
NRA Precision Pistol (Bullseye) is the oldest formal handgun competition in America. Competitors shoot one-handed at paper bullseye targets from standing position.
01 // LEARN
Understanding this shooting discipline
NRA Precision Pistol (Bullseye) is the oldest formal handgun competition in America. Competitors shoot one-handed at paper bullseye targets from standing position. The sport emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and mental discipline over speed.
Conventional Pistol uses three guns: .22 rimfire, centerfire, and .45 caliber. The course of fire includes Slow Fire (10 rounds, 10 minutes), Timed Fire (5 rounds, 20 seconds), and Rapid Fire (5 rounds, 10 seconds). Distances are 50 feet indoor and 25/50 yards outdoor.
02 // START
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into bullseye doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
What you need to get started
Know these before your first shot
Advice from experienced shooters
Realistic budget expectations
$500-1,000
Basic equipment to begin
$2,000-5,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: Start with a quality .22 pistol (Ruger Mark IV, S&W Victory). Add centerfire and .45 as skills develop.
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| .22 Rimfire Required gun. S&W Model 41, Ruger Mark IV, High Standard common choices. | Learning fundamentals, required for all three-gun matches |
| Centerfire .32 caliber minimum. .38 Special wadcutter or .38 Super popular. | Middle leg of three-gun aggregate |
| .45 ACP 1911 variants dominate. Colt, Kimber, Les Baer, Wilson Combat popular. | Final leg of three-gun, highest prestige |
03 // ASK
Common questions about bullseye
New to bullseye? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about bullseye precision pistol. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
Yes, semi-autos are most common. Revolvers are legal but rare due to slower reloads in timed and rapid fire stages.
Bullseye predates modern combat shooting. The one-handed stance tests fundamental marksmanship without physical support. It develops excellent trigger control.
No. Many matches offer .22-only options. Build your battery over time as skills and interest develop.
Yes, in most matches. Many top competitors use red dots. Iron sights remain legal and competitive.
On the NRA B-8 target at 25 yards, 85-90 out of 100 is respectable for beginners. Experts shoot 95+.
04 // FIND
Find bullseye events near you
Tuesday League. Range Reserved: Yes. Preregistration Needed: No. 4:00pm – 5:00pm Setup Event begins at 5:00pm
Action Pistol is a handgun match at Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range testing speed and accuracy under time pressure—faster-paced than bullseye shooting, with stages that reward both hits and trigger control. You'll run multiple courses of fire designed to challenge your draw, movement, and precision under the clock. The format combines timed and precision shooting to separate shooters who can shoot fast from those who shoot fast and accurate. It's a solid way to push beyond static range work and see how your fundamentals hold up when the pressure's on.
Open to members only. ContactRandy at [email protected] more details
This defensive pistol league teaches you to draw fast and shoot accurately under pressure—skills that matter if you ever need to use your handgun for real. You'll work on engaging multiple targets, moving tactically, and using cover effectively, building on solid marksmanship fundamentals. The league meets at RWF Sports Mens Club and runs intermediate-level training that goes beyond static range work. You'll practice draw-from-holster drills and scenario-based shooting that forces you to think, move, and shoot simultaneously.
Open to public. Practice using your pistol in a defensive scenario. Cost is $5 for members, and $10 for non-members. You should bring your pistol, a secure holster that you can safely draw from and re-holster safely and between 50 and 100 rounds of ammunition. Bring your own eye and ear protection. Note no magnum calibers, no shot shells.
A competitive pistol match featuring scored courses of fire. Depending on the format, this may include bullseye (precision), action pistol, or timed/rapid fire stages. Handgun (caliber and type per match rules) Ammunition (typically 50-150 rounds depending on format) Magazine pouches and holster (if action format) Eye and ear protection (required) Arrive early for sign-in and safety briefing If this is your first match, let the match director know -- most clubs pair new shooters with experienced mentors Focus on safety first, speed comes with experience Contact Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Foundation (CCSSEF) for match format, round count, divisions, and entry fees.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline