International Pistol

      
 

2008 Competition Program

    

Match Results

  
  International Pistol consists of six different types of pistol events including Free Pistol, Standard Pistol, Center-fire Pistol, Women's Sport Pistol, Rapid Fire Pistol, and Air Pistol. All are part of the International Pistol program here at River Bend except for Air Pistol (At least for now!) As the name implies, the rules for conducting these events including course of fire, types of pistols, allowed calibers, and other equipment are consistent through out the world and governed by the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) and USA Shooting. In this way you can compare your scores and ability level with shooters through out the world.
All are Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup events, except Standard Pistol and Center-fire Pistol, which are World Championship events only.
  
               
 
  Free Pistol:
In one of the oldest pistol shooting programs, competitors in the Free Pistol events have two hours to fire sixty shots at a 50 meter target with a 10 ring that is just under 2 inches in diameter. Considered to be the most precise and demanding event, Free Pistol requires exacting skill and top notch equipment in order to compete at the International level. A Free Pistol is a specialized single shot .22LR caliber pistol typically with a grip that fully encloses the shooter’s hand to provide a better grip and maximum stability. Iron sights only.
 
   
Sport Pistol and Center-fire Pistol:
Both events use the same course of fire and include precision fire (slow fire) and special rapid fire stages requiring stamina and speed at 25 meters. Pistols used in these events are of a standard configuration without wrap-around grips or ported barrels. Iron sights only. Center-fire pistols may be in calibers from .32 to .38 and shoot only lead wad-cutter ammunition. Sport pistols are .22LR caliber only.
  
     
 
   
 
 
Standard Pistol:
Standard Pistol is similar to the Bullseye Pistol match course of fire in which competitors fire five shots in three different time limits: 150 seconds (or two and a half minutes), 20 seconds, and 10 seconds. This is done four times for each time limit, for a total of 60 shots at a distance of 25 meters. Shooters start with the pistol in the “ready” position with the muzzle pointed down at a 45 degree angle. Pistols are identical to those used in Sport Pistol, iron sights only. Scoring rings are much smaller than the Bullseye Pistol target.

Rapid Fire Pistol:
Rapid Fire Pistol includes firing once each at five adjacent targets in timed stages of eight, six, and four seconds. Competitors must begin each rapid fire string with the pistol pointed down at a 45 degree angle, and when time begins they must raise the pistol and engage the targets before time runs out! Pistols for this event are identical to those used for Sport Pistol and Standard Pistol.
 
 

International Pistol at River Bend

 Competitions are offered April through October. The Competition Program includes the International State Championship in September and the USA Shooting Pistol Southeastern Regional in May. Competitions are run by RBGC pistol range officer , himself a World Cup official, and by JP O’Connor, assistant competition director for two World Cups, a national level coach, and author in the international rifle and pistol disciplines.
Competitions are open to everyone and are fun, fair, and friendly. World level competitors and beginners alike enjoy participating in the competitions held at River Bend. See the Competition Program for additional details.