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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
19
Bullseye
Thursday League. Range Reserved: Yes. Preregistration Needed: No. 4:00pm – 5:00pm set-up. Event Begins at 5:00pm
Thursday, March 19, 2026• 16:00:00
Delaware State Pistol ClubDelaware State Pistol Club, New Castle, DE
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MAR
19
Bullseye Pistol League
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 Jr. Rifle League | Lenox Sportsmen's Club, Inc. for match format (2700 vs. 1800), entry fees, and start time.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Jr. Rifle League | Lenox Sportsmen's Club, Inc.Jr. Rifle League | Lenox Sportsmen's Club, Inc., Lenox, MA
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MAR
19
LEVEL 1 DEFENSIVE HANDGUN TRAINING CLASS, COMING UP SATURDAY FROM 3PM-6:30PM!! CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT 7062266432
Training
Defensive
Deals & Promotions COPYRIGHT © 2021 JACK'S PAWN & GUN - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Jack's Pawn & GunJack's Pawn & Gun, Dalton, GA
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MAR
19
Bullseye League
Training
Outdoor
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 Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range for match format (2700 vs. 1800), entry fees, and start time.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Pinellas Outdoor Shooting RangePinellas Outdoor Shooting Range, Clearwater, FL
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MAR
19
ACTION PISTOL INDOORS
Training
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.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Foundation (CCSSEF)Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Foundation (CCSSEF), Keene, NH
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MAR
19
Bullseye League - Indoor Range Reserved
Competition
Indoor Bullseye League January 8th - April 2nd (normal League) April 16th ( 600 match) Questions: Contact Jon Racine 218-349-6150. ([email protected])
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Northwestern Gun ClubNorthwestern Gun Club, Duluth, MN
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
The Range at Ballantyne
Indian Land·4.6 stars
Shooting Range
Boise Gun Club
Kuna·4.7 stars
Shooting Range
Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry Association
Altoona·4.8 stars
Club