young marksmen's course: fire the course weapon in accordance with the instructions.
  • People with no firearms training: may only take part under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.
Participation is generally free of charge. Details regarding ammunition, support and administrative allocation are determined by the organising club.

What weapons are used?

At the Swiss Federal Field Shooting Competition, participants shoot with approved service weapons. In the rifle programme, the focus is on the 300-metre range. Approved weapons and equipment are determined in accordance with the regulations in force at the time and the official list of approved equipment.

  • 300m rifle: typically with approved service rifles such as the Stgw 90 or Stgw 57.
  • 25/50m pistol: depending on the occasion and the stand organisation, in accordance with the regulations.
  • Resources: only permitted if they are included in the current list of medical aids.
Official SSV information Open the list of resources

Procedure for field shooting at 300 metres

The 300-metre rifle programme consists of single shots, short bursts and rapid fire. Shots not fired within the prescribed time limit will not be made up at a later stage. There is no provision for interrupting the programme.

Competition mode Shots Time Evaluation
Single fire 6 shots 6 minutes After each shot
Short fire 2 series with 3 shots each 60 seconds per series After each series
Rapid fire 6 shots 60 seconds total At the end
Practical tip: The procedure is brief and straightforward. If you are not yet very familiar with the process, you should arrive in good time and clarify any questions with the range staff before shooting.

Is there a minimum score or any awards?

In field shooting, the focus is on taking part. There is no minimum score that must be achieved to take part or to complete the event. However, for awards such as the wreath badge, specific thresholds apply, which are set according to the weapon and category.

No minimum score

Field shooting is a mass-participation sporting event. Even those who do not achieve a medal-winning score are considered to have completed the event.

Wreath badge

Anyone who reaches the required points total will receive a wreath badge, depending on the regulations and category.

Rankings

Results are analysed and ranked according to the method used and the region.

Tradition

The competitive aspect is important, but it is not the sole purpose of field shooting.

Dates for the Swiss Federal Field Shooting Competition

The official field shooting dates are set at national level. For local preliminary shoots, exact shooting times and locations, please refer to the information provided by the organising club.

Year Official Field Shooting Weekend
2026 29.05. – 31.05.2026
2027 04.06. – 06.06.2027
2028 19.05. – 21.05.2028
2029 25.05. – 27.05.2029
Field shooting at the SSV Contact the club

How can I prepare effectively?

Field shooting is accessible to all, but that doesn’t mean you should let your concentration slip. If you approach it calmly and prepared, you’ll shoot more confidently and accurately. It’s not about complicated tricks, but about maintaining a steady routine.

  • To be published in good time: Registration, allocation and induction take time.
  • Please bring ear protection: Personal hearing protection is compulsory or strongly recommended at the stand.
  • Please observe the instructions at the checkpoint: Safety takes precedence over results.
  • Start off gently: Consciously control your grip, breathing and trigger pull before firing the first shot.
  • If you are unsure, please ask: Staff at the stand and experienced marksmen are on hand to help.

Acquire ownership of a military weapon

Anyone wishing to take possession of their personal military weapon following discharge from compulsory military service must meet the applicable legal requirements. This usually includes a valid firearms licence. For members of the armed forces equipped with assault rifles, proof of participation in federal exercises is also required.

Assault rifle

According to official information, to be eligible for the assault rifle, proof of participation in four national exercises over the past three years is required. This proof must be recorded in the shooting logbook or the military performance record.

Pistol

According to official information, members of the armed forces who are issued with a pistol may take ownership of it without having to provide proof of shooting proficiency. However, the legal requirements must still be observed.

This information does not replace an official inspection. The current regulations of the armed forces, the Weapons Act and the relevant cantonal authorities shall prevail.
Open the PDF for the weapon handover Information from the Swiss Armed Forces

Frequently asked questions about field shooting

Is field shooting compulsory?

No. Field shooting is voluntary. It is a traditional mass-participation sporting event and differs from compulsory shooting.

Is there a charge for taking part?

Participation in the Swiss Federal Field Shooting Competition is generally free of charge. Details regarding ammunition and support are arranged by the organising club.

Can I take part without being a member of the club?

Yes, non-members are welcome to take part. They will be assigned to one of the organising clubs for administrative purposes and will receive support if required.

From what age can people take part?

Eligibility is open to anyone who turns 10 during the competition year. The age-group system applies.

Is there a minimum score?

No. There is no minimum score required to take part. However, certain thresholds apply for awards such as the wreath badge.

Field shooting: just take part, shoot cleanly

Field shooting is a great way to get started in Swiss shooting sports. The event is clearly organised, is run by clubs, and combines sport, tradition and community spirit.

Anyone who turns up prepared, follows the safety rules and asks for clarification if in doubt can complete the field shooting calmly and effectively – regardless of whether they achieve a top result in the end.

Greater safety through regular training

Anyone wishing to perform with greater composure and confidence during field shooting will benefit from regular training. At the Irchelschützen Berg-Buch, anyone interested can learn the sport of shooting under expert guidance, improve their technique and become more confident in handling their service weapon.

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