that leave clean round holes in paper targets for easy scoring. Match pellets are offered in tins and more elaborate packagings that avoid deformation and other damage that could impair their uniformity. Air gunners are encouraged to perform shooting group tests with their gun clamped in a machine rest to establish which particular match pellet type performs best for their particular air gun. To facilitate maximum performance out of various air guns the leading match pellet manufacturers produce pellets with graduated "head sizes", which means the pellets are offered with front diameters from 4.48 mm up to 4.51 mm. As in other ISSF pistol events, clothing that restricts the movement of joints for support is not allowed. Optical aids such as iris diaphragms or prescription glasses are allowed as long as they are not mounted on the pistol, which may only have open sights. Though shooting glasses are extremely customizable, most pairs contain three basic elements: a lens, a mechanical iris, and a blinder. These components work together to help shooters focus on both the faraway target and their gun's sights at the same time. Ear protection is recommended by the ISSF as well as by coaches, who sometimes stress their usefulness in shutting out distracting noise rather than their necessity for safety reasons (paramount in other shooting disciplines). It is each shooter's responsibility to get the pistol and shoes validated in a specific area, the equipment control, prior to starting the competition. To discourage shooters from lowering the trigger pull weight after passing the equipment control, random controls are conducted after the match. Failure to pass such controls results in immediate disqualification. Match air pistols in production The following air pistols are in production : Baikal IZH-46M *available in the USA under Air Venturi Import, model AV-46M. Benelli Kite and Benelli Kite Young FAS 6004 Feinwerkbau P8X and Feinwerkbau P11 Hämmerli AP20 Match Guns MGH1, MGH1- Light and Match Guns MGH1- Hybrid Morini CM 162 EI, Morini CM 162 MI, Morin I 162 EI- Titanium, and Morini 200 EI Pardini K10 & K12 and Pardini K10 & K12 Junior Steyr Evo 10, Steyr Evo 10E, Steyr LP 2 and Steyr LP 50 Tesro PA 10-2 Walther LP500 Walther LP400 Precihole PX50 Course of fire Shooters are generally divided into four classes: men, junior men, women and junior women. The junior classes are included in most championships, with some notable