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

Rifle Triggerfundamentals 1
Rifle Triggerfundamentals 1

Trigger Control Tips for Rifle Shooters

Learn how to fire when your rifle is steady, with smooth, controlled trigger pressure that doesn’t disturb your aim

Armageddon Gear’s Precision Rifle Case For Competition Shooters

A rifle case that transports suppressed bolt action rifles without disassembly, using 1/2 inch mil spec foam, heavy zippers and US made materials

SIG Sauer P322-COMP: Built to Dominate Steel Challenge

SIG Sauer’s P322-COMP is a factory race gun built for Steel Challenge

Lanny Barnes Defends High Lady Title at 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

Lanny Barnes wins High Lady at NRA World Shooting Championship for second year, finishing 14th overall

Results: 2025 NRA National High Power Rifle OTC Championship in Wisconsin

Kenny Lankford wins big at the 2025 NRA High Power OTC Championship with a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle chambered in .223 Wylde

What’s In Your Range Bag, Joey Sauerland?

Joey Sauerland shares what’s in his range bag and how he became a USPSA National Champion just 3½ years after first picking up a gun

Interests



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