
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
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 tactical or practical shooting event emphasizing real-world shooting skills. Depending on the format, this may include timed stages with movement, barricade shooting, target transitions, and shoot/no-shoot decision-making. Rifle and/or pistol (per event rules) Belt, holster, and magazine pouches Ammunition (round count varies -- check with venue) Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Lincoln Rifle Club for format details, round count, equipment requirements, and registration.
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.
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
Range fee: $10 ($5 if you are a USI Access Card/VIP Card holder) Bring exact change. Please note: The number of practice bays available may be impacted by competition stage setup needs.
NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program from Pro-Marksman to Distinguished Expert. One of the most popular shooting sports, these courses of fire emphasize the development of competition bullseye pistol shooting skills. The precision required in bullseye shooting helps to hone sight alignment, trigger control, and concentration skills. These skills will be of great value when applied to ALL pistol shooting. Pistol: Bring a revolver or semi-auto .22 pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition. This event is shoot from the bench only. Like other NRA MQP programs, MCSA membership is not required. Cost is $10 for MCSA club members, $15 for non-members. For more information, please email Send email, ([email protected])
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline