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Master Competitive
Pistol Shooting

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Titel: Master Competitive Pistol Shooting
Illustrations: Pontus Olsson
Photo: Mathias Navne, if not specified
Copyright (2016): Ragnar Skanåker, Pontus Olsson, Mathias Navne
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without
the permission in writing from the copyrights owners as per above.
First edition: 2016

Ragnar Skanåker

Mathias Navne Pontus Olsson

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 Foreword ............................................................................11
Part 1 Basic principles 13
Chapter 1 Safety ................................................................14
Club house safety .....................................................................................14
Shooting range safety ...............................................................................14
Safety at home ........................................................................................15
Some general comments .........................................................................16
Chapter 2 Basic techniques ...............................................17
The stance ...............................................................................................17
The grip ...................................................................................................18
Control of breathing ...............................................................................21
Sight Picture and aim ..............................................................................21
Trigger control .........................................................................................25
Coordination of aiming and firing ..........................................................27
Summary .................................................................................................28
The follow through ..................................................................................28
Chapter 3 Evaluation and correction ...............................30
Aiming errors ...........................................................................................31
Faulty trigger release ................................................................................32
Faulty stance and grip .............................................................................33
Lack of concentration .............................................................................34
Chapter 4 Special technique training ...............................35
The stance ...............................................................................................35
The grip ...................................................................................................35
Aiming .....................................................................................................35
The trigger ...............................................................................................37
Follow through ........................................................................................37
Concentration ..........................................................................................
37

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 Chapter 5 Basic equipment ...............................................39
Target pistols ...........................................................................................39
Telescope .................................................................................................40
Hearing protection ..................................................................................40
Shooting glasses .......................................................................................40
Black sights ...............................................................................................42
Shooting cap .............................................................................................42
Stopwatch ................................................................................................42
Tools ........................................................................................................42
Notebook .................................................................................................42
Shooting bag or case ...............................................................................43
Clothing ....................................................................................................43
To prepare the equipment .......................................................................44
Part 2 Shooting events approved by the ISSF 45
Chapter 6 Free pistol (50m Pistol) ......................................46
Pistols .......................................................................................................47
Changes to the basic technique ................................................................47
The stance ...............................................................................................48
The grip ...................................................................................................49
Mental preparation ..................................................................................50
Breathing ................................................................................................50
Aiming .....................................................................................................51
Trigger release .........................................................................................52
Follow through ..........................................................................................55
Training and match preparation .............................................................55
Match Tactics ..........................................................................................56
Shooting equipment, pistols and ammunition .......................................58
Chapter 7, Rapid Fire Pistol ............................................60

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 Changes to the basic technique ...............................................................61
The stance ...............................................................................................61
The grip ...................................................................................................62
Breathing .................................................................................................63
To aim and lift ........................................................................................63
To aim and turn the body .......................................................................64
Aim image and sight ...............................................................................65
Trigger control ........................................................................................
66
Calculating time, rhythm and recoil .........................................................67
To train and prepare for a match .............................................................68
Tactical aspects ........................................................................................70
Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition ...........................................71
Additional hints .......................................................................................72
Chapter 8 Center Fire and 25 meter Pistol ........................73
Pistols permitted .......................................................................................73
Changes to the basic shooting technique ................................................74
The stance ...............................................................................................74
The grip ...................................................................................................74
Breathing .................................................................................................75
Aiming .....................................................................................................75
Sights and sight picture ..........................................................................75
Trigger control ........................................................................................
76
Follow through .........................................................................................76
Training and match preparation ..............................................................77
Tactical aspects .......................................................................................78
Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition ............................................78
Chapter 9, Standard Pistol ...............................................80
Pistols .......................................................................................................80
Changes to the basic technique ...............................................................80

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 The stance ................................................................................................80
The grip ...................................................................................................81
Breathing .................................................................................................81
Aiming ......................................................................................................81
Sights and sighting picture .......................................................................81
Trigger release and follow through ..........................................................82
The time, rhythm and recoil ....................................................................82
Training and match preparation .............................................................83
Tactical aspects .........................................................................................84
Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition ...........................................85
Chapter 10, Air Pistol .......................................................86
Pistols .......................................................................................................86
Changes to the basic technique ...............................................................86
The stance ...............................................................................................86
The grip ...................................................................................................87
Breathing .................................................................................................88
Aiming and sights .....................................................................................88
The trigger and firing ..............................................................................89
Follow through .........................................................................................90
Training and match preparation .............................................................90
Tactical aspects .......................................................................................90
Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition ............................................92
Part 3 Other shooting events 93
Field shooting ...........................................................................................93
Precision shooting .....................................................................................93
PPC .........................................................................................................93
Bullseye pistol shooting .............................................................................93
Black powder ............................................................................................93

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 Chapter 11 Field shooting ..................................................94
Equipment ...............................................................................................94
Training and shooting techniques ............................................................95
Aiming point ............................................................................................
95
Course setting ..........................................................................................97
Commands and routines at a shooting station .........................................98
Chapter 12 Precision Shooting ........................................100
Equipment ..............................................................................................101
Trigger control ........................................................................................101
Tactical aspects .......................................................................................102
Chapter 13 PPC ...............................................................103
Chapter 14 Bullseye pistol shooting .................................104
Chapter 15 Black powder ................................................106
Part 4 Medical science for pistol shooting 109
Chapter 16 Anatomy .......................................................110
The stance .............................................................................................110
Aiming ....................................................................................................114
The grip and trigger release ...................................................................116
Chapter 17 Physiology .....................................................117
Physical fitness .......................................................................................117
Blood circulatory ....................................................................................119
The visual analyser .................................................................................120
Diet and the shooter ...............................................................................123
Environmental effects on metabolism and performance ........................124
The effect of drugs .................................................................................125
Chapter 18 Psychology ....................................................126
Personality ..............................................................................................126

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 Reactions during stress ...........................................................................127
Anxiety and fear ....................................................................................127
Training for automatisation ....................................................................128
The conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind .............................128
Complexes ..............................................................................................129
Part 5 Training 130
Chapter 19 Training Methods .........................................131
Technical Training .................................................................................131
Shooting with live ammunition ..............................................................131
Dry training ............................................................................................132
Physical exercise .....................................................................................133
General fitness .......................................................................................134
Specific fitness .........................................................................................141
Mental training .......................................................................................145
Verbal instructions ..................................................................................146
Autogenic training ..................................................................................146
Competition Training .............................................................................147
Chapter 20 Planning ........................................................149
Training Plan .........................................................................................149
Preparation .............................................................................................150
Training Period ......................................................................................
151
Part 6 Competition 153
Chapter 21 Match Preparation ........................................154
Intensive Training ..................................................................................154
Relaxation before the match .................................................................154
The match period ...................................................................................155
Chapter 22 To shoot competitions ...................................157
Chapter 23 Characteristics and attitudes .........................160

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 Personality traits .....................................................................................160
About characteristics and attitudes .........................................................160
Winning attitudes and perseverance ......................................................163
Closing words ...................................................................165
Glossary ............................................................................169

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Foreword
The idea to write a completely new book about pistol shooting came when I realised that
some rare samples of Pistol Shooting are sold for 150$ US. The edition from 1983 was sold
out some years ago and nothing has replaced it.
Until now.
A lot has happened during these thirty-two years.
UIT has changed into ISSF. Rules has changed, guns with new designs has appeared on the
market and much more.
I am sure that this new book will cover a big demand among pistol shooters.
Pistol shooting is a fantastic sport and you can still shoot well into old age. No limit.
If you take in the advice from this book you will have a better life and, if you train properly,
also get possibilities to travel and find friends all over the world. Everybody can, it’s just hard
work!
From the stadium of beginning it will take time to get into world class, I would say normally
ten years.
But no rules without exceptions. Lukashek in Barcelona Olympic Games was only seventeen
years when he won a gold medal in free pistol. Many of the shooters from China are around
twenty and are extremely skilled.
The fastest way to get into the top is to learn how to make the lift in 25 meters properly and
safe. If you can make a safe and correct the lift for duelling within 2,5 sec you have great
possibilities to make a score in centerfire/25m pistol over 580.
Also it´s useful in standard pistol and rapid fire pistol.
It is namely much more easier to shoot 300 in duell/center fire than 300 in precision. Look at
the results in WC and OG for women. Often they have 295 in the duell part and 290 in
precision. That means 585 and they are in the top.
So put your efforts in the beginning on just safe lift.
Dry firing is very good and cheap. Do it in your apartment or house.
I will give no advice how to perform the shot because I have looked at several finals in just
OG and WC at ladies match. All of them had their own style and performing. Some shot in
2,9 sec another shooter shot in 2 sec. Some had a very quick lift up to the 10 and spent a
second there to aim. Some had a slow lift but when the pistol stopped in the middle the shot is
fired immediately.
They had only one thing in common.
They shot tens.

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Find out your own style and learn it to perfection.
When you shoot a competition you will get some kind of nervous reaction. If you are a
beginner, you will get nervous for a club Championship and top shooters get nervous for OG
and WC.
That depends on your own expectations. You remember your training score and hope to do
even better in the competition.
Forget that,
Even the world class shooters have lower results in competition. Not much but still lower.
Training and competition are two completely different things.
If you remember that you will have a more relaxed score.
If you are damn sure how to perform duelling you do not get real nervous but if you feel a
little unsure you will perform less.
Many world class shooters specialise in precision or rapid fire.
Even here we have exceptions. Last OG in London we saw the german rapid fire shooter Reiz
do excellent results in both precision and rapid fire.
In the eighties we had the Swedish shooter Ove Gunnarsson who became World Champion
in Rapid fire and also European Champion i Free Pistol.
I myself have a record in Free Pistol: 583,Los Angeles Grand Prix 1988,
Standard Pistol: 583 Korea 1978, Rapid fire: 595 Sweden 1986,
Air Pistol Luxembourg: 591 Grand Prix 1987, Swedish Champion Centerfire: 590 1975.
I shot all disciplines because I thought it was a waste with money and time to travel
around the world just to shoot for two hours and then go home again.

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Part 1 Basic principles
Pistol Shooting is a sport full of variety and diversity - but the first key requirement is to
acquire the basic skills of shooting with a pistol. Anyone who wants to be a champion in any
of the pistol shooting events will without doubt fail without first learning the basics in pistol
shooting.
I encourage all readers of this book to study the first part very carefully, otherwise it will be
difficult to understand or apply the content covered in later chapters. Those who have already
progressed a bit and want to progress even more need to practice the basic knowledge every
now and then, just as a concert pianist sometimes need to return to practice simple scales and
exercises, before performing a concert piece.

Photo by Wolfgang Schreiber

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Chapter 1 Safety
When it comes to firearms safety can never be stressed enough: the pistol is a gun with a short
barrel that easily can be directed in all directions. However, pistol shooting is a safe sport,
even though firearms are inherently dangerous. There are no accidents with guns - only
breach of security rules. Therefore, safety is the first skill that must be learned. And it must be
practiced and reinforced to become second nature.
It must never be cool or macho to violate the rules on firearms handling in the home or at the
shooting range. To call attention to a fellow shooter’s nonchalance or carelessness with
firearms shows judgement and responsibility.
Remember that accidents occur almost exclusively when something happens that does not
belong to the routine, for example during malfunctions or similar situations.

Club house safety

• When a pistol is taken into the club house and out of the bag, the action must be
opened and kept open. The magazine should also be removed from semi-automatic
pistols.
• Always inspect the pistol after you taken it out of the bag. Also check it before you give
it to someone else, and when you take it back.
• Keep pistols and ammunition separated as much as possible.
• Never touch a pistol without the owner's permission.
• Always point the pistol at something safe when you do dry training.
• Never load a pistol or magazine in any other place than at the shooting range just
before you start to shoot safely, and then only after the command "load" or “start” has
been given.
• NEVER POINT YOUR PISTOL AT ANYONE AND BE CAREFUL NOT TO
SWEEP YOURSELF WITH THE MUZZLE

Shooting range safety

• Never touch the pistol when there is someone in front of the firing point.
• Always point the gun in a safe direction when holding it.
• Load the gun only on command from the range officer.
• Stop shooting and unload as soon as you're told to do so, or if:
• There is an accident or any other disturbance (fire, power outage, etc.).
• You must leave the firing point for any reason.

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 • Your weapon breaks.
• Do not change targets until all the pistols on the firing point are unloaded, their
magazines removed and actions opened. Show your pistol to the range officer.
• When you remove the pistol from the firing point, check twice that it is empty before
placing it in the pistol case.
• If you get a malfunction during competition or training, point the pistol in the firing
direction, maintain the grip and call the range officer's attention by raising your
available hand!

Safety at home
• Keep pistols and ammunition in locked safes. Hide the key in a secret place. Familiarize
yourself with applicable firearms legislation and rules.
• Keep pistols and ammunition away from children and from adults who are not
completely familiar with firearms.
• Never leave your pistols visible, either at home or in the car. Never leave them
unattended.

Box for pistols

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Some general comments
• Never fire a shot with a new pistol without first cleaning the barrel thoroughly. Excess
of oil or fat in the barrel can cause serious damage.
• Do not oil air pistols. The mixture of oil fumes and air can explode during
compression.

• If your pistol breaks, or if you suspect there is something wrong with it, make it safe,
unload it and put it down and report to the range officer. During a competition keep
holding it pointing down range and raise your non shooting hand to get the range
officer’s attention. Do not attempt to correct the problem while shooting is in progress.
• Make sure you follow the legal regulations on the handling of firearms. Violating them
is criminal.
• Never play with guns. It only takes a single unguarded moment to create a tragedy.

A revolver

A semi automatic pistol

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Chapter 2 Basic techniques

The stance
Before a shot can be fired, the correct position must be taken. You need to have the right
balance and a steady and determined stance, that comes natural and feels right. The hand
with the pistol must be pointing naturally in the direction of the target. This positioning of
the feet, body, arm and head is the stance, and it must be taken every time a shot should be
fired. There is no general and specific rule in how the ideal stance should look like. Each
shooter must find the position that best suits your specific build and physical characteristics.
You can see everything from shooters standing with your chest against the target, to those
who have the side against the target. The latter is more often seen in the world's elite today,
i.e., the side facing the target.
Using this stance seems to absorb the recoil more smoothly and stable as the thrust goes
straight into the arm and then continue through the entire shoulder. If you have a body
movement forward and backward, the arm angle will not change vertically and the pistol will
remain in the current position. If the position would need to be changed horizontally, this can
be done with a combination of hip and arm movement.
If you stand with your chest towards the target, however, the arm angle in relation to the
body need to change, if you can not stand still. And there are few who can. The recoil will
just go through the arm, and the movement of the pistol and arm will most certain be more
significant.
Your feet should be positioned so that you are standing comfortably. They should be placed as
far apart as the distance between the shoulders. The weight of your body should be evenly
distributed over the soles of your feet. The upper part of your body should be upright. The
torso should be inclined slightly backwards, balancing the weight of the outstretched arm.
The elbow must be held straight. The arm and upper body must remain immobile but
without tension. Any lateral movement must come from the hips, not from the shoulder.
Position and orientation of the arm and the hand holding the pistol may be changed by
moving your feet or by adjusting the center of gravity of your body until it settles in line with
the
center of the target. If you use the shoulder joint or wrist for adjustment, the arm will soon
return to its natural position, and the barrel will no longer be directed in the center of the
target.
In order to get the correct stance, you should start by pointing the pistol at the target. Lower it
then close your eyes. Then lift the pistol to aim and open your eyes. Now, if the pistol is
pointing outside the center point, move the feet until the alignment is correct. If you are right
handed, you should move the left foot in the opposite direction to that of the error, and then

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shuffle the right foot to regain a comfortable stance. Repeat this procedure until the pistol
points naturally to the center of the target when your eyes are closed.
You need to have your head in level with the sight. Leaning forward or backward will strain
your eyes. The face must be turned towards the target, without getting tense neck muscles. Be
aware of the consequences of an open stance (facing the target with your chest) or one that is
too in-line (facing the target sideways). In the first, the arm is poorly supported by the
shoulder muscles; in the second, the head is in such an extreme position that the circulation to
the brain is interrupted, and the neck muscles quickly become cramped.
The shooter must be fully unaware of his free hand as he aims and fires. Most shooters keep
their free hand in the pocket or hook it into his belt. This ensures that the free arm axis does
not sink down. The body must remain still to provide a stable platform, but the shooter
should feel that the stance feels natural and not experience any tension.

One of many shooting positions. Note the position of the feet, torso and head. Remember,
each shooter must personally come to the position that suits her best.

Muscles that are not directly involved in maintaining the stance should be relaxed in order to
reduce unnecessary strain. Stomach and backside muscles should relax, your jaw as well as
the free hand must not be tensed.

The grip
Before starting to aim, you must grip the pistol properly. The large selection of pistol grips
that exists today could probably fill another book, but most factory-made grips are unsuitable
for precision shooting at targets. Although improvements have been made recently, those grips
only fit a few shooters: there are no two individuals have the same shape of the hands. In

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order to aim the pistol correctly, you must either change the grip yourself or ask a grip maker
to produce a new one that suits your personal needs.
Many companies are specialized creating in customized grips, but most shooters prefer to
make their own, or change the grip belonging to the pistol. If the grip is correctly shaped the
natural 'V' between the forefinger and thumb will be bisected by the line of the barrel. The
hand will fit comfortably around the contours of the grip, and all parts of the hand except the
forefinger will be in contact with the grip. The underside of the frame should rest naturally
on the middle finger.
Through the grip the weight of the pistol is transferred to the hand and held by it. The
pistol's center of gravity should be near the trigger, so a considerable weight is taken by the
three fingers which are curled round under the trigger guard. You should hold the pistol
firmly against the ball of your thumb by the second, third, and little finger, giving full control
over its direction and height. The pressure from the little finger should be less than that
exerted by the other two fingers. The forefinger — the trigger finger— must be free to move,
and should not be in contact with the frame or grip. The thumb should be held relaxed
alongside the frame without exerting any pressure on the pistol; correctly shaped grip would
have a thumb rest.

The eye should aim at the target along a straight line through the sights.

The grip should allow the hand to grasp the gun as high as possible, so that leverage is
diminished. When you hold the pistol on aim, the barrel must be in line with your aiming eye
when the correct stance has been adopted. If it is not, the grip is incorrect and the grip may
need to be reshaped. The angle of the grip should bring the barrel naturally parallel to the
line of the sights, without unduly flexing or extending the wrist.
To take up the correct grip, grasp the barrel with the non-shooting hand and press the pistol
into your palm. Close your forefingers round the grip, making sure the top of the middle
finger is against the trigger guard or frame, and the trigger finger is left absolutely free. As you
press the pistol into your palm, move the hand upwards onto the pistol with the forefinger and
thumb spread open. As you close your fingers round the butt your flesh will be slightly
pinched in the 'V' formed by your forefinger and thumb. Relax your grip slightly and ease the

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pinched flesh. The pistol should now be well and truly gripped; but check by bringing the gun
on aim as described earlier.

The top of the trigger finger moves along a imagined line towards the “V” between
the thumb and index finger.

The position and pressure of the grip must be the same for each and every shot. The greater
the pressure, the tighter your control over the gun — up to a point. The pressure used in the
grip relates directly to the pressure exerted on the trigger (see under Anatomy). The pressure
exerted by the little finger and the tips of the middle two fingers should be minimal, otherwise
the muzzle of the pistol will be forced down, causing low shots.

Rearmost part of the trigger finger is supported by the grip.

Between shots relax the grip and allow the blood to circulate in your hand. From time to time
remove your hand completely from the grip. This will allow the contours of the hand to
remain constant. Heat will affect the shape of the hand; in warm weather wipe your hands
with a damp towel between shots to cool the surface.

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Control of breathing
Breathing also affect movements of the arm that holds the pistol. Therefore, you should
always hold your breath while aiming. Before you raise the pistol on aim, breathe in and out a
few times, normally. Enforced breathing hyperventilation — increases the pulse rate. When
you lift the pistol to the aiming position take a full breath. Allow the elasticity of your ribcage
and lungs to expel some of the air as you settle on aim. During aiming the diaphragm must
be kept motionless; if the shot has not been fired in about ten seconds, lower your arm,
breathe in and out a few times and then start again. Physical training will improve the
capacity of the lungs and the blood's oxygen level.

Sight Picture and aim

If you have the right stance and grip, your pistol should be almost correctly on aim when you
raise it against the target. Only a small adjustment of the sight direction should then be
needed to give the correct sight picture. The upper edges of the sight must be in level with
each other, and the gaps on either side of the front sight should have the same width. Try to
remember the correct sight picture and why not draw a picture of it as a reminder both
during training and competition. To get the right image and maintain it, you must
continuously and uninterruptedly focus on the sights only. The eye can not focus on both the
target and the sight simultaneously. If you do not see the front sight properly, one can not
verify that the alignment is correct. Even a small mistake will have a major impact on the
target.

The incorrect sight picture: The target

The correct sight picture. The grain is
instead of the sights is in focus. The sights
underlined and is right in the sight notch.
are blurred and ill-defined.
The sights can be seen clearly with the
target blurred.
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Picture of the fingers located at a proper fitting: The underside of the body is supported by
long ring - and the little finger. The index finger is moving in a straight line back to the
fingertip placed at a 90 degree angle to the barrel.

Begin by concentrating on the foresight, making sure that it appears clear and sharp. With
experience you will be able to use your accommodation reflex (see under visual analyser in
chapter Anatomy) when focusing on the front sight, to keep both the front and rear sight
sharp.
Aim involves correct positioning of the sights in relation to the aiming mark on the target.
Provided the sights are correctly set for the range, and the shot is released smoothly, the bullet
will hit the center of the target as long as the sight picture is correct. Normally you should
aim at a point below the center of the target that is easy to judge consistently (six o'clock aim).
If your point of aim is too close to the aiming mark, the sights would merge with it and it
would be hard to keep the top of the sight in focus. If your point of aim is too far from the
aiming mark, it is hard to maintain this distance consistently, and the sights may also stray in a
sideways direction. Ideally the point of aim should be about one-third of the distance from
the bottom of the aiming mark to the bottom of the target. However, the point of aim is not
nearly as important as the correct sight alignment. Errors in the point of aim will only be
parallel errors, and these can be tolerated.
You should use your dominant eye for aiming. To find which eye is dominant, make a ring of
your forefinger and thumb, hold it about 40 cm (15 in) from your face and look at a small
object. Keeping the ring steady, close first one eye and then the other. The eye which sees the

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 How to grip the pistol

Press the pistol into your palm

Close your fingers round the butt

Relax the grip slightly

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object in the center of the ring is your dominant eye.
Most shooters aim with monocular vision, keeping the dominant eye open and closing the
other eye. However the effort needed to keep one of your eyes firmly shut will weaken your
concentration and strain your facial muscles. So keep both your eyes open when you are
aiming, and avoid distraction by the non-aiming eye with the help of wearing a patch or disc
to cover it. A translucent disc is ideal; this will allow light to enter both eyes to the same
extent, and this will aid your depth of vision.
The sights on your pistols should be of a reasonable size otherwise it will be difficult for your
eye to pick up and hold focus on them. The front sight should be broad and block-shaped,
and the rear sight notch should be the same shape as the foresight. It should be easy to center
the foresight in the rear sight, and the strip of light visible on either side of the foresight
should be wide enough for this purpose. As a rule it should be no less than one-third of the
width of the foresight. The sights on target pistols are adjustable; the impact of the bullet on
the target can normally be altered by moving the sight either laterally or vertically. The
adjustment screws work in different ways on different pistols, so it is useful to make a note of
the way they work on your gun and keep this note in your shooting box.
Some shooters prefer colored sights, especially for center aim, because they stand out against
the dark background of the aiming mark. But we do not recommend this point of aim, and
on the whole matt black sights will give sharper sight definition.
As you cannot hold your pistol perfectly still, the ideal aiming position shown on the
illustration can only be maintained momentarily. Of course it will take longer than this to
release the trigger correctly, so the pistol will move about during aiming. This movement
should be in an area below the aiming mark. This is called area aiming. You should choose a
position below the aiming mark, leaving a strip between the sights and the lower edge of the
black.
As you become more proficient, your pistol will move less and less, and the area of aim will
become correspondingly smaller. Area aiming makes it easier for you to concentrate on

The area aim. The correctly aligned sights move about in the area marked by the dotted
line. Any of the shots correctly released in this area will hit the center area of the target.

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keeping the sights properly aligned, because you will be less concerned about the relationship
between the sights and the aiming mark. With this method of aiming the movement of the
pistol will appear to be reduced; this will reassure you and will help you to concentrate solely
on sight alignment and on the correct release of the trigger.

The proper method. The movement originates from (1)

and the draw is done straight back.

The incorrect method. With movement from (2) the trigger

is pulled in an angle and causes sideways pressure on the
gun.

Trigger control
The most important thing in pistol shooting, except for aiming correctly with the sights, is to
fire the shoot in the correct way. Perfection in other aspects of technique counts for nothing if
the trigger release is faulty, because it will spoil the aim at the crucial moment: when the shot
is fired.

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 Placement of the trigger finger

Proper method. Finger flower's center is in

contact with the trigger.

Fault: Too little contact. The trigger is pulled

to the side.

Fault: Too much contact. The trigger is in the

path of the second joint of the finger.

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Your trigger finger must apply pressure to the trigger in a direct line back with only the center
of the pad of the first joint touching the trigger. This is because the pad moves in a straight
line, while other parts of the finger move in a series of arcs. In this position your trigger finger
will be clear of the pistol frame and the grip.
If the pressure applied is not straight to the rear it will cause the muzzle to deviate (snatching
and jerking). If your trigger finger is in contact with the frame or the grip, the muscles at the
base of the finger will apply pressure to the side of the pistol, causing a sideways movement at
the very moment the shot is released.
The pressure applied to the trigger must be smooth and progressive up to and beyond the
moment the shot is released. The release itself should be coordinated to fall within the
optimum period.

Coordination of aiming and firing

So far we have discussed different pistol shooting techniques separately. All these different
elements must be fused together in the act of aiming and firing. The shooter that awaits the
perfect sight picture at the expense of a good trigger control will rarely succeed.
If you delay squeezing the trigger until your sights are steady you will hold the pistol on aim
for too long and by the time you are able to release the shot your aim will become unsteady.
Holding the pistol on aim is a static activity, releasing the trigger on the other hand is a
dynamic one. Somehow, using only one hand you must coordinate the static and the dynamic
elements.
To achieve this it is best to start both actions together. Once you raise the pistol to the aiming
area, you should gradually begin to squeeze the trigger as you make the final adjustments to
the sight alignment. Keeping the sight picture steady the shot will break almost as a surprise.
This is called subconscious firing (se under Psychology). Conscious firing — a voluntary
release of the trigger when the sight picture looks right — is a mistake. The effort of releasing
the trigger suddenly, when the sight picture seems to be right, will cause a snatch and will
spoil the aim at the moment of releasing the shot.
The time taken for aiming and releasing the shot is important. If it is too short then it will
cause a faulty trigger release (a snatch). If it is too long the tiring muscles and the lack of
oxygen will make the aim unsteady, the sights will go out of focus, and the desire to breathe
becomes irresistible. So the shot must be released within the optimum period: the period
when all factors are favorable.
The optimum period is between five and eight seconds. One of the commonest faults in pistol
shooting is a sudden, conscious release of the trigger after the optimum period has expired.
This is a panic reaction, and invariably causes a wasted shot. It is much better to make several
efforts to release a good shot than to force off a poor one. But you must not be over-cautious
either because this could lead to trigger shyness — inability to release the trigger during the

!27
optimum period. To overcome trigger shyness you must use increased pressure against the
weight of the trigger from the very start of the firing action. Squeezing the grip harder will
help.

Summary
1. Your eye must focus on the sights and on the sights alone which you should keep in
correct alignment.
2. You must keep the sights in the aiming area.
3. While you maintain the correct sight picture you should progressively squeeze the
trigger.
4. If the shot does not break during the optimum period, you should repeat the whole
process.

The optimal period to fire off the shot with all the elements as well as possible.

The follow through

Releasing the shot should not be seen as last point of action. After firing, the shooter must
continue to aim and memorize the sight picture when the shot was released. You should allow
the recoil to take effect after which the pistol will return to the position it occupied before the
release of the shot. Only after this you should lower your arm. Unless you follow this
sequence, you may relax your grip too early, and lose concentration on the sights, before you
release the shot. The shooter who lowers his arm as soon as he has fired his pistol, will soon
begin to do it before he releases the shot. Anticipation of the shot will also tense the muscles

!28
of the arm and shoulder against the expected recoil, and this will move the pistol off aim. If
you relax your grip and the focus on the sights it will impair your control over the pistol at the
moment of firing. Both these faults are serious.
To help you to achieve a good follow through, imagine that the bullet is like a rocket leaving
the barrel a few seconds after ignition. During the follow through you should be able to
estimate the probable position of your shot, which you can then verify by checking through
your telescope. If you cannot remember the position of the sights, or your calling of the shot
is incorrect, then you are probably not practicing a proper follow through, or worse, you are
not concentrating properly.

