Australia are still searching for their first shooting medal of these Games, with both 10m rifle teams also failing to reach their final.

Repacholi and Aspandiyarova had every reason to feel bullish about their medal prospects after posting an impressive combined scored of 576 in Tuesday's opening competition.

It meant they ranked sixth of eight teams advancing to the next phase of qualifying.

But the Australians logged a score of 380 in the ensuing two-series contest, which decided who progressed to the gold-medal and bronze-medal shootouts.

Fourth-placed Serbia finished four points ahead of Repacholi and Aspandiyarova.

The Australian duo were at least the most distinct of 20 pistol teams competing at the Asaka range.

Repacholi, taking part in his fifth Olympics, boasts an imposing 2.02m frame and almost certainly the largest beard at these Games.

The 39-year-old from Cessnock also competed in rainbow socks, which were given to him by daughters Zoe and Asha.

The shooter was given permission by the Australian Olympic Committee to supplement its standard green-and-gold uniform.

Aspandiyarova is 1.58m tall but, like Repacholi, has no shortage of experience.

Aspandiyarova finished sixth in the women's 10m pistol final at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, while representing country of birth Kazakhstan.

Shooting introduced several mixed team events for these Games as part of the International Olympic Committee's push for gender equality.

The pairing of Elise Collier and Alex Hoberg ranked 19th in the 10m rifle competition, while fellow Australians Katarina Kowplos and Dane Sampson finished 22nd.

China's teams claimed gold in both 10m pistol and 10m rifle, while Russia finished second in pistol and third in rifle.

Australian Associated Press