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shooting-sports/bullseye-pistol
Bullseye Precision Pistol
NRA Precision Pistol (Bullseye) is the oldest formal handgun competition in America. Competitors shoot one-handed at paper bullseye targets from standing position.
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01 // LEARN
#01
What is Bullseye Pistol?
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.
Types & Variations
Conventional Pistol (three guns)
Service Pistol (duty firearms)
Distinguished Pistol (EIC program)
Air Pistol (10m Olympic)
02 // START
#02
Getting Started with Bullseye
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.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
1.22 rimfire pistol (required for most matches)
2Centerfire pistol (.32 caliber or larger)
3.45 caliber pistol (1911 most common)
4Spotting scope (20-40x)
5Shooting bag for equipment
6Eye and ear protection
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
1One-handed shooting only
2Support hand in pocket or behind back
3Standing position only
4Trigger weight minimum: 2 pounds
510-ring scoring with X-ring for tiebreakers
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
Start with a reliable .22 pistol - you can compete in .22-only matches
Focus on trigger control; this is 90% of the game
Dry fire extensively (safely); it is free practice
Do not grip too tight; a relaxed grip improves consistency
Learn to call your shots before looking at the target
What Does Bullseye Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
Getting Started
$500-1,000
Basic equipment to begin
Competitive Setup
$2,000-5,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Per event/match:$15-40 entry, 90+ rounds ammunition
Ammo per session:$25-50 (varies by caliber)
Hidden costs to consider: Start with a quality .22 pistol (Ruger Mark IV, S&W Victory). Add centerfire and .45 as skills develop.
Bullseye Pistol Choices
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
#03
Frequently Asked Questions
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
#04
Upcoming Events
Find bullseye events near you
View details
MAR
18
Wednesday night defensive pistol practice
Defensive
Night Shoot
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Linwood-Bay Sportsman's ClubLinwood-Bay Sportsman's Club, Linwood, MI
View details
MAR
18
Action Pistol
Training
Action Pistol is open to all individuals who are interested in “Action” courses of fire, which combine speed and accuracy while shooting at multiple targets of steel and cardboard/ paper. Action Pistol is a dynamic discipline within the “Action Pistol” shooting sports. It is a combination of speed and accuracy, weighing more on the accuracy aspect, with speed still playing a major factor in your ability to put up a good score. This is a chance for some run and gun fun with your Pistol and holst
Wednesday, March 18, 2026• 18:00:00
The Range at Ballantyne, IncThe Range at Ballantyne, Inc, Indian Land, SC
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MAR
18
Basic Pistol Training
Training
Classes begin at 9 and include live fire. The class is open to club members and the general public. Class fee - $5 Contact: Suzanne Beaty - Wednesday Beginners email: [email protected] or 312.618.3588
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bend of the River Conservation ClubBend of the River Conservation Club, Niles, MI
View details
MAR
18
Bullseye AM
Indoor
The Bullseye League is open to anyone interested. See Bullseye Pistol for more details. Cost is $60 for each season.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026• 10:00:00
NCRR indoor rangeNCRR indoor range, Chesapeake, VA
View details
MAR
18
Action Pistol
Training
Action Pistol is open to all individuals who are interested in “Action” courses of fire, which combine speed and accuracy while shooting at multiple targets of steel and cardboard/ paper. Action Pistol is a dynamic discipline within the “Action Pistol” shooting sports. It is a combination of speed and accuracy, weighing more on the accuracy aspect, with speed still playing a major factor in your ability to put up a good score. This is a chance for some run and gun fun with your Pistol and holst
Wednesday, March 18, 2026• 18:00:00
The Range at BallantyneThe Range at Ballantyne, Indian land, NC
View details
MAR
18
Precision Pistol / Bullseye Weekly Practice Group 3PM-5PM
Weekly Precision / Bullseye Practice Session Craig Johnson, RSO 307-763-8482
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Scsa RangeScsa Range, Sheridan, NY
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline
Shooting Locations
View allShops & Clubs
View allClaythorne Lodge
Columbus
Shooting Range
Copperhead Creek Shooting Club
Marble Falls
Shooting Range
United Defense Tactical
Costa Mesa·4.2 stars
Shooting Range
Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry Association
Altoona·4.8 stars
Club
The Range at Ballantyne
Indian Land·4.6 stars
Shooting Range
Boise Gun Club
Kuna·4.7 stars
Shooting Range