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Chapter 3 Evaluation and correction
The primary goal is to hit the target in the center. More often than not you will fail. This may
be:
• Because your ammunition is faulty.
• Because there is a fault in your pistol.
• Because you have made an error.
It is not likely that the factory made ammunition cause any major errors. Some shots may,
however, behave eccentrically if the bullets are damaged, the ammunition batch is too old, or
in the case of home loads, procedures have not been strictly adhered to. Always use reliable
ammunition, ammunition which you know will perform well in your pistol. Use home loads
only if you are satisfied that they are safe and reliable.
It is more likely that your pistol may develop a fault without your realising it. For example, the
sights may become loose, or have been moved accidentally. Lead may have been deposited in
the barrel, causing it to lose accuracy (in hot and humid conditions this can happen very
quickly, even if the barrel is cleaned before shooting begins). Always check your pistol before
you start shooting: ensuring that the sights are tight, the action is clean, and there are no loose
screws. Clean your pistol regularly, and have it serviced by a competent gunsmith at regular
intervals.
The vast majority of misplaced shots are caused by shooter's error. Such errors may be
divided into four main groups:

• Errors in sighting.
• Faulty trigger release.
• Errors in stance and grip.
• Errors in concentration.

Front sight is in a wrong position.

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Aiming errors
If the sight picture is not correct, the incorrect aiming angle will make the shot to hit outside
of the ten-ring of the target. Equally, if the sights are correctly aligned but they are outside
the aiming area when the shot is released, a parallel error will cause the same disappointing
result.

Reticles in an incorrect position relative to the checkpoint.

Many pistol shooters hold the pistol in a slight angle. But as long as this is done all the time,
this oblique position sometimes feel more natural and cause less strain, but it will magnify
errors in sight alignment.

Effect of inclination.

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Faulty trigger release
The pistol's center of gravity is in the trigger area. Any sudden movement here will move the
pistol off center. The result will depend on whether the shooter snatched or jerked the trigger.
If the pressure applied by the finger to the trigger is on the outside (snatching),

The effects of no follow through. Similar groups are caused by other errors: pushing the
trigger, anticipating the shot, slack wrist or elbow, too tight grip, pushing with the heel of the
hand.

the shot will go right; if the pressure is applied to the inside of the trigger (jerking) — the shot
will go left for the right-handed shooter. Both groups will tend to be low: these faults tend to
pull the muzzle down. Similar errors will result from conscious firing. Anticipating the release
of the shot will tense the muscles of the arm and shoulder, causing the shot to go high; lack of

The effect of incorrect trigger release (snatching and jerking). Similar groups are caused by
other errors: thumb pressure, too tight hold by the little finger, slack grip, pulling the trigger,
conscious firing.

!32
follow through will also cause high shots, these will be on the right if the wrist is relaxed
prematurely, and on the left if the elbow joint is relaxed.
If you position your trigger finger incorrectly, then you will either push or pull the trigger.
Pushing the trigger will occur when you apply too much finger to the trigger: the trigger will
be pushed by the second joint of the trigger finger, this will result in shots on the left, and
often high, for a right-handed shooter.
If there is too little finger contact with the trigger, pulling will be the result, the shot will be to
the right for the right handed shooter.

Faulty stance and grip

If the stance is incorrect, the shooter stands unsteadily. He must then tighten the muscles to
be able to aim right. When he gets exhausted, the hand will move back towards a position
which is natural and cause a corresponding change in the shots on the target.

Improper stance in relation to the target.

A. The arm wants to move towards a natural position and the results will be a target
group outside of the middle.
B. Adjust your stance in relation to the target like this: move your left foot clockwise if the
target group is to the left of the center and counter clock wise if it hits to the right.
Always move the body and not just the arm.
An unstable or improper grip can result in the spread of shots. If you hold too loose, it will
drop the pistol, so that the barrel pointing down towards the left. Even if the alignment is
correct, the force of recoil will throw the gun in the direction of least resistance.
If the grip is too tight, the heel of your hand will force the pistol to the right and upwards.
Pressure applied with the thumb, according to its direction, will cause low left- and right-sided
shots. Pressure from the fingertips and the little finger tends to make the shots go low and left.

!33
Lack of concentration
The most common cause of a bad shot is the lack of concentration. As your mind wanders,
you fail to see the error developing in your sight picture, and the result will be a poor shot.
External factors such as noise, light changes, wind conditions, but also self-absorption;
thinking about the score, lack of time, etc., affect the athlete's ability to concentrate solely on
technique.
Stress and anxiety can also be seriously distracting. Lack of concentration can accomplish
randomly scattered shots without any particular pattern.
You should analyse each of your shots straight after their release and the follow through. This
you should do both in training and during a match. Gradually, a subconscious picture of how
a good shot should look and feel will be built-up in your mind. Once this subconscious picture
is engraved on your mind, you will find it easier to reject a sight picture which is incorrect.
You must never take a chance on a shot, i.e. never say to yourself: 'Oh, it will be alright'
because you can bet your bottom dollar that it won't be! Instead, always try to produce a
perfect shot, and if something, however slight, goes wrong with the preparation of the release
of the shot, then lower your arm and start the whole process all over again.

Random hits due to lack of concentration

!34
Chapter 4 Special technique training

The stance
Exercises in building body awareness will help you to register the position of your body using
the receptors and nerve sensors in joints, tendons and muscles. When the correct shooting
position is well engraved in the consciousness, the shooter can take the stance again and again
without conscious decision making.

• Stand up and look towards a wall at a distance of two - three meters (6 - 8 ft). Reach
out your right hand and close your eyes. Go towards the wall and stop when you think
you've reached it. Open your eyes, and check the distance between the fingertips and
the wall. With practice you should be able to stop within a distance of 6 mm (1/4
inch) from the wall each time.

• Attach a reversed target on a wall in sighting height. Place yourself within reach of
the target but use a pencil or a crayon instead of a pistol. Close your eyes and lift the
arm in sight position and make a mark on the target. Relax and repeat the exercise
several times. If your position is correct, and your selections with the stylus to end up
in the same place each time.

• Use a diopter or attach a piece of paper with a hole in the middle on your shooting
glasses. Stand in the shooting position. Adjust the diopter to be able to see small
objects with your sighting eye. Relax, close your eyes and resume your shooting
position. Open your eyes. You should now still be able to clearly see the object through
the diopter or whole in the paper. If you can not see it, either your stance is wrong, or
you need to change the head position.
• Practice taking your shooting position in relation to the target.

The grip
An incorrect grip can be eliminated by repeated dry firing (firing without ammunition). This
is the only way to check the position of your hand. Be ruthless with your grips: if they are
incorrectly shaped and force your hand into the wrong position, carve or file some of the
wood away. "Grip strengthening" exercises are described in Chapter 19 Training Methods.

Aiming
Making mistakes when you are aiming primarily depends on an incorrect sight picture.
Shooting at a blank card can improve this, either with dry firing or with ammunition on the
range. With no black dot that distract the eye, your focus is concentrated entirely on the
sights. There is no reason to consider the relationship between the sight and the black dot,

!35
and therefore a steadier hand and firing come more natural. Extremely tight groups can be
achieved in this way, even if they are a little bit vertical: the point of aim on the vertical plane
is pure guesswork! Any shots falling outside the vertical group will be the result of trigger or
grip errors. The 'blank card mentality' can be successfully applied later on, when you are
shooting at a target with an aiming mark.

Shooting towards a white target B Bad grouping. Some shots stray from
the vertical pattern cause by wrong grip
A: A typical group when the sight
and bad trigger control.
alignment and trigger control are perfect.

The shooter must ensure that the vision is normal and that the eyes are in a good condition.
If there is any doubt the shooter should visit an optometrist without delay. Any vision defects
must be corrected with glasses. But keep in mind that there is a need for special glasses when
shooting. Frequently used glasses for reading, driving etc is not sufficient. Tell your optician
that you need glasses for precision shooting. Bring an air pistol or toy gun with you. You can
measure the exact distance from the aiming eye to the front sight, to make sure that the
correction is for the correct distance. The older you are, the more accurately this must be
done.
When the new lenses have been created, you should arrange an annual check to make sure
that no additional correction needed. Contact lenses are not good for shooting, as they move
with the eyes. Also, shooters normally blink less than normal when he aims. This can reduce
the humidity of soft lenses and thus affect their optical abilities.

!36
The trigger
To gain the correct trigger release you should practice dry training. You should aim the pistol
directed against a light background. Meanwhile you can observe barrel movement when the
shot is fired, without the distraction of recoil.
You can also practice with live ammunition on a blank card. Errors of trigger release will
show up as shots outside the vertical group.
You must release the trigger during the optimum period, and you should use a stopwatch to
check your progress. At first, allow plenty of time — later, with practice, you will achieve a
smooth, controlled trigger release almost instantaneously. Swift, accurate trigger operation
can be practiced with the quadrant timing method. This exercise is carried out dry firing: a
dry fire plug or an empty cartridge case should be put into the chamber to protect the firing
pin. Hold the pistol in the right hand with the barrel vertical and the elbow bent. The elbow
rests in the upturned palm of the left hand, held close to the body. The right arm moves a
quadrant of a circle to the left, like the arm of a metronome, while the shooter counts to five
and squeezes the trigger. As the arm reaches the end of the quadrant he achieves a surprise
break. The count is gradually reduced to four, three, two and one. Each time the arm is
moved from right to left, and at the end of the movement a surprise break is achieved.
Eventually this can be done in less than a second.
Practice correct positioning of the trigger finger, so you can avoid pulling or pushing the
trigger. In time, the correct position will be recorded in the joints by the various position
sensors, and you will adopt this automatically. But remember, the conditioning of position
sensors must be reinforced from time to time: constant practice is necessary for this. Aim and
trigger release must be coordinated, so in dry practice work on both together.

Follow through
Errors can arise through the lack of follow through. This must always be practiced
consciously. In effect, you should force yourself to remain on aim until the action of the follow
through becomes a habit.

Concentration
Although if all the technical elements alone are perfect, the shooter will not achieve anything
unless he can merge them together into a single coordinated action. How to achieve this
depends on the ability to concentrate. Sometimes the weirdest errors occur due to lack of
concentration, and this in turn can be a result of many factors, especially during a
competition.

!37
Upcoming chapters in this book will teach you about different aspects of training, both in
terms of shooting events and training perspectives.
In this section we have dealt with the most commonly recurring technical faults, their
recognition, and their correction. These are important first
steps for the developing shooter, but they are only a beginning. To improve your skills you
must undertake other forms of training which are described in part 5.

The result of total concentration and refined technique

!38
Chapter 5 Basic equipment

Target pistols
Most shooting clubs have plenty of pistols that members can use, but anyone who is serious
about their sport must have their own gun. Pistols that you can only load with a single shot
are excellent for 10m or 50m precision shooting, but they are not useful in other events.
Semi-automatic pistols can be used in precision shooting and fast shooting and are therefore
more economical. I would recommend any of the more advanced target models, conforming
to ISSF regulations. It is important that your first pistol is a reliable and common pistol. Avoid
getting any of the more fanciful models.

Good "all-round" guns to begin with.

Feinwerkbau AW93 Light

Morini CM 22M Rapid Fire

Pardini SP

!39
 Hearing protection. Ear muffs and anatomic plugs (individual fitting).

Telescope
Get a solid model can easily be carried in shooting bag. The magnification should be
sufficient in order to see the bullet holes at a distance of 10-50 meters. The telescope stand
should be such that it allows you to set-up the telescope at varying heights so that you are able
to look through it without changing your position on the firing line.

Hearing protection
There are many of these on the market. We recommend that you acquire a good quality ear-
muff type of hearing protection that suppresses noise sufficiently even on indoor ranges.
Some of the plug type ear defenders do not give proper protection, however convenient they
might be to wear. Remember, improper hearing protection will cause permanent ear damage
and possible deafness.

Shooting glasses
If you need glasses when reading, you'll need them too when shooting. Even if your vision do
not need correction, glasses can improve vision image and reduce fatigue of the eye. They
also protect the eyes from gunpowder splashes and similar hazards. Other optical appliances,

!40
such as diopters and color lenses can also help to provide a clearer picture and normalize the
lighting conditions. It can also sometimes help you keep your head in the right position. You
may also consider side protection shields that restrict the field of vision from the side and help
shielding you from distractions in the peripheral vision.

Shooting glasses made by Champion.

Shooting glasses from Knobloch with side

blinds.

Movable glasses that can be attached to a

cap.

!41
Black sights
Anything from a candle to a lighter or carbide lamp can be used to blacken the sights. But
avoid looking into the flame as it can lead to get an after-image on the retina.

Shooting cap
The shield must be long enough to prevent light coming in from above and reflect in the
glasses or irritate the eyes. There should be side shields that limits the line of sight and helps
to block out distractions. A ball cap can also be used to mount optics.

Movable glasses mentioned above attached to a cap. Elevated and lowered

position.

Stopwatch
An electronic type is probably the best to keep shooting time, and to help memorise shooting
intervals etc.

Tools
Screwdrivers, allen keys, tools made specifically for a particular gun, pistol cleaning
equipment, and spare parts (firing pin, mainspring, interchangeable sights elements etc). A
curved wood-file should also be kept in your shooting box to make minor alterations to the
grips.

Notebook
A notebook and a pen to gather information on options for adjusting the sights, a variety of
position of groups and shooting conditions, which you can later analyze. A simple result book
can be made using an ordinary notebook and a large washer to draw circles around,
representing the inner scoring rings.

!42
Shooting bag or case
Most shooters prefer to keep their shooting equipment and pistols in a shooting box. The
commercially produced shooting boxes will have a lid which will act as a telescope stand.
Nowadays pistols often come in attractive lightweight cases that have room for items of
equipment too.
A good, strong holdall can accommodate most items, including clothing and shoes, and a
pistol can be carried separately in a small case. A good alternative is a flight safe shooting bag,
for example, the brand Pelican. It protects the equipment from water and dust, usually also
includes a pressure valve that protects the equipment from damage during travel.

Shooting bag with plenty of space for equipment.

Clothing
The clothing when shooting should always be comfortable. The arm holding the gun should
be able to move freely from the shoulder. Adapt clothes according to weather conditions.
Wear long sleeves. A shooter who shoots outdoors can otherwise easily be disturbed by small
wind changes.

!43
To prepare the equipment
Alway check your equipment before leaving home. When arriving at the shooting range and
your firing point, make sure to start with setting up the equipment and make sure that
everything is in place, in the way you need to shoot.
Place the telescope so that it is directed towards your target. A common error is that you are
looking at the wrong target and that way making incorrect adjustments of the sight. Make
sure that you can comfortably look through the telescope without moving your feet. Also be
sure that nothing is in the way in front of the gun, if it accidentally fired. Finally position
yourself in the proper position.

!44
Part 2 Shooting events approved by the ISSF

In larger international competitions like the Olympics, World Championship, European

Championships and World Cup, the ISSF (International Sport Shooting Federation) rules are
used. World records can also be registered in other events (see issn-sports.org).
Shooting events approved by the ISSF are also arranged in regional and national
championships all over the world.
By adhering to the same set of rules regarding the design of the targets, number of shots etc,
enables shooters all over the world to compare their skills against each other, and each
individual can easily see how successful he or she is.
There are six different ISSF-events for pistol shooters: free pistol, rapid fire, center fire, 25 m
pistol, standard pistol and air pistol.

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Chapter 6 Free pistol (50m Pistol)
Free pistol is one of the most established pistol events, but also the most demanding. Along
with the Rapid Fire, it has been a part of the Olympic Games program from the very
beginning. It requires a high degree of technical skills and infinite patience, where the goal is
perfection.
The free pistol event uses the international precision target at a distance of 50 meters.
The program is 60 competition shots. Time is 2 hours including sighting shots in 15 minutes.
Sighting shots may be fired before the first series, but is not required. When using paper
targets, only five shots are allowed on each target, but in smaller competitions ten or
sometimes even more shots can be allowed per target. The eight best shooters after 60 match
shots advance into the final. The format for the finals was remade in 2013 to be more
spectator-friendly. Instead of retaining the qualification score now everyone starts from zero
in the finals. The total number of shots has also changed from ten to twenty, where shooters
are eliminated gradually. You start with two series with three shots each. Then you shoot two
one-shot series and sum the score up to eliminate the shooter with the lowest point. This
continues until we have a winner.

International precision target

!46
Pistols
Any .22 caliber (5.6mm), chambered for long rifle cartridges, rimfire pistol that complies with
the general conditions may be used. Only open sights are permitted. Corrective lenses and/
or filters may not be attached to the pistol, and no part of the gun may be extended or be
constructed to give support beyond the hand. The wrist must remain absolutely free when the
pistol is held in the normal firing position.
The name 'Free Pistol' derives from the fact that, apart from the above quoted general
conditions, no other restrictions applies to the pistols used in this event. There is no minimum
trigger weight, and the dimension of the grips, the length of the barrel, the distance between
the front and the rear sights, and the weight of the pistol are all without restriction.
Consequently modern Free Pistol design aims to produce the ultimate in precision handguns.
No wonder that at first glance, Free Pistols hardly resemble anything like a handgun. But
then, their function is much different; everything is designed to promote accuracy above all
else.

Changes to the basic technique

The technique used in this event does not differ radically from the principles discussed in Part
1, but there are a few minor variations which are specific to free pistol shooting. The overall
process to perform a perfect shot is the same. But it is particularly important to perform the
steps with the absolute highest quality in free pistol shooting. Below is a comprehensive
description of the different steps in chronological order:
1. Ensure that the stance is correct.
2. The pistol is loaded and rests against the shooting bench. The grip on the pistol feels
right.
3. Visualize the entire procedure from the lift to follow-up
4. Lift the pistol to the target area: slip past the black dot and then lower the pistol to end
up in the correct aiming area. Make sure that the wrist is locked and you have a firm
grip.
5. Focus on the front sight, and make sure it is located right in the rear sight. The pistol is
still. Feel the relaxed feeling in the hand and shoulder. Concentrate on the image. The
shot goes automatically.
6. Recoil Recovery. Aim a couple of seconds after the shot to reflect on the image when
the shot broke. Lower the pistol.
7. Analyze the shot by going through the last shooting scenario in your head. If there is
something that needs to be improve in the next shot, note this.
8. Reflection of the target hit.

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If you experience any type of disturbance (in the head or in the surrounding environment)
before the shot has been released, stop the procedure, take down the pistol and start over.
Further details of the different steps are described below.

The stance
The course of fire is over a considerable period of time during which the correct stance must
be repeatedly adopted and maintained. Muscle strain must be kept to a minimum to prevent
early fatigue and instability. What we have said about the stance in the first part of this book
applies to Free Pistol shooting. Free Pistols weigh more than ordinary pistols and the trunk
must be inclined backwards a little more to compensate. This will also benefit sighting. The
rear sight is placed further back on Free Pistols, and without the backward inclination of the
torso the aiming eye would be too close to the rear sight. The inclination of the torso will also
reduce the strain on the deltoid muscle (see under Anatomy). A stance in which the line of the
barrel is about 120 to the line of the shoulders is about right. We have already discussed the
advantages of such a stance in Part 1 of this book.

Aiming. Notice the backwards leaning torso, which compensates the weight
of the gun, the relaxed position of the head and whole body.
Photo: Wolfgang Schreiber

!48
The targets are placed further from the shooter than the targets in any other ISSF pistol
event, therefore you must take great care when you are lining yourself up on your target.
Because of the increased distance between shooter and target, the degree of movement
required to come up on aim on one of the neighbouring targets is much reduced. Remember,
a shot fired on the wrong target will lose you ten points!
The stance will have to be maintained for more than two hours, so you must ensure that
venous stasis does not cause blood to pool in your legs. You should move about between series
of shots, exercise your calf muscles by standing repeatedly on tiptoes, and encourage venous
return by lying down, with legs raised and feet resting in the upright position, for a few
minutes at a time.

The grip
Stocks fitted to free pistols are many and varied, but all tend to envelop the whole hand,
giving maximum support. Free Pistols are heavier than other pistols and they have long
barrels and an extended sight radius. These features make them difficult to hold steady.
Therefore the greater bulk of the Free Pistol grip acts as a counter-balance for the long and
heavy barrel and prevents any swivelling action. The grip should fit the contours of your
hand like a glove, allowing a lighter grip pressure: in effect, it grips the hand. This lighter grip
pressure on the Free Pistol will help trigger operation (see under Anatomy).

A typical Free Pistol grip. Note low barrel line, the 'dropped wrist' position and the
wrap-round grips.

Modern Free Pistol design places the barrel very low in relation to the hand, so the recoil is
straight along the axis of the arm holding the pistol. This will keep the muzzle steady and will
reduce leverage. The grip should be shaped so that the gripping hand would be at an angle
when the pistol is held on aim, with the wrist locked downwards. This is the 'dropped wrist
position'. Such a position will counter a tendency for the muzzle to drop, and save muscular
effort: the locked wrist joint takes the strain of the weight. However, in this position the ability
to grip is greatly reduced, so the stocks must provide compensating support.

!49
The fingers should not curl around the grip, but rather should pull against a flat surface on
the grip; that is, at right angles to the line of the barrel, otherwise increased fingertip pressure
will pull the muzzle downwards. The thumb should be free, placed on a suitable thumb-rest.
A substantial and adjustable palm-shelf is essential: the shape and volume of the hand
changes considerably with variations in external temperature.
Correctly shaped grips are obviously a must, but in our opinion most factory supplied grips
are unsatisfactory, both in basic design and in the way they would fit the hand of only a few
shooters. The serious competitor will have to devote much time and effort to the development
of the grip for his pistol. This may take weeks or even months of carving, gluing, trial and
error, to produce a satisfactory shape. It is time well spent. When you are shooting with a Free
Pistol you must be able to hold it steady with minimum fatigue over the course of the match,
to take up the same grip repeatedly, and to exert the same pressure every time. The line of the
barrel should be a continuation of your forearm, pointing naturally and without strain to the
target. Without the correct grip this will be impossible, and your scores will suffer accordingly.
A word of warning. The elaborate Free Pistol grips, enveloping most of the hand, will
interfere with circulation, especially with venous return. Blood will pool, swelling the hand
and altering the grip, the recoil characteristics, and the point of impact. Therefore you must
remove your hand from the grip frequently during the match; hold it above your head while
moving your fingers and rotate your wrist, this will aid venous return and increase the oxygen
supply to the tissues. In hot weather, cool the surface of your hand by wrapping it in a damp
towel for a while. When it is cold, move your fingers between shots to aid circulation to
maintain the sensitivity of your trigger finger. A hand warmer can also be useful to this end.

Mental preparation
Start by going through the shooting process in your head. Try to see exactly how you should
do to perform a perfect shot just the way you want and know it to be a ten. Never focus on
the parts of the shooting process that should be performed automatically when you actual
shoot. If you do this, you will try to influence what you can not affect. Concentrate on the
actual sighting picture instead, rather than how it is acquired.

Breathing
The shooter must hold the breath again and again when aiming and release the shot. This
result in a gradual reduction of oxygen in the tissues. This has a bad effect on the ability to
carry out the match page. Physical well-being is important during a free pistol match, and
with low levels of oxygen the performance will eventually be affected as well. Studies shows
that if the lungs are half filled with air while aiming and firing it will affect the result
positively.
The shooter should begin by taking five normal breaths. Just before he raises the pistol and
aims, he should inhale deeply. When he finally lifts the pistol from the bench and aims, he

!50
must take a normal breath and then exhale half of the air in a natural way. This should
happen at the time when the pistol is closing into the aiming area and stops. Then the shooter
should hold the chest quite still until the shot is released.
During match breaks the shooter will occasionally take deep breaths with forced exhale. This
removes carbon dioxide from the lungs and increases the oxygenation of body tissues. It also
increases the pulse rate, so make sure to relax for a while before you start shooting again.

Aiming
Area aiming is the correct method to use in Free Pistol. However, since the ten-ring is
comparatively small, the area should be kept to a minimum. To achieve accurate results the
relationship between sights and the aiming mark must generally be kept closer than in other
forms of precision shooting. The size and configuration of the sights are important too. A
fairly thick foresight aids sight definition: its apparent width as seen in the aiming position
should be roughly the same as that of the aiming mark. This will help to create the illusion of
steadiness and it will also help to keep your eye focused on the sights. The width of the notch
in the rear sight should allow the gap on either side of the foresight to occupy about a quarter
of the notch, though in strong light a narrower gap is desirable, and in dull light a wider gap
is essential. Some Free Pistols may not have an adjustable rear sight notch (common on air
pistols) but may come equipped with a set of front and rear sights of differing widths. With
experience you will be able to select the best combination for the prevailing light.

Relation between the sights and the target,

as should be seen by the shooter.

The shape of the rear sight notch is a matter of personal preference. Most shooters use a
square notch, though some feel a 'U' shaped notch allows faster recognition of sight
misalignment. This is because in the 'U' shape, when the foresight is not centered precisely,
the length as well as the width of the gaps will differ. Xu Haifeng the 1984 Olympic
Champion in Los Angeles uses a 'U' shaped rear sight notch.
The sight radius on Free Pistols is in the region of 14in (350mm). This long spacing of the
sights permits greater accuracy, as angular errors are reduced. It is also easier to see and

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correct movement of the foresight, but accommodation is more difficult to maintain and we
believe orthoptics are essential. A weak positive lens will help to keep the sights in focus, a
variable aperture diaphragm will increase the depth of vision, and tinted lenses will control
the amount of light reaching the eye. Without orthoptics eye strain will soon cause inaccurate
shooting.

The 'U' shaped rear-sight notch. Misalignment is

easier to spot: the gap is not only unequal in width
but in length as well.

To bring the pistol on aim, raise it off the bench until it points well above the target (this will
enable you to identify your target which is not masked by your hand holding the pistol). Align
the sights, and allow the pistol to sink slowly through the aiming mark to the aiming area
below, maintaining focus on the correctly aligned sights. Keep up the sight alignment in the
aiming area. Ideally you should allow the shot to break without stopping the movement of the
pistol. This is because 'shooting on the move', i.e. releasing the shot without checking the
downward travel of the gun, has a steadying effect on the muzzle. Shots released using this
method will be very accurate. A number of great exponents of Free Pistol shooting use this
method, in particular Harald Vollmar of East Germany, a former World Champion and
record holder.
But you must realise that any attempt to emulate such a great shooter is fraught with danger.
The method requires extraordinary coordination of aim and trigger release without which
this method will not work. Probably a safer, if less spectacular, technique is to maintain a
steady hold in a small area of aim, where the release of the trigger will coincide with the
correct sight alignment.

Trigger release
The trigger release process starts when the trigger finger begins to put pressure on the trigger.
The eye should focus intensely on the front sight, while the shot breaks unintentionally. It is
very important to maintain the wrist in a locked position, and absolutely still when the shot
breaks. Even the slightest movement induces muscle activity in the forearm, which can cause
serious consequences on the target and in turn a worried shooter, partly through the broken
chain of interconnected and automated parts.

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The trigger on a free pistol is an elaborated mechanism which consists of two main parts: the
set trigger, and the main sear, which is tripped by the set trigger to activate the firing pin. On
most Free Pistols the set trigger can be operated at very low pressures, between 5-100 g
(0.2-3.50z). The electronic triggers can be set as low as 3 grammes and still operate
consistently.
A low pressure means that you can fire rapidly when a the proper sight picture is achieved.
But if the shooter can not release the trigger at such a low trigger weight, it may instead work
against him. An incorrectly set trigger weight can result in that you snatch the shot or that the
shot will break too early. This may give you a really bad score.
Set the trigger weight as low as you are able to control. To put pressure on a trigger might
look easy, but controlling the trigger release is pretty hard and a lot of training is required to
control it properly. The pressure on the trigger must not vary from shot to shot. So make sure

The "comfortable zone". The shutter button is placed in a position just in front of
(1) the easiest point for the trigger finger (2). This promotes an even and calm
firing.

that the placement of the trigger finger is the same throughout the match. The finger must
have absolute freedom of movement and must not touch any part of the pistol grip.
The grip must be shaped in such a way that the trigger finger can reach the trigger in a
natural way. To facilitate this, most pistols have a trigger which can be moved forward or
backward and also be rotated around its axis. In this way you can make sure that the the most
sensitive part of the trigger finger and fingertip, have maximum contact with the trigger. If
the trigger can not be turned, it may be necessary to use a trigger rail or similar in order to

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have a suitable angle for the trigger finger. The trigger should be placed in a position that is
comfortable for your finger. The finger should reach its most comfortable position at the same
position as the trigger point. This can prevent any further movement after the shot have been
released. It is also easier to start moving your finger in a direction towards the most
comfortable position.
The correct setting of the trigger pressure will depend on many factors. The sensitivity of the
trigger finger will be influenced by temperature, level of arousal, and depth of concentration.
Secondary factors such as the ability to hold steady and a degree of nervousness will also have
an influence. All these factors, coupled with the shooter's own ability, will decide the degree of
control which can be exercised over a given trigger weight, so it must be varied according to
the conditions. Within certain limits, you must alter the weight of the trigger from day to day
and match to match, according to circumstances. Far better to lose some of the speed offered
by a light trigger than to lose control and be penalised for a jerky or premature trigger release.
Light triggers can yield spectacular results; but they can also produce spectacular crashes as
control disintegrates under match pressure.
At the Olympic Games in Montreal the Russian champion Dr. Papava used a very light
trigger weight. During training, he had about 570 points throughout, but when competing at
the Olympic Games he only scored 548 which was very low for him.
If the shooter wants to get good control and begin firing calmly, he must be able to touch the
trigger when the gun is lifted to the sighting position. If he can not do this with confidence,
the trigger weight is too low. The greatest risk of a low trigger weight is that the touching of
the trigger can not be kept constant. The shot will be released just by touching it, without
putting pressure on it. With practice, it can become an almost subconscious act - a reflex - but
it requires coordination and is hardly a safe approach.
In my opinion, the only sustainable method to release a shot is by touching the trigger and
gently increase the pressure when the sights are right. With practice, the pressure can be
brought down to below 20 grams. This allows the shot be safely released in the optimum
period (see end of Chapter 2), and the result will be the best possible.
Whoever wants to be the champion should start by putting up the trigger weight to a
relatively high weight and the lowering it gradually over time as the shooter becomes more
and more experienced. This increases his confidence and control of the trigger release.
If the temperature is very cold or the shooter particularly nervous, it is always wise to go back
to a higher trigger weight. Simple anatomical rules say that the force used to grasp the grip is
directly related to the pressure used to fire the shot. So the lighter your trigger weight is, the
looser grip. Free pistols with their light trigger weight must therefore be able to be held in the
hand with minimal effort, so that the trigger finger can move freely. The grip must fit the
hand perfectly.
Finally, a word about the shape of the trigger. Some guns have a button - or even a small
screw that have contact with the trigger finger. This is wrong. The small contact area means

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that fewer nerves are connected, and that the sensitivity decreases. The trigger should be
smooth and wide to provide as much contact as possible.

