The Handgun Range Day

A highlight of the Action Days at AUSTRIA ARMS was definitely the Range Day which was divided into Handgun and Rifle tracks. Depending preference, participants could choose either one or, of course, both. Here’s an insight into what there was to discover on the Handgun Range Day.

First up was the registration tent. Here, participants were put into groups and informed about which bus to get on. There is also a small goodie bag containing a patch, sticker, ear protection, snack, and a water bottle. 

By shuttle, we headed to HALEVI PARTNER, the shooting range. Those familiar with AUSTRIA ARMS videos may have seen this place several times. Located in Vienna, it features a beautiful shooting range with a large, dynamic hall up to 35 meters. Highly recommended for a visit!

The group is split into two, and we begin with a 50-minute shooting training session led by Max and David, also known as GREYGROUND.

GREYGROUND are German shooting instructors specializing in handguns, particularly WALTHER and AIMPOINT. With their program, 50 – 50, they aim to teach as much as possible in 50 minutes and 50 shots. So, we immediately start with a Bluegun from WALTHER, equipped with an AIMPOINT ACRO. 

The goal of the first exercise is to familiarize oneself with a red dot sight on the weapon and the correct position. 

This was followed by a live fire exercise. Participants were split up at the tables, on which were Walther pistols in various configurations, all equipped with AIMPOINT optics. In three rounds, we first shot 10 rounds, then 20 rounds twice. In total, that makes 50 rounds.

Participants receive tips on shooting regarding stance, trigger technique, and much more, either directly while shooting or later in an analysis, shown how to recognize mistakes based on the various target patterns and how to avoid them. 

We also learned something new and were able to improve our grip technique. With the knowledge of how to shoot optimally, we moved on to the next station – the test shooting. 

Once again, several tables were loaded up with several nice pieces. At each table, you could make your selection, receive corresponding ammunition for it, and then make ready to "fire away"!

Spoiled for choice: WALTHER PDP in different configurations, SIG SAUER M18, SIG SAUER X5 Legion, BERETTA APX A1. The M18 is currently in use by the US Army in this configuration.

BERETTA 92X with STEINER MPS, CZ Shadows. We are also influenced by “Die Hard” and feel drawn to the BERETTA. 

The high-end options: Together, these three pieces cost nearly 10,000 euros – SIG SAUER P210 Target, ALPIN ARMS Reptile (hand-fitted by Club 30 member), CZ 75 Shadow 2. It is a special pleasure to be able to shoot these for testing. However, they are outside our budget.

There were also GLOCK pistols in various configurations. Besides the Slim-Line, the new COA models were included. In between, there was a FK BRNO in caliber 9x19. 

But for us, the absolute highlights and deciding reason why we wanted to go were the LAUGO ARMS Alien and the OPOS Venator. A duel of giants? First, the LAUGO ARMS Alien is a pistol that is already available on the market and is especially popular in sport shooting due to its low bore axis and the resulting reduced recoil. In contrast, the OPOS Venator is presented here in a prototype variant. 

First a few shots with the Alien, then right after with the Venator, to have a direct comparison. The Alien shoots very well. It feels good in the hand, the weapon is heavy, the recoil is low, and the trigger is crisp. 

Then a comparison with the Venator. The weapon weighs 1310 grams, which is nearly 300 grams heavier than the Alien - and you can feel that!

Then the first shot and the surprise effect kicks in. It feels – different. It feels – better. Hard to describe, but the recoil is simply softer and even easier to control. This becomes immediately obvious in a direct comparison. It quickly becomes clear that the rotating bolt of the Venator provides a softer, and thus even smoother, recoil. It can perhaps be compared, at a stretch, to those who have shot a PCC (like an AR-9) with a mass bolt and an MP5 with a roller lock. 

Florian from OPOS is diligently gathering feedback from the test shooting and also shows us how the OPOS works, and how quickly it can also be disassembled. For OPOS, it is very important to incorporate user feedback. Feedback from the IWA has already been implemented and the Venator has been improved. Currently, they aim to deliver the first models to the new owners in December 2025.

We definitely find it bold and remarkable that OPOS dares to make such a direct comparison with a prototype model and lets thousands of shots be fired through the pistol by a variety of shooters over three days. 

Don’t worry – GLOCK will remain GLOCK. OPOS is clearly targeting sport shooters with their premium model, and it is well suited for that segment where they can maximize the pistol's potential. 

With this highlight, we wrap up the Handgun Range Day. Happy and with a lot of new experience, the shuttle takes us back to the Action Days right at home with AUSTRIA ARMS

AUSTRIA ARMS online

GREYGROUND online

OPOS online