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

Remsportingclaysnitro Sep2026 1
Remsportingclaysnitro Sep2026 1

Remington Adds Two New Loads To Premier Nitro Sporting Clays Line

Remington’s two new Premier Nitro Sporting Clays loads round out the 12-gauge 1-ounce offerings, adding No. 8 shot to a load previously available only in No. 7.5.

New: Comp-Tac International V2 Competition Holster

Comp-Tac’s International V2 thins the Kydex shell of its longstanding competition holster, deepens the optic cut and includes belt, paddle and drop-offset mounts at no extra cost.

Macie Page Wins Third Straight Ladies Helice World Championship

Team B&P shooter Macie Page wins third consecutive Ladies Helice world title in Braga, Portugal.

Gallery: The 2026 NRA National Championships in 16 Photos

Photos from the 2026 NRA National Pistol, Smallbore and High Power Championships, where Jon Shue won a fourth straight title and Mike O’Connor made NRA Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy history.

Magpul DAKA Range Bags Arrive in Flat Dark Earth

Magpul’s DAKA Range Bags are now offered in flat dark earth in both 20-liter and 40-liter sizes, with welded seams, sealed zippers and a fold-out work mat.

Down To The Wire: Team USA F-T/R Earns World Championship Bronze at Bisley

The U.S. F-T/R team took Richardson bronze at the 2026 F-Class World Championships, swept two team matches and earned five NRA International Distinguished badges.

Interests



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