NRA Precision Pistol

Upcoming matches

41 events matching this sport’s disciplines. Discipline does not establish league affiliation. Coverage is partial; confirm dates and registration with the organizer.

1. Oct 22, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   2026 Mid-Carolina Gun Club CMP Match Pistol Regional ChampionshipMid Carolina Gun Club, Orangeburg, SC
   SC calendar →
2. Oct 23, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   Date Night: 'Til Death Do Us Part8785 N Baileyville Rd, Forreston, IL 61030
   IL calendar →
3. Oct 24, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   Matanuska Valley Sportsmen’s Indoor Pistol MatchMatanuska Valley Sportsmen, Palmer, AK
   AK calendar →
4. Oct 24, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   Phoenix Rod & Gun Club CMP EIC Pistol MatchesPhoenix Rod & Gun Club, Phoenix, AZ
   AZ calendar →
5. Oct 24, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   Utah County Service Rifle Club .22 Rimfire & Service Pistol EIC MatchUtah County Service Rifle Club, Provo, UT
   UT calendar →
6. Oct 25, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   NRA Bullseye ClinicDelaware County Field And Stream Association, 713 Chester Creek Rd, Brookhaven, PA, 19015, United States
   PA calendar →

How a match works

1. The host’s match program sets eligibility, entry fees, entry limits, firing times and courses of fire. Read it before entering. [27]
2. A relay is the group called to the firing line together. The range officer calls “RELAY NO.1, MATCH NO._ (or naming the match), ON THE FIRING LINE,” then “THE PREPARATION PERIOD STARTS NOW.” Competitors take their assigned firing points; the preparation period is 3 minutes. [17] [18]
3. For timed and rapid fire, the sequence includes “WITH 5 ROUNDS LOAD,” “IS THE LINE READY?”, “READY ON THE RIGHT. READY ON THE LEFT,” and “READY ON THE FIRING LINE.” Slow fire uses “10 SHOTS SLOW FIRE, 10 SHOTS IN 10 MINUTES, LOAD.” “COMMENCE FIRING” starts the string; a signal or turning targets may replace the spoken command. “CEASE FIRING” means firing must stop immediately. If not ready when asked, notify the range officer; failing to do so forfeits the right to fire. [18]
4. A 900 combines 20 shots slow fire, 20 timed fire, 20 rapid fire and a National Match Course, NRA Short Course or 3-Stage Gallery Course. The familiar outdoor 2700 repeats the 900 for .22, center-fire and .45. Follow the host’s published match order rather than assuming every tournament runs the same schedule. [5] [2] [27]
5. Not every match uses the full outdoor course. The NRA Short Course uses 25 yards throughout, with B-16 slow-fire and B-8 timed/rapid-fire targets. The Gallery Course uses 50 feet or 20 yards with the corresponding reduced targets and the same slow, timed and rapid time allowances. [4]
6. Competitors may be assigned to score another competitor’s target, not their own. Check shot values and totals and sign the scorecard. Take disputed shot values to a range official; competitors may not use scoring plugs. [16] [12]

Where to compete

Coming Events is NRA’s location-based sanctioned-tournament finder. The affiliated-club search accepts a ZIP code or city/state and a 25–200 mile radius. Before visiting, ask whether the club offers bullseye, whether the match is open to you and what its program requires. [35] [36] [1] [27]

• NRA match finder ↗
• NRA club finder ↗
• Find a shooting range

Your first match

1. Find a league or a published match. NRA recommends a league as an informal, relaxed introduction. Before joining a club, ask whether it has range access, the pistol program you want and open membership. Use the official finders in Where to compete. [1] [35] [36]
2. Read the program and contact the host. Check the course, entry process, start time, fees and eligibility in the match program. For a smaller first outing, NRA says most tournaments allow entry in only part of the aggregate. Ask whether the host offers .22-only or Section 24 probationary competition rather than assuming those options are on every schedule. [27] [2] [10] [11]
3. Confirm your equipment and classification. Use Section 3 of the February 2026 rulebook for equipment, and Section 19 for classification. Obtain a Score Record Book from tournament officials if unclassified. Use NRA’s current rulebook index to reach the revised edition. [3] [7] [9]
4. Check in before your relay and join the briefing. NRA requires competitors to obtain their squadding information in time to report at the correct firing point. Durham’s published match routine includes check-in and a safety brief before firing; confirm the host’s own times, especially for championships. [17] [31]
5. Score, check and keep your record. Check and sign your scorecard. Until your official classification card becomes effective, enter qualifying NRA competition scores in the Score Record Book and present it at subsequent tournaments. [16] [9]

Never fired a gun at a range? Start with your first range visit.

What to bring

Bring eye and hearing protection to your first match, even where a league only recommends it. Check the host’s requirements before you arrive.

Handgun permitted for the entered matchRequired

.22 matches permit .22 long rifle pistols or revolvers with at least a 2-pound trigger. Center-fire matches permit .32 caliber or larger, including 7.65 mm and .45, with at least a 2 1/2-pound trigger except .45 semi-automatics at 3 1/2 pounds. The .45 match requires a .45 semi-automatic or revolver; its trigger minimum is 3 1/2 pounds for semi-automatics and 2 1/2 pounds for revolvers. Each has a barrel-length limit of 10 inches, including the cylinder. Bring the firearm for each caliber match you enter. [7]

Ammunition for the entered courseRequired

NRA’s primer specifies ammunition appropriate to the pistol. A 900 has 90 scoring shots; a full 2700 repeats the course for each caliber. Durham Pistol & Rifle Club’s first-match equipment list recommends extra ammunition for practice or refires. [2] [31]

Eye and hearing protection (host may require)Required

Rules 3.19 and 3.20 urge eye and hearing protection but let sponsors or ranges make it compulsory; the general rules do not impose a universal requirement. Durham requires both, as did the completed 2026 national championships. Check the host’s requirements before entering. [23] [31] [33]

Empty chamber indicatorRequired

Rule 3.21 requires an externally visible ECI extending into the empty chamber or cylinder in all NRA-sanctioned pistol competitions. [23]

Spotting scope and standOptional

The NRA primer includes a spotting scope and stand in the usual starting equipment. It describes 20X to 30X as generally used; Rule 3.8 permits a scope to spot shots. [2] [7]

Pistol case or shooting boxOptional

NRA describes anything from a simple case to a larger shooting box for transporting a pistol and accessories. [2]

Scoring and target suppliesOptional

Durham’s recommended list includes an easy-to-use stapler, pen or pencil and small clipboard. Its competitors score and replace targets; ask the host what is supplied for that match. [31]

What it costs

Optional NRA membership

The NRA membership FAQ lists one year at $45, two years at $75, three years at $100 and five years at $150. Dues are not the match entry fee; Registered tournaments do not require membership, and Approved sponsors can restrict eligibility. [25] [24]

NRA tournament registration fees

The 2026 rulebook lists $4.50 per competitor for Approved tournaments and $5.50 for Registered tournaments. Sponsor entry fees are set by the sponsor and must be stated separately in the program. These figures are not a universal total price to enter a match. [24]

Local example: Durham, North Carolina

Durham Pistol & Rifle Club lists individual entry at $10.00 per aggregate; its 2700 package is $15.00 for DPRC members or $20.00 for non-members. Juniors (20 and under) shoot free with an adult. NRA registration fees are included; Regional and State Championship fees are slightly higher. [31]

Local example: Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club

Cavalier publishes entry fees of 3 Guns $25.00, 2 Guns $19.00 and 1 Gun $13.00. Its junior fee is $3.00 per Gun plus $7.00 Registration fee. This is one host’s published schedule, not a national average. [32]

National example: completed 2026 championships

The 2026 national program listed the 2700 Aggregate Package, Open/Metallic or .22 Only Championship, at $200; Juniors at $115. Entry did not include housing. These are historical 2026 prices, not published fees for the July 4–7, 2027 championships. [33] [34]

