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
APR
10
Action Pistol - RO Practice
This practice is for Diablo Range Officers only. Do not show up if you are not a Diablo Range Officer.
Friday, April 10, 2026• 09:00:00
Action Pistol RangeAction Pistol Range, Concord, NV
View details
APR
10
Action Pistol
Competition
Outdoor
Action Pistol at Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range puts your handgun skills against the clock and target. This is a live match where you'll shoot multiple stages designed to test accuracy under time pressure—the format that separates the practiced shooter from the casual one. You'll move through different shooting positions and distances, with scoring based on hits and speed. It's a straightforward way to measure where you actually stand against other shooters and yourself. Matches like this push you to execute under conditions that matter.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Pinellas Outdoor Shooting RangePinellas Outdoor Shooting Range, Clearwater, FL
View details
APR
10
Action Pistol – RO Practice
This practice is for Diablo Range Officers only. Do not show up if you are not a Diablo Range Officer.
Friday, April 10, 2026• 09:00:00
Action Pistol RangeAction Pistol Range, Concord, CA
View details
APR
10
Action Pistol – RO Practice
This practice is for Diablo Range Officers only. Do not show up if you are not a Diablo Range Officer.
Friday, April 10, 2026• 09:00:00
Action Pistol RangeAction Pistol Range, Concord, NV
View details
APR
10
Action Pistol - RO Practice
This practice is for Diablo Range Officers only. Do not show up if you are not a Diablo Range Officer.
Friday, April 10, 2026• 09:00:00
Action Pistol RangeAction Pistol Range, Concord, CA
View details
APR
11
WAC Action Pistol Junior Shooters
Training
Youth
Outdoor
WAC Action Pistol is a handgun competition designed for junior shooters, giving younger competitors a chance to test their accuracy and speed in a structured match environment. This is where kids learn pistol fundamentals against the clock and targets that matter. The match runs action pistol stages—timed and precision shooting that rewards both speed and hits. You'll compete against other juniors on courses of fire that challenge your draw, accuracy under time pressure, and shot placement. It's practical pistol shooting, not paper punching in a lane.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Pinellas Outdoor Shooting RangePinellas Outdoor Shooting Range, Clearwater, FL