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.
bullseye pistol shooting
nra precision pistol
bullseye for beginners
bullseye pistol equipment
one handed pistol shooting
—————
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
JUL
20
Defensive pistol
Training
Defensive
Defensive pistol training focuses on practical self-defense skills with a handgun. Depending on the format, this may be an instructional class or a scored league/competition using defensive scenarios. Drawing from concealment under time pressure Shooting on the move and from behind cover Multiple target engagement Low-light shooting techniques Malfunction clearance drills Handgun with strong-side hip holster Concealment garment At least 3 magazines and mag pouches 100-200 rounds of ammunition Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Brooklyn Sportsman's Club for format details, round count, and any prerequisite requirements.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Brooklyn Sportsman's ClubBrooklyn Sportsman's Club, Brooklyn, MI
View details
JUL
20
Basic Pistol training
Training
Must contact Larry Hupp to make an appointment between 10am and 4pm. [email protected]
Monday, July 20, 2026
Bend of the River Conservation ClubBend of the River Conservation Club, Niles, MI
View details
JUL
20
Bullseye 2025 (GR or TT Closed)
Bi-Weekly Bullseye. All are welcome. What to bring: 100-200 rounds (Rimfire recommended for those who have not done this with WRRC before) Pistol – Chamber Flag (although there will probably be one available if you don’t have one) Hearing protection Eye Protection Bag or case for your firearm
Monday, July 20, 2026• 08:00:00
Wenatchee Rifle and Revolver Club – Established 1922Wenatchee Rifle and Revolver Club – Established 1922, Wenatchee, WA
View details
JUL
20
Monday Night Bullseye League
Competition
Night Shoot
4 May to 24 Aug, except 25 May 6:00 PM Start 22 Rimfire Only Range closes one hour before each match for setup
Monday, July 20, 2026• 18:00:00
Delaware County Field And Stream AssociationDelaware County Field And Stream Association, Brookhaven, PA
View details
JUL
20
Action Pistol
Every Monday Range Reserved: Yes. Preregistration Needed: No. Prequalification Required: New shooters arrive at 5:15pm – 5:30pm For more information, click here
Monday, July 20, 2026• 17:00:00
Delaware State Pistol ClubDelaware State Pistol Club, New Castle, DE
View details
JUL
20
Bullseye Shoot
Training
Bullseye (also called Conventional Pistol or Precision Pistol) is the traditional one-handed pistol competition. Shooters fire at the classic bullseye target at 25 and 50 yards in slow fire, timed fire, and rapid fire stages. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Distances | 25 and 50 yards | | Shooting hand | One-handed (strong hand only) | | Calibers | .22 LR, centerfire (.32-.45), .45 ACP | | Course of fire | 2700 (full) or 1800 (short) aggregate | .22 LR pistol and/or centerfire pistol (.45 ACP for full 2700) Ammunition (90 rounds per gun for full course) Shooting box or bench for equipment Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Cape Cod Fish and Game Association for match format (2700 vs. 1800), entry fees, and start time.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Cape Cod Fish and Game AssociationCape Cod Fish and Game Association, Harwich, MA
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline
Shooting Locations
View allShops & Clubs
View allFARM
Location TBD
Shooting Range
Fraternal Order of Eagles Poste #397
Springfield
Shooting Range
Technical College of the Rockies
Delta
Shooting Range
Vandenberg Rod and Gun Club
Vandenberg Sfb
Shooting Range
Brown Township Sportsman's Club
Malvern·4.8 stars
Shooting Range
Hendriksen PMAA Range
Salt Lake City·4.4 stars
Shooting Range