It was created in 1893 by Norway's Storting to promote practical shooting skills within the Norwegian people, thereby empowering the national defence.

[12] DFS collaborates with various departments in the Norwegian Armed Forces by educating shooting instructors.

[16] The current main standard rifle is the SIG Sauer 200 STR in 6.5×55mm and .22 LR, and before that Krag–Jørgensen and various Mauser variants (i.e. M67, M59 and K98k "Heimeverns-Mauser") were used.

In 1893, the Norwegian Civilian Marksmanship Association (Det frivillige Skyttervesen) was founded, with all the shooting clubs in the Centralforeningen and Folkevæpningssamlags being gathered under one organisation with the goal to strengthen Norway's defense capabilities, especially by training the people in shooting and by ensuring that modern firearms became widespread.

DFS and the Rifle Clubs cooperate closely with the Home Guard regarding training of marksmen and education of instructors.