The answer is yes
10m air rifle shooting is a safe activity, and all participants must follow the range rules and staff instructions. It involves aiming and shooting at a target with an air rifle at a fixed distance of 10 metres. Beginners receive guidance on safety and basic shooting techniques before they start, so no prior experience is needed.
This guide explains how a session works at Saigon Sniper in Ho Chi Minh City, the safety rules to follow and who can take part, so you know what to expect before booking.
What 10m air rifle shooting actually is
10m air rifle is an Olympic sport. Shooting takes place from a designated position, with a stationary target and a fixed direction of fire. The focus is on steady aim and precision rather than tracking moving targets or reacting quickly.
The event has been part of the Olympic programme since 1984, and it is a sport Vietnam takes pride in: the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal came in 10m air pistol shooting, won by Hoang Xuan Vinh at the Rio 2016 Games.
At Saigon Sniper, every session takes place on an indoor range at 25 Nguyen Binh Khiem, in the former District 1. Heat and rain are never a factor. The club has been running since 2012 and was one of the first in Vietnam to open sport shooting to the general public, not just to competitive athletes.
The safety procedure at the range
Every visit follows the same sequence, whether you come alone or with a group. Wear comfortable clothes and closed trainers — tight clothing, flip-flops or heels make it harder to stand steadily.
At the counter
- Fill in the participation form with your details.
- Choose your package — the staff will explain the options if it is your first time.
- Pay and collect your information slip. Keep it with you for the rest of the session.
- Take your slip to your shooting bench, where the staff will be waiting to brief you.
At the shooting bench
To begin with, the staff will explain the safety rules and show you how to stand, hold the rifle and aim. They will stay beside you throughout the session, helping you adjust your posture and the pace of your shots.
After each shot, place the rifle back on the bench with the muzzle pointing towards the target. The rifle must remain in the shooting area at all times. If you would like to take photos or if anything feels wrong, ask a staff member for assistance.
At the end of your session, you can take your paper target home with you.
Rules every shooter follows
- Always follow the staff’s instructions. They are there for your safety and for everyone around you.
- Always keep the rifle in the shooting area. It rests on the bench after each shot and is never carried away from it.
- Always point the rifle at the target. Never towards another person, never away from the bench.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger while loading. This prevents accidental shots and keeps you in control.
The rules apply to all participants, from first-time shooters to athletes who have trained for years.
Age and health requirements
Age and height
Children aged 5 and over are permitted in the range area; children under 5 are not permitted. To shoot in a standard session, you need to be 12 or older and at least 1.4 metres (4.6 feet) tall.
Children under 1.4 metres can still take part during dedicated weekend slots — Saturday and Sunday, from 07:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00, when the range is set up for them.
Glasses and contact lenses
Wearing glasses is not a problem. You can shoot with glasses or contact lenses, whichever you find more comfortable. Being short-sighted doesn’t hold you back either: the target is only 10 metres away and you aim through the rifle’s sights. If you find it hard to keep your other eye closed, the club sells eye patches that cover your non-aiming eye, so you don’t have to squint.
Pregnancy
Shooting is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and would still like to take part, please consult your doctor first.
If your friends or colleagues are coming, you are very welcome to join them, watch and cheer from the safe viewing area.
Shoulder, back or mobility issues
If standing for long periods is difficult for you, choose the Advanced package. It is the only option that comes with seated shooting and support equipment at the bench — the Classic and Sporty packages are shot standing, without those aids. Sport air rifles are relatively light, so the activity doesn’t demand much strength or stamina either way, and the staff are on hand throughout to help you adjust your position, your grip and get used to the rifle’s weight.
One practical note: the range is on the first and second floors and there is no lift. If you or someone in your group has difficulty with stairs, contact the team on 0967106974 before booking so they can talk through what is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience?
None at all. Most visitors have never held a rifle before. The staff will show you everything, and sessions are designed around complete beginners.
Is there recoil?
Very little. An air rifle doesn’t have the kick people associate with guns in films — you’ll feel a light push as the pellet leaves the barrel. Most people barely notice it after the first few shots.
Can children shoot?
Yes. Children aged 12 and over and at least 1.4 metres tall can join a standard session. Smaller children can shoot in the weekend slots set aside for them (Saturday and Sunday, 07:00–09:00 and 18:00–19:00). Under-5s cannot enter the range.
Is a licence required?
No. You shoot on the club’s range under the supervision of the staff, so you don’t need a personal licence or permit.
Is it loud?
An air rifle makes a short, sharp pop rather than a loud bang. With several lanes in use, those pops add up to a steady background sound indoors, but you can still hear the staff speaking beside you.
Ready to try it?
Saigon Sniper is rated 4.6★ from 657 reviews on Google and 4.8★ from 260 reviews on Klook — many of them from travellers who were nervous before their first shot and left asking about the next one. Sessions run every day with English-speaking staff, and you can compare packages on our price page before you come.
