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

Fedsuppressorcase 2
Fedsuppressorcase 2

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.

The Mystery of the Palma Trophy

From the archives: The original Palma Trophy vanished from a Washington, D.C., corridor after 1930. NRA’s Ed Andrus traced the lost masterpiece through decades of correspondence.

Harmon and Fitzpatrick Win Team Division at 2026 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge

Kahl Harmon and Mitch Fitzpatrick win Team division at 2026 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, outscoring more than 40 teams in Glenrock, Wyoming.

Winchester’s New Single Action Western Revolver Brings Old-West Styling to a CO2 Air Gun

The new Single Action Western Revolver from Winchester Air Rifles is a CO2-powered .177-cal. air gun that shoots BBs or pellets up to 450 fps.

New International Match to Debut at 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship

A new Hands Across The Sea three-position postal match between American and Australian shooters will debut at the 2026 NRA Smallbore Nationals.

Interests



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