| Slow Fire · Timed Fire · Rapid Fire
These courses of fire emphasize the development of competition bullseye pistol shooting skills. While some shooters may prefer the course of fire that emphasizes stage (slow, timed, rapid) skill development, others may prefer the course that stresses aggregate (total score) skill development. Both are provided so you can choose the course of fire just right for you.
Rules Except where specific exceptions are made, official NRA Pistol Rules apply.
Guns Any safe rimfire or centerfire semi-automatic pistol or revolver may be used.
Sights Metallic, telescopic, or electronic sights are permitted, with the exception of any sight that projects an image onto the target.
Position Except for the first three ratings (Pro-Marksman, Marksman, Marksman 1st Class) where the benchrest or two-handed standing position may be used, all firing for bullseye pistol qualification is conducted from the standing position using one hand.
Target and Distance Options Any of the following target and distance combinations may be used: TQ-6 slow fire target, and TQ-7 timed and rapid fire target at 25 feet. B-2 slow fire target, and B-3 timed and rapid fire target at 50 feet. B-16 slow fire target, and B-8 timed and rapid fire target at 25 yards. B-6 slow fire target at 50 yards, and B-8 timed and rapid fire target at 25 yards.
Shots per Target Traditionally, ten shots per target are fired on "B" series targets. However, if scoring becomes too difficult, shooters have the option of firing five shots on each and using two targets. Five shots per target (two targets) are fired on all TQ series targets.
Slow Fire Slow fire is 10 rounds fired in 10 minutes.
Timed Fire Timed fire is 10 rounds fired in two 5-shot strings -- 20 seconds each string.
Rapid Fire Rapid fire is 10 rounds fired in two 5-shot strings -- 10 seconds each string.
Aggregate An aggregate consists of a total of 30 shots fired as follows: 10 shots slow fire (10 shots in 10 minutes), 10 shots timed fire (5 shots fired in 20 seconds, 2 times), and 10 shots rapid fire (5 shots fired in 10 seconds, 2 times). The 30 shots must be fired as a complete unit in the same session in order to qualify as a viable course of fire. Each qualifying course of fire must meet or exceed the minimum score or the complete aggregate must be refired.
Awards Pistol Qualification Patch. Parchment certificates for Stage Skill Course. Blue/burgundy certificates for Aggregate Skill Course. Medals, medal bars and skill rockers used in all courses. See qualification awards.
Bullseye Pistol Stage Skill Course of Fire |
| Rating |
No. of Shots |
Slow Fire Score |
Repeat |
Timed Fire Score |
Repeat |
Rapid Fire Score |
Repeat |
| Basic Practical |
This rating is achieved by completing the practical exercise conducted during an NRA Basic Pistol Course. |
| Pro-Marksman |
10 |
40/100 |
5 times |
| Marksman |
10 |
45/100 |
5 times |
| Marksman 1st Class |
10 |
50/100 |
5 times |
| Sharpshooter |
10 |
60/100 |
5 times |
| Bar 1 |
10 |
62/100 |
2 times |
40/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 2 |
10 |
64/100 |
2 times |
46/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 3 |
10 |
66/100 |
2 times |
52/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 4 |
10 |
68/100 |
2 times |
58/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 5 |
10 |
70/100 |
2 times |
64/100 |
2 times |
40/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 6 |
10 |
72/100 |
2 times |
70/100 |
2 times |
50/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 7 |
10 |
74/100 |
2 times |
76/100 |
2 times |
60/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 8 |
10 |
76/100 |
2 times |
82/100 |
2 times |
70/100 |
2 times |
| Bar 9 |
10 |
78/100 |
2 times |
88/100 |
2 times |
78/100 |
2 times |
| The course of fire for Expert and Distinguished Expert ratings consists of a 30-shot aggregate. Each qualifying aggregate must meet or exceed the required score or the complete aggregate must be refired. |
| Expert |
Five (5) aggregates are required. Score: 250 or better |
| Distinguished Expert |
Score: 269/300 or better 10 times, or 258 or better in 2 NRA sanctioned pistol competitions. (See witness requirements) |
Bullseye Pistol Aggregate Skill Course of Fire |
| Rating |
Score |
Repeat |
| Basic Practical |
This rating is achieved by completing the practical exercise conducted during an NRA Basic Pistol Course. |
| Pro-Marksman |
120/300 |
2 times |
| Marksman |
150/300 |
3 times |
| Marksman 1st Class |
200/300 |
6 times |
| Sharpshooter |
225/300 |
8 times |
| Expert |
250/300 |
8 times |
| Distinguished Expert
| Score: 269/300 or better 10 times, or 258 or better in 2 NRA sanctioned pistol competitions. (See witness requirements) |
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