Pro Tips: Choosing a Precision Pistol

by
posted on December 12, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
precpistol1.jpg
David Lange – Precision Pistol
The three most important things in a competition pistol for me are accuracy. A close fourth would be the trigger and being able to adjust it (Hammerli) or being able to get it set up the way I like (1911) by a gunsmith. Weight is an important factor for some shooters. Sight radius is low on the list for me in precision due to red dot sights and, in service pistol matches, you have few options. One last thing: Reliability is as important as accuracy. It should function and shoot every time.

Dr. Judy Tant – Precision Pistol
My way of choosing a gun is often specified in the rules. Therefore, my main focus has been finding a good gunsmith and then talking to them about my personal needs (hand size, trigger preference, grip feel). That said, there are certain categories of decisions that have to be made, such as roll or crisp/single or two stage trigger, length of trigger, stippling or checkering, beavertail with or without bump, fitted or stock grips, type of barrel including twist rate, hammer weight, scope on the barrel or not.

Latest

Review Rugermk4 Tactical 1
Review Rugermk4 Tactical 1

Ruger Mark IV Tactical: The Turnkey Steel Challenge Rimfire Pistol

A look at why the Ruger Mark IV Tactical works as a one-pistol solution for Steel Challenge Rimfire Iron and Open divisions.

New: Fix It Sticks Benchtop Tool Tray System

Fix It Sticks introduces modular Benchtop Tool Tray System and individual Tray Organizers for keeping gunsmithing bits, tools and small parts organized.

Sierra Expands Tipped MatchKing and MatchKing X Lines

Sierra Bullets releases three new rifle bullet offerings, including .25-cal. and 7 mm Tipped MatchKings and a .22-cal. MatchKing X hunting bullet.

New: Smith & Wesson Revolver Red Dot Direct Mounts

Smith & Wesson releases red-dot direct mounts for its K-, L-, N- and X-frame revolvers, fitting Aimpoint ACRO, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and Trijicon RMR footprints at $70.

New: Federal Suppressor Case

Federal Ammunition is now shipping a Suppressor Case with a heat-resistant lining and side-pinch pockets, sized for suppressors up to 10 inches at $39.99.

Peiser Reaches First Senior World Cup Final in Munich

Braden Peiser qualified for his first senior World Cup final and finished sixth in Men’s 50m Rifle 3-Position at the 2026 ISSF World Cup Munich.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.