Follow through
A good follow through is an essential part of a good shooting technique. The Free Pistol is
gripped looser and has a longer barrel than normal: if there is a premature relaxation of the
arm muscles it will cause a serious deviation of the muzzle, with disastrous results.
In some Free Pistols a weight can be attached to the frame or to an extension of it, or even to
the barrel itself. If this weight is well forward it will slow down the movement of the muzzle,
acting rather like a brake. If your trigger release causes a slight jerking movement of the
pistol, this 'brake' minimizes the movement of the muzzle and will reduce the deviation of the
bullet from its intended path. To hold such a pistol however, requires strength.

Training and match preparation

In Free pistol shooting one of the key factors are to maintain a small sighting area when
aiming and to control the trigger release. The small rings on a Free pistol target require the
shooter to stay in an area that is much smaller than in other pistol shooting events. This
requires great control of the muscles, good coordination and a lot of strength and stamina.
Muscle control can be achieved through special "lift and hold exercises". Draw a small circle
of approximately 25 mm in diameter on a white surface. Lift the pistol repeatedly to point
within the circle contours. Increase the distance between the pistol and the circle gradually as
the stability of the hand increases. This should be done gradually, one meter at a time, for
several weeks.
In order to enhance strength and endurance in general, use the physical exercises described in
the chapter about training methods in Chapter 19.
Trigger control will be improved through extended dry fire training. The dry firing
mechanism can be used without putting force on the main spring as when shooting with real
ammunition.
Combine this type of training with the "lift and hold exercises" by dry firing towards a scaled
aiming area. When the shooter has reached an acceptable control of these two exercises, the
shooter can start training with ammunition on the range. At first, the shooter shall use white
boards and concentrate on achieving the correct sight picture and smooth trigger control.
Later the shooter can use a real target and shoot fifteen to twenty shots per board. This
exercise can be used to identify errors in the technique, which can be eliminated by further
dry training.
The shooter must resist the urge of counting points. Nor should the shooter compete until a
good grouping can be achieved all the time.

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The training sessions should be at least two hours to build physical and mental stamina. Dry
training sessions should last at least one hour. To make these sessions interesting, you can try
the training games proposed in Chapter 19.
To help with concentration and the ability to shoot good groups, you can cut out the nine or
ten ring of the target. Then the task will be to shoot most of the shots in the cut out area.
When preparing for a match, you have to use the pistol every day. To control the trigger is a
skill that must be reinforced by constant practice.
The shooter should practice on the range where the match will be held, or at a similar range
with the correct distance. Although most of the training can be done indoors, he must also
prepare for some training sessions on an outdoor range, so that he can study the environment
and get used to the changes in light, wind, etc. Even small changes in brightness can affect the
hit on the target, and the shooter must learn to compensate for this.
During the preparations for a match, the shooter should test the shooting skills in a friendly
match, to get into the rhythm and have a rough plan when and where he should pause. After
a thorough preparation, the shooter can look forward to a competition with confidence.
In order to reach international excellence in Free Pistol it requires an extreme amount of
training and sacrifice. It's not enough to just train for 2-3 hours a week, as most shooters do
on effective training. At best, one can manage to put on a performance level around 540
points on average. This is not enough to reach the international level, which requires at least
15 - 20 points more.
Ragnar Skanåker began his shooting career just like any other with a few hours of training in
the week and was then in 540 ± 5 points level. But in 1968 he decided to try to improve the
results with more training. With 4-6 hours a day, he increased the results by 20 points in 6
months.
To be able to shoot 570 points in a World Cup or the Olympics the shooter must regularly be
able to shoot 575-580 to be able to handle things which do not happen 100 % according to
the plan, and things often do not play out exactly as planned.
Everyone can not spend so much time on their training. However, if you want to reach the
international top level in Free Pistol it might be good to know that time has a particular
significance, however, it is only of value if it is used with quality.

Match Tactics
The right mental attitude is absolutely necessary. The key word is "patience". Free Pistol is the
ultimate in deliberate shooting. The allowed time - two hours - is long and must be used well.
It allows for nearly two minutes for each shot, including sighting shots. To keep the same level
of concentration for such a long time is not possible. Therefore, the match must be broken
down into smaller units with rest in between to get circulation in the hands and a stable stance
when shooting.

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One must gradually come into the match by shooting 12-15 sighting shots. This allows the
different muscle groups to get to the right condition to be able to hold the pistol steady. It also
gives the shooter time to calm down, to stabilize the adrenaline flow. During this period, you
can finally check the prevailing conditions.
The first shot has a huge psychological impact. To avoid unnecessary strain, the shooter must
sneak into the match from the last sighting shot, and let the first match of the shot to be part
of the sighting series, rather than the first in a new series.
In my opinion it is important to check the group on the target or monitor. It is one part of the
feedback to know that the shots are fired correctly. Without a telescope or monitor, you can
either become over optimistic or too pessimistic. It will also be hard to make any record of the
shots for analysis after the match. Such notes may also be done during the match to help
determine if the sights need to be adjusted. Additionally, a protocol can be helpful if the
official result seems doubtful.
However, it is not advisable to bring a shot-for-shot protocol, because the shooter should try
to keep his thoughts away from the result.
Step Shooting or any form of competition training may be helpful here. One can, for
example, divide the match into "three groups" and set a goal of 28 of 30 possible points.
The shooter should take a rest every now and then before making any serious errors due to
fatigue, lack of concentration or other disorders. The risk of problems depends on the
individual's skills and experience. here's plenty of time to take long breaks. If the shooting is
not going well, a break sometimes gives a dramatic improvement. It can make you judge the
situation much better than if you remain in the shooting position preparing for a new shot.
You can even have a conversation with the coach. But the shooter must take the time it
requires to get into the match again, by dry firing or by making some new sighting shots, if it
is allowed.
It is important to know how much time is spent during the match. The shooter should make
sure there are plenty of time to finish the match: it can be catastrophic for the finish with a
shortage of time. A few too rapidly released shots at the end of the match can easily bugger
up all the effort put into the whole match.

Morini CM 84 E !57
The last shot in a Free Pistol match has as great psychological significance as the first shot.
The difference is that the shooter have total control over the last shot: the shooter knows how
much time is left, and can ensure releasing a perfect shot. By treating the last shot with special
care, the shooter can subdue the desire to rush off and "get it over” with.
In general terms you can say that the art of Free Pistol shooting is to have a feeling for when
the shot should be released. (Some would call this self-confidence and reassurance.) The
shooter must prepare for each shot meticulously and must accept that it may be necessary to
perform several attempts before the shot should be released.
But the shooter should never be "over cautious", but instead let the subconscious direct what
happens. That way the shooter can achieve a good rhythm when releasing the shots. When
starting the lift, aiming and releasing the shot, the shooter should alway make sure that this
procedure always last the same amount of time each shot. Using a stopwatch, a coach can
control which shots are performed correct or not by measuring the time and compare to the
average time spent.

Shooting equipment, pistols and ammunition

In addition to the basic equipment (see Chapter 5), as we mentioned earlier a set of orthoptics
will greatly aid the Free Pistol shooter. A hand warmer is useful, as it helps to keep your
trigger finger warm if it's cold outside. Most Free Pistols comes with special tools and a
selection of interchangeable components for the sight. There are usually a few weights that
can be put on the body of the pistol and perhaps even a wood file for minor changes to the
grip. A small container of resin to cope with slippery hands, will also be useful.
There are many Free Pistols in the market but it is the Morini CM 84E which dominates,
followed by TOZ35 amongst the elite. Although one might see a Hämmerli, Match Guns and
Pardini too.
Free Pistols do not need much maintenance, but they must be protected from moisture: only a
small accumulation of rust may destroy the trigger mechanism. The barrel should be cleaned
with a brush after each live fire session. Oil from the ammunition tend to accumulate in the
mechanism after a while and should be removed with a soft brush. You do not need to
disassemble the mechanism for this. Use a magnifier to find some particles that need to be
removed. You should always use an authorised technician when significant maintenance or
repairs are required, and it is recommended to have the pistol professionally maintained at
least bi-annually.
To achieve high precision you must always use the best ammunition available. The
manufacturer used to recommend their "Pistol Match ammunition" to be used for Free
Pistols. It is manufactured special for relatively short barrels and the low velocity in the barrel
opening makes the recoil soft and slow. Regardless of this, most of the top international

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shooter prefer rifle ammunition of the highest quality (eg Tenex, RWS, LAPUA). For training
the shooter can use a cheaper ammunition. It still tend to give almost the same grouping on
the target as the shooter normally gets with higher quality ammunition.
It is a good idea to try out different types of ammunition in your pistol (using a vice attached
to a bench) to decide what ammunition gives the best groups on the target.

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Chapter 7, Rapid Fire Pistol
Rapid Fire has also been an Olympic event since the beginning, but the course of fire, the
targets and guns has undergone many changes since then. Today Rapid Fire Pistol is shot at
five international rapid fire targets at a distance of 25 meters. 60 competition shots are
divided into two sections of 30 shots each. Each 30-shot section is further divided into six
series of five shots in each: two series of 8 seconds, 6 seconds at two and two of 4 seconds
each. In each series one shot is made at each of the five targets within the set time. All
shooters must have completed the first round of 30 shots before the next round can begin.
The top six shooters after the 60 shot match go to the final, where they shoot five shot series
in 4 seconds. A shot is scored as either a hit or a miss. Currently, in 2015, a hit is defined as a
shot that scores 9.7 or higher. After four series the lowest ranking shooter is eliminated. From
then on a shooter is eliminated after each series. After eight series the 1st and 2nd places are
decided. If two or more shooters in the final are tied with equal scores, a shoot off in 4
second series is held until the tie is broken. The shooter must stand in the "ready"-position
before the the target faces the shooter or the green light comes on. The angle to the vertical
of the arm holding the gun shall not exceed 45 degrees.When shooting on paper targets they
will turn away from the shooter at the command “Attention” and face the shooter after 7
seconds. When the time for the series has expired the targets will turn away again and then
return to the facing position for scoring. If the match is shot on electronic targets green and
red lights are used instead of a turning target mechanism. The green light comes on to signal
that the time has started, the red light signals that the timed series hasn’t started or that it has
ended. Shots will only be scored if they hit the target whilst the green light is on.

Rapid Fire Gun Court

Any .22LR caliber caliber gun can be used, as long as it meets the general requirements and
the following conditions:
The weight of the pistol including accessories, balancing weights and unloaded magazine
must not exceed 1400 grams. The trigger weight must be at least 1000 grams. The pistol must
not be larger than it can fit in a rectangular box with internal dimensions 300 x 150 x 50 mm.
A tolerance of up to +1.0 mm in all dimensions are accepted. The barrel length can be

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maximum 153 mm and visors line maximum 220 mm. Custom made grips are accepted, as
long as they stay within the permitted dimensions.

Changes to the basic technique

Without proper, thorough training of the basic principles of precision shooting, a rapid pistol
shooter can’t hope for success. But there are also many new elements in the technique that is
special just for rapid pistol shooting.

The stance
It must be stable and more rigid than for precision shooting. In order to be able to lift more
quickly it’s usually preferred to have a more angled shooting position. The muscles will be
more strained, but it has no damaging effect, as the position is held up only for short periods.
In precision shooting, the stance should be so that the gun points naturally in the middle of
the target. Rapid Fire shooters must aim at five different targets, one after the other. Against
which target shall he take up his position?

Focus on the first target.

Some argue that the focus should be on the third target. After having set up at this target, the
shooter twist the body slightly to the right, until the gun is directed toward the first target,
provided he shoots right to left. Then he lowers his arm to the "ready" position.
I believe that the best approach is to aim naturally at the first target and use the same method
as in precision shooting. Then the gun position will be correct for the first shot, the hardest
and most important in the series. It can be argued that the previous method allows the body

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to turn as much to the right as to the left and therefore will be less strained, but the arm
movement totals only a seven degree angle from the first to the last target, so that argument is
not so strong. It’s rather that the body wants to move like a coiled spring that caters to the
middle before the start, so that the first shot ends up to the left of the target's center. On the
whole, it is more sensible to stand in front of the first target. If the first shot is right, it is likely
that the others will follow.
The position of the head is very important. Just by moving the head you should be able to
make minor adjustments to how the sight position is perceived in relation to the target. This is
done while the stance is taken, and once you have found the right position the head may not
be changed. The gaze may briefly follow the sights down to the "ready" position, but the head
must remain still. This applies throughout the series: the movement from target to target shall
be done from the hips, knees and ankles.

Rapid Fire Pistol shooter in position "clear" and the sight position.
The head is held still and unchanged in both positions.

The grip
The shooter must be able to hold the gun firmly - there must be no change in hand position
during firing the five shots. The grip must fit the shape of the hand well and not allow any
movement. It must be positioned so that it is kept as low as possible in the hand. This reduces
recoil and muzzle movement. As with free pistols, the shooter must make the necessary
changes or get a custom-made grip. When the gun is placed in his hand, the barrel should be
held steady with your left hand and brought firmly into the shooting hand, into the right
position. A final adjustment can be done by pulling the skin back in web of the thumb, so that

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the gun can come even further into the hand, and the grip become even firmer. With the
hand correctly placed, the fingers shall squeezed tightly around the front part of the grip and
lock the gun in the hand. The trigger finger must be positioned carefully on the trigger
without coming in contact with the grip or body. When the gun has been fitted in the right
way, it should remain in that position while the magazine is inserted and the bolt is retracted.
When the weather is hot, some resin can be needed to cope with sticky and sweaty hands.

Breathing
The shooter must hold the breath during the entire five-shot series. He does not need to
breathe more than usual before shooting commences. When the shooter lowers the arm to
take the "ready" position, he should exhale . This will be followed by a small inhalation, but
avoid inhaling too much.

To aim and lift

The Rapid Fire Pistol shooter moves the gun into the target area in a completely different
way than a precision shooter. The movement must be done quickly, yet calm and precise.
When the targets begin to turn or the green light comes on, he must start lifting the gun
vertically. It has to be correct the first time; he can not repeat the movement. This requires a
high degree of control, reaction speed and concentration.
When the shooter begins the upward movement, he must lower the shoulder and extend
slightly forward with the gun. This method uses the gun inertia to achieve a smooth upward
movement without lateral deviation. The movement has been likened to a kind of "wipe- or
polish-movement," as if the shooter tried to polish the arc between himself and the target
with the gun.
The lift must be done quickly and then slow down and stop at the aiming area, almost like an
automatic door: the fast initial movement slows down to a stop when the door slams shut, but
remain soft throughout. It is absolutely forbidden to lift the gun over the target area. That
wastes valuable time, and the downward movement affects the next step: the horizontal
displacement to the next target.
When you start aiming, the aiming eye must catch the front sight and keep it focused. The eye
focal plane will then be about one meter from the head and the targets at 25 meters will
appear blurry. The target movement is to be perceived by your peripheral vision. Without
these precautions the eyes will happily look past the weapon to the targets without proper
focus on the sights. A weakly positive lens can prevent that problem. When the sights come
into the aiming area, fine-tuning of the aim shall be made.
As the sights should have been properly aligned when the shooter took his position, they don’t
need to be checked when the pistol is held in "ready" position. The reason is that the angle
between the eye-gun-axis changes when the arm is lifted. If the sights seems correct in the

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"ready" position, the front sight will be placed high above the sight notch, when you lift the
gun to the aiming area. This could be avoided if the shooter bends from the waist with his
arm still in the "ready" position. But this may on the other hand, prevent the pistol to be lifted
quickly and accurately.

Starting point of the vertical lift is the shoulder joint. Accordingly, the angle formed by the
eye, the gun and the shaft when the gun is lifted. Therefore, if reticles appear right when the
gun is pointing toward the figure, they will be in another position when the gun is lowered,
and vice-versa.

To aim and turn the body

Once the first shot has been fired, the shooter must aim at the next target with a quick but
smooth movement of the hip. By applying tension in the knees and ankles the movement is
stopped, and this is repeated until the series is over. After the fifth shot you should pretend to
do one more firing, so that you do not relax too early, causing the sights to drop.
Right-handed shooters will shoot from right to left and left-handers from left to right, so that
the gun does not obscure the following target.
It is very important that the gun stops at each target; the shooter can’t fire "in motion". He
must keep his head still during the entire series in order to maintain the correct angle from
eye to sights, and the lateral movement must be accomplished by the arm and the upper body

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rotating simultaneously, or else the relationship between front sight and sight notch will
change.

Aim image and sight

The center (the “ten”) on the international rapid fire target is four times as large in surface
area as the precision target, with a diameter of 10 cm. Therefore, the rapid fire shooter can
be allowed small errors in accuracy during aiming: he must strive for speed without being too
careful. The front sight on a rapid fire weapon should be broad and square with the sights
notch wide enough to provide a broad streak of light on either side of the front sight. Some
shooters prefer a ratio 2: 1, so that the width on each side of the front sight is of equal width
as the front sight itself. Test and try out what suits you.

Sights for rapid fire. The wide sight notch allows for a
faster sighting.

The design of the sights makes it possible to quickly take aim with sufficient precision to hit
the ten score. Previously, it was common to use colored sights, because it was believed that
they better outlined against the dark target. In practice, black sights allow faster focus and
greater precision. Besides, in normal daylight targets seems more gray than black. However, it
can be necessary to blacken sights even more in some way.

This is what happens with the sights if movement is only from the arm. Always move
body and arm at the same time, and keep the angle between eyes and sights constant.

The design of the sights makes it possible to quickly take aim with sufficient precision to hit
the ten score. Previously, it was common to use colored sights, because it was believed that
they better outlined against the dark target. In practice, black sights allow faster focus and
greater precision. Besides, in normal daylight targets seems more gray than black. However, it
can be necessary to blacken sights even more in some way.

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The Rapid Fire shooter is working with tight deadlines, so he must accept that the sights may
not situated perfectly in line and that the aiming area is made larger. He must of course make
an effort, as much as possible, to get the first hit exact, but if he does not manage to get the
gun position correct at once, there is not much time to correct this, especially in the faster
series.
It is better to fire in the borders of the aiming area (the result will probably still be a ten, or at
worst a nine), than to hone in on dead center, and then be forced to hurry to catch the rest of
the shots. If hurrying to catch up the results will only be bad shots, or maybe even a missed
shot on the final target, because too much time has been spent.
The wide sight notch makes the sight error to seem smaller than if the sight notch is narrow.

The benefit of a wide sight notch. The sight error

is the same in both images, but seems to be
smaller in the left image.

Trigger control
In rapid fire the trigger must be pulled straight backwards in the direction of the aiming eye,
fast and smoothly. Many shooters prefer a trigger without real pressure point (rolling trigger),
which provides a smoother firing than the conventional trigger, with an exact pressure point
(clean break). With the latter, the shooter can start pressing a little already when he lifts the
gun, and he will then move from target to target with greater confidence. Both types have
their advantages, and equally good results can be achieved with them. In the end it is still the
control over the trigger that is crucial.
The trigger control also plays a crucial role when to calculate the time and rhythm. The
unconscious act of firing shall coincide exactly with the time when the gun is completely
oriented correctly and for a brief moment moves within the target area. To achieve this, most
of the pressure must be taken up in advance, in particular for the first shot. It must begin
while lifting the gun, and the faster the lift, the earlier you have to start. As a rule of thumb,
starting when the sights are just below the ten ring for the 8-second series, in line with the
eighth ring for the 6-second series and as low as the sixth ring for the 4 second series. But you
have to find your own pattern, which matches the speed you have when lifting.

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 Rhythm in 4-second series: 

A Same time difference between the shots 

B The Rumanian method 

C Fast first and last shot

When the shot has been fired the trigger finger shall be straightened during a short follow-up
period (still touching the trigger), and immediately begins to squeeze the trigger again while
moving the gun to the next target. With practice, you can merge the different elements into a
single unit: to begin pressing the trigger and aligning the sights, while moving the gun; an
action that becomes almost a reflex action triggered by the target becoming active (turning or
green light).

Calculating time, rhythm and recoil

It is imperative for rapid fire shooters to split the time exactly with a small safety margin
included. The time required to lift and fire the first shot determines how fast you have to
shoot the rest of the shots. In order to get a good rhythm on subsequent shots, the time
calculation ("timing") for the first shot needs to be constant: I suggest between 2-2.2 seconds
in 8-second range, 1.5-1.8 sec for 6 seconds series and 1.1-1.4 sec for 4 second series. If you
want to have a safety margin, it then becomes 1.4 seconds for each remaining shots in 8
seconds series, 1 second in the 6-second range, and 0.7 seconds in the 4 second series.
A good well trained rhythm allows the shooter to safely fire shot after shot without worrying
about the time. The rhythm must be indelibly engraved and act as a kind of inner
metronome that the shooter can use to get the right tempo. This also gives him an
opportunity to speed up, if he realizes that he is late.

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With time, the shooter will find his ideal rhythm. Different ideas were hatched about how to
avoid being out of time in the 4 second series. Some Romanian shooters use "final two shots
fast method". At the beginning of the series, they shoot their shots in 6-second rhythm and
accelerate thereafter to a very rapid firing of the last two shots. Others try to fire the first and
last shots quickly, while the three in the middle is slower. .
I'm not sure that any of the methods are so good.
Even the most experienced shooter must vary the time and the rhythm of the 4 second series.
The safety margin is very small, and the severe punishment of a miss must be avoided, even
at the cost of worse accuracy. It is better to fire a shot too early and get a seven on the last
target than to miss it completely.

To train and prepare for a match

The complex technique of rapid fire can not be learned overnight. Those who have trained
center fire pistol - which also includes duel shooting - already have experience of lifting fast,
fast firing, and turning targets. Those who do not have that experience, should start by
practicing on a stationary target. Once they master this, they can move on to the next step:
the transition from the vertical to the horizontal path.
This part of the rapid fire technique is the most difficult, and it requires special attention.
When shooting rapid fire, the shot is fired "on the way" when the gun is lifted vertically. In
rapid fire pistol, the vertical movement halts before the shot is fired, and after a very short
follow-up the sights must be moved over to the next target horizontally. The transition can
only be learned through diligent practice.
Start with two stationary targets and load one shot at a time. In this way, the first shot is
practiced with with real ammunition so that you can examine where you hit, while the second
shot is dry fired. The speed shall be gradually increased until the first shot can be fired within
the margin time for the 8-second series (2.2 seconds).
Once you have achieved good results with the first target, you can load two cartridges and
shoot the two "real" shots. Finally load with five shots and fire the whole series on stationary
targets. Concentrate on getting good shots without considering how long it takes, and make
sure that every step is done right. Once you can fire five shots with good precision and good
rhythm, you can start thinking of the timing.
In this regard, the beginner rapid fire shooter is like someone who is learning to type. One
must learn the location of the keys, how he should keep his fingers in relation to them, and
which characters are controlled by the various fingers. When he can, he tries to gradually
increase the speed. Similarly, rapid pistol shooters must not be tempted to shoot at moving
targets before he mastered the technique needed. Doing so he might make mistakes and learn
an incorrect technique that can be difficult to overcome.

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The correct timing for each series must be learned using a stopwatch, until the right rhythm is
imprinted. Only then can you start shooting five shot series.
Close your eyes and imagine that the targets are activated. Start the stopwatch and pretend
you're shooting a five shot series. Stop the clock. Check the time! You can start this as a dry
fire exercise at the shooting range or even at home with miniature targets. There are rapid fire
guns with a firing mechanism that makes it possible to dry fire five consecutive shots (e.g.,
Walther OSP or guns with electronic triggers). But you can also do this exercise by squeezing
the trigger so much every time that would be needed to fire the shots, while the gun moves
from target to target.
Only when you have learned the timing for a series and practiced it, you can start to train
with ammunition. Then you must also note where the shots hit the target in order to analyze
them.
It is better to first practice the 8-second series, then the 6-second and last four-second series
until you master them individually, rather than to train a half-match directly. In this way, the
shooting speed is gradually increasing, and you can gradually move from slower to faster
series. An entire training program shall be devoted to each type of series.
Only when you have mastered the rhythm of each series, you can shoot a half-match and see
where the shots hit. Gradually, as your technical skills increase, you shall shoot half-matches
with the series in correct order.
The 4 second series represents the greatest challenge and requires the most intensive training.
The key to success seems to be able to fire the first shot quite quickly. To learn the technique
to perfection requires a special training program.
In Sukhumi in Russia, I saw the Russian Rapid Fire Pistol team spend hours with that single
component/shot. They fired the first shot as quickly as possible without checking either the
sights or their placement in the target area. The first results will be very disappointing. But as
the inhibitions drop, one will stop the snatching/jerking of the shots and the results will
improve. Viktor Torshin could with very great regularity shoot tens in 0.9 seconds. The rest of
his shots in the 4 second series was heard as almost lazy.
When the shooter stands and test his aim, he must move his arm in the vertical plane with the
same speed that he intends to move it when it's time to shoot. Otherwise he will not be able to
center the gun right when it really counts. This is because different muscles are used at
different speeds, and then the arm leverage will change somewhat.
The training methods described here should be used by both experienced shooters and
beginners. Result improvements at various levels can be achieved only with careful and
methodical training of the various phases of the rapid fire gun technique. But it is not good
for rapid fire pistol shooters just to focus on this single event. For relaxation - especially in
winter - he should take up some other form of pistol training. Air pistol is popular, and the

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different techniques can be very useful to practice to improve the precision and trigger
control.
When the shooter is preparing for a match, he has to concentrate on the competitive element
of the training. Training Competitions (see end of Chapter 19) can provide a certain tension
to the exercises. He must try 8-second and 4 second series interleaved and concentrate his
efforts on improving weaknesses.
A few days before the game, he shall put the gun away and concentrate on mental
preparation. Overtraining - or training until the match day - undermine his physical
condition: an aching hand or wrist can ruin everything for him, just as when they need to be
in top condition. "Yet another quick workout" will only increase his doubts about his own
capacity.
The period before the match can be used much better by carefully checking the equipment,
preparing the gun and ammunition and observing the range conditions, its layout and
shooting rules.

Tactical aspects
No other pistol shooting competition can be likened to rapid fire when it comes to
opportunities to "psych out" the opponent. The two thirty shot matches is normally shot over
two days, so the shooter must live for a time with his results - and his opponents - before he
begins the second half of the match. If he is not well prepared, he has lost the competition
before it has begun. Distractions like these can seriously disrupt his concentration.
Preparations on the firing line must follow a certain routine. Unplanned and random acts can
lead to fatal failures, which can knock out the shooter from the competition: to load the
magazine with 4 cartridges, forget pulling back the bolt/slide, forgetting to insert the
magazine, forgetting to switch off the safety of the gun are examples of some of the possible
mistakes.
During most major competitions, there is a training range, where shooters can shoot warm up
shots. Take the opportunity to check the gun before you shoot your match series. It will help
you calm your nerves and get into the right rhythm.
You shall shoot your warm up shots in 8 seconds, so that you are fully prepared for the first
match of the series. The warm up shots must be shot with the utmost accuracy. To miss
voluntarily, shoot high or other similar joke, will not seem so hilarious, if they cause a first
sloppy series.
On most rapid pistol competitions the hit denominations will be marked by a cursor with
colored discs. During the marking, you should concentrate on the position of the hits, not
their value. You must only think of firing the shots with a perfect technique without worrying
about the score you have to achieve.

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You must also be prepared for rapid pistol shooter's worst scenario: a weapon malfunction.
Sooner or later it will happen. The most important thing is to stay calm. Try to find the cause
of the fault and take possible measures to correct it, before you try again.
It is important that the shooter, after a shot has not been fired and you want to claim a
malfunction, holds the gun pointing downrange, keeps the grip of the pistol and call for the
range officer’s attention without disturbing the other shooters. You can claim one
malfunction per 30 shot half of the match.
However tempting it may be, never try to predict when the targets will turn by listening to the
click from the control box. The likely outcome is a false start, which may incur a penalty.. It is
usually followed by a terribly jumpy lift, which will result in a bad first shot and probably a
low score on the entire series. On sunny days you can sometimes see when the shots hit the
targets, a distracting sight that can can draw eyes to the target. To avoid this, use a slightly
positive lens, which makes the targets seem blurry.
Finally remember that no match is over until the official results have been published. In the
World Cup in Korea, Beier (Germany) seemed to be in the clear lead with 595 points. Among
those still shooting the second half of the game only Gunnarsson appeared to have a chance
against Beier, and then he needed 300 points. Therefore Beier wrote autographs, gave press
and radio interviews, and sat down to enjoy his new status. Then Gunnarsson shot 300. It
became a shoot-off, and now Beier had to try to win the World Cup again. He lost!

Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition

A rapid fire pistol shooter does not need much more than the basic equipment (see Chapter
5). A comprehensive set of tools to disassemble the weapon with is a must. These guns are
very unpredictable and must be kept meticulously clean. We have all seen what a malfunction
can cause.
A wood file is needed to be able to make minor changes to the grip.
There seems to be an almost unlimited selection of rapid fire guns on the market. The choice
depends on how much money you want to spend. It is best to start by asking an experienced
marksman for advice.
Reliability is important. All models are not reliable. Some are worn out much faster than
others. It may be difficult to obtain spare parts for guns from eastern countries, and for rare
models it can be hard to get service. Among the finalists in the international matches Pardini
dominates, although other models such as Match Guns, Walther, Izh-35 and Benelli are
occasionally seen. In addition to these, there are also Rapid Fire models from Morini.
In 2005, the rules changed and the hereafter only .22 long rifle (.22LR) ammunition is
allowed. Previously ammunition of the type .22 short was used. The same rule change
banned the typical wraparound grips and the light trigger. Nowadays, the same rules are

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enforced for all 25 meter arms in caliber 22. This resulted in declining results. The world
record before 2005 was 597, but the current (2015) is 592.
Different brands of ammunition have different characteristics, and in any case, the
performance varies quite a lot from one gun to the other due to technical features, the
different gun manufacturers are introducing. It is best to test various types of ammunition
until you find the one that is reliable and fits your gun exactly.
Some of the leading rapid fire shooters use between 30 000 and 50 000 shots a year only for
exercise. All this shooting will wear the guns, so put the gun through service - including major
maintenance - must be done annually.

Additional hints
Few shooters can afford to buy from 30,000 to 50,000 shots to reach the international top in
this event. The problem has to be addressed in a different way. The solution is as so many
times before:Dry Training. One can for example use miniature targets on a wall at home.
The way to obtain good results in rapid fire is to get a fast and secure first shot. This is
practiced by dividing the shot in various stages and practicing with them in mind:

• Fast start of the lift

• Quick focus on the front sight
• Smooth and soft retardation in the middle of the target
• Correct firing with correct trigger pressure absorption.
All of these elements can very well be practiced at home against the miniature targets. This
saves both time and money.
To reach the top of the world with a performance of around 595 points, one must have help
of someone who measures the time for the first and last shot. The world champions have
coaches or other assistants for this purpose. They are sitting behind the shooter, clocking the
first and last shot in each series and then gives feedback.
Those who do not have access to a coach can instead use an electronic timer that monitors
and records all five shots, so the shooter can get his rhythm documented.
To always measure the time and know what you are doing is of crucial importance in order to
shoot a good series of 5 shots in 4 seconds. Of course, one can dry practice on the shooting
range as well, but it depends on what weapon you have. Some weapons have dry training
mechanisms, and then you can practice the whole five shot sequence with moving targets.
Other weapons do not have that opportunity, and then you have to train other sequences. You
have to use your imagination. If you want to stand on the podium, your coach can only set
the direction, you must do the job.

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Chapter 8 Center Fire and 25 meter Pistol
These two events are performed in the same way and according to the same match rules
except for the ammunition used. Centre Fire Pistol uses heavy caliber ammunition (.30” to .
38”), while 25 meter Pistol uses a fine caliber ammunition (.22LR). Both events are a
combination of precision and rapid shooting. Sixty competition shots divided into two
sections with thirty shots in each: a precision match, and a rapid fire match. The precision
match must have been shot by all participants before the rapid fire match starts.
The precision match always start with a preparation and sighting serie using 5 shots on a
precision target. Then the match starts and is shot with 6 series and 5 shots for each serie. You
have 5 minutes to finish a serie. The international precision target is used at a distance of 25
meters. In local and other smaller events it may be allowed to shoot ten to fifteen shots per
target, but still with 5 shots series.
The rapid fire match of thirty shots have the same structure as the precision match, with 5
sighting shots and 6 series with 5 shots each. The international Rapid Fire target is used.
During each series the target will face five times, three seconds at a time for shooting each
shot. There is an interval of seven seconds where the target is turned away. In larger
competitions, where electronic targets are used, a lamp is used to signal the time intervals and
when it is allowed to shoot the shots.

Pistols permitted
For a Centre Fire match, all types of pistol or revolver can be used - except those that can
only be loaded with one cartridge - if the caliber is between 7.62 mm ( .30) and 9.65 mm (.
38). The most popular is the .32 S&W Long. They must meet the general requirements and
the following specific conditions:
The weight of the pistol including accessories must not exceed 1400 grams. The barrel length
must not exceed 153 mm and the distance between the rear and front sight must not be
longer than 220 mm. Muzzle brakes, compensators or ported barrels are not allowed. The
trigger weight must be at least 1000 grams as measured when the barrel is held vertically. No
part of the grip must encircle the hand. Only the thumb and palm rest can be perpendicular
to the grip. The rear part of the grip that rests on top of the hand must not exceed 30 mm.
For 25 meter pistol .22LR caliber pistols can be used assuming that it meets the general
requirements and conditions described above. The trigger must hold at least 1000 grams.

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Changes to the basic shooting technique
In the precision match the basic techniques described in part one are applicable, except for
some minor details which are discussed under Training on page 66. The most important next
element is the Rapid Fire stage, which needs detailed analysis.

The stance
The stance does not differ much from the position for regular precision shooting. If you stand
just a little more with the side towards the target it will be easier to get a stable lift. Your feet
should be slightly further apart and body weight slightly forward of the center to counteract
the pistols weight when lifting it.
The stance is of significant importance as in the Rapid Fire match. You must make sure that
the pistol is pointing in the middle of the target when you finish the lift. Always change the
whole body, not just your arm or wrist when you need to adjust your position. The pistol’s
final aiming position in the target area depends on the speed of your lift (see page 59), this is
good to remember.

The grip
The grip must be firm, especially with center fire pistols, to be able to handle the powerful
recoil.
Furthermore, it must contain the effect of the recoil of five successive shots, albeit fired one at
a time but within a short time sequence. If you use a revolver it will have to be 'cocked' by
pulling back the hammer after each shot, so unless you maintain a firm grip throughout the
sequence of five shots, the hand holding the pistol will tend to move, altering its position. The

Cocked thumb grip on the revolver

strength of the grip has a direct relation to the force to be applied to the trigger (see under

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Anatomy), so the heavier trigger pull of these pistols demands a stronger grip. This also
makes it faster to recover from the recoil and to shot the next shot.
Previously it was common to hook your thumb over the edge of the thumb rest and holding
the gun tightly and firmly in the hand to prevent jerky movements of the trigger finger and
keep the gun steady. I think the possibly good result achieved was not because of this
technique, but it will probably not make it worse either.

Breathing
In the Rapid Fire stage the breathing is related to the range commands. On the command
'Attention' the targets will edge and will re-appear after seven seconds. When you hear the
command, exhale normally and then take a full breath in and out. Glance at the pistol in the
ready position (eye movement only) and take a further breath in and out. As the targets face
and your arm begins to lift the pistol into the aiming position, breathe in or rather allow the
air to enter your lungs. (The lifting action stretching your rib cage will aid this). As you return
the pistol to the ready position for the next shot sequence breathe out, and repeat the
breathing cycle. It is important that your breathing remains normal. Over-inflating the lungs
will only increase your pulse rate and therefore it is counter-productive.

Aiming
When the targets appear during the rapid fire stage, the lift of the pistol should start quickly
and slow down when approaching the target area. When the gun is approaching the target
area, the shooter should start focus on the rear and front sight and follow them up along the
lower half of the target. During this period it is very important to make sure that the rear and
front sight are aligned. There is very little difference between this technique and the one used
in Rapid Fire Pistol (see Chapter 7). The biggest difference is that the lift is slow and you do
not move the pistol to the next target when you have fired the shot. Therefore it is not
necessary that the gun stays in the aiming area. There are two methods that can be used for
rapid fire. In the "quick lift"-method the gun will stay in the target area before the shot is
released. In the "slow lift"-method the shooter fires the shot during the lift.
The first method is preferred for Rapid Fire shooters; the lift must be faster to have time left
for staying in the aiming area before the shot is released. The second method, in which the lift
is slower, is often used by precision shooters.
The trigger technique used is slightly different for the different methods.
The front sight position according to the rear sight is discussed in Chapter 7.

Sights and sight picture

The same pistol or revolver must be used in both the precision- and rapid fire stages of the
match. Therefore the sight must fit equally well to the precision shooting as well as the rapid

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fire shooting. The sight should be square and wide. The gap on each side of the front sight
should be a little broader than for Free Pistol have, but not nearly as wide as for Rapid Fire
Pistol. Each shooter must experiment with different sizes and widths, until he finds a
combination that suits him the best.
The target area to use on the target is a matter of taste. Some prefer to aim at the center,
others recommend a spot below the center. If the sight was not adjusted after the precision
stage, and it has been adjusted for aiming below the black dot, the target area will be roughly
at the bottom of the eight ring in the rapid fire stage.
During the lift, the force released in the upward motion helps keeping the pistol steady
sideways. If the firing takes place during the upward movement it is less likely that any
resulting misalignment is done to the sides.

Trigger control
The heavier trigger weight can cause problems. It must be overcome quickly and smoothly.
The technique of the trigger release is not different from the one employed in slow fire
shooting; a constant positive rearward pressure which once initiated must not be interrupted
or altered. It will help rapid and smooth trigger release if some of the weight of the trigger
can be taken up before the pistol arrives in the aiming area. You should be squeezing the
trigger as the upward movement of the pistol comes to a halt, and the shot is released. In the
slow rise method the pressure is maintained as the pistol slows in its upward path, and the
shot is released 'on the move'. In either method, you must take care to apply sufficient
pressure to allow a natural break of the shot, or the result will be a panicky snatch. The only
way to master the coordination of the vertical rise with the trigger release is through frequent
sessions of dry practise.
To have a positive and rapid trigger release, the pistols used in these competitions are often
fitted with broad competition triggers or with trigger shoes. These allows for a better
distribution of the pressure applied, allowing a smoother trigger operation.

Follow through
The follow through should be an integral part of the act of aiming and firing a shot. It should
be used in all forms of shooting, including in the rapid fire stage, even if the targets have
already turned away. Afterwards you should re-align your sights, and lower the pistol into the
ready position using the edge of the target (now facing away) as a guideline for the downward
path. This will allow you to check that alignment of the pistol with the target is correct for the
next vertical rise. When the pistol is in the ready position it is helpful to use some mark on the
ground, such as a spent cartridge case or a pebble. While you await the reappearance of the
target, this will re-assure you that your pistol is correctly positioned, especially when you use a
revolver as cocking the hammer will inevitably disturb the position of the pistol.

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If a bench or table is provided, you can rest the revolver on this while you pull back the
hammer, after which you should lift your arm off the bench into the ready position.
Often there is no suitable surface against which the revolver can be rested while the hammer
is cocked so you should employ the following method: After a brief follow through, lower
your arm and bend your elbow and bring the revolver back close to your body. Steady your
forearm against your waist and draw back the hammer using your left thumb. Straighten your
elbow and return the revolver into the ready position. A number of center fire exponents will
use this method even when they use semi-automatic pistols. It gives them 'something to do'
while they wait for the re-appearance of the target, and it gives them an opportunity to
correct minor malfunctions (spent case caught in the action, for example).

Training and match preparation

For these types of competitions the shooter must exercise both precision and rapid fire
shooting. In fact the result reached in the precision match determines the final result (it is
much easier to get results in the rapid fire match), so the shooter must be careful to practice
precision shooting.
The shooter must hold the gun with a firm grip, in order to prevent shooting a large group on
the target, due to the stronger recoil of centre fire guns. The distance between the front and
rear sight is short, so they need to be aimed very carefully to avoid problems with the angle of
the barrel when the shot is released. The objective of the shooter is to retain full
concentration. The time between the trigger release to the bullet have left the barrel (lock
time) can be quite long on some pistols and that's why it is important to have a proper follow
through.
The result achieved in the precision stage is of course very important, but the training of the
rapid fire techniques must not be neglected. To practice the correct technique can lead to
results very close to the maximum score achieved on a regular basis even during the extreme
nervous strain in a competition.
I remember a shoot-off between Czechs Falta and Novotny in the World Cup, in Phoenix,
Arizona. They reached the third fiveshot series in the second shoot-off round, before one of
them dropped any points.
To learn the correct technique, you need to start with a fixed target and practice to lift the
gun without even doing any dry firing. Once you can lift the gun smoothly and evenly. You
should start with dry firing by starting squeezing the trigger during the upward movement. A
mark on the target can show you where to start slowing down and pulling the trigger.
Experience will show where and when the best position is. Only when you have control of this
real ammunition should be used. And in the beginning only one shot at a time, while you
focus on precision and a good firing technique. Do not worry about the time in this stage (but
your coach should note it). Hits that are too high or too far to the sides shall be considered
bad shots.

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When the shooter have learned to gets good hits regularly, he can start training at real target
and learn to control time. To verify the technique load the gun with one empty shell without
the shooter knowing the order in which it is placed. This form of “Russian roulette” can help
to identify and eliminate any shots with bad trigger control. The lessons learned at the
shooting range must be followed up during repeated exercises with dry firing. Then the
technical details will be stored in the shooters subconscious, and the consciousness of the
body develops accordingly.
When preparing for a match, the training should include an element of competition. Rapid
fire shooting requires a ceaseless amount of exercise to achieve a solid foundation, and it is
best achieved through hard training and dry training before the competition.

Tactical aspects
The height of the targets may vary between different shooting ranges. Height tolerance shall,
however, be 140 cm (+ 10 / -20 cm). Also, check the firing line! Some ranges have benches,
others have tables.
Under certain lighting conditions, you can see the hits on the target (especially if you use
wadcutter ammunition), a weakly positive lens can eliminate this interference, but it is better
to concentrate fully and intensely on sight. Just as in Rapid Fire Pistol it is prefered to
concentrate on a well-fired shot - not the score.
The shooter must rely entirely on the "timing". The shooter must not allow himself to be
disturbed by the shooting rhythm of the other shooters, and never use the sound of their
shots as a trigger for rhythm. This would make the shooter either to shoot late or careless
release the shot. The shooter must ignore everything in the surrounding area and concentrate
on firing the shots within 2.6-2.8 seconds.
A cautionary anecdote from the Russian coach Anatoliy Piddubnyy:
"When I think of this amazing shooter, I want to tell you how he (Mahmoud Bedalovich )
gave me a lesson in tactics. It was during the USSR championship in Pistol. Umarov, a
shooter whose name I do not remember had the same score and it was time for a "shoot-off".
I stood at the fence behind Umarov. He normally shot fast and consistent at around 2.4-2.5
seconds. His opponent was about 0.2-0.3 seconds later. Before the final series the results were
the same. During a break between the series Bedalovich came up to me and said: "Look
carefully!". Umarov fired four shots into his normal rhythm, and then kept holding the last
shot a few tenths of a second. His opponent, who was used to "follow the leader", fired the
last shot after the targets had turned.

Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition

The basic equipment (see Chapter 5) is all that is needed for this type of shooting. For a
Centre Fire Pistol shooter, it is necessary to have a comprehensive set of cleaning equipment.

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The gunpowder used in the pistol cartridges can cause corrosion if the guns are not cleaned
after use.
The selection of guns is enormous. For 25 meter Pistol you should choose a pistol that fit into
competing with Standard pistol (see Chapter 9). The 22-caliber revolvers do not seem to have
the same precision as the semi-automatic. They lack in any case versatility. Small-caliber
revolvers can be used for training Centre Fire Pistol. The shooter can use the same sort of
grip to get the same "feeling", while he saves on ammunition costs. The latest "fashion" for
Centre Fire Pistol is a 32 caliber pistol, which gives an effect similar to 25 meter Pistol when it
comes to accuracy and recoil. The smaller shot holes is no disadvantage: a 38-caliber gauge is
used for all calibers. In recent years, a large number of 32 caliber guns which are based on
well-established 22-caliber models, including Walther GSP Pardini, Hämmerli, TOZ, Match
Guns and Benelli to name a few, have become popular
There are many leading brands of ammunition and the choice is often dictated by the price.
In recent years the price of pistol ammunition has become very expensive, which has led to
that most Centre Fire Pistol shooters charge their own ammunition. The cost for the charging
equipment is soon saved based on the cheaper home charged ammunition. With precision the
shooter can get the same quality ammunition as with the factory loaded one. Most of shooters
that charge at home are using factory-made bullets even though you can cast your own.
The cost of charging equipment can be shared by many shooters, and some clubs have
equipment that members can use.
There is a risk that some day Centre Fire Pistol will be removed from the ISSF program
because of the increasing costs - and for political reasons. (In some countries it is almost
impossible to own a pistol for Centre Fire Pistol shooting). But I am one of those who would
be very sorry to have to refrain from what in many ways can be considered as the most
romantic and pleasant pistol events.

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Chapter 9, Standard Pistol
This shooting discipline were introduced into the ISSF programs in 1968 during the
European Championship in Pilsen and is based on a shooting discipline that was popular in
the United States. It requires little equipment and is often shot on stationary targets.
Surprisingly enough it has remained somewhat of a 'cinderella' event internationally, and is
seldom included in the program of major competitions apart from the World Championship
and Regional Championships.
Standard Pistol is shot on the international 25 meters precision target. The program is 60
competition shots divided into three stages with 20 shots each. Each stage with 20 shots is
further divided into four series of five shots each. In the first 20 shots you have 150 seconds
for every 5 shot series. In the second stage, the time limit is 20 seconds, and in the third 10
seconds. Before starting the competition series there will be shot five sighting shots in 150
seconds.

Pistols
The limitations on pistols that may be used in the 25m Pistol match (also known as 25m
Sports Pistol) also apply to this discipline. (See under Center-Fire and Women's Sport Pistol).

Changes to the basic technique

The competition includes elements of both slow and rapid fire shooting, with an intermediate
twenty-second course. There are some variations to the basic technique, and the vertical rise
is of critical importance because of the smallscoring zones on the target.

The stance
Some trainers recommend small changes in the stance for each timed series. We feel the
stance should be the same throughout. The correct stance to adopt should be almost in line to
the target to help the vertical rise, with the feet further apart and the body weight well
forward of center to absorb the recoils of five successive shots without losing balance. In this
position the recoil of the pistol is absorbed directly through the arm and into the shoulder.
This prevents 'rocking' back on the heels. If you keep your weight well forward, your pistol
will tend to return to the aiming area after being forced up by the recoil. Otherwise the
successive recoils will force your torso more and more upright and eventually it will be leaning
back from the vertical. As your torso straightens a little with each successive shot, your pistol
will be forced to take a higher and higher aim and thus you will produce an elongated vertical
shot group (rocking shots). Furthermore placing your body weight well forward will also help
to arrest the upward movement of the pistol in the vertical rise.

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The grip
The grip must be more firm than with precision shooting and provide more control of the
pistol so that it does not move in the hand during the series. It should also provide a platform
for a well controlled trigger release and help you to recover from the recoil and regain sight
alignment. The grip on standard pistols should fit the contours of the hand and allow the
pistol to be seated as low as possible, to minimise the recoil movement and to keep the muzzle
steady.

Breathing
In the twenty and the ten-second series, the breathing pattern should be similar to that used
in the duelling sequence detailed in the previous chapter. Again, you may use your breathing
as a timing device. Once the command 'Attention' is given, the targets will edge, and will
reappear after a further seven seconds. Follow the breathing pattern described under the
rapid fire stage of the 25m Center-Fire Match / 25m Pistol Match.
Some coaches suggest a breath after the third shot in the twenty-second series. We think this
unnecessary and would disrupt the rhythm of the shoot. With reasonable physical fitness you
should be able to hold your breath for the entire five-shot series even in high altitude!

Aiming
Much has already been said on this subject (see chapter 7) that applies to standard pistol. In
the twenty-second series you have ample time for the first shot, and you do not need to come
up on aim much faster than you would for a precision shot. The shooter should concentrate
on sight alignment, which should be done perfectly when you reaches the center of the target.
In the ten-second series the "timing" of the first shot should be performed in the same way as
in the eight-second series of rapid fire or a rapid fire shot in 25m Center Fire / 25m Pistol.
Precision is the first thing to take into consideration; the shooter must strive for a perfect sight
picture, but the lift must be fairly quickly. The nine-ring on the 25m International Precision
target the size of the ten-ring of the 25m International Rapid Fire Target, and the Standard
Pistol competitor must try to land most of his shots within this area in the ten-second series.
Aiming without errors is the only way to achieve that goal.

Sights and sighting picture

Since the black on the target seem quite large in this type of shooting, the sights must be
correspondingly broad and block-shaped, which means that they can be easily captured
during the lift and after the recoil. To have good precision is important, so the strips of light
on either side of the foresight should appear narrow, but not too narrow; otherwise they will
not be easily seen at speed. You should experiment before you find the best configuration.

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The area of aim should be set fairly low under the aiming mark, otherwise the sights will tend
to merge with the aiming mark in the faster series.

Trigger release and follow through

The ten ring on the target is relatively small, so a controlled trigger release in the ten- and
twenty-second series is important. It is difficult to achieve this with one-kilogram of trigger
pressure. To prevent that the shots are pulled off, which would cause a larger group of shots
on the target, you must take some of the trigger weight up during the vertical rise and during
recovery from recoil. As you bring the pistol back into the aiming area and re-align your
sights, you squeeze the trigger and the shot is released during the follow through in one
continuous action. This is usually called “Shooting on the follow through”. Of course, the
location of the first shot on the target is very crucial. The rest tend to group themselves in the
same area, especially during ten-second series.In the twenty-second series there is time for a
prolonged follow through and the chance to correct the aim if necessary. Shooting should be
less instinctive with the emphasis on releasing the trigger cleanly for each shot after carefully
re-aligning the sights. As in all forms of rapid-fire shooting involving a series of shots, pressure
on the trigger must be fully released after each shot.

The time, rhythm and recoil

Timing (to calculate the time, getting into the right rhythm) is the secret of the high points in
this shooting event. Try to use all time available, even in the 150 second series. This gives
enough time for well-targeted shot fired separately. In the twenty second series it is common
that the shooters shoot too quickly. Treat them as a series of precision shot, where the arm
can not be lowered from elevated position. Do not wait too long to release the first shot. After
the pistols get into the aiming area on the target, the first shot should be fired within 5-6
seconds, and the rest of the shots should come within three second intervals (one second for
the recovery and monitoring, and two seconds for releasing the shot). There is no rule that
says that the shots must be release evenly in time; uneven cadence means that the shots are
released at the optimum moment, rather than with an artificial rhythm.
In the ten-second series the speedy release of the first shot is paramount, otherwise the rest
will be too rushed. It must come within 2.5 seconds. Then there will be 1.8 seconds each for
the rest of the shots. It's better to make a little sacrifice on the accuracy for the benefit of the
speed of the first shot, so that the rest of the shots can be fired without haste or panic. We
have seen that pulling off the shot can cause very poor performance in this shooting event. To
fire during follow through is an excellent method to accelerate the speed without sacrificing
accuracy.
Recoil will have little disturbing effect if the correct ammunition is used, provided the stance
and grip are correct. The shots will produce a sharp, short, upwards deviation of the muzzle

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towards the left (right-handed shooters), which will be countered by the shoulder muscles,
acting like an elastic band. tending to bring the pistol back to its original position..

Training and match preparation

The technical difficulties in this shooting event can only be mastered by regular and
methodical training. In order to make the vertical rise perfectly, use a marker card on the
frame below the target. Start exercising without a black circle (e.g., use the back of a target)
and concentrate on the sight and that it is correct inte the sighting area. Dry fire before going
live fire and use real targets only when you can lift perfectly and the first shot comes within
the stipulated time. To practice recovery from recoil and firing during follow-up, shoot groups
of 2-3 shots. Disregard the rings and the numbers on the target and study groups instead, not
the score.
Make sure to drum the different series timing into your memory by systematic practicing
using a stopwatch. Ask your coach or a shooting companion to stop the clock after two, three
and four shots in the ten- and twenty second series to see how much time has been spent and
how much is left. Practice this together with others as well, to make sure that you can fire the
shots with the same timing even though there are disturbances. Then you get used to your
own timing without being able to hear the shots. 150-second series will need to be trained to a
lesser extent than the other, but timing within that larger period of time should also be
practiced. You should have a clear idea of how many times you can lift and aim and how
often you should shoot two or even three times on the same lift if circumstances requires it.
Some time should also be devoted to getting the proper breathing.
An audio recording that dictates (play back), command words and proper timing can be of
very valuable assistance. Match preparation should also include the development of the right
mental attitude. The target is often changed after each five shot series in bigger competitions,
so learn to turn on the right concentration and physical action, after each break. When
electronic targets are used, the pause is shorter, but the same principle applies. And remember
to prepare your shooting equipment meticulously.

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Tactical aspects
As we talked about earlier in this chapter the timing and mental control is extremely vital; and
the key word is 'patience'. Use a stopwatch to check the time in the 150-second series. Do not
check the hit on the target in you telescope for each shot, and if you can control it shoot at
least two shots in one lift per series. It gives you extra time to the other shots. If it is possible to
fire two shots in the beginning of the series then there is less time pressure for the rest of the
shots. To shoot two shots in a 150 seconds series prepares you for a calmer transition to the
twenty-second series.
Most contestants try too much during the 150-second series and the output of the high points
totals defy them. The ten ring is quite big in precision shooting and it is possible to achieve
the maximum points of 50. 150 seconds is a lot of time to shoot five shoots, but make sure to
be ready to fire when the signal is given - time lost here might have consequences for the
shooter.
Usually the result at the twenty second series are the highest, probably because the tensions
have released. There is no reason to speed up the shots in this series, but the shooter must
avoid taking it too slowly. The rhythm for this shooting event differs from other fast shooting
events, so make sure to practice it until perfection. It is common that the ten-second series
cause a slightly low hits on the target. At fast shooting events you should try to hold the sights
a bit below the black dot, and the rapid firing lowers the gun. It is tactically correct to adjust
the sight one or two clicks before these series. Avoid "hanging out" on the last shot “just to be
safe". It should be one common part of the whole series, otherwise it will almost certainly be
pulled off. If the targets are changed between the series, occupy yourself with some
preliminary routines, mark your score in a notebook or check the timing of the following
series with your stopwatch. And as always focus on the shooting process - not on the result.
Just as in 25m Rapid Fire shooting a gun malfunction can be costly and increase the stress.
Some are unavoidable - you need to learn how to handle it - but you can reduce the number
of malfunctions that occurs by maintaining the pistol carefully and use established, reliable
ammunition.
The main difficulty with standard pistol shooting is to find the right rhythm on the 10-second
series. Here you have to put most of your effort in your training to learn 1) the first shot, and
2) as quickly as possible begin to take up the first stage of the triggerand increase the pressure
all the time as the pistol settles into the aiming area before finally stopping. The shot will then
be released naturally without pulling.
Ragnar Skanåker tells the story when he took the world record in the Standard Pistol World
Cup in Korea:
"This has always been my worst shooting event because I have not given me time to work out
the rhythm on the 10-second series. Standard pistol was the World Cup's final event and
therefore the last chance for me to get a gold medal. What to do? Well, I took 800 bullets to

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the shooting range at one o'clock the day before the match and fired 160 series of 10-second
runs. When the clock was 6 in the evening, I had learned to shoot the first shot in 2.5 seconds
and the last of 8.5-9.5. I also learned to start taking the pressure again immediately after the
recoil and increase it into the target area. When the pistol stopped the shot was released
totally automatically. That I after that day had set a new world record of 583 points, and
advanced my personal best with 11 points felt quite natural.”

Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition

Using the basic equipment for pistol shooting is sufficient. The choice of the gun is a personal
matter. Reliability is important: a malfunction punishes the shooter. The new generation of
standard pistol have the barrel in a lower level, which gives better balance and smaller recoil.
Popular models include Pardini, Morini, Walther and Feinwerkbau. Older models like High
Standard, Ruger and Browning have the barrels fairly high up and is difficult to master in this
event.
Reliability is also the first thing you need to consider when choosing ammunition; precision is
less important. "Soft" ammunition like "Pistol Match" is not good because it extends the recoil
phase. Experiment with different brands and choose the most reliable.

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Chapter 10, Air Pistol
This is the newest of the ISSF shooting disciplines and were introduced to the world
championships in Phoenix, Arizona in 1970. Overnight, it became one of the most popular
forms of pistol shooting. The annual European Championships is held in spring. Air Pistol is
always shot indoors and is a natural winter sports. Shooters from the other shooting
disciplines use it frequently to tighten their trigger release and precision during the winter.
In ISSF air pistol matches an ISSF air pistol target is used at a distance of 10 meters. For men
(seniors), the program is 60 competition shots at 1 hr and 15 min. For ladies, it is 40
competition shots in 50 minutes. If paper targets are used, 15 minutes of time for men and 10
minutes for ladies is added.
Before the competition shots you have 15 minutes for an unlimited number of sighting shots.

Pistols
You can use any 4.5 mm (.177 caliber) air- or carbon dioxide pistol you want, as long as it
meet the general rules and requirements: weight - including attached accessories - may not
exceed 1500 grams. Trigger pressure must be at least 500 grams and measured with the gun
barrel vertically. The pistol must fit in a rectangular measuring box with internal dimensions
of 420x200x50 mm.

Changes to the basic technique

Air pistols differ from all other pistols in the ISSF program in its propellant: compressed air or
gas. This is one of several factors affecting the speed at which the pellet leaves the pistol. The
muzzle velocity of air pistols is much slower than that of conventional firearms, and the
technique must be modified to compensate for this, and unless this technique is thoroughly
understood and learned, success in Air Pistol competitions will elude you.

The stance
Just as in free pistol the shooting time is long so the stance must be relaxed in order for you
not to become tired and therefore unstable. Develop your ability to take the same position
again and again, especially as the target changes between shots tend to be distracting. Trying
to maintain the same position while switching targets cause unnecessary tension. It is better to
retake the stance after each shot, and follow the golden rule of precision shooting: to release
well-targeted single shots after thorough preparation. Moving also stimulates circulation in the
legs. This also applies when using the electronic target system.

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The grip
Without breaching the regulations it is possible to have well-shaped pistol grip, including palm
and thumb-rest. The support for the palm is an important counterweight to heaviness of the
barrel. The grip should also be adjustable to conform to the shape of the hand. At the first
World Championships in air pistol in Seoul in South Korea, the temperature was over 30
degrees with a humidity of almost 100%. The adjustments needed to be made on the palm
rest was almost 13 mm. A well-designed grip ensures that the shooter can easily achieve the
same grip for every shot.

A properly designed air gun pistol grip. Note the adjustable palm
rest, which can be adapted to the shape of the hand.

Since it requires quite a lot of power to push the trigger in order to fire a shot, it can result in
a slight change in the position of the hand. Also, when shooting on paper targets you need to
change targets after each shot and place them in piles behind you. This is difficult to do with
the "wrong" hand. It is better to take a new grip on the pistol grip for each shot. It also helps
to restore blood circulation in the hand.
The Air pistol barrel is relatively long, as is the distance between the rear sight and front sight.
To keep them steady you need a fairly firm grip. It also makes it easier to handle the 500
grams trigger weight. The trigger release is also dependent on the placement of the finger. No
part of the pistol body or the grip should be in contact with it. The wood of the grip should
be perforated and crisp to prevent even the slightest movement of the gun in the hand. Some
of the factory-made grips for air pistols are well designed and do not need to change much.

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Breathing
Everything that has been said about breathing in free pistol shooting (see chapter 6) also
applies to air pistol shooting. When competing in air pistol it is even more important to take
pauses now and then and take deep breaths, because the match is usually held indoors, where
the air is oxygen-poor. If you take a long break, try to go outside to get some fresh air. As with
free pistol you should shoot with lungs half full of air.

Aiming and sights

The merits of area aiming have already been discussed and it is the correct method to use
with air pistols. Use a fairly wide foresight (3-4 mm) so you will not be over-fussy about the
relative positions of sight and aiming mark. The foresight should appear slightly narrower
than the aiming mark when the pistol is held on aim. The sights should be block-shaped. The
rear sight notch should be the same width as the foresight. With a sight base of 14in (360 mm)
this will provide an ideal sight ratio. Some Air Pistols have a rear sight notch that can be
adjusted to give the ideal sight ratio under any light conditions.

The effect of the same angular error with an Air Pistol (left) and with a Free Pistol
(right).

The use of orthoptics, including tinted lenses and a variable aperture diaphragm, is
worthwhile. Light conditions vary from range to range and this equipment will help to
equalise them. The closer proximity of the targets in this competition can also induce you to
look 'through' the sights, or even at the target. A weak positive lens will help to prevent this.
Although the sight base of Air Pistols is similar to that of Free Pistols, errors in sight
alignment have a different effect on the placing of the shot. This is, because the shooting
distance is shorter, the target rings are a different size, and the pellet holes on the target have a

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different relationship to the size of the scoring zones. An angular error of 0.030 in the
alignment of Air Pistol sights places the center of the pellet hole some 8 mm from the center
of the ten-ring, clipping the edge of it, and still scoring ten. The same error with a Free Pistol
places the center of the shot-hole some 40mm from the target center, near the edge of the
nine-ring. So when you are shooting with Air Pistols you require less precision in sight
alignment, the significance of which will become clear when we discuss trigger release.

The trigger and firing

Making good trigger release is one of the most important thing in air pistol shooting. On air
pistols, the time it takes from trigger release until the pellet leaves the barrel can be up to five
times longer than on other pistols, thanks to lower muzzle velocity and other factors. Each
error in the trigger release could have a disastrous effect on the pellets final track: any
movement of the barrel will affect for a longer period of time. Making mistakes when aiming
and sighting punish the shooter less.
The secret of a calm and controlled trigger release is to extend the time you press the trigger,
even if it would mean compromising the stability of the hand. The technical aspects differs
significantly from other forms of firing and must be practiced to perfection.
A common error when shooting with an Air Pistol is to 'step up' the pressure on the trigger
while you are on aim. What happens is this: you squeeze the trigger but the shot is not yet
released. Your hold starts to deteriorate, you try to hasten the trigger release, so you step up
the pressure applied, the result is a 'snatch' with the attendant 'muzzle flick' and your shot is in
the eight-ring or worse! If the original trigger pressure does not release the shot within your
holding capacity you should start the whole aiming sequence again with a slightly increased
initial pressure. Never consciously alter the pressure on the trigger while on aim!
At high altitude your ability to hold your breath, and to hold the pistol on aim, is severely
reduced. Finding the right initial pressure in this case calls for some experiment during
training.
The position of the trigger finger is very important. The trigger weight of 500 grams is
comparatively light, and if pressure is applied at different points, the force needed to operate
the trigger will change as well, leading to inconsistency in trigger control.
To aid trigger release, weights or a sleeve can be attached to the barrel. This added weight
will slow down the movements of the muzzle and steadies muzzle tremor, compensating for
slight errors in trigger release. But the heavier weight of the pistol will tax your strength, and
you will need special training to reinforce the muscles of the shoulder and arm (see under
Specific fitness).

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Follow through
Follow through has a special importance for Air Pistol shooters. With recoilless air guns there
is no recoil to signal the release of the shot, but you must still hold the pistol absolutely
motionless after the release of the shot, making it part of the aiming process; rather than the
end of the action. Firing the shot causes no discernible movement; so as long as you continue
to hold the pistol on aim, there will be no premature relaxation in your grip or focusing. The
low velocity of the pellet, its prolonged barrel time and the increased lock time of Air Pistols
will all require the pistol to remain on aim motionless after the shot is released. The analogy
of the rocket leaving the launching pad a few seconds after ignition is particularly true here,
as the pellet leaves exactly in this fashion, its movement down the barrel will commence well
after the trigger is released. So you need positive follow through to ensure positive results. In
fact, it is possible to 'guide' the pellet into the ten-ring, correcting the sights while the pellet is
still travelling through the barrel. Due to the prolonged barrel time, minor sight adjustments,
which were initiated as part of the normal aiming process just as the trigger was released, will
continue during the follow through and will influence the final flight-path of the pellet. The
technique of a positive follow through must be learnt by diligent practise.

Training and match preparation

Air Pistol ammunition is cheap and a range can be easily set up in a basement, a garage or
garden shed. In this discipline the shooter can and should put the time and energy on
achieving perfection. Elite shooters may well use 20,000 to 30,000 pellets in one season.
Boredom can be a problem, but variations in the training program can help maintain your
enthusiasm and ensure that you are not simply 'going through the motions'. In other words,
your training must have a goal to achieve.
Fire 80-100 shots at each training session to build stability and concentration, and perform
three or four sessions a week in preparation for an important competition.
Competition games (see chapter 19) and exercises makes you more competitive. When you
shoot a training match, learn the right match pace by providing appropriate intervals between
shots to simulate pauses and target changes.
Trigger control and release is best practiced using the backside of a paper target. Dry firing is
also a very important tool in air pistol training. Without any recoil distractions, you can
concentrate on a quiet and controlled firing and a positive follow through. Training
preparation should also include careful adjustment of the sights.

Tactical aspects
One of the pitfalls in this competition is to be short on time. The time limit for the match
appears to be ample. However, changing the targets after each shot is a time consuming
exercise. It can take up to thirty seconds to change each target— longer with some hand

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winders — you must also cock and load your pistol for each shot; more time lost. Unless you
keep a careful check on how long time you have left, you will end up in time trouble. Sudden
acceleration of the firing rate is not possible in this competition, because of the time occupied
by target changing, so careful planning of the match tempo is essential. Should you fall
behind, you must take remedial action early. When you are preparing for a match you should
deliberately set yourself a shorter time to complete your shots; to experience such a situation.
One useful tip: the regulations do not penalise the first two shots fired in excess of the
permitted number of shots per target. If you are in serious time trouble, fire the last two or
three shots on the same target.

Photo: Wolfgang Schreiber

It is better to take frequent but short breaks during the match, than one or two longer ones.
After a long break it is hard to get back into the match either physically or mentally. Make
sure that you are properly warmed up before starting match shots. You should fire a fair
number of sighters (in excess of ten), to achieve this. To keep your mind off the score during
the match use the step-shooting method or one of the competitive games described under
'Competitive Training’ in Chapter 19.
Note the position of your shots in your score book; it is hard to detect movement in the group
looking at single shots. This may change, in particular towards the end of the match. It is
caused by fatigue, the ensuing shift of your body position, the tendency to drop the muzzle as
you find it increasingly hard to counter its weight, by eye fatigue, etc. If a definite shift is
detected, alter the sights to compensate. From time to time Air Pistol matches are shot out-of-
doors, and you must cope with changes in the light, and with the wind too. Contrary to
common belief, even fairly strong gusts of wind will have little or no effect on the flight path
of the pellet, and a small deviation can easily be compensated for by moving the sights to the
opposite direction to the wind. The detrimental effect of the wind is on the shooter. In windy

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conditions you must be patient, and should accept a less than steady hold, channelling all
your concentration into the correct trigger release. This concentration must be kept up until
the end of the competition, and beyond. The last shot is important; resist the temptation to
rush it. Knowing how much time you have left, you must try to execute the most perfect shot
you can. To illustrate this point, during the World Championship in Innsbruck in 1983,
Ragnar Skanaker finished his match with sixteen consecutive tens but the winning margin
which gave him the Gold Medal was only a single point over Melentiev of the Soviet Union!
Melentiev had a great chance to capture the European title in Budapest the following year, his
position appeared to be unassailable with three shots to go. But he relaxed too soon and
finished his match with three consecutive nines, allowing Tondo of Italy to catch up with him
and to 'steal' the title on the count back.

Shooting equipment, guns and ammunition

In air pistol the shooter does not need much equipment. A good set of orthoptics are of
value, and lightweight earplugs should be used for the comfort and improve concentration.
Air pistols do not need much attention or maintenance, but you have to check the gaskets
occasionally. Even if they are only slightly worn, they must be replaced, otherwise they can
have a serious effect on precision. Do not tamper with the fine and intricate mechanism.
Leave service and repair is for experts. Protect air pistols from moisture.
The larger ammunition brands are H&N, RWS, and Quing Yuan. Heavier or lighter bullets
are available, and I believe that heavier pellets gives more consistent results, even if you can
shoot well with both types. I suspect that a lighter pellet is more affected by irregular firings.
Again: it is best if you yourself are experimenting to get the pellets that gives the smallest hit
picture.
The pellets are packed loose in boxes or individually in plastic foam. Pellets packaged
separately seems to oxidise quickly, reducing body durability. Loosely packed pellets is better
oiled, but check the box before you purchase it. If it is dented, the pellets inside have changed
shape and in that case can give bad accuracy on target.

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Part 3 Other shooting events
Besides the shooting events that adhere to the ISSF rules, there are a number of others with
more relaxed rules.
The Swedish Shooting Federation (SvSF) arrange a few events, of which a couple are
presented here.

Field shooting
Field shooting is varied and interesting. Results are given fast and even non-shooting relatives
thinks that it is exciting to watch the event. And as a side benefit we can enjoy a strengthening
walk in the country side.
There are four different weapon groups for competition which are weapon group A, B, C and
R.

Precision shooting
Precision shooting is a precision event using a 10 ring target at 25 meters. The series always
use 5 shots and with a maximum time of 5 minutes. There are three different weapon groups,
A, B and C

PPC
Precision Pistol Competition is a more dynamic form of shooting, sporting reloads during the
course of action plus more variations regarding the shooting stance, time and number of
shots per series.

Bullseye pistol shooting

Bullseye pistol shooting is also presented in this section, which is a competition event popular
in the USA.

Black powder
Black powder is a predecessor to the modern form of shooting. each shot is reloaded by hand
with gun powder, primer, bullet, etc, which adds an extra dimension to the event. And as a
bonus, it makes a lot of noise and the baracks are filled with thick white smoke. Whom can
resist such a temptation?

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Chapter 11 Field shooting
This chapter focuses primarily on the basics to practice Field shooting under the Swedish
Pistol Shooting Associations regulations.
Field shooting is a form of an applied shooting event. However, it is considerably more
formalized than pure combat shooting, in Sweden called practical shooting.
Field shooting is also conducted in Norway and Denmark. In Denmark, however, only 5 shots
per station are fired.
The shooting usually occurs in the terrain with short times and the targets are varied both in
size and number and placed at different distances. The shooting takes place in groups, but
with specific targets for each individual participant in the group. The group walks on a
premarked path between stations. At the start of each station the shooters are shared the
specific conditions that apply to the different shooting stations through a printed description.
It mainly contain of the target setup and shooting times.
The number of shots per station is always six, and the number of shooting stations may vary,
generally between 6 and 10.
In Field shooting you get the opportunity to practice some of the basic principles of precision
shooting and rapid fire shooting in terms of aiming and firing. But new elements in the
shooting technique may apply here, such as spreading rate, different shooting positions and
the use of two hands to hold the pistol.
Field shooting is performed under varying conditions, such as under the influence of wind,
rain, sunlight, uneven firing points, etc. which can give several disturbing factors the shooter
has to be prepare for.
The fascination of Field shooting is the variation in the design of targets, number of targets,
timing, target play and shooting rate. Characteristics of a well structured and well planned
Field shooting station is that a shooter who thoroughly review the conditions for a specific
station can make use of a tactical plan to get an advantage over the other competitors. For
those who want to shoot to win they should try to maximize the number of hits on all targets
according to the station instructions. A shooter who shoots 47 hit in 18 targets always beats
the one who has 46 hit in 22 targets.

Equipment
Gun types
In Field shooting the same guns are used as for precision shooting at precision target. The
guns are divided into four groups (not to be mixed up with the shooting group of people
mentioned before) as follows:

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Group A
Pistols with a caliber 7.65 to 11.4 mm and full metal jacket ammunition and appears in the
Swedish Pistol Shooting Association's handbook approved for the group in question. Lowest
allowable trigger weight is 1.36 kg and barrel length max 153 mm.
Group B
Pistols and revolvers with a caliber of 7.6 to 11.4 mm. Any ammunition allowed. Trigger
weight must not be more than 1.4 kg. The distance between rear and front sight must not
exceed 220 mm and barrel length not exceeding 153 mm and should not be less than 76 mm.
Lowest allowed trigger weight is 1.0 kg.
Group C
Pistols and revolvers with a caliber 22 with factory loaded ammunition of 22 LR. The
distance between rear and front sight must not exceed 220 mm and barrel length not
exceeding 153 mm. Lowest allowed trigger weight is 1.0 kg.
Group R
The same caliber as Group B but revolver only.
When practicing field shooting it is recommended to use clothing that is loose and rugged.
Shooting glasses are recommended both as protection for the ejected casings from side
shooters and to reduce the risk to get eyes filled with tears during windy weather.

Training and shooting techniques

Field shooting can be compared with Rapid Fire Pistol shooting with short times. But the
targets vary a lot based on distance, placement and size, which mean that it is important to
put extra training on variations.

Aiming point
In Field shooting small targets are usually used. It is advisable to adjust the sight in a way that
you can see the whole target (smallest) above the sight when aiming. In this way it is easier to
move the pistol from target to target. (Fig. 1)

Fig 1 Fig 2
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When using point of aim for sighting , the sights will hide some of the target. If the target
are narrow in the upper parts, ie triangular or round, the whole target will appear as smaller
than it really is, and this may negatively impact your ability to aim. (Fig. 2)

Fig 3 Fig 4

The same applies to narrow horizontal targets, which can be perceived as very difficult
targets. (Figs. 3 and 4)
Therefore, I recommend that you adjust the sights at 25m to aim about 8cm lower than
centre. Another advantage with this particular sight adjustment is that at the the longer
distances the shot will fall to move closer hitting where sighting.
Aiming on vertical narrow targets you should aim cirka 10 cm above the lower edge of the
target. (Fig. 5).
When sighting at irregular targets you should always aim at the thickest part on the target and
when sighting on long distance targets you should aim a little above the center of the target
(Fig. 6).

Fig 5 Fig 6

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Trigger release
As a Field shooter you need to practice your trigger release skills a lot since the 6 shots are
fired in a relatively short time. The practice can be done in the same way as in Rapid fire
pistol practice. (See Chapter 7)

Stance
In Field shooting there are several different shooting positions. A key difference compared
most other matches is that it is allowed to shot with one or two hands, and secondary shooting
standing, sitting or lying down. These positions are combined for each shooting station.
The most common would be:
Standing (with support hand permitted) and
Standing without support hand shooting position as in precision or duel shooting.

Note that the distance between the eye and the sights are shortened by roughly 20% when
shooting with two hands. This makes the sights perceived as larger, while the hitting point at
the target generally lowers slightly.

Course setting
When planning and setting up a new course of Field shooting, it is important that the
designer lets the imagination run wild to make the course as varied as possible and allowing
the shooter to apply his own tactics for the course.. For example, the planner may give the
shooter the opportunity to completely opt out of one or more targets and instead obtain
further time extension of the other targets.
The variations are almost endless. It is the course designer’s imagination and the supply of
diverse targets that are the limitation.

Shooting distance
This form of shooting is performed in the terrain at distances between 15 and 80 m, even up
to 100 m may occur.

Time Limit and display time

The time limit is the time from the shooting starts until it stops at a specific station. Display
time is the time a specific target is shown. One target can be shown multiple times during the
time limit.
Time will vary depending on the targets and the distances that are selected. As a rule of
thumb, when designing the course, you add about 2 seconds per station to the time limit for
shooters using group A firearms.
Target setup

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Target groups are normally placed on a wood stick hammered into the ground, but also
various types of moving targets can be arranged. The course designer then combines fixed
and moving targets to find a perfect mix and variation.
Examples of moving targets are: appearance - disappearance, tilting targets, swinging targets,
targets emerging in a window or aperture, rotating targets attached on a beam, front swinging
targets, sideways moving targets, moving targets in depth and finally fixed targets standing
beyond a screen. The screen have openings to shoot through.
Target size and types
In order to create a course with as big variation, it is important to use a lot of different targets.
This applies both to size and shape, as their color. I would like to warn you that at greater
distances using black figures in the sunlight or the less good visibility can be difficult to focus
on. The sights will be difficult to discern because of the poor contrast.
Self marking targets can be used as well. These figures are provided with a frame to be placed
directly on the ground. The target falls on a direct hit. This represents a new opportunity for
the course designer to further vary the shooting and in addition for the shooter to see the
results directly. As a self marking target you can use balloons as well.
Do not forget that safety should always be the first priority when setting up a new course.
Shot distribution
On shooting stations with multiple targets you should always strive for hitting all targets. But
the shooter should plan the shooting before starting, deciding on which target to hit first and
how many shots to shoot, and then the next one, etc.

Commands and routines at a shooting station

When a patrol arrives to a shooting station they should stop at the “halt” sign. This can not be
passed until the station manager allows.
The shooters take their position
On the order of the station manager the shooters takes their positions which should match
the positions on the station protocol. The station manager goes through the shooting
conditions and show the different targets.

Station manager:
"Any questions?"
"With 6 cartridges load!"
"All clear?"
"10 seconds remaining!"

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"Ready!" (3 seconds left),
"Fire!" (This command is used for fixed targets. But with moving targets fire is allowed when
the target starts to move.)

After shooting time

Station manager:
"Cease fire!" (with fixed targets)
"UNLOAD!"
"Show clear!!"
The shooters should now show to the shooting manager that the pistol or revolver do not
contain any bullets and that the safety flag is used.
After this is done the shooters will count the number of hits for each shooter which is noted in
the protocol.
The patrol then goes on to the next station.

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Chapter 12 Precision Shooting
This chapter discusses the basics of the Swedish event “precision shooting”. This event has a
lot in common with both standard, centre fire and 25 meter pistol, but also free pistol and air
pistol shooting regarding techniques. The procedure used for precision shooting is exactly the
same as the first part used for centre fire and 25 meter pistol, i.e. a five-shot series on an
international precision target. This chapter only describes small variations in the shooting
technique, but mainly the character of the event itself.

Precision Shooting target.

Precision Shooting is a part of the Swedish Pistol Shooting Association program. This is an
event that only operates in Sweden, unlike “Field shooting” (see Chapter 11) which also is
conducted in Norway and Denmark.
The competition is carried out on a 25 meters range against a ten-ring target. The target used
for precision shooting is the same as the international precision target, i.e. the same as we
used for standard pistol.
The shooting time per serie is always 5 minutes, but the number of series can vary depending
on the type of competition. In the Swedish championship in precision shooting you always
shoot seven series in the initial round. Then the best sixth are used to qualify to the final
round, consisting of three series. The results from the initial and final round are summarized
to appoint the medalists.
A precision shooting match (whether initial or final round) always begins with a sighting serie
of 5 shots.

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Equipment
Precision shooting is divided into three groups based on different types of pistols:

Group A
Pistols with a caliber 7.65 to 11.4 mm and full metal jacket ammunition and appears in the
Swedish Pistol Shooting Association's handbook approved for the group in question. Lowest
allowable trigger weight is 1.36 kg and barrel length max 153 mm.
Group B
Pistols and revolvers with a caliber of 7.6 to 11.4 mm. Any ammunition allowed. Trigger
weight must not be more than 1.4 kg. The distance between rear and front sight must not
exceed 220 mm and barrel length not exceeding 153 mm and should be less than 76 mm.
Lowest allowed trigger weight is 1.0 kg.
Group C
Pistols and revolvers with a caliber 22 with factory loaded ammunition of 22 LR. The
distance between rear and front sight must not exceed 220 mm and barrel length not
exceeding 153 mm. Lowest allowed trigger weight is 1.0 kg.
A good holster should be purchased since many clubs have a requirement that the pistol or
revolver should be carried when marking hits on the target, rather than leave them on the
shooting bench. The same applies if there is no appointed safety guard. Remember that the
holster should be designed for your specific weapon to reduce the risk of falling out.
The pistol or revolver should always have a safety flag when not in use. It is only after the
Range Officer has given the command "LOAD" that the safety flag is allowed to be removed,
and as soon as the shooters have finished a series, the flag must be put back in place before
leaving the lane.
Except for this, it is enough with basic equipment for precision shooting.

Trigger control
Precision shooting is the event in Sweden that many shooters begin with. But many
experience difficulty in reaching the long-awaited score of 46 points which must be done in
order to own your own pistol or reach the highest grade.
There are two common problem areas for the beginner. Lack of a well built shoulder muscle
that makes it difficult to hold the pistol still, and training to focus on the front sight instead of
the target.
A common method for focus and aiming is to use the "Arc of movement"; i.e. when the pistol
reaches the aiming area, you start to pull the trigger. Throughout the time of aiming, the
shooter can not hold the pistol absolutely still. This can become an obstacle to releasing the
shot when seeking perfection. This is a mental barrier to overcome. No one can hold the

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pistol completely still, just more or less. So one should trust his "Arc of movement" and
realize that it is smaller than you think. The key is to develop a smooth firing technique. Later
on, when the muscles become stronger, the movement will be smaller and smaller. During the
time of the firing the shooter should focus solely on the front sight, seeing the middle of it. If
you notice that the target has come into focus, refocus on the front sight or bring down the
pistol and start over again.
Another method you can use is to shoot during a slight downward movement. Lifting over the
target and lower the pistol to the middle of the black. Here you stop and prepare for the shot
by relaxing and putting your finger on the trigger. Visualize for yourself how you smoothly
press the trigger backwards. Now we focus entirely on front sight and slowly sink down to the
aiming area just below the six ring. At the same time, we begin to put pressure on the trigger
to release the shot just when we reach the aiming area. This automatically ensures a shorter
time to pull the trigger, and also help to stabilize the gun. However, this method require a lot
of practice to get the timing.
The most important thing to remember is to focus on the front sight during all the time of
firing. The distance between the front and rear sight is relatively short, and at 25 meters a
small misadjustment will give a great impact on the target. If the front sight becomes blurred
(either looking at the target or if you get tired in the eye) then the shot may hit anywhere on
the target, or even out of target.

Tactical aspects
Remember to use all the time that is available. Precision shooting is (besides Field shooting),
the most common activity or competition for national athletes. This means that participants
have very different ambitions with his training. Quite often we see that most of the shooters
are done with their series after two and a half minutes, that is to say after only half the time
allowed. Do not be stressed over shooters waiting for you. Take your time for each shot and
make sure the right amount of rest between them.
There is also an unwritten rule at the national precision shooting event that it should always
be quiet during the match when shooting. This general mental attitude allows shooters to be
disturbed much more once it is someone talking or tinker with something in the shooting hall.
This can have fatal consequences for result, because you lose focus on the shooting process.
To prevent this general condition you are recommended to train to get a positive feeling
about the disturbance instead. Once this occurs, try to think that you finally get the
opportunity to train on doing the right things instead. Relax, take a deep breath and
concentrate on shooting your next shot with full focus, instead of focusing on the sound. If
you do it this way systematically, you will build up an ability to handle disturbances in a much
better way.

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Chapter 13 PPC
“Precision Pistol Competition” aka PPC is originally a training program for police officers in
the United States, which was developed to adapt training into more relevant situations instead
of just practicing shooting with one hand and single action. This event is a more dynamic
event compared to regular precision shooting. The shooter fires more shots per series, which
requires reloading (usually with speedloaders) and using several different shooting positions.
Sitting, prone, kneeling, shooting with the left hand with barricade support (10x10 cm pole)
and shooting with the right hand with barricade support are positions included in the course
of fire. PPS is shot from a holster.
You can also shoot a number of different programs within PPC and with seven different
firearm groups. All groups are large caliber revolvers or pistols.
With revolver 1500 and Pistol 1500 you shoot 150 shots, Distinguished Revolver and
Distinguished Pistol are 60 shot matches and Service Revolver, Off-Duty Revolver and Stock
Semi Auto are 48 shot matches.
In PPC you shoot at varying distances at up to 50 yards and six shot series, and always
shooting on the same target throughout the whole match, the B-27E, which has rectangles
with rounded corners from 7 to 10 points, with X as the inner ten. Hitting outside the 7 ring
is counted as a miss.
Due to the long distances (up to 50 yards) between the shooter and the target the precision of
the gun and ammunition need to be very high standard. Many loads their own ammunition,
both for bring down the cost of ammunition, and to develop an ammunition load that is
perfect for the shooter and the gun.
Safety thinking is very important in PPC and always requires the shooter to handle the gun in
a safe way, especially in the fast and short phases of the match.

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Chapter 14 Bullseye pistol shooting
This is the foremost American target pistol competition. It’s also called the 2700 match or the
2700 aggregate match and the name stems from what a perfect score would be. A “2600-
man” is one who can shoot a score of more than 2600 points and is seen as a champion
shooter.
The aggregate consists of three 90 shot series, each shot with a different firearm, a .22 calibre
pistol, a centre fire pistol and a Colt .45 (US Service Pistol). The competitor may shoot the
second series with a Colt .45 and many competitors choose to do so. Any type of sights,
except laser sights, can be used. This includes red dot sights, telescopic sights as well as open
iron sights. The pistol must be shot one handed.
The 90 shot series course of fire is:
A. Slow-fire: 2 strings of 10 shots from 50 yards, each string is shot in 10 minutes on a
NRA B6 target
B. Timed-fire: 4 strings of 5 shots from 25 yards, each string is shot in 20 seconds on a
NRA B8 target
C. Rapid-fire: 4 strings of 5 shots from 25 yards, each string is shot in 10 seconds on a
NRA B8 target
D. National Match Course: This is a repetition of the previous series but with only half
the number of strings (30 shots all together)
The 2700 match is similar to ISSF 25m Standard Pistol which indeed has its root in the NRA
2700 match. The biggest difference is that the shooter may start aiming before the start
command in the 20 seconds and 10 seconds series, i.e., he does not have to be in the ready
position. The shooters may start aiming at their target after the command “Ready On the
Right”. This command is followed by “Ready On the Left”, then “Ready on the Firing Line”
and after about 3 seconds the command “Commence Firing”.
The first series is shot with a .22 calibre pistol and the two following series with centre fire
pistols, including a .45 in the third series.
The extra time gained by not having to be in the ready position in the timed and rapid fire
series is valuable when shooting a centre fire pistol, especially when using the .45. Most of the
trigger pressure is taken up during the range commands so that the first shot will go off just as
the targets have turned to face the shooter. To be able to manage the recoil successfully when
shooting the centre fire pistols the shooter must lean towards the target with his right shoulder
lowered and keep the body weight on his right foot. If not he will basically end up laying on
his back after a 5 shot string.

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In England those demanding three day competitions are normally held at various US Air
Force bases. They often arrange large competitions with teams entering from the rest of
Europe.
The ammunition used is often target loads, i.e., reduced amount of powder, with a wad cutter
projectile. However, there are also “Hardball Competitions” where a .45 calibre pistol using
service ammunition must be used. Using service ammunition yields a heavier recoil making it
harder to manage the pistol in the 10 seconds series.
As mentioned earlier, apart from for the first shot, the technique for the timed and rapid fire
series is the same as for ISSF 25m Standard Pistol.

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Chapter 15 Black powder
The interest in muzzle loading and black powder shooting started to develop in the US before
the second world war and nowadays black powder shooting is a popular international
discipline.
There are two main types of firearms used:

• Originals
• Replicas (modern copies of original firearms)
Competitions for such pistols are normally 13 shots, shot within 30 minutes where the 10 best
hits are counted towards the score. If a projectile has broken a scoring line the shot value will
be the one that contains the largest part of the hole.
Black powder pistol competitions include firearms with the following characteristics:
• Smooth bore flint lock pistols
• Single shot percussion cap pistols, original replica with rifled barrels
• Percussion cap revolvers

Shooter using a single cap percussion cap

pistol. Photo: Lovisa Olsson

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In most competitions original firearms are not classified.
A fascinating aspect of the muzzle loading is the almost infinite ability to vary the loads. For
muzzle loading you should only use black powder or a substitute such as pyrodex. Using other
types of powder will yield too high pressure for the firearm. Making powder of high quality
requires a precise process to ensure that the powder burns evenly and has an even build up of
pressure to enable precision shots. If the powder is too dry or too moist precision will be lost.
Storing the powder in the correct way is of utmost importance. For pistols fine grained (FFF)
powder is the best.
Safety must come first when using and storing black powder. It ignites very easily so always
keep it away from any sources of open flames. It is hard to over charge a load of black
powder but always make sure that there is no gap between the powder charge and the
projectile.
Antique firearms must be inspected by an expert to ensure that they are safe to fire. The
original safety inspection may no longer be valid and you may be required to undertake a new
safety inspection. Please remember that if a pistol fails the safety inspection it may be
destroyed when fired, potentially causing damage to the shooter and those around him.
Always follow a pre-defined process when you are loading to avoid double powder charges. It
is hard to double charge percussion cap pistols, if the projectile can be seated as required the
powder charge is of the correct size. To fire a muzzle loader is, technically, similar to firing a
firearm using cartridge ammunition. However, the recoil from the slower burning black

Photo: Lovisa Olsson

powder is heavier than from pistols using smokeless powder cartridges. The recoil is felt as
being slower and longer. The trigger mechanism is typically also heavier and less sensitive.
The ignition process is also delayed, especially with flint lock pistols, compared to cartridge

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ammunition. This means that your follow through must be similar to the technique used air
pistol shooting (see chapter 10).
The white smoke produced when shooting black powder consists of water vapour. The
burning of black powder generates a large amount of small particles that the water vapour in
the air attaches to and creates condensation. The effect is significant and whole battle fields
could disappear in a cloud of white smoke.
Black powder generates a lot of impurities in the barrel. After a few shots the effect is
significant. It gets harder and harder to drive the projectile down the barrel when loading.
The barrel should be cleaned every now and then with a soft brass brush or a cleaning rod
wrapped with fabric that has been soaked in water. The touch hole can be kept clean using a
piece of wire.
A muzzle loading pistol must be thoroughly cleaned after shooting as black powder is highly
corrosive. Hot water is best for removing the impurities and the barrel must be dried and
coated with a thin layer of oil. The oil will mix with any water left and drive moisture out.
Some mineral oils may cause corrosion so always check the pistol a week or so after having
cleaned it.

Photo: Lovisa Olsson

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Part 4 Medical science for pistol shooting

You will have a lot of advantage as a pistol shooter if you have elementary knowledge in
anatomy, physiology and psychology. Then you can apply this knowledge in your training, in
your match preparation and during the match itself. Our goal is to kill old myths that still
circulates in the shooting sport scene. This section will explain how and why people should
exercise to improve their physical and mental capabilities. It would also help to explain the
reasoning behind some of the training procedures outlined in Chapter 19.

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Chapter 16 Anatomy
What we are mainly interested in is the muscle and bone structure. The muscles affect the
joints that is held together by ligaments. In the shooting position - a static state - stability is
created by the interaction of opposing muscle groups. This is not, in fact, as static as it seems:
there are constant isometric contractions in the opposing muscles, balancing each other out. It
might best be described as a state of dynamic equilibrium.

The stance
A good shooting position provides a stable platform for the shooter without provoking any
tension in any of the muscle groups involved, and keeps the body's center of gravity above the
area of support.
Most of the weight is carried by the hip, knee and ankle joints through the bones that
interconnect them. The muscles supporting the joints have only a passive role in holding the
balance. If the stance allows the center of gravity to fall outside this supporting platform,
balance can be held only by powerful muscle action. This soon causes fatigue and instability.
There is no ideal stance; each shooter must find the position that offers him the greatest
stability combined with the minimum of strain.
As a guide, it is worth examining the various anatomical components involved in the stance.

The hip joint

Normally the more stable a joint is, the less flexible it is. The hip joint, which operates on the
'ball and socket' principle, is unusual. It is both steady and very moving. Its both stable and
highly flexible. Its stability comes from the mutual adaptation of the articulating surfaces: the
head of the thigh bone provides the ball, and the hip bone the socket. Its flexibility is due to
the shape of the thigh bone: the neck is far narrower than the equatorial diameter of the
head. Further stability is provided by the powerful ligaments and muscles that surround it.

If the weight of the torso is transmitted through the hip joint and along the axis of the thigh
bone, a very stable platform is created. This happens when the feet are spaced at shoulder
width at an angle between 370 and 420. If they are further apart the weight falls outside the
axis of the thighbone. This allows a rocking movement of the highly mobile hip joint, and
stability is lost. Test this for yourself by standing with your feet slightly apart and trying to
move your hips from side to side. Little movement is possible. In an exaggeratedly wide
stance, it becomes very easy. Hence, in the Rapid Fire stance the feet should be further apart
to allow this mobility in the hips for the turning movement of the torso.

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 At a proper position transfer body weight from
the hip straight through the thigh and lower leg
down to the feet

The knee joint

In the stance, the knee joint is passive. It functions as a firm connection between the
thighbone and the tibia , which in turn connects with the bones of the ankle and foot. The
knee is basically a hinge allowing flexion and extension, but it has a unique action during the
extension. Two internal ligaments, set at a slight angle, rotate the thigh bone over the tibia
and effectively lock the joint. In this position it is slightly overextended. To bend the knee, the
joint must first be unlocked; fully extended, it is completely rigid.

The movements of the knee joint. When fully

extended the knee is locked by the action of its
internal ligaments.

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Clearly the knees must be fully extended in the stance; if they are even slightly bent, stability
is lost as fatigue weakens the muscles that are trying to take the strain.
The ankle and ankle joint
This is not a simple hinge joint. Movement is possible through three separate joints that allow
flexion and extension of the foot, rotation and inversion (raising the medial border of the
foot), and eversion (raising the lateral border of the foot). This complex structure is not very
stable. Its position in the stance is held by powerful ligaments and muscles. The hinge of the
joint is less stable when the foot is extended; the elevated heel of the shooting boot gives
added stability. Try this for yourself by sitting on a high stool or table top with your feet
dangling above the floor. As you increase the angle between your leg and the top of your foot,
the amount of free movement in the ankle is greatly reduced. Shooting boots also give lateral
support to the ankle, reducing the muscle power exerted there and so postponing fatigue in
this area.

Ankle movements. Flexion and extension, rotation

and lateral flexion.

The feet support mechanism

The bones of the feet are held together by ligaments. Together they form the medial and
lateral longitudinal arches and the transverse arch. The lateral arch is much flatter than the
medial one, and the transverse arch is really a half-arch, completed in the other foot.
These arches provide a flexible platform for supporting the weight of the body. The weight
must be evenly distributed to avoid strain on any individual arch, or instability will result.
Again, it is helpful if the heel is slightly raised, preventing the shooter from rocking back on
his heels. This is why correct footwear is so important in reducing fatigue and instability in
this area.

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 The arches of the foot:

medial arch

lateral arch

transverse (half) arch

Other body parts that are important for a stable shooting position
The vertebral column — the backbone — gives flexible yet firm support to the torso and
head. The most important of the muscle groups supporting it is the erector spinae, a mass of
muscle lying behind the whole length of the spine, in three layers.

Its function, as you might expect, is to hold the vertebral column upright. A tear in these
muscle fibres can cause painful local spasm and make a correct shooting stance impossible.
The many muscles of the neck are important in holding the head steady, as it must be in a
good shooting position. Blood for these muscles, and for the brain itself, flows through arteries
embedded in the muscles of the neck. An exaggerated head position, as in a totally 'in-line'
stance, stretches and compresses these blood vessels, cutting off blood supply to the brain and
neck muscles and impairing the function of both. This is more of a problem in slow-fire
shooting, where the head position must be maintained over a long period. The head contains
the organs concerned with the maintenance of balance; these are situated in the inner ears.
Thus keeping the head steady helps to maintain balance and posture. Even slight variations in
the position of the head will have an influence on the balance and body-sway during aiming.
Therefore, it is important that the head should remain in the same position from one shot to

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 trapezius
deltoid

teres major
triceps
latissimus dorsi

gluteus maximus

The muscles of the torso and the scapular belt

another. The use of shooting glasses, in particular those fitted with an iris diaphragm, helps to
maintain the position of the head when on aim.

Aiming
When the shooter brings his pistol to aiming position, the main movement is at the shoulder
joint. The elbow is extended and passive, and only minor adjustments take place in the wrist.
The upper limbs are attached to the torso by the scapular belt, a complex mechanism of
bones, ligaments and muscles that supports the weight of the arms and permits fast, precise
and wide-ranging movements. The bones — the scapulae (shoulder blades) and the clavicles
(collar-bones) — are attached to the torso by strong ligaments and muscles that play a mainly
positional role. The arm is attached to the shoulder-blade through the shoulder joint, another
ball and socket joint. However, the marked disproportion between the head of the humerus
and the small, shallow socket on the shoulder blade make this a very unstable structure,
though it has a great range of movement.
The muscles that raise the arm to aiming position are the supraspinatus and the deltoid.
Recent research using electromyography has shown that they act in coordination, while other
muscles play a passive part in stabilising the head of the humerus. In slow-fire shooting,
raising the pistol to aiming position involves only the muscles of abduction. In rapid-fire
shooting, where the movement must be brought to a swift halt, another group of muscles
supraspinatus (latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major) is brought into play to counteract them.

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Holding the pistol on aim is work for the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles, acting against the
downward force of the pistol's weight. This will result in segmentary static reflexes in the
muscles. The tremor you will see in novice shooters, or even among professionals when
fatigue sets in at the end of a match, is caused by a variable muscular response to the impulses
stimulated by the weight of the pistol. Training can improve the strength and coordination of
these muscles.

The shoulder joint and the main muscles of abduction.

Further study of the electromyography of various parts of the deltoid muscle shows that the
position of the torso plays an important part in the work rate required from this muscle. The
further the torso leans back the less is the effort exerted by the fibres of the deltoid muscle. So
in slow-fire shooting such as Free-Pistol or Air-Pistol, muscular fatigue can be reduced by
adopting a stance in which the torso is inclined backwards. The passive role of the muscles
around the scapular belt is important, too. They help provide a stable platform for the arm
holding the pistol, and their strength and tone can also be improved by exercise.

The arm is held extended by the balanced antagonism of the biceps and triceps muscles.
They maintain their effort through sufficient muscle tone. The elbow joint is a simple hinge
joint: it plays only a passive part, and is kept fully extended in the aiming position. If the
elbow is not kept fully extended, the distance between the eye and the sights will not be
constant.

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The grip and trigger release
The pistol is gripped through pressure exerted on the grip by the fingers, the palm and the
base of the hand. The flexor muscles of the forearm control the grip through long tendons
connecting them to the fingers. There are no separate muscles for each finger, so they act in
unison in the gripping action. Practice, however, will allow you to achieve separate
movements of the fingers, particularly the index finger, by contracting separate sections of the
flexor muscles. But remember, there will always be some interaction between the movements
of the fingers, so the strength of the grip will be bound to influence the pressure exerted by
the index (trigger) finger. If you need heavy pressure for the trigger finger (for a 3lb or 5lb
trigger), the pressure of the grip must be equally high. If the trigger weight is light, you will
only achieve full control if the grip is light, as well. (The ratio is not strictly one to one, but
there is a close correlation).
For a powerful grip it is also vital that the wrist be held straight (synergically extended); in
effect, this lengthens the flexor muscles. The dropped-wrist position used with free pistols
gives stability at the cost of a weakened grip. With a light trigger this creates no problems but
it is obviously an unsuitable grip for standard pistols and full-bore guns.

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Chapter 17 Physiology

An understanding of Physiology — the workings of the human body — will help the shooter
to improve his general fitness, and control the effects of fatigue, diet, travel and social habits
on his performance.

Physical fitness
Most people associate sport with a kind of dynamic physical movement that seems far
removed from the scene at a shooting match. But shooting, too, demands intense physical
effort. The pistol shooter must stand motionless, supporting the weight of his gun and holding
his breath, maintaining this effort without appreciable fatigue till the end of the match. On
average, a slowfire shooter will bring his pistol to aiming position 150 times in a match, each
time supporting it, perfectly motionless, for up to twenty seconds. In total, this means he lifts
and supports 200 kg. (450lb) and holds his breath for some fifty minutes! That certainly
demands stamina and endurance.
We have seen how the shooting stance involves much of the body's musculature. The essential
muscle tone and coordination demands the expenditure of a fair amount of energy; the
mental effort involved demands even more. The shooter and the trained athlete have a lot in
common.
Energy is generated in muscle tissue by the use of stored glycogen, synthesized from blood
glucose. The end product is lactic acid. No oxygen is needed for this process, but only a small
amount of energy is produced, and the lactic acid clogs up the muscle fibers, interfering with
their contraction. However, when lactic acid is exposed to oxygen it is reconverted into
glycogen which is then available to generate further energy. (This is a very simplified
explanation of a complex process).
Sudden spurts of energy can be accomplished without oxygen at the price of lactic acid build
up; this is why an untrained person becomes stiff and sore after exercise. Sustained effort
demands a plentiful supply of oxygen to the muscles — this form of energy production is
aerobic.
Oxygen reaches the body tissues through the lungs, where it is transferred to the bloodstream.
Oxygenated blood is pumped through the circulatory system by the heart.
The greater the capacity of these organs, the more oxygen can be supplied and the more
energy becomes available. Glycogen is produced from glucose, so the supply of the blood
must also be maintained; another reason to increase the volume of blood available to the
muscle and nerve tissues in particular.

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Energy production in muscle tissue: the breakdown of glycogen (glycolysis) and the role of
oxygen.

Regular exercise increases heart and lung capacity and muscle volume, strengthens the grip,
and thickens cartilages and tendons, so increasing the stability of the joints. Extra nerve
endings develop, providing better coordination. Physical exercise brings increased physical
fitness. Without it, aerobic activity in the shooter's muscles will be greatly reduced, leading to
early fatigue— and, of course, to tremor.
A high oxygen level in the blood will also help the shooter to cope with the need to hold his
breath repeatedly during aiming and firing. These periods of apnoea gradually decrease the
oxygen level in the tissues, which must be made up in the intervals between shots or series of
shots. For this the shooter's lungs require increased vital capacity, and his heart will need a
larger stroke volume, i.e., he must be able to breathe in more air, and his heart must be able to
pump out more blood per beat.
Recent studies have shown that aiming and firing produce a static strain on muscles and
nervous system. At the end of a shooting cycle certain changes appear in bioelectric and EEG
(electroencephalogram) readings, caused by a degree of ischaemia in muscle and nerve
tissues. There is also a considerable increase in the latency period, the time needed for nerve
and muscle tissue to recover, at the end of a sixty-shot event. These changes are the result of
decreased oxygen levels caused by repeated apnoea. This hypoxia particularly affects the
smooth muscles such as the ciliary muscle of the eye; in fact excessive hypoxia reduces the
eye’s accommodative power.

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 Horizontal section of the eye

At rest, an untrained person will have a pulse rate of about 80 beats per minute. Physical
training can reduce this resting pulse to 55, circulating the same amount of blood with fewer
heartbeats. During competition, when stress causes the release of adrenalin into the
bloodstream, the resting pulse rate will rise by as much as 50%. For the untrained shooter, this
will bring it up to 120 beats a minute, seriously interfering with his ability to hold the pistol
steady. For the trained shooter the rate will be about 80 beats a minute — the resting pulse of
his untrained fellow competitor!
Clearly it is vital for the shooter to increase the level of oxygen circulating in his bloodstream!

Blood circulatory
Blood is delivered to the tissues under pressure that varies according to circumstances.
Nevertheless, arterial pressure is higher than capillary pressure, and the pressure in the veins is
lower still; it can even become negative. If pressure from outside is greater than the pressure
within the vessels at the time, circulation stops; first in the veins, then in the capillaries, and
finally in the arteries themselves. As the system delivers more and more blood, it becomes
pooled because the veins cannot carry it away.

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Such external pressure is applied in the grip. If it is not relaxed from time to time, circulation
will stop, fatigue will set in, and the pooling of blood will change the contours of the hand,
altering the grip characteristics.
Vein walls have no muscular tissue. Blood is carried through them by contractions of the
surrounding muscles, and the suction from the heart. A valve system in the veins allows flow
in one direction only. Gravity will affect venous return, and standing motionless tends to make
the blood pool in your legs and feet, eventually depriving other parts of the body in particular
the brain. The result is poorer vision, concentration and co-ordination. The results are similar
if the blood is pooled for other reasons; in hot weather it will pool in the skin, and after a
heavy meal it pools in the digestive system.
To prevent blood pooling in the lower limbs, move about on the firing point, sit with the feet
up, or stand repeatedly on tiptoes. To avoid blood pooling elsewhere, restrict yourself to a
light, easily digestible meal before a match, and in hot weather wear light, well-ventilated
clothing. Cold drinks and a damp towel will help keep you cool during the match.

The visual analyser

The visual analyser, the eyes and the visual centers of the brain — is particularly important to
the shooter. The refractive power of the eye is altered by the action of the ciliary muscle, and
the elasticity of the lens. The accommodation reflex allows the eye to focus on objects situated
at varying distances. However, the eye cannot have a simultaneous clear image of objects sited
at different distances in space. In the aiming process three points — the target, the foresight,
and the rear sight — have to be observed at the same time. Only one of these images will be
in focus at any one time — the others will appear as diffused images on the retina. In fact, the
eye accommodates rapidly from one point to the next, fixing each of them clearly in about
half a second, so in effect there will be two or three hazy images on the retina at the same
time. These must be interpreted by the visual centers of the brain — a confusing task. With
training, the shooter can limit his accommodation to the front and rear sight, ignoring the
hazy image of the target. However, this conditioning can break down under stress. Our
inborn instinct is to look at the 'prey' we intend to bring down with our gun, not at the gun
itself. This instinct tends to emerge on the subconscious level, and its effects will only be seen
after the bad shot has already been fired.
Fatigue will slow down the accommodation reflex, making it increasingly difficult to bring the
sights into focus. The best way to relax the accommodative system is to relax the ciliary
muscles themselves. One way is to look at a blue or grey surface in the distance (the closer the
point of focus, the more these muscles must contract). Low oxygen levels will also have a bad
effect on the ciliary muscles and cause early fatigue. The release of adrenalin into the
circulation will dilate the pupils which will adversely affect accommodation.

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Normal vision is essential to the shooter: the lens system of his eye must match the length of
the eyeball. If the eyeball is too short (as in hypermetropia or long-sightedness) or too long (as
in myopia or short-sightedness) corrective lenses must be used. A lens must also be used to
correct astigmatism, a visual disorder caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea. With
age, the lens becomes less elastic, affecting the eye's focusing ability, and even those with
anatomically normal eyes need reading glasses to lessen the effort of accommodation.
A weak positive (magnifying) lens can minimise fatigue even for those with normal
accommodation, by increasing the effective distance at which the eye has to focus. This can be

The common refractive errors of the eye, and methods

of correction:

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a positive aid to slowfire shooters in particular, since they must maintain accommodation over
a considerable period.
Another useful aid, often incorporated in shooting spectacles, is the iris diaphragm, which
controls the amount of light reaching the eye. This allows the shooter to minimise the
differences in lighting conditions on different ranges.
With age, the photochromic qualities of the retina decrease appreciably, and so in poor light it
can no longer distinguish between images that are close together. This means the older
shooter will have difficulty in seeing his sights clearly in dim light. A yellow or red tinted lens,
which enhances contrast, can help though it is not the complete answer.
The act of seeing is not a purely optical process. The eyes are only programmers for the main
computer: the visual center of the brain. Here the twin images are formed into a single
stereoscopic picture perceived as the actual visual scene. But the flood of signals from the eyes
must first be sorted. In the process, some are rejected, and the rest are shuffled, modulated,
decoded, compared with memory, interpreted, reinterpreted — and sometimes
misinterpreted, as in the phenomenon known as 'irradiation'
In bright sunlight the aiming mark on the target appears smaller than in dull light. The
theory is that when an area of the retina is strongly stimulated by bright light, the area of
stimulation tends to overflow into the surrounding parts of the retina, causing an apparent
enlargement of the image formed by the bright area of the target. This makes the black
aiming mark appear smaller. This affects the point of aim which is higher in bright light and
lower in cloudy conditions. Furthermore, in dull light the contrast between the dark and light
areas of the target tends to lessen. It can be sharpened with a yellow or red tinted lens. Bright
reflected light will over-stimulate the retina, causing visual hallucinations and a reduction of
sensitivity. Here the use of a dark tinted lens or diaphragm can help.
Most shooters use only one eye for sighting, closing or covering the other.
However, the pupils contract and dilate together. If the non-aiming eye is closed, or totally
covered, the pupil of the aiming eye will open wider — a reflex action — and admit more
light. This creates glare in the retina and lessens visual depth — so keep both eyes open and
make sure the non-aiming eye is only partially covered.
Most shooters aim with the dominant eye. About 85 % of the population is ipsi-lateral, that is,
the dominant eye is on the same side as the dominant hand. However, about 15 % of the
population has the dominant eye on the side opposite to the dominant hand This hand-eye
combination is called contra-lateral dominance. Shooters belonging to the latter group tend
to shoot with the dominant hand, not the dominant eye.
Recent studies in the United States indicate that it is more important that the shooter should
use the dominant eye than the dominant hand, and better results can be expected if the hand
used for shooting is on the same side as the dominant eye, i.e. Right eye — Right hand, and
Left eye — Left hand. This is because by suppressing the dominant eye, the body is thrown

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slightly off-balance, and the other eye will have more difficulty in lining up the sights on the
target. This lack of co-ordination will affect sight alignment, hand position and body balance.
The non-dominant eye will also tire more quickly.

Diet and the shooter

We have already seen how the body depends for its energy on glucose circulating in the blood.
This glucose is supplied from ingested food, processed by the digestive system, and from
stored food in the form of body fat processed by the liver. The glucose is stored in the muscles
in the form of glycogen, and this is converted into energy by an aerobic process. Nerve tissue
has no such reserve capacity, and depends on adequate levels of circulating blood glucose for
its energy requirements.
Our diet consist of carbohydrates fats and proteins, together with vitamins and trace
elements.
Carbohydrates are the prime source of energy. They are absorbed into the bloodstream from
the gastrointestinal tract in the form of glucose, which is utilised in the tissues as described
above. It is very important that the level of blood sugar is adequately maintained, by taking
easily convertible sugars such as glucose or fructose (in the form of honey), during the course
of a match. Otherwise, the falling blood sugar will stimulate the release of adrenalin to aid
glycogenolysis in the liver to supplement blood glucose. Adrenalin however has adverse effects

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on shooting performance. High levels of glucose in the circulating blood will mean low levels
of adrenalin. To ensure adequate glycogen reserves in the muscle tissues and the liver, a
carbohydrate-rich diet should be taken in the days preceding an important match.
Fats are another source of energy having high calorie values. They are converted in the liver
into glycogen, or rendered inert for storage.
Proteins are not a major source of energy; they are needed to build and replace body tissues.
A high-protein diet during training will help the shooter strengthen his musculature, but
contributes very little to performance.
Vitamins and trace elements are important, and any deficiency can lead to disease in the long
term, and tiredness and loss of mental energy in the short term. Trace elements such as iron,
copper and magnesium play an important part in the transfer of oxygen and in the various
enzyme systems.
A carefully balanced diet is very important for general health and in particular for a
sportsman.

Environmental effects on metabolism and performance

Almost all the body's physical processes operate in harmony with the 24 hour cycle of night
and day, forming a pattern known as circadian rhythm Regular alternation of rest and
exercise brings rhythmic variations in blood pressure, pulse rate and body temperature. A
cyclic pattern of meals causes rhythmic variations in renal excretion and digestion.
Alternation of alert and drowsy states causes variation in the secretions from the endocrine
glands. There is a similar circadian rhythm in the applied mental and motor functions,
including reflex speed, co-ordination and the ability to concentrate. These rhythms will be
disturbed by rapid travel through several time zones to an environment where sleep,
mealtimes, and physical and mental activity occur at different times. The result will be
widespread desynchronisation of the various body functions, and a reduced ability to perform
physical and mental tasks. Readjustment may take a considerable time. For the international
marksman this can be a serious problem. He must allow himself time to adapt to a new
environment.
Recent studies have also shown that there are certain periods in the 24-hour cycle when an
individual's mental and physical powers are at their peak. For the shooter, these will be
conditioned by the time of day when he does his training. If these times do not coincide with
the times when he must perform in a match, he will not be at his best.
Other environmental factors that can interfere with performance are altitude (which has a
bad effect on oxygen metabolism) and extremes of hot and cold (which disturb the circulation
and affect body heat).

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The effect of drugs
“Drugs” in this context include many socially acceptable substances such as alcohol, nicotine,
(from smoking), tea and coffee.
Alcohol is a narcotic — not a stimulant, as many people believe. It has an adverse effect on
the central nervous system, gastric secretion and circulation. Its use will result in a reduced
ability to concentrate, weakened coordination, and a diminished ability to carry out skilled
tasks. It causes dehydration, lowering of blood pressure, and dilation of the skin vessels,
reducing the volume of blood available to the muscle and nerve tissues. Increased gastric
secretion leads to dyspepsia.
Nicotine has well-documented harmful effects in the long term, including lung cancer,
respiratory complications and narrowing of the coronary arteries. It also has an immediate
effect on the autonomic nervous system. This stimulation causes increased blood pressure and
heart rate through the release of adrenalin. Nicotine also causes contractions of the skeletal
muscles, and an increased respiratory rate. Its effects on the central nervous system lead to
irritability and tension.
Coffee and tea contain caffeine, a powerful stimulant that causes insomnia, restlessness,
increased respiratory and heart rate and muscular tremor.
Medications obtained by doctor's prescription, or over the chemist's counter, can have adverse
side-effects. This is even true of common preparations such as aspirin, penicillin, vitamin pills,
beta blockers and the benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium and Mogadon). These side-effects
can appear in the respiratory system as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and bronchospasm;
in the cardiovascular system as anaphylactic shock, angina and hypotension (low blood
pressure); in the nervous system (both central and peripheral) as tremor, nystagmus (abnormal
movements of the eye), restlessness, muscular twitching, loss of muscle tone, 'pins and
needles', dizziness and vertigo; in the digestive organs as heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation,
colic, nausea and vomiting; and in the eyes as blurred vision, itching reduced accommodation
and pain. The shooter's psychological state may also be affected: typical side-effects include
restlessness, irritability, lack of concentration, visual and auditory hallucinations, headaches,
depression, lack of drive, emotional disturbance, euphoria and abnormal behaviour.
Besides risking such detrimental side effects, the shooter who uses certain drugs may find
himself disqualified from competition. There is a list of drugs, many of them in relatively
common use, which are now banned by the ISSF therefore the shooter should seek
professional advice before taking any form of medication whatsoever.

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Chapter 18 Psychology

We have already seen that the shooter requires the same qualities of strength, stamina and
technical skill as other sportsmen. Like an athlete, he must also have the mental strength and
determination to win; but for the shooter, the balance between mental and physical discipline
is different.
The runner normally achieves his best results in competition. Once he is running,
nervousness disappears in turbulent action. He can see his opponent, and knows how much
greater his effort must be if he is to win. Knowing this, he can drive his body even beyond the
limits reached in training.
The shooter stands alone, usually knowing little of his position. He must concentrate for the
equivalent of sixty 100 m starts; and sixty times he must suppress the competition nerves that
are so beneficial to the runner. A false start may cost him victory; unlike the athlete, he is not
allowed a second chance, Generally the increased tension of a match will lead to a poorer
result than the shooter could achieve in a training session. The shooters who succeed in
competition are those who combat stress with applied psychology.

Personality
Personality is the unique, dynamic and integrated organisation of stable behavior patterns
that characterises an individual. Personality and physique are closely linked, and both are
largely the result of inherited characteristics. While experience may alter the personality, it
will not affect intelligence or temperament.
Tests have shown that among successful shooters, different personality types tend to excel in
different disciplines. In the National Squads, those who shot Free Pistol and Air Pistol tended
to be introverts, while extroverts were more likely to shoot Rapid Fire or Standard Pistol. It
seems that the more factors a shooter has to control, and the more decisions he must take, the
more extrovert he needs to be to succeed. The vast majority of these operations must be
relegated to the unconscious, becoming virtually automatic. This is far easier for an impulsive,
outgoing and extrovert personality! Furthermore, the rapid-fire shooter has a very limited
time in which to consider — and alter — his sight picture and its relationship with the target.
As soon as the target turns he must begin his sequence, and the decision whether or not to
release his shot is no longer his to make.
In slow-fire shooting the shooter has time to concentrate on accuracy. He is in control, and
can decide in his own time whether to fire another shot, or rest before he tries again. This
calls for deliberation and a less impulsive, introvert personality.
Tests with a similar cross-section of club shooters did not readily yield the same pattern.
Perhaps this explains their relative lack of success!

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It seems that a racial element may also play its part in a chosen discipline. In general, Latin
nations excel in rapid fire shooting, being on the whole extroverts, while Nordic types obtain
better results in slow-fire competitions, in keeping with their generally introvert tendencies.

Reactions during stress

Psychological stress is an intense stimulus that produces a strong emotional response. This
stress reaction is normally a combined psychological, physiological and biochemical response.
Commonest is the 'fight or flight' response, effected by the autonomic nervous system. It
causes increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, overbreathing, gastric and intestinal spasm,
diarrhoea, frequent urination, sweating, muscle tremor, goose pimples, loss of co-ordination,
inability to concentrate, dilation of the pupils, fear, and negative thinking. Such reactions are,
of course, perfectly normal; at a low level of anxiety they may actually help concentration,
increase alertness, and sharpen the reflexes. But when anxiety and its manifestations reach a
higher level, the negative and disturbing elements begin to take their toll. Individual reaction
to stress depends on personality, conditioning, and the magnitude of the task in hand.
Generally, efficiency increases with anxiety until an optimum level of arousal is reached.
Beyond this level, performance starts to deteriorate, with effects that are noticeably more
disruptive in highly skilled tasks such as pistol shooting.

Anxiety and fear

It is important to distinguish between fear and anxiety. Fear is a wholly negative emotion: an
unpleasant anticipation of the future, based on real or imagined experience. The threat that
evokes it is external and well-defined. Its physical, psychological and biochemical effects are
similar to those of anxiety.
Anxiety is less specifically directed. The experience is more comprehensive, and the threat is
more internal and less clear, based not so much on experience as on the anticipation of some
future calamity or disaster. Kept under control, it can increase efficiency and performance. It
is a signal for action, and beginning that action will tend to reduce the anxiety. Inaction will
raise the level of anxiety, causing the condition to feed on itself.
Anger, desire and ambition can help eliminate negative thinking in the shooter's mind.
Positive thinking and positive action — are his most important weapons against fear and over-
anxiety. A nervous person will never lose his fear if he cannot stop thinking of himself as
nervous; he will be the permanent victim of his own auto-suggestion. The shooter can
combat and conquer match nerves by:
• Accepting them as a normal reaction. Stress control is as much a part of the skill of
shooting as trigger control.
• Keeping himself physically fit. This will help lessen the physical manifestations of
stress.

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 • Taking part in as many competitions as possible, and employing competitive training.
In this way he can condition himself, and bring this disrupt automatic sequence is
referred to as a 'good rhythm'; shot after shot can be repeated perfectly, with the
subconscious as automatic pilot. Eventually the process breaks down because of some
outside distraction, or direct interferential influence under control.
Recent studies show that there are cyclical changes in the level of anxiety before and during a
match. It reaches its peak during the first scoring shot or series. After this, most shooters settle
down, unless the result was poor. The anxiety level rises again towards the end of the match.
Pre-match anxiety seems to begin far earlier if the match is an important one. So experienced
shooters reach their peak of anxiety the night before the competition, or early in the
morning; after this the level falls, and even at the start of the match it will not reach the same
pitch. The inexperienced suffer a crescendo effect: the anxiety level starts to rise later, and
reaches its peak at the start of the match. If it is disruptive enough to affect the result, anxiety
is sustained or even increased.
Various techniques can be employed to reduce the anxiety level, and these are discussed
under Match preparation.

Training for automatisation

Good training will condition the shooter to respond automatically to the problems presented
to him. Correct trigger release is the result of such conditioning, and the whole process of
aiming and firing can be an automatic one; conscious effort is required only to begin the
movement, either as an act of will or in response to some outside signal such as a turning
target. This ce from the conscious mind.
Conditioned responses must be constantly reinforced or they will gradually weaken and
disappear. This is why the shooter must practice the basic skills again and again.

The conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind

Consciousness is a state of awareness of the environment, and the actions of the individual
within it. It varies in degree from an intense awareness of the focal point of interest to a
vague appreciation of, for instance, background noise. This vague awareness is the
subconscious; one might call it the 'co-conscious'. Fundamentally different is the unconscious,
which deals with the inner relationship of consciousness. Here the variations in degree of
awareness are just as great, but they are under far less voluntary control, so the individual is
far less aware of the motives and inhibitions that guide or restrain him in a particular course
of action.
Fear is generated from within. The unconscious mind makes no distinction between real and
imagined experience, so fear can be produced very simply by thinking about circumstances

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that might induce it, such as a poor result in a match. Negative thinking produces fear which
is not based on reality, but on an opinion of reality; positive thinking, spurred on by positive
attitudes such as the desire to win, will induce confidence. The choice of emotional response
is up to you.
Positive attitudes will lead to success, and success will breed confidence. Desire, will, ambition
and aspiration will work their changes in the unconscious mind, allowing you to repeat the
successful responses learned and imprinted during practice without being inhibited by
negative emotions.

Complexes
Complexes involve a constellation of repressed, interlinked ideas that compel an individual to
think, feel and act in a habitual and repetitive pattern. Shooters are very prone to them. They
begin as excuses for bad performance perhaps the idea that some outside factor such as the
wind, the pistol or the ammunition is responsible. If these excuses are repeated the shooter
will become conditioned into accepting them, and the complexes formed in this way will
damage his performance.
The formation of complexes can be prevented by a correct analysis of the shooter's failures.
This can also dispel an existing complex. Once its fallacy has been demonstrated, and rational
thinking is applied, the complex will gradually weaken, and its detrimental effect will be
destroyed.

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Part 5 Training

The purpose of training is to improve how you perform. A pistol shooter's performance
depends on several interlinked skills. Successful training must take all these skills into account
and how they interact. Technical perfection is not worth anything for a shooter who is
paralyzed by nervousness; and without mental stability or ability to concentrate you will get
bad result even though you have the best technique. In the previous chapters we have studied
training methods that are necessary to achieve technical proficiency. We are now ready to
study pistol training from professional and modern approach.
To achieve greater efficiency, the shooter must combine several different types of training and
all the time keeping in mind the individual need. The shooter should consider the current
level of skills when choosing development path. Other aspects to consider is time, equipment
at disposal, access to coaches and match program. A good mix of different training
techniques have no miraculous effect but stops you getting bored. This part of the book
describes some of the different training methods available and explains the most common
expressions. It also guide you in how to effectively use these training methods in practice.

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Chapter 19 Training Methods
To be able to train all the skills a pistol shooter is required to have the following training areas
should be considered carefully:
• Technical training (practice shooting and dry training).
• Physical training
• Mental training
• Training through instructions (oral and visual instruction).
• Autogenic Training
• Competition Training

Technical Training
In the previous chapters we have already looked at training methods needed to develop the
basic shooting skills, and those necessary for the various disciplines. Those methods can be
divided into two types: shooting with live ammunition and dry practice. Both are equally
important. The use of live ammunition puts theory into practice, gathering all the basic
elements together in a single action. Dry practice uses analytical repetition to imprint the
same basic elements and their coordination onto the subconscious.

Shooting with live ammunition

For many shooters time at the shooting range is the only form of training for develop their
pistol shooting skills. But shooting with friends only leads to small improvements in the skill.
These shooters are too involved in the actual competition routine to detect faults, especially as
they have a tendency to just shoot a short period of time each training session. The result
should always be of secondary importance; the goal should be a steady improvement in
performance. There is only one way to achieve such an improvement: to examine each piece
of technical skills separately and to correct the errors individually when they are discovered.
There is no universal solution that can handle multiple errors at the same time.
Shooting practice should include experiments with different widths of sight, alterations to the
stocks, and use of such shooting equipment as shooting spectacles, jackets and shoes. It can
also be used to simulate competition conditions, for step shooting and similar practice
techniques, for rhythmic firing techniques, and so on. Shooting practice must be carried out
both indoors and outdoors, and under different lighting conditions. You should always be
aware of the effects of light, wind, noise and other external factors in practice. The lessons
you learn about the movement of groups, for instance, can then be confidently applied during
a match.

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During shooting training, the shooter can test different types of ammunition and see what fits
best for his pistol. He can test the equipment and see what is missing. Finally, the shooter and
his coach should assess his ability and match readiness.
Shooting with live ammunition offers many important training possibilities. With care and
economy you can achieve considerable benefit from it, while your erstwhile companions blaze
away indiscriminately down the range.
In addition of using ISSF approved targets you can use special targets to get a different kind
of training. These allow the shooter to concentrate on reducing the hit rate gradually, while
improving the technical skills. These targets can be useful both when training with live
ammunition and dry training.
With proper use and evaluation when using these targets may provide a new insight into small
mistakes you make, which would otherwise be difficult to detect.
However, do not use targets that attract the shooter to focus on the target instead of the sights.
Otherwise you will have a hard time coming back on track again.

Standard size Triangle with the 2/3 line. Most useful of

without markers. same height as the them all: The
standard circle. white target.

Dry training
This is quite possibly the most important training method in use; and it is probably the most
neglected.
Dry practice involves going through the whole shooting sequence without the use of
ammunition: taking up the stance, raising the pistol and taking aim, squeezing the trigger,
following through and calling the shot. Freed from the pressure of obtaining a result, you can
concentrate on pure technique, eliminating faults in stance, aim, trigger release and follow
through. With no recoil to distract you, it is possible to identify faults in technique that would
be difficult or impossible to recognise on the range. But dry practice should do more than
eliminate faults in technique. It should record each element of the shooting sequence into the
subconscious. By repetition, the stance, grip, aiming process, trigger release and follow
through become an automatic process that can be recalled with complete accuracy later on.

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The same method can be used in any form of pistol shooting; it is by no means restricted to
precision shooting. It is especially useful in practising the first shot of the rapid-fire string or
the duelling sequence. Here you can use breath control as a means of timing the various
elements in each discipline. In this way you can develop the fine muscular co-ordination
needed for the rise of the gun and the release of the trigger in a rapid-fire sequence, without
the recoil, noise and other distractions associated with live ammunition. With no expense, and
with the minimum of equipment, you can experiment with body positions, grip and methods
of raising the gun rapidly yet smoothly into the aiming position. Wherever you are, short
periods unsuitable for other forms of training can be used for dry practice.
Thorough grounding in dry practice will increase the value of training on the range. Basic
faults in technique will have been eliminated, and the necessary co-ordination and skills
developed. On the range, you will be able to hone your technique to perfection and at the
same time demonstrate the extent of your improvement. It is true that dry practice is tedious,
especially for the beginner, and demands a certain amount of dedication. But even this can be
turned to good use; the self discipline and willpower demanded of you will stand you in good
stead when you begin competitive shooting.
Dry practice allows you to refine and develop such skills as holding steadily on aim, and
obtaining a smooth trigger release. It is also an excellent way to develop powers of
concentration and honest self-criticism. With no impact on the target to indicate the value of
the shot fired, you will develop the ability to 'call' your shots by observing the image of your
sights at the moment the trigger is released — an ability, once developed, that can be
successfully applied in your work with live ammunition.
Our conversations with leading marksmen all over the world suggest that they regard dry
practice as the foundation of their technical, mental and physical preparation. We have found
time and time again that dry practice is often the only way to overcome technical and
psychological barriers.

Physical exercise
As you refine your technique, you must also develop a certain degree of physical fitness.
Without it you will be unable to achieve good results. Strange as it may seem, you need a
certain amount of physical fitness just to stand still.
In the previous chapter we looked at the physiology of fitness and its application to shooting.
To achieve the degree of fitness necessary, you must undertake physical training. This training
can be divided into two areas:
• General fitness
• Specific fitness.

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General fitness
To achieve good muscle tone and increased heart and lung capacity, you will need to choose
the training method that suit you best. The choice is wide. Jogging, walking, swimming,
cycling and running on the spot are all suitable. The amount of exercise should be built up
step by step, and then maintained in regular sessions. However, you should remember that
your work is supplementary to other forms of training. You are not aiming to become an
athlete, simply to achieve basic fitness and endurance.
A simple set of exercises can give good muscle tone and power. The following set of exercises
have been devised especially with the pistol shooter in mind:

Standing position
• Roll shoulders, first together and then alternately.

• Keep arms horizontal, place hands on chest, and then fling arms wide, outwards and
backwards, with fingers open.

• Punch from the waist, first with right arm then with left, in alternate strokes, keeping fists
clenched.

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• Face a chair, place hands on seat, keep body straight, lower chest onto chair, and extend
arms.

• Arms bend, forwards, sideways and upwards, with or without 5lb weights.

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Prone position
• Grasp hands together in small of back, raise head and shoulders, hold position for
three seconds, then lower head and shoulders.

Supine position
• Keeping soles of feet on floor, extend arms and fingers forward and reach to the left
of the knees and then to the right, holding each move for three seconds.

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Standing position
• Stand with legs apart and arms vertical. Bring arms forward and down and touch left
foot, then return to the vertical. Repeat movement, this time reaching between legs.
Repeat again, this time reaching down to touch right foot.

• Raise arms to the vertical and clasp hands together. Swing arms forward and back,
keeping them tight against the ears.

Supine position
• Clasping hands behind head, lift legs six inches, hold the position for five seconds.

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 • Clasping hands behind head, sit up, touch knees with head, and press.

• With soles of feet on floor, and arms folded across chest, sit up and touch knees with
head.

Standing position
• Place hands on hips, and swivel upper torso from the waist, first to left, then to right.

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 • Swivel upper torso from the waist in large circles, letting arms swing loosely with head
erect. Move torso first to left, then to right.

Supine position
• Point toes of right foot (like a ballet dancer) and lift right leg to the vertical, then pull
back with the hands. Repeat with left leg.

Prone position
Support chin on hands. Keeping legs straight, raise each leg alternately, holding it in the
raised position for three seconds.

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Standing position
• Squat down with hands on floor, and kick legs back to press-up position. Draw legs
forward to squatting position and jump to stand up.

• Bend to half-squatting position and hold for five seconds before standing upright.

Sitting position
• Sit with body upright; placing insteps together, try to push knees to the floor.

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These exercises should be practiced at least once a week. Over a period of ten weeks or so,
the number of exercises gradually increase. They must be part of a comprehensive training
program based on your selected sports you selected (run, bike, swim, etc.).

Specific fitness
In addition to the general fitness the shooter must also train the specific muscle groups that is
needed in order to maintain stability in the stance and hold. The best equipment for this kind
of exercise is using the pistol itself. Training with weights or medicine balls leads to
development or even over-development, of the wrong muscle groups: the result is a coarse
strength unsuitable for the fine muscle balance that shooting demands. Dry practise is as
much a physical exercise as a technical one, hence its pre-eminence among training methods.
The specific muscle groups that govern the movements in pistol shooting are the muscles of
the shoulder blade, the muscles abducting the arm, the forearm muscles and the neck
muscles.
The muscles of the shoulder blade have a positional function. They can be strengthened by
the following special exercises: perform them sitting on the floor, with the legs crossed, to
concentrate all movements on the shoulder region.
• Hold arm out horizontally in front of you. Raise arms repeatedly upwards and
backwards, stretching to the limit.

• Place hands on head with elbows pointing sideways. Thrust elbows backwards and
upward.

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The following exercise can be performed at the isometric bars;
• Sit in front of bars, with legs crossed. Set one bar at a level slightly above the shoulders,
and grasp it with both hands, keeping forearms at right angles to upper arms. Without
releasing the bar, push chest forward, hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat.

The muscles abducting the arm, in particular those of the shooting arm, should be
strengthened by a combination of isotonic and isometric exercises.

Isotonic exercises
These exercises can be done with weights of 1.5 kg or with a pistol. They can also be made
with an elastic strap that is attached to the floor or ceiling. In these exercises the arm should
be raised from an angle of fortyfive degrees with the body to one of ninety degrees. Raising
the arm above this angle involves a different set of muscles that tips the shoulder blade
upwards and contributes nothing to the achievement and maintenance of the aiming
position. To begin with it is advisable to exercise both arms, to avoid developing an uneven
muscle bulk.
• Stand with feet apart and raise arms to shoulder level (use weights, or your pistol).

Repeat. This exercise can also be performed with the right and left arm alternately.
• Repeat the exercise using an elastic strap. This will give a different resistance to be
overcome, with no help from inertia. The same muscles, the deltoid and the

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 supraspinatus, are involved both in raising the arm to ninety degrees and lowering it from
that position. Exercises with the elastic strap fixed to the floor will enhance the lifting
motion; and working with it fixed overhead will benefit the lowering action.

Isometric exercises
• Stand with legs apart, arm at forty-five degrees, and fist against bar (or under a table top).
Push upwards for a few seconds. Repeat.

• With arms at ninety degrees and held in front of you, place both fists on top of a bar or
other solid surface and push downwards. Repeat.

The strength of the grip can be improved by regular exercises with weights.

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The neck muscles play a very important part in holding the head steady in the aiming
position. They can be strengthened by special exercises as follows:
• Stand or sit. Turn head right and then left. Repeat. Bend head to right and then to left,
Repeat. Bend head forwards then backwards. Move head in a circle to right and then to
left.

• Lie on floor in supine position. Hold arms close to body. Lift head forwards till chin rests
on chest. Slowly allow head to fall back. Repeat.

All these exercises will improve the strength and endurance of the specific muscle groups
important to the pistol shooter, They will also create postural and motor patterns with
improved positional sense within the nervous system. Exercises to improve body awareness
have already been described in Part 1.

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As previously mentioned, the lack of oxygen in the ciliary muscle will make it more difficult
for your eyes to function properly, so even your eyes have the benefit of the general fitness.
Finally, a word of caution: exercises should be introduced into your training very gradually to
avoid possible injury, Specific isotonic and isometric exercises should only be started when a
reasonable state of general fitness has been achieved.

Mental training
It is possible for the shooter to improve his technical skills by mental rehearsal alone. It has
been proved beyond doubt that motor skills can be acquired and refined without much
physical involvement. This type of training has been successfully employed in many sports,
including tennis, squash and golf.
Mental training can help the shooter in several aspects:
• Match preparations
• Better stress control
• Controlling heart rate and nervousness
• Awareness of poorly executed shots
• Controlling tension or thoughts from the private life, such as family or job, which can
affect motivation and make it difficult to perform in the best way.
• Preventing burnout
The goal is to be able to perform at your best, which is only possible if you are mentally well
prepared.
The shooting process can be rehearsed to perfection in the mind; the shooter can and will see
a perfect shot being executed, and the movement, once rehearsed in this way, can then be
executed to match the preconception. Mental training can eliminate faults in technique,
improve muscle coordination, and vastly improve concentration. Mental training in
combination with dry practice will help to develop positive attitudes. Because the shooter
concentrates on the idea of a perfect shot, he is less likely to stray from perfection when he is
practising on the range. The mere idea of an uncoordinated movement or a snatch at the
trigger can cause these things to happen.
It is important that you take this form of training seriously. A vague and haphazard concept
of the shooting process will work to the detriment of your motor skills. The more often you
go through each stage of a perfect shot in your conscious mind, the greater the benefits will
be. We found this method of training very useful between series of competitions, when
continued physical and technical training tends to lead to staleness.
Some shooters and coaches use the term 'mental training' to describe methods of coping with
the stress of competition. This is incorrect; what they are talking about is the development of

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mental discipline and drive, a topic we discussed under Psychology and will return to under
Training and match preparation.

Verbal instructions
Verbal instruction will normally be given by a coach. At the elementary level this will be the
Club Instructor, but as the marksman's skill improves he will go on to train with other coaches
and finally with National Team Coaches. The Coach's approach to imparting skills should
always be methodical. He will be able to monitor progress, work on any areas that are giving
the shooter difficulty, and correct recurring faults. However, most shooters cannot have
regular coaching sessions, let alone a personal coach, and are forced to teach themselves. The
information they need can be learned by reading books. It can also be picked up on coaching
courses. Even when you become a member of the National Team the responsibility for
training and monitoring your progress will be largely your own with occasional help from a
professional coach. Fortunately books and lectures can give you all the knowledge necessary to
make a meaningful improvement in your skills.
Visual instruction involves watching other shooters, copying and learning fine technical points
such as how long to remain on aim, how long to rest between shots, positions of the feet and
head, and the types of stocks used.
By studying leading marksmen during training and competition in the various local and inter-
state meetings, younger shooters in particular can benefit. We both learned a great deal in this
way on overseas trips in our early days as international marksmen: in our spare time we used
to spend many hours on the range studying the world's top marksmen. The developing
shooter can spend his time profitably at shoulder to shoulder events organised by his local
club or association, and by attending state, inter-state or even international meetings.
Obviously you should not slavishly copy everything you see; instead you should adopt
techniques that might be useful to you. Shooters are great eccentrics, and startling technical
innovations may suit one individual but bring not reward to others. You must always base any
departure from normal technique on sound principles.

Autogenic training
This form of training prepares you for the stresses of competition. The method can be learnt
easily and practised almost anywhere. It will bring total relaxation and the elimination of all
negative thoughts and influences, leaving the mind ready to accept and absorb positive
attitudes. As preparation just before a match, it is excellent. It can overcome or at least
diminish muscular and mental tension, and all forms of fear and anxiety. In this relaxed
frame of mind, freed from distraction, you will display the skills you have acquired in training,
and the result will be a performance close to your actual potential. However, no amount of
mental preparation can improve your technical ability — that takes diligent application and
dedicated training. There are no shortcuts to the top scores!

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It is not possible to learn autogenic training techniques from a book. Various courses are
available, but the method must be taught by a trained doctor or clinical psychologist.

Competition Training
The different types of training outlined above will all help you to prepare for your ultimate
goal: good match performance. However, you do not 'compete' in the true sense of the word.
During a match you are not aware of your opponent's performance, so you have nothing to
spur you directly to greater efforts. You are fighting the battle on your own except, very rarely,
when a shoot-off for a medal takes place. Just the same, we believe it is possible to introduce a
competitive element into training and into the match itself that improves performance and
eliminates distractions.
Training, in particular technical training, involves repetition of the series of movements
required for aiming and firing. This repetition can become tedious unless your interest is kept
engaged. Training sessions should be as long or longer than the match itself, and you must
maintain your concentration throughout to reap the full benefit of your efforts. You must
remember that you are only exposed to the pressures of a match at long intervals. Unless you
can generate a similar type of pressure in training, your match performance will suffer.
Shooting in training matches, either against yourself or against others, is not enough. Such
mock competitions build your stamina and powers of concentration, and give a useful guide
to the improvement in your technique, but they do not test your ability to withstand pressure.
For this, competitive training is necessary.
Competitive training involves short, sharp sessions of competitive shooting within a group or
against yourself. The number of shots fired in each session is small, so concentration is fully
maintained. Success depends on a series of perfect or near-perfect shots, so the quality of
shooting is improved. And the appeal to the competitive instinct develops a healthy attitude of
rivalry. But the benefits do not end at the training stage. The method can also be used in the
match itself. You maintain concentration and strive for perfection; and by concentrating on a
small group of shots at a time, you can eliminate the natural tendency to count up your score,
which can induce further stress.
Two methods can be used for competitive shooting: step shooting and training games. Step
shooting is used when practising on your own, and training games when working in a group.
In step shooting, you set yourself a series of steps to achieve, each slightly more difficult than
the last. A typical sequence might be as follows:
1. 46 points out of a possible 50
2. 37 points out of a possible 40
3. 28 points out of a possible 30
4. 19 points out of a possible 20

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 5. 10 points out of a possible 10
The points set are the minimum needed to qualify for an attempt at the next step. Surplus
points are not carried over. If the minimum score is not achieved, you revert to the previous
step, and when you have achieved that target score then you may attempt the following step
again. Once you have completed the whole series, you begin again, raising the minimum
scores by one point. This method makes an ordinary training session an exciting challenge,
and can also be employed during the match itself.
In training games the shooters (at least two are needed) work in pairs. The competition can
either be of 'knock-out' or 'round robin' type. Each shooter fires a single shot or a series (in
Rapid Fire or Standard Pistol). The one with the higher score is awarded one point. if the
scores are level, both shooters receive a point. The winner is the first to reach seven points
with at least a two point advantage over his opponent (i.e., 7:5). The competition continues
until one shooter has a clear two-point lead over the other. Obviously the winner will be the
shooter who consistently scores higher than his opponent, or at least equals his scores.
This method of training allows shooting for a considerable length of time at a high technical
level. The man-to-man competition heightens the tension and helps acclimatise you to the
highly charged atmosphere of match shooting. As with step shooting, the method can be used
both in match preparation and in the match itself, where you effectively compete against
yourself.
Another competitive game which can be played alone is a form of shooting golf. In this game
you set yourself a 'par' which would represent your average, for example, if your average is 95
then that is your 'par', You set out in your training to achieve a target such as 5 under par. To
maintain par you would have to shoot alternate nines and tens; so if you can achieve two
consecutive tens you are 'one under par'. On the other hand if you shoot two consecutive
nines you are 'one over par'. You continue shooting in pairs and count whether you are above
or below par. Your training session ends when you have achieved your goal, i.e you are 5
under par. Depending on your shooting skill and determination this may take a great number
of shots or only a small number. Again, this method like the others will teach you to
concentrate on a single shot or a series as a match in itself.

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Chapter 20 Planning
Training details and technical aspects varies from one shooting discipline to another. But the
overall attitude is the same everywhere. A shooter's performance can be improved only
through controlled and methodical learning with every aspect carefully considered. In order
to achieve this, a carefully thought-out plan towards set goals is needed. This also applies to
match preparation before competitions when the shooter really wants to perform at the best.
This should also be a part of the goal setting. It is important to accept that you can not be on
the very top all the time, but with the right planning, you can better control your peaks at the
right competitions.

Training Plan
In order to develop efficiently as a pistol shooter you should set up goals for your development
and then plan how to achieve it. One can say that the goals and the plan is like the map and
compass for orienteers, pointing out milestones (controls) and destination (goal line) and in
which direction they have to go to reach the goals. In the same manner, the shooter can create
better conditions for becoming a better pistol shooter, rather than "to wander around in the
woods" without a conscious direction and way forward.
The goals will help the shooter to get a mental to-be picture and steering in the right direction
for shooting development. These goal must not be written down on paper, but it helps
enormously if you do. Otherwise you tend to mix up different types of goals and adjusts them
unconscious, if you just keeps them in the head.
There are different types of goals from both timeliness and focus aspects:

Time-related Goals
• Vision - the ultimate state you want to achieve as a leading star. For example, "win the
Olympics."
• Long-term goals - goals to be achieved in a longer term. For example, "being able to
perform at the next national championships finals by shooting perfectly according to
my shooting plan with sustained concentration”.
• Short-term goals - goals to be achieved in the short term. For example, "improve
trigger release".
Different focus goals
• Outcome goals - goals that are directly linked to a result and that I myself can not
influence directly. For example, "take a gold medal at the World Cup."
• Performance goals - targets which I direct myself can affect with my own
performance. For example, "Increase my lowest level average of total score with 5
points."

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 • Process goals - goals that are directed for the daily training, stated as what you must do
to reach the performance targets. For example, "Automated firing when the hand
stops in the aiming area after the lift”.
These different perspectives should be combined as needed, but one should be careful setting
up too many outcome goals, and especially in the short term. As a shooter you do not want to
focus on result when training or competing. These should more be used for motivating and
guiding the performance and process goals. Note, however, put most energy on setting process
goals.
The goals should be expressed as what you want to achieve. Then create a plan that describes
how to do to achieve the goals and when you intend to do it. Then this will become the
foundation for a training and competition plan, in order to plan the dates and time in a
calendar.
The coach, with his knowledge of the shooters ability and his own experience of
competitions, can verify that the plan and the long-term goal is within the shooters ability.
Even if the shooter and coach does not meet very often, the shooter should listen carefully to
the advice from the coach. The shooter needs an objective assessment of the strengths and
weaknesses, if the training should be done properly. This is what the coach can help you with,
but can also show statistics and taking care of problems that arise, and if necessary change
the plan if needed due to unexpected difficulties or changes occur.
Each training plan should include:
• A preparation period
• The period of training

Preparation
A preparation period of three to four months during the winter is essential. During this
period physical fitness is established with appropriate physical training. If necessary this
should include a period of dieting, a medical checkup and an eye test. There should be little
or no actual shooting at this time, so take the chance to arrange a thorough equipment check.
Guns can be serviced by a competent gunsmith, new pistols can be experimented with, grips
can be altered or re-designed, and different brands of ammunition can be tested (but make
sure they are tested in the pistols that will actually be used). Those brands that produce the
tightest groups should be noted for use in future competitions.
Training for physical fitness may well interfere with the fine co-ordination needed for
technical training, but regular dry firing sessions will preserve your 'feel' for the gun, and help
you perfect the grips. These sessions will also help the development of specific muscle groups.
Mental preparation should begin at this stage with techniques such as autogenic training.
You must make yourself familiar with the rules of any competition you are entering;
otherwise you may lose time or points in the match, or even be disqualified.

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Training Period
Once physical fitness and the other basic essentials have been achieved, you should
concentrate on improving your technical skill and your mental attitude while preserving
fitness.
Technical training should involve both shooting on the range and dry practise at home. You
must go through the basic elements of shooting technique one by one, eliminating any faults.
This is easier after a period of little shooting activity. Even experienced international
marksmen should use this technique to eliminate errors and bad habits at an early stage.
Systematic training and training techniques for the different disciplines are discussed in Part
2, though these must be adapted, of course, to your individual needs. During the training
period you or your coach should arrange performance checks so your progress can be gauged.
This is sometimes referred to as shooting for a score index. In training, you should strive to
attain certain levels; they must be neither too high nor too low, Once you are confident in
reaching a certain level of performance, it will be easier for you to attempt the same level in a
match. Such achievements will build your confidence, enabling you to think positively even
under match pressures.
During training you should practise under a wide range of different conditions. Competing in
minor events at different venues will prevent you becoming too dependent on your home
range. It will make you likely to be affected by external conditions in major matches, or fall
victim to the complexes they can so easy cause.
Besides reinforcing your confidence and promoting positive attitudes, you must develop your
ability to concentrate over long periods. The following exercises will help:
Think of an object such as a button or badge, or a part of the gun, for two or three seconds,
excluding all other thoughts. Do not think of its shape, color or purpose: just concentrate on
the object itself. Week by week, increase the time you spend on this exercise until you can
concentrate for up to ten seconds at a time with no disturbing thoughts.
Think of a word. Spell it backwards, Start with a four-or-five letter word and gradually
increase the length of the words used.
Look at a target and imagine it has no aiming mark. Keep looking until by sheer
concentration you can no longer see the mark. (This will take years of practise, but success
will mean you have achieved total concentration!) Regular practice in these concentration
exercises should be an integral part of your training.
We have seen that positive attitudes are vital, so some of your training time must be devoted
to developing them. Negative thinking is the expression of self-doubt. Positive thinking results
from confidence and helps to reinforce it. Once the conscious mind can accept that the body
is fully capable of the tasks you wish to carry out, doubts and negative thoughts will gradually
weaken. Concentration on the sights, excluding everything else, will allow the body to execute
the perfect shot for which it has been trained. Interference from the conscious mind in the

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form of criticism, instructions or warnings will mar this performance. Your motto must be
'body over mind'!
When the preparations begin for the major competition in your schedule, the training period
is over. After the match do not resume training immediately, or your may lose enthusiasm.
Nor should you try to achieve too much in one training period. Eliminating every fault may
take years of systematic effort! If you set unrealistic goals, and fail to achieve them, you will
come to believe that you did not prepare yourself properly, and this will have a strong
negative effect. The aim of training must be to achieve the greatest improvement that lies
within your power.

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Part 6 Competition
During the competition, it's time to show for yourself and others that you are able to execute
what you trained for, but also able to achieve your goals. This requires good preparation
before the competition, but also the right focus during the competition itself. You participate
in competitions to win, but never focused on winning over your mates or opponents, but over
yourself. This will help you to concentrate on the right things with full focus on the shooting
process you have developed during training.

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Chapter 21 Match Preparation
The preparation period which, depending on individual requirements, can be as little as two
weeks and as much as six weeks before a major match, can be divided into three sections:
• Intensive training
• Pre-match relaxation
• The match period itself

Intensive Training
This should take up the first half of the period allocated for match preparation. You should
train every day; if possible, more than once a day. The timing of your training should, if
possible, coincide with that of the match itself. Allowances should be made if the match is to
take place overseas in a different time-zone.
Physical fitness must be maintained by regular exercise. Contact games, or any other activity
that might result in an injury, should be avoided.
Technical training and mental preparation should be carried out in the form of competitive
training. Several score indexes must be shot during this period to estimate form and prepare
you for match routine.
The diet should be changed so that it is rich with carbohydrates at the end of this period and
after a long and exhausting training session. It helps to build up stocks of glycogen and
muscles.

Relaxation before the match

At the end of intensive training you should gradually reduce your workload. Your routine
should include pre match warm-up exercises, technical training (mostly dry firing) and
shooting on the range — but for groups, not for scores. Your diet should be light and easily
digestible; you should avoid too much coffee, tea or alcohol. Late nights are also a bad idea.
Autogenic training and mental training in the form of mental rehearsal — should be
practised frequently.
On the practical side, the ammunition for the match should be selected and put aside, and the
gun should be carefully zeroed. A checklist of all the items needed for the match should be
made — and used. Clothing should be selected to allow for variations of temperature and
weather. In overseas matches the days just before the competition will fall within this period.
A visit to the range where the competition will take place is important, to check the location
of the various facilities, to study conditions on the range, and to undertake light practice such
as checking the zero, the firing points and the range commands. However, prolonged

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workouts, or shooting for a score index, must be avoided. At best this will cause over-
confidence, and at worst demoralisation.

The match period

This period begins 24 hours before the competition and extends over the actual competition
day.
The day before the match you can include light training on the range (usually on the assigned
shooting lane). It should be short. The rest of the day should be spent with some distracting
activities, preferably outdoors with any enjoyable physical activity. Walking, golf or swimming
are excellent. Avoid discussions about shooting technique. Drinks should be taken with
caution. No alcohol, except maybe a glass of beer or wine with dinner. Heavy food should be
avoided. Try to be together with your coach or your teammates. Being alone increases the
anxiety and tension. Prepare your equipment, and follow the checklist. To avoid a bad night's
sleep before the match, obey the following advice:
Eat your final meal for the day early. Take a long walk before going to bed. Lowering the
room temperature. If you are sensitive to noise at night, wear your earplugs while sleeping.

Apply mental relaxation routine.

Avoid sleeping pills. These change your sleeping routine, and the next day they might give
you a hangover. Decide with your coach that he/she wakes you up or use a reliable alarm
clock, so you will not have to worry about sleep over.
The match day you should follow a prepared routine. Go up immediately after waking up and
take a cold bath or shower. Eat cereal, bread and fruit juice at breakfast, which has a lot of
carbohydrates. Drink weak tea or coffee. The food remains in the stomach for about three
hours, so make sure that you eat at least two hours before the competition. This allows time
for the food to digest and is absorbed by the blood, and that makes the blood does not
accumulate in the digestive organs.
During the match you should drink a lot, so you do not get thirsty. Have plenty of beverages
available at the range.
Warm up in about 20 minutes to half an hour before the match start. It increases the
efficiency and strength of the muscle contractions and stimulates circulation, improves
coordination and increases the oxygen level in the blood and throughout the body. It will also
keep you well occupied, so it helps to reduce emotional tension. The following procedure for
warm up should take about five minutes:
• Stand upright. Turn your head to the right and then left. Bend your head forward and
back, and then to the right and left. Rolling your head to the right and left. Repeat

• Sit on the floor and transport one leg at a time forward. Stretch out your feet and puts
your toes forward and stretch. Bend your knee and pull your leg up to your chest.
Switch.

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 • Stand with the legs apart and twist from the waist with relaxed arms swinging around
your body.
• Roll both shoulders at the same time, forward and backward.
• Sit on the floor, put the soles together of your feet and try to get your knees down to
the floor.
• Stand with your arms at your sides and palms forward. Pull the arms forward up and
touch the shoulders, while making fists and twist your wrists.
• Stand with your feet apart. Bend to the side and pull up your tied fist under the armpit
while trying to reach the floor with the other hand. Switch.

• Bend forward with loose shoulders and arms hanging down and try to reach the floor.
Have legs wide apart.
• Stand with feet together. Swing arms forward along the sides and straight up, and
stretch up as high as you can while standing on your toes. Stay there for a few seconds.
Lower the arms and repeat.

• Run on the spot for a minute or so.

After this sequence, sit down on a chair and let the top of your body go limp, with your arms
hanging loosely on your thighs and your hands relaxed. Breathe quickly, even exaggerating
your breathing, and gradually allow your breaths to become shallower. Concentrate on a
mental picture of the sights. Think to yourself: 'l am relaxing. My pulse is slowing down. I feel
calm' After a few minutes this is exactly what will happen. Use the same discipline from time
to time during the match, or if you reach a crisis.
Once the pulse rate is at or below resting level, you are ready for your final preparation on the
firing point. Set up your equipment, and use your checklist to ensure you have everything you
need. Then begin your specific warm-up with the pistol. Hold the pistol on aim for 15-20
seconds at a time, with rests in between. Repeat for about five minutes. If dry firing is
permitted this can be combined with the holding exercises. For Rapid Fire shooters warm-up
series may be fired on the proving range immediately before their detail.
In larger competitions it may be allowed to fire test shots at a special range. But make sure in
advance what applies for the competition you are on.

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Chapter 22 To shoot competitions
The final preparation on shooting competitions begin when the match start. This preparation
is an integral part of the match; its purpose is to train your muscles for the upcoming
challenge. The accurate coordination that you need from a good stance and a good grip can
not be achieved in an instant. If you do not give yourself time to fine-tune, you will not have
reached maximum efficiency when you start shooting. Your grip will be unstable, you're going
to fire erratically, and your confidence will quickly be undermined with poorly performed
shots as a result. Make sure you get enough time for this special preparation.
After the match has started, it is only one thing that must be prioritized before everything else:
You must shoot each shot as its best, ever. When a shot is completed, you should only focus on
the following, nothing else. You should never have to go home and feel disappointed or angry
about a shot that you did not put 100 percent into. The following can help you achieve
perfection during the game:
• During the time you are aiming, never think of anything but the perfect shot.
• If you get tired, rest.
• Adjust your clothing so they feel comfortable
• If your sights becomes blurred, rest and take deep breaths
• If your heart beats fast, take a few deep breaths and assure for yourself that it is not
the result you are focusing on.
• The final is nothing more than yet another series of the entire competition, so do not
try to do anything differently just because it's a final.
• Never flee
• There is no failure, only new lessons
Now and then, during the match probably some kind of interference will occur. Now is the
time to prove to yourself and others that you are able to handle these situations.
In Parts 2 and 3, I talked about the various tactics that can be used on different occasions, but
there are also tactics that you can use at each match. Be on time, so you can make all the
preparations without rush. Time pressure at this stage builds an unnecessary emotional stress.
On the other hand, you should not arrive too early. To hang on the range and look at other
competitions, see others' results, have a negative impact. Stay in the company of your coach
and your teammates and avoid being with other contestants in this stage.
It may be that the wind changes, the light changes or disturbing noise. This affects all
contestants. It can also be something that affects only you: errors on the target, interference
from the shooters at the side of you or an over-zealous referee. Be prepared to handle these
kind of situations. Wind is one of the most common problem, but if your preparation is

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thought-out, you have already come across it. During the competition it is important to have
the right mental attitude, otherwise it will affect your performance. Remember that wind has
more impact on you than on the path of your bullets. Accept that it may affect your ability to
hold steady, and concentrate on the parts in the shooting process instead that are not affected
(correct alignment of front and rear sight, and trigger release). When the wind is gusty, be
patient. Wait until it becomes calm and do not rush the shots when you can not fire them
properly. This requires extra concentration, because you also need to ensure there is enough
time, so you do not have to wait too long. Wind affects everyone; the winner will be the one
who can ignore it and concentrate on the shooting process.
Other changes in light and weather conditions should not have to affect you if you are
prepared. Follow the same procedures as during training. Adjust your clothing to temperature
and have hot and cold drinks at hand.

The coach can be of support and assistance during the competition.

Photo: Wolfgang Schreiber

If you recognize any disturbance that you feel have started to affect you, make sure to keep
calm. Your coach will be on hand to help you; Otherwise you should take positive actions by
yourself. Do not just try to shoot through the disturbance in a hope that it will solve itself. It
affects your subconscious, reduces concentration and results in poor shots, which in turn
makes you even more affected. By being able to cope with disturbances, you will be happy
with yourself, and if there was another shooter who was the culprit, you might instead cause
him some concern. In such situations it is important to fully understand the rules.
Give yourself time to get into the match again after each break by building up the
concentration and muscle coordination.
It does not matter how good you are at training - it is the match results that count. So try to
start without any great hope. Avoid preconceived ideas about what you could achieve, and

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focus on the shooting process. Just try to have a rough idea of your current level to analyze if
you stay above or below your training results. If you start badly, you should lower your
expectations to achieve a result that is within reach for you at that special day. And remember,
the average law: a bad series can occur at any time during the match, so a mediocre start does
not mean disaster. Whatever happens: look forward, without thinking about what you have
done! The only shots you can influence are those that you still do not have released.

After the game the coach can help you analyze the results.

Photo: Wolfgang Schreiber

Do not try to figure out the cause of a bad shot, instead try to withdraw in your mind the
situation where you shot the last good shot. This positive, mental rehearsal will prevent you
from repeating the error. Proper analysis of the errors should be done with your coach after
the competition. If you get in trouble, stop, relax and try to bring down the pulse rate through
positive thinking. Ask for help from your coach if needed. Do not continue as if nothing
happened.
Finally: bad shots are usually the result of human errors. But there is always a possibility that
the error may lie within the pistol or the ammunition. After the competition, it is important
that you get the maximum benefit out of your match experience. No matter what position
you have achieved, you should analyze the results with your coach. It helps you define
mistakes in technique, which you can then correct in your upcoming training.

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Chapter 23 Characteristics and attitudes

Personality traits
If you look at top athletes in different sports you can often find that the most successful
athletes have several traits in common. This is not a coincidence. They help the athletes to be
just as successful as they are and reach their goals. The following describes these personality
traits:

• Commitment - driven to constantly exceed your own expectations. Dedication and

passion to what need to be done.
• Conviction - To believe in themselves and their ability to reach their goals.
• Focus - to be able to concentrate totally on what you are doing. To see, to hear, to
learn, feel, observe and explore while dedicated to its activities.

• Positive images - to visualize what you want to do, creates positive feelings about
their ability and increase one's self-confidence.
• Mental preparation - to prepare yourself mentally for the task to create mental
stability and increases the ability to manage your activities without being disturbed by
external or internal disturbances.
• Noise Control - Mental tools and methods to manage external or internal
disturbances as they arise, such as during a match.
• Constructive evaluation skills - The ability to reflect and analyze what you do or
have done in methodically way in order to use as an advantage for yourself later.
If you develop these traits as a shooter, it will give you a platform that can help you to reach
your goals and perform when you need to.

About characteristics and attitudes

Characteristics are something you are born with and attitudes you acquire.
If I asked you how you think your best friend should be, you would almost certainly answer:
He / she should be honest, helpful, trustworthy, understanding, humble etc. You will probably
not say that he/she should be intelligent and beautiful.
Helpfulness and reliability are examples of attitude, but intelligence and beauty represent
characteristics.
We are all born with characteristics, but they include only a significantly small part of our
success or failure compared to what our attitude does.

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Why does this matter in pistol shooting? Well l like to answer: Almost everything! To become
a good shooter or athlete whatsoever, you should have the right attitude to the sport, to
training and to you teammates. You do not need to have a lot of native skills.
If we look around us among hundreds of shooters, we find that no one is like the other in any
aspect. They are intelligent shooters, normal intelligence, and indeed some that are a bit
"sluggish". We have members from all occupational categories: managers, factory workers,
entrepreneurs, police officers, doctors, writers and so on. The interesting thing here is that no
one can say that a member of one group will shoot better than any of the others.
I'll give a few examples that prove that consistent and systematic training and hard work
brings success. There are no shortcuts.
The team that was representing Sweden in pistol shooting at the World Championships in
Korea in 1978 consisted of nine shooters. No one (except myself) had any experience from
major international competitions to fall back on.
The last time Sweden brought home medals from the World Championships was in the early
fifties when our legendary shooter Torsten Ullman topped the free pistol discipline here and
there.
At the World Championships in Korea all the Swedish pistol shooters won medals. In total we
received five gold, four silver and five bronze!
Where is the explanation for this amazing shake-up? Well, simply hard work with a good
training program.
The training itself was not at all complicated or weird, but the way we improved separate
parts to be put together in an better whole was something new. This is how we did:
With the support of Endre Kvanta, that is nutritionist, we followed a weekly menu. If the
shooters was really following it was easy to control. Blood samples were taken monthly. In ten
months, we increased the HB value from an average of 14.2 to 16.5. If we compare this with
a car engine, this means that moving from using 93 octane fuel to 98 octane. One can
increase ignition to the optimum and get more power out of the engine. To keep the speed we
were used to, you do not have to strain the engine so much.
It resulted in that the shooter was not so tired at work anymore and could easily work out
hard in the evenings.
This in turn led to the shooters improved fitness and by that the performance increased and
shooting training could be conducted effectively at times when most other shooters were tired
after a hard day's work. If I have explained it all correctly, you understand that one would
give the other in an upward spiral. And that was precisely what it did.
Another example of persistence and hard training: Kerstin Bodin despite two toddlers, which
call for her attention 16 hours a day, were able to work out at home, but only after the
children have gone to bed and fallen asleep in the evening. She followed a training program

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even if the clock became both eleven or twelve at night. It is not surprising at all to me that
she won gold medals in Grand Prix 1979, World Championships in 1978 and 1983, and
European Championships in 1981, just to mention a few.
Speaking of commitment: The year was 1966 and I had a second place at the championship
of southern Sweden, which gave me a ticket to the qualification match among the top eight
shooters in Sweden, in centerfire pistol. We were about to shoot for four places in the national
team to the World Championships in Wiesbaden. Since I knew that my standard in that
discipline (577 points) would not be enough and that it could only improve with well
performing duel shooting, I made a 1000 lift and dry firing per day in a 14 day period. The
results of the qualification match was that I won with 587 points.
For those who want to invest to improve the results, I would like to give some advice, and for
those who shoot because you think it is fun and relaxing, maybe it is interesting to know:
Share your experiences and discoveries to your shooting companions. It inspires confidence,
and in turn provide fellowship.
In addition, other shooters have experiences that you do not have, and they obviously will give
back to you what they think is important. You never know when such a knowledge exchange
gives you just the right information that you missed.
An attribute of a great champion is sharing knowledge with others.
Prior to competitions in particular, but also in the daily life, it is very important to handle
potential, underlying problems. It is more difficult to concentrate if you are worried or
anxious for something. One should make an effort to become "clean backward". You will both
feel better and you will shoot higher scores.
To shoot a perfect shot, you have to concentrate fairly short time. To shoot a perfect match
you must be used to concentrate yourself. One can not walk around all day and make
mediocre or sloppy stuff and then relax completely and shoot 40 or 60 perfect competition
shots. One part of the shooting training should therefore be: What you do you should try to
do as good as you can always - at home - at work - free time. When cleaning the house, make
sure it is clean. When you park your car at the parking lot, make sure you park it in the
middle of the box. When playing tennis, never give up until the ball is dead. When you train
you have to train to become good at competing.
Set realistic goals, and try at any cost to achieve them. Do not worry about what results your
competitors or teammates shoot while you are still in the match. You will anyway find out
after the competition.
Never think: I hope I will not shoot worst in the team. If you do that, you score growth will
stop.
Think of it this way instead: I sincerely hope that my teammates shoot good, because then I
also get a medal.

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Keep in mind that every shot is in itself an own competition.
Think positive. Invest fully. Trust in yourself. You get a thousand times again.
During my years as a shooting coach in the USA, Korea, Australia and a lot of other
countries, I have noticed that there are many people that have the potential to become
champions, but did not get it because they do not put enough effort in it. It is said that there
are 50 million French people and 50 million political views. In shooting, it is almost the same.
The coach must accept that people are different and what works for one shooter may not suit
another.
Personally, I think the coach's main task is to give the shooter the elementary basics such as
improving concentration on the sights and not on the target. Moreover, the coach needs to
learn the shooter to think analytically to independently cope with the problems that always
shows up for the first time in you loneliness at a big competition, when there is no coach to
help you out. But it is always difficult for a coach to almost abolish himself.
Below is a version of the subject characteristics and attitudes from the Olympic Training
Center in Colorado Springs, which is a very good compilation that you always can come back
to during your shooting career.

Winning attitudes and perseverance

From the Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs
Winning attitudes
• In order to develop a winning attitude, you must be enthusiastic, trusting and excited
about your goals.
• Give yourself permission to be a winner.
• Winners have the ability to see into herself and find her dream. Winners always have
a target.

• Winners emphasizes solutions - not problems - winners have solutions to achieve the
goal.
• Winners put all effort for his goal.
• Winners have a positive attitude in all areas of their lives.
• The more you think about, talk about and write about things to happen, the greater
the likelihood that this will become a reality.
• That we are all one "inside" job. Self-discipline is the winner beacon.
Perseverance
• You do not learn self control overnight.
• Skill is achieved only through hard work.

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 • Setbacks must be seen as temporary.
• Setbacks will provide a platform for learning.
• To miss a goal means that one must seek another.
• Improving is a progression.
• Problems do not disappear overnight.
• Stubbornness allows time for the new strategy to work.
• A true self-confidence is based on thorough preparation.
• A Master always learn and improve.
• Standing still means stagnation.
Shooting Master teaches himself:
• Mental self-discipline
• Self-Control
• Determination
• Feeling proud
Do not just try to reach your goal, try to surpass it.
True masters are not masters only in the sport.

Are you a master ?

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Closing words
Many people have been involved in the creation of this book. The objective has been to cover
as many aspects as possible around the concept of “shooting the perfect shot”.
There are a lot of people who can shoot a perfect shot sometimes. To become able to shoot
60 perfect shots in a row, in a competition, is what this book is trying to help you achieve.
My experience from training and competitions is that during the first few years the
competition scores were normally lower than the training scores. To some extent the reason
for that is that you, unintentionally, forget what you have learnt during training and keep
fooling yourself what you should be able to achieve. You tend to forget the low scores from
your training matches and only remember the high scores you have achieved.
It’s all about EXPECTATIONS, SELF-DECEPTION and AUTOSUGGESTION.
Even in daily life you want to forget about bad things that have happened and only think
positively about past experiences.
I can provide a typical example based on my own experience.
As a former fighter pilot in the Swedish Air Force, from 1952 to 1962, the top speed of the
aircrafts I flew were just below super-sonic speed. But I always had a dream to break the
sound barrier! After 20 years I managed to get a couple of flights in the SAAB J 35 fighter jet
that had a top speed of about 2,200 km/h and would be able to make my dream come true.
My instructor and I happily settled for 1,350 km/h and my dream had thus come true!
10 years later I met my instructor again and we were talking about how it felt flying faster
than the speed of sound.
During the 10 years that has past I had added about 50 km/h every year and when we met
again I was fully convinced that we had been flying at more than 1,700 km/h.
My instructor had to re-iterate our whole conversation from the time we broke through the
sound barrier to make me remember that we didn’t fly at 1,700 km/h.
Afterwards I couldn’t understand how I could have been so convinced that we flew faster than
we really did. If I hadn’t met with my instructor again I would most likely, 30 years after the
experience, would have been telling people that we were doing 3,000 km/h.
Importantly, I would have been convinced I was telling the truth.
The same thing happens with pistol training and competition. You fool yourself many times
without being conscious about it.
In the beginning of my own shooting career as a world class shooter I was expecting my
competition scores to be about 15 points less in free pistol and about 5 points less in air pistol
as compared to training scores.

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Looking at the free pistol event at the 1972 Olympics in Munich I won the Olympic Gold
Medal with a score of 567. It was a new Olympic record, 5 points better than the previous
one and people thought I had nerves of steel. How wrong they were! I was basically a bundle
nerves, nervous to the point of being dysfunctional.
I even forgot to put on my shooting glasses and after the first series I couldn’t see the front
sight clearly and didn’t realise I had forgotten to put my glasses on. As I was below the age of
40 at the time I managed to see the front sight clearly enough, even without my glasses, to
shoot a good first series. But what a relief it was when I discovered what was wrong.
However, I knew that I could shoot a sub-standard match and still walk away with the Gold
medal. My training results the last week before the Olympic Games were over 580 points.
So, I really shot a bad match!
It took about another 6 to 7 years before my competition scores started to get close to my
training scores. It’s also a fact that at the end of my career on the world stage my competition
scores were higher than my training scores.
Why was that?
My experiences and expectations were based on statistics which meant that I channelled my
nervousness into energy and concentration. Everything non-essential was automatically
filtered.
Too much, in my opinion, importance is put on equipment, shooting stance and other aspects
that only marginally have an impact on the scores. I’m only mention this in the context of
pistol shooting, rifle shooting has other attributes and aspects to it.
What is extremely important is that thousand of a second when the shot is released. It is in
moment one has to correctly and honestly analyse what goes on.
You don’t need any electronic tools and trainers to discover what the facts are. Of course it
can be more rewarding to see what the perfect, or not so perfect, shot looks like on a PC
where your shot release can be graphed and timed in detail.
All you really need to know and understand is how the front sight moves at the moment the
shot is released. If you can’t see what’s happening, you are looking at the wrong things or not
paying attention. You must analyse every single shot before you scope it with your spotting
scope or look at the electronic scoring target monitor. Following this process will allow you to
develop an early warning system, in-grained in your brain, that will tell you to “ABORT”
your shot process if the sight picture is incorrect or if your area of movement is too large or
erratic.
Put the pistol down and start again.
All that now remains is to develop the discipline to shoot a well executed match. The previous
few paragraphs are related to precision shooting.

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When we talk about duelling and rapid fire shooting there are other premises that hold true.
For such types of shooting the objective is to establish, by correct training, a mechanical
movement that automatically yields a good shot. To be able to achieve a high score you must
develop a style and technique that stacks up even under competition pressure. The number of
training shots and dry fire shots are in many cases underestimated.
It takes time, several thousands training shots and dry fire shots are required. The more
important the competition is the more pressure will be applied to the shooter. If the shooter’s
skills and confidence aren’t good enough sub-standard scores will follow.
The most important thing to learn is the technique of the lift. Learning how to lift the pistol
correctly will allow you shoot the sport pistol, centre fire pistol, standard pistol and even rapid
fire pistol events well. The lift is the critical component to master in those events.
In my experience with duelling and rapid fire is that you must be sure to be able shoot inner
tens during training to be able to shoot tens when shooting matches under pressure.
Please review the preface chapter again!
Luckily the shooting sport has not seen a high degree of prohibited drugs being used. There
have been cases where the use of beta blockers, which are banned, have been discovered.
Beta blockers lowers the heart rate and in some people lowers the degree of nervousness. I
am not convinced that such drugs are of any help. Top level, world class, shooters need all the
energy and focus to be able to perform at the very top. Perhaps prohibited drugs would help
some on the physical level but the fear of getting caught in a doping control would surely
have a negative impact on the level of concentration and focus required to deliver a peak
performance at a high level competition. Not to mention the bad conscious the shooter would
have.
My advice is thus to don’t even think about cheating but instead focus on effective training
methods.
With the help of ISSF, especially from Wolfgang Schreiber at the Milan World Cup in early
2000, we filmed the free pistol finalists shooting stance and equipment.
There were no similarities in stance, clothing or firearms.The only similarity was that
everybody shot fantastically well.
We also filmed the finalists in the women’s sport pistol event. Not a single competitor had the
same technique. Some fired their shot in less than 2 seconds, some in 2.8 seconds. Some had
fast pistol lifts, some had slow pistol lifts. However, they all shot tens.
What does that tell you?
Well, it tells you that we are all individuals and you if train to develop and hone your own
individual technique you may find that it will be the best for your shooting career.

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Analyse and evaluate all of the thousands pieces of advice you get from people around you
and consider how it applies to you as an individual. There are thousands of coaches and there
are thousands of opinions out there.
There are basic techniques and truths in the sport of pistol shooting that can to be ignored
but it is of utmost importance to find you own individual style that complements those basic
building blocks.
We who have authored this book are immensely grateful for all help and cheers we have
received during our journey.
Johan Fantenberg in Australia has helped with translation to English. Wolfgang Schreiber has
contributed with photos, his brother Franz with good advice and Johan Ahlbeck with the PPC
insights.

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Glossary
Accommodation reflex A reflex focusing action of the eye, triggered by an unclear image
falling on the retina.
Action (of a pistol) The moving part which loads the cartridge into the chamber and ejects
the spent cartridge after firing.
Adrenalin A hormone secreted by the suprarenal glands. It accelerates the heart rate, raises
the blood pressure and reduces the circulation in the skin, to mention just a few of its actions.
Aerobic A (metabolic) process requiring oxygen.
Aiming mark A black circular zone in the center of the target.
Aiming off Holding your point of aim away from the center-line of the target.
Anaerobic A (metabolic) process carried out without oxygen.
Apnoea Suspension of breathing.
Area aiming A method of aiming where the point of aim is maintained in an area usually
below the aiming mark on the target.
Automatic (a) A misnomer for self loading semi-automatic pistols. (b) A subconscious act.
Autonomic nervous system The vegetative nervous system (sympathetic and
parasympathetic) regulating the functioning of internal organs. It is not under the direct
control of the brain.
B.
Body awareness The ability to recognise the precise positional interrelation of various parts
of the body (in particular in the stance, grip and aim) and the ability to reproduce the same
position when required. See also positional memory.
Bore The inside of a barrel which can be smooth or rifled. See also caliber.
C.
Caliber The interior diameter of the barrel. 'Small-bore' refers to a caliber of •22 in, (5.6
mm). 'Full-bore' refers to a caliber of .30 in (7.62 mm) or over.
Calling (a shot) The ability to estimate the position of a hit on the target, by recalling
precisely the position of the sights at the very moment the shot was released.
Cant Holding the pistol in such a manner that the sights are at an angle