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

Rangebag Parkerrensch 5
Rangebag Parkerrensch 5

Deaf Youth Shooter Overcomes Obstacles to Compete

Deaf teen trapshooter breaks barriers to compete safely and confidently, inspiring teammates and reshaping perceptions in Minnesota.

Mount Aloysius College Tops First Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference Rankings of 2025-26 Season

Mount Aloysius College dominates the opening MAC rifle rankings, while standout Molly Miller tops the individual air rifle leaderboard.

Legends Rise and Records Fall: 1984 National Matches

The 1984 National Matches saw record participation and standout performances from legends like Lones Wigger and Ron West at Camp Perry.

Collegiate Rifle: Kentucky, Nebraska Share Top Spot in Latest CRCA Rankings

Kentucky and Nebraska tie for No. 1 in the latest CRCA poll, with West Virginia close behind as NCAA rifle competition intensifies.

New: Cole Exclusive Beretta 688

Cole Fine Guns refreshes the Beretta 688 with hand-selected Turkish walnut, blending tradition and aesthetics for a modern classic.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Tops Field in VMI Four-Team Match

Akron rifle topped UAB, VMI mixed and VMI women’s teams in Lexington, with standout performances by Natalia Siek in smallbore and Matthew Kimball in air rifle.

Interests



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