Kuopio Shooting and Hunting Club (KAMS)
Founded in 1906 during a period of significant social and political change, the Kuopio Shooting and Hunting Club (KAMS) is one of Finland’s oldest and most respected shooting sport organizations. Throughout its long history, the club has played a central role in developing shooting sports both in the Kuopio region and nationwide.
The founding meeting was held on 23 March 1906, and a permit application with bylaws was submitted to Governor Stenius on 14 April. During the era of establisment, the Finnish Senate routinely rejected applications for new shooting clubs, but Kuopio became the only place in Finland where such a permit was granted. Recognizing the committee’s earlier role in maintaining public order, Governor Stenius approved the application on 3 May 1906, even exceeding his formal authority.
The club—originally named Kuopion Metsästys- ja Ampumaseura—quickly established its first shooting range after receiving a 10‑hectare area from the city in June 1906. The first pavilion was completed in 1909, supported by prominent local figures such as photographer and city councillor Victor Barsokevitsch.
These early years laid the foundation for KAMS’s long tradition of organized shooting sports, community involvement, and competitive success.
KAMS has produced numerous nationally and internationally recognized athletes, including Finnish champions, Olympians, and world‑class competitors. The club continues to invest in safe training environments, modern shooting ranges, and high‑quality coaching to support shooters at every level—from beginners to elite athletes.
Discipline Overview
KAMS offers a comprehensive selection of shooting disciplines across rifle, pistol, and hunting‑oriented SML events, providing structured, safe, and high‑quality training opportunities for all athletes.
Rifle disciplines include 10 m air rifle, 50 m small‑bore rifle, and 100 m full‑bore rifle, all practiced according to ISSF and SAL standards. These events emphasize precision, stability, and technical skill, supported by modern indoor and outdoor facilities.
Pistol disciplines cover 10 m air pistol, 25 m small‑bore and center‑fire pistol events, and 50 m pistol. Training takes place at dedicated indoor and outdoor ranges equipped with electronic scoring systems to ensure consistent and fair practice conditions.
KAMS also offers SML hunting‑style shooting disciplines, including rifle‑based moving‑target events such as moose, bear, deer, and wild boar shooting. Shotgun disciplines such as Skeet and Trap are planned for future development. These events strengthen practical marksmanship skills essential for ethical and responsible hunting.
Shooting Ranges
The indoor airgun range, located in the lower level of the Sawo House facility in Kuopio, is open around the clock and equipped with modern SIUS electronic scoring systems for both static and moving‑target events. Reserved exclusively for 4.5 mm airguns, the range provides a controlled, year‑round environment ideal for precision training, junior development, and competitive practice.
The Heinjoen outdoor ranges offer versatile training opportunities for rifle, pistol, and hunting‑style disciplines. The facility includes dedicated pistol ranges, 50‑ and 100‑meter rifle ranges, and specialized moving‑target areas. All outdoor activities follow the environmental permit’s operating hours, and access is managed through a controlled gate system to ensure safety and proper supervision.
Guiding Values of KAMS
KAMS is committed to developing the abilities of its members and supporting their growth as athletes and community members. The club actively supports the disciplines of both the Finnish Shooting Sport Federation (SAL) and the Finnish Hunters’ Association (SML), ensuring a broad and responsible foundation for participation.
Guided by its motto “Together, Fairly, and to the Ten!”, KAMS organizes regular training sessions, competitions, and events that enable members to progress and compete at various levels. The club places strong emphasis on youth development, community spirit, and maintaining a positive training atmosphere.
KAMS operates in accordance with SAL’s Reilusti Paras, Puhtaasti Paras, and responsibility program guidelines, as well as the ethical principles of sport defined by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. These principles ensure that all activities are conducted responsibly, ethically, and with respect for both the sport and its participants.
