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.
01 // LEARN
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
02 // START
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
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
What Does Bullseye Cost?
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.
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
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
Upcoming Events
Find bullseye events near you
NRA PPITH Instructor WAC / GUNSAFETY4U
This is a defensive pistol class for shooters ready to move past the fundamentals. You'll train draw from holster, rapid target transitions, movement, and cover use—skills that matter if you carry for self-defense or compete in action sports. Instructor-led training at Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range focuses on building speed and accuracy under realistic conditions. Intermediate shooters get direct feedback on technique and decision-making during dynamic drills.
Bullseye
Thursday League. Range Reserved: Yes. Preregistration Needed: No. 4:00pm – 5:00pm set-up. Event Begins at 5:00pm
Bullseye League
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.
NRA PPITH Instructor WAC / GUNSAFETY4U
Intermediate defensive pistol instruction covering draw from holster, rapid engagement, and movement under fire. This NRA PPITH course builds real-world skills beyond the fundamentals—drawing fast, hitting targets reliably, and using cover tactically. Expect live-fire drills that stress accuracy under pressure. You'll work from the holster, shoot on the move, and engage multiple targets. Instructors from GUNSAFETY4U and the range will run scenarios that teach you to perform when it matters. This is working pistol skill—the next logical step after mastering basics.
Action Pistol - RO Practice
This practice is for Diablo Range Officers only. Do not show up if you are not a Diablo Range Officer.
Action Pistol
Action Pistol at Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range puts you through timed and accuracy-based stages that demand both speed and precision with a handgun. This is competitive shooting that mirrors real-world pistol skills under pressure. You'll shoot multiple stages designed to separate shooters who can deliver hits fast from those who just shoot fast. Bring a handgun suited to the match format and enough rounds to complete the course.