Precision Pistol, also known as Bullseye or Conventional Pistol, was developed as we know it in the 1930s. Precision Pistol has its roots going back to the 1880s. It was developed by General Schofield in the Army Department of Texas. Participants shoot at prescribed target at fixed distances. Shooting is done one handed with emphasis on accuracy. Precision Pistol teaches you the physical and mental disciplines, and attitude to be successful at this and other shooting sports.
Precision Pistol allows a person to get National Classifications, Distinguished Pistol Shot Classification, and Excellence in Competitions (EIC) badges. Precision Pistol shooting has been part of the Olympics since 1896. New shooters as well as experienced shooters are welcome to participate in Precision Pistol competition and enjoy the camaraderie the sport brings to all shooters.
American Precision shooting is done at several prescribed distances. The target and bullseye on the target are adjusted in size to compensate for the distance and make the difficulty as equal as possible. International Precision Pistol uses the same method.
American Precision Pistol is governed by two rule making bodies, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Distance for American Precision Pistol is 50 feet, 60 feet, 25 yards, and 50 yards. Targets are then adjusted in size for the shorter distances.
American Precision Pistol has three categories of competition: slow fire, which is 10 shots fired in 5 or 10 minutes; timed fire, which is 10 shots in 20 seconds (fired in two strings of 5 shots in 20 seconds); and rapid fire, which is 10 shots in 10 seconds (fired in two strings of 5 shots each fired in 10 seconds). A typical short course, also called a “National Match Course,” is 10 shots slow fire, 10 shots timed fire, and 10 shots rapid fire. A total of 30 shots for a total of 300 possible points.
An Individual Match is 90 shots for a total of 900 possible points. There are three divisions. They are: rimfire (.22 caliber), centerfire (.32 to .45 caliber), and .45 caliber. Most commonly, a total match is composed of one each of the three sub-divisions resulting in 270 shots for a possible 2700 points.
American Bullseye was the inspiration for International Precision Pistol. The International Shooting Sports Foundation (ISSF) is the governing body for International Precision Pistol. The NRA and CMP have adopted rules for International Pistol which are very similar to ISSF rules.
International Precision Pistol is shot at 25 meters (82 feet). International Precision Pistol has several versions, Standard Pistol, Women’s Sport Pistol, and International Centerfire Pistol. Free Pistol is included but its organization precede the American Precision Pistol and International Precision Pistol. Olympic Air Pistol is included in the Precision Pistol category. Air Pistol is shot at 10 meters. All these matches require 60 shots.
The reasons are several. First, Precision Pistol is done one handed. Once you learn to shoot one handed, moving to some form of pistol in which you can use two hands is much easier, since you have practiced all the elements of precision marksmanship. It does not work very well starting with two hands and going to one handed. Moreover, moving to High Power Rifle, Long Range Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, F-Class and even Combat Defensive Rifle is easier. Secondly, all the ranges including Commercial Ranges will let you practice Precision Pistol shooting on your own. That may not be true of different forms of Combat shooting, particularly if it includes moving and shooting. Third, there is a National recognized classification that allows the shooter to move upward and compete against those in their classes. These classes include Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, Master, and High Master. Those classifications for competition are further divided in categories including civilian, armed service, police, women, junior, senior (60-69) and grand senior (70 and up).