How scoring works

Scores are the total value of the required shots, with 10 the highest value for a hit. The X ring is an inner tie-breaker, not an extra point. A 900 and a 2700 name the possible aggregate scores, not a time limit. [13] [5]

• A shot whose leaded edge touches the outside of a scoring ring receives the higher value. Close shots are evaluated with scoring gauges; competitors may not use plug gauges on targets. [12]
• Hits outside the scoring rings count as misses, subject to the rulebook’s skid-shot provision. Hits on the wrong target also count as misses. [12]
• For aggregate ties, the first comparison is the number of Xs. If still tied, the rulebook compares total rapid-fire scores, then timed-fire scores, then slow-fire scores, using its additional ranking rules where needed. [14]
• An early or late shot is a scoring penalty, not automatically disqualification: when all required hits are visible, the highest hit is scored as a miss. If fewer hits are visible, each absent shot is a miss and the visible hits are scored normally. Unsafe conduct is a separate disciplinary matter. [12] [19]
• A scoring challenge must be made immediately when the score is announced. A challenge fee not to exceed $5.00 may be charged; it is returned if the challenge is sustained. This is distinct from the match entry fee. [15]

Divisions and classes

Open

Authorized semi-automatic handguns or revolvers may use any sights, including telescopic sights, except sights that project an image on the target. This is the division for optical or electronic sights allowed by the firearm rules. [6]

Metallic

Authorized semi-automatic handguns or revolvers without peep, ghost, optical or electronic sights. Both divisions may be used in .22, center-fire and .45 matches. If an aggregate mixes divisions, the rulebook places it in the highest division used, with Open above Metallic. [6]

Classification

Classes use average scores per 10-shot string: High Master 97.00 and above; Master 95.00–96.99; Expert 90.00–94.99; Sharpshooter 85.00–89.99; Marksman below 85.00. Indoor and outdoor classifications are separate, and cards are issued for each equipment division. Official classification requires at least 360 reported shots; complete tournament or league totals are posted before the average is calculated. Before that, qualifying scores in a Score Record Book establish temporary classification. The match program sets class awards and any combined classes. The newcomer rules, including default Master and the first-tournament CMP option, are explained in Common questions. [8] [9] [6] [27]

Safety rules

• The NRA rulebook and the host’s range regulations govern safety. NRA directs newcomers to safety training or a basic marksmanship course; this page explains the competition, not firearm-handling technique. [23]
• Under Rule 9.30, officials may disqualify or expel a competitor for rule violations or unsafe or discreditable conduct, on proper presentation of evidence. Refusing an official’s instructions, falsifying scores or classification, deliberate cross-firing and deliberately firing excess shots are prohibited. [19]
• Questionable equipment must be submitted for official inspection and approval before the match. All operational firearm safety features must function properly. [7] [23]
• Disorderly conduct or intoxication leads to expulsion and disqualification with no entry-fee refund under Rule 9.27. A failed trigger-weight test disqualifies the competitor in matches already fired under Rule 9.8. These are disciplinary consequences, distinct from losing points for a miss. [19]

Match levels and major events

• Sanctioned leagues may be shoulder-to-shoulder or postal; league scores are used for classification. NRA describes leagues as a relaxed introduction. Separate NRA Postal Matches are excluded from individual classification under Rule 19.4. [26] [8] [1]
• Approved and Registered tournaments both report qualifying scores for classification. Registered tournaments are the more formal type and are eligible for National Records; Approved tournaments are not. [26]
• NRA sanctions State Championships and Regional and Sectional Championships as Registered tournaments, alongside National Championships. These are tournament types, not skill classes you must progress through in order. [26]
• Age and other award categories are separate from skill classes. A sponsor may establish category awards or an overall special award, but must describe them in the program. A Tyro award is also optional and is for someone who has never fired in organized civilian, police or military pistol competition—not simply someone new to NRA matches. [20] [22]

Major events

2026 North Carolina State Championship 2700 ↗

Durham Pistol & Rifle Club lists October 18, 2026, starting at 9 am, in Haw River, North Carolina. Its program opens competition to the public, age 14 or older, with adult supervision for juniors. Championship fees are higher than the ordinary local-match examples above; two-hand shooting is not allowed at its October matches. Contact the host for entry details. [31]

2027 NRA National Pistol Championships ↗

NRA announces July 4–7, 2027 at The Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio. Follow the official calendar for the next program and registration details. [34]

Common questions

Glossary

Bullseye / conventional pistol

Names NRA uses for Precision Pistol: handgun competition at fixed distances and time limits on paper targets. [1]

900

A 90-shot aggregate with 900 possible points, combining slow, timed and rapid fire with a three-stage course. [2] [5]

2700

Three 900 aggregates: .22 rimfire, center-fire and .45. An offered .22-only aggregate instead uses one .22 throughout and has separate awards. [2] [10]

National Match Course

Slow fire at 50 yards, then timed and rapid fire at 25 yards: 10 shots in each stage. [4]

Timed fire / rapid fire

Timed-fire strings allow 20 seconds for 5 shots; rapid-fire strings allow 10 seconds for 5 shots. [4]

Gallery course

A slow-, timed- and rapid-fire course at 50 feet or 20 yards, with targets appropriate to the distance; it may also be fired outdoors. [4]

X

A hit in the inner X ring, worth 10 points and used to separate equal numerical scores. [13]

Aggregate

The combined scores of two or more matches, or other match components specified by the program. [5]

Division

Open or Metallic: the equipment grouping, distinct from caliber and classification. [6] [8] [2]

Classification

A grouping based on average match scores so competitors can compete for awards against others with similar skill. [13]

CMP

Civilian Marksmanship Program. Its pistol competition has its own rules; a bullseye match’s program tells you whether NRA or CMP rules apply. [37] [31] [27]

Category

A grouping named in the tournament program for awards, such as Civilian, Senior, Service or Collegiate, rather than an average-score class. [13]

Junior

The category runs through December 31 of the calendar year of the twentieth birthday. Those with National Guard, Reserve or active duty status who receive the support defined in Rule 2.2 may not compete as juniors. [28]

Alibi

A firearm stoppage or malfunctioned range equipment associated with a possible refire under the rules. It is not an automatic replacement of a poor score. [29]

Relay / squadding

A relay is the group called to the firing line together. Squadding assigns your relay and firing point; report to the assigned place when called. [18] [17]

String / stage

A string is a sequence of shots: five in timed or rapid fire, with ten-shot strings permitted in slow fire. A stage is a match’s distance or type of fire, such as slow, timed or rapid. [4] [13]

Scoring plug

A plug-type gauge used in a bullet hole to determine shot value. Use is restricted to range operating personnel; competitors may not use scoring plugs on targets. [12]

Skid shot

An elongated bullet hole caused by a bullet entering while the target turns into or out of view. [13]

Postal match

Competitors fire on their home ranges using identified targets, then exchange targets or scores by mail. [13]

Intermediate Junior / Sub-Junior

Intermediate Junior runs from January 1 of the year of the 15th birthday through December 31 of the year of the 17th birthday. Sub-Junior runs through December 31 of the year of the 14th birthday. Both require Junior eligibility. [20] [28]

Senior / Grand Senior

Senior eligibility starts January 1 of the calendar year of the 60th birthday; Grand Senior starts January 1 of the year of the 70th birthday. [20]

College

Regularly enrolled undergraduates carrying at least 12 semester hours or equivalent at an accredited two- or four-year institution, without a Bachelor’s Degree. Eligibility lasts a maximum of four years within five years from the first full-time class; the five-year period may be interrupted only by extended military service of 60 consecutive days or more, recognized U.S. Government foreign-aid service or certified missionary service. [21]

Tyro

A competitor who has not previously fired in organized civilian, police or military pistol competition, regardless of course of fire. A sponsor may offer a Tyro award. [22]

ECI

Empty chamber indicator: required in all NRA-sanctioned pistol competition to indicate an open action and empty chamber. [23]

Watch and read

• NRA’s conventional pistol introduction ↗Page · NRA Competitive Shooting
• Bullseye pistol fundamentals with Brian Zins ↗Video · Shooting Sports USA / NRA

Related sports

• NRA Action Pistol (Bianchi Cup)
• Olympic shooting
• CMP matches
• Practical shooting (USPSA)
• Steel Challenge
• NRA High Power Rifle
• Compare every league

Sources

Facts checked October 4, 2026 against the sources below. Each bracketed number on the page links to its source.

1. [1]
   Getting started: leagues, protection and Precision Pistolcompetitions.nra.org
2. [2]
   Conventional pistol: equipment and aggregatescompetitions.nra.org
3. [3]
   Rulebook index: current Precision Pistol editioncompetitions.nra.org
4. [4]
   2026 Precision Pistol rules: Sections 7 and 8competitions.nra.org
5. [5]
   2026 Precision Pistol rules: aggregate matches, Rules 1.7 and 17.5competitions.nra.org
6. [6]
   2026 Precision Pistol rules: Open and Metallic, Rule 3.2competitions.nra.org
7. [7]
   2026 Precision Pistol rules: firearms, scopes and position, Rules 3.4–3.8 and 5.5competitions.nra.org
8. [8]
   2026 Precision Pistol rules: classifications, Rules 19.2, 19.4, 19.15–19.16competitions.nra.org
9. [9]
   2026 Precision Pistol rules: assigned and temporary classification, Rules 19.6.1 and 19.14competitions.nra.org
10. [10]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: .22-only aggregate, Section 22competitions.nra.org
11. [11]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: one- or two-hand probationary match, Section 24competitions.nra.org
12. [12]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: scoring, Rules 14.3–14.7competitions.nra.org
13. [13]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: glossary, scoring and match terminologycompetitions.nra.org
14. [14]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: aggregate ties, Rule 15.5competitions.nra.org
15. [15]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: scoring challenges, Rule 16.1competitions.nra.org
16. [16]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: scoring duties, Rules 18.3.1, 18.11 and 18.14competitions.nra.org
17. [17]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: range control and reporting, Rules 10.3.1, 18.6–18.10competitions.nra.org
18. [18]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: firing-line commands, Rules 10.1.5 and 10.7competitions.nra.org
19. [19]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: disciplinary consequences, Rules 9.8 and 9.24–9.30competitions.nra.org
20. [20]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: special awards and age categories, Rules 2.1.2, 2.2.1–2.2.2 and 2.3.1–2.3.2competitions.nra.org
21. [21]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: collegiate eligibility, Rule 2.8competitions.nra.org
22. [22]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: newcomer Tyro eligibility, Rule 19.3competitions.nra.org
23. [23]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: safety training, inspection, protection and ECIcompetitions.nra.org
24. [24]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: General Regulations A7, A10, B7 and B10competitions.nra.org
25. [25]
    NRA membership FAQ: duesmembership.nra.org
26. [26]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: Approved, Registered, leagues and championshipscompetitions.nra.org
27. [27]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: match programs, Sections 18 and 21competitions.nra.org
28. [28]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: Junior category, Rule 2.3competitions.nra.org
29. [29]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: glossary, alibicompetitions.nra.org
30. [30]
    2026 Precision Pistol rules: disability petitions, Rule 13.1competitions.nra.org
31. [31]
    Durham Pistol & Rifle Club: 2026 bullseye program and feesdprc.org
32. [32]
    Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club: NRA 2700 entry feescavrpc.org
33. [33]
    2026 NRA Pistol National Championships program: fees, safety and waiverscompetitions.nra.org
34. [34]
    NRA National Matches: 2027 pistol dates and completed 2026 eventcompetitions.nra.org
35. [35]
    Coming Events: NRA-sanctioned tournament finderssusa.org
36. [36]
    Find Your Club: affiliated-club location searchexplore.nra.org
37. [37]
    CMP bullseye introduction: publisher and separate competition rulesthecmp.org

Inclusion is not an endorsement. Send a source or correction.