The Championships took place at SSAA Townsville Branch Inc. over three days from 05 October 2024 to accommodate the three classifications of competition, Rimfire, Centrefire and Classic Calibre. All three are shot on paper targets from various shooting positions using only aperture or open sights.

If any of the 40 competitors were looking for poor shot excuses, the fine and hot Townsville weather with a not too unfriendly breeze, did not offer any.
Twelve competitors came from Western Australia, some driving the 5,000km each way to participate.  Eight made their way up the coast from New South Wales, whilst the other half of the competitors came from seven Queensland Branches.

Saturday’s Rimfire match comprised of 50 shots over three distances, 100m, 50m and 25m with time limits for five shots varying from five minutes down to 10 seconds. Targets included the slow fire pistol target as well as pig, sitting rabbit and buffalo head targets.

Three Western Australians took the outright placings: Steve Hurley (447.05); Mick McDonnell (440.03) and Peter Tulloch (432.03).

The Centrefire match held on Sunday, was a 50-shot match over 100m and 50m distances, again with a mix of round and animal targets.  A number of 50s were shot in this match but the 50m, 15-second rapid fire evidenced a more subdued set of scores.

Steve Hurley (437.02) again toped the scores followed one point back by Don Chesworth (436.06) from New South Wales and a further one point back, Mick McDonnell (435.03).

The aggregate scores from these two matches revealed the Two Gun Champion to be Steve Hurley (884.07); followed by Mick McDonnell (875.06) and Don Chesworth (867.07).

The King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday saw the Classic Calibre match proceed with its thirty-five shots over the familiar distances but with a variety of animal targets.

Again, three shooters from Western Australia took out the major places: James Hay (315-06), Steve Hurley (303.03) and two “x” rings back, Mark Van Der Meulen (303.01).

The combination of scores from all three days resulted in Steve Hurley (1187.10) being declared the Three Gun Champion followed by James Hay (1170.10) and Mark Van Der Meulen (1153.07).