Unchallenged as the greatest competitive marksman Australia has ever produced, Percy Pavey dominated his chosen sport in the same manner as Sir Hubert Opperman in cycling, Sir Donald Bradman in cricket, and Sir Norman Brookes in tennis. His career as a top level marksman spanned more than 30 years.

After moving to Oakleigh, Melbourne, with his parents and sister, he joined the Oakleigh Rifle Club as a young man and soon showed his outstanding skill. A marksman of rare quality, he was selected in both the Victorian and Australian rifle teams for many years, coached both teams, and served on the Victorian Rifle Association Council.

His record in senior competition in Australia is unmatched, winning numerous King’s and Queen’s badges. The Kings and Queens prize is the same prize event and is linked to whoever is the monarch of the day. The trophy is presented at state, national and international events.

Between 1930 and 1959, he won the Victorian prize five times (1930, 1932, 1935, 1958, 1959), the New South Wales prize twice (1931, 1952), the Queensland prize three times (1930, 1939, 1950), the South Australian prize twice (1938, 1955) and the Tasmanian prize twice (dates unknown). In 1952 he became the first man to win a King’s or Queen’s prize and the Jamieson Aggregate in the same year.