
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
If you would like to learn how to shoot in competition, please join us for an exciting 2025 Action Pistol season. We draw a wide range of competitors, from beginners to seasoned veterans and everyone has a good time. Our matches begin at 6:00 PM at the CCKC Rifle Range. NOTE: Registration will close at 6:15PM for safety reasons – you must attend the walkthrough to shoot. Each match is an individual competition so join us for whichever match date you can make. The only person you are competing against is yourself. The match fees are $15 for CCKC members and $20 for non-members. We run about 4 stages a night and all matches are on WEDNESDAY EVENINGS. The Action Pistol matches are an introduction to the sport of USPSA competitive shooting. We follow safe gun handling principles to help you improve your handgun skills. You will shoot timed match scenarios that require you to move and engage a wide range of reactive and static targets. Most participants shoot stock factory semi-auto handguns or pistol caliber rifle. Please bring a small firearm case, belt holster, four magazines, and a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition (no magnum loads). From May through September the first match of the month will be .22LR neutral – meaning you can break out your .22 pistol or rifle and shoot the entire match.