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

Rem Wethepeop BP 1
Rem Wethepeop BP 1

Remington Don’t Tread on Me, Come and Take It Bulk Buckets Now Shipping

Remington’s Don't Tread on Me and Come and Take It bulk ammo buckets are shipping nationwide, expanding the company’s patriotic America 250 lineup.

First Look: SIG Sauer’s New Hexium Suppressor Line

SIG Sauer’s new Hexium suppressor line brings 3D-printed, low-back-pressure rifle cans to 5.56 mm NATO, 7.62 mm NATO and .300 BLK platforms.

41st Northeastern Satellite Grand American Opens 2027 ATA Target Year

The 41st Northeastern Grand American, first Satellite Grand of the 2027 ATA target year, runs Sept. 8-13 at the NYSATA Homegrounds in Cicero, N.Y.

Back On The Range: Lessons From A Life-Saving Detour

USPSA Board Chairman Dan Click reflects on the health scare that sidelined him in 2025 and the lessons about improvement, community and joy he brought back.

James Fox Wins Ninth Straight Oregon State High Power Championship

Team Berger’s James Fox captured the 2026 NRA Oregon State High Power Championship at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club, his ninth consecutive Oregon state title.

A Tribute To David Tubb

James A. Schmidt II of Arizona Ammunition remembers his longtime friend David Tubb, the champion rifleman and innovator who died July 2.

Interests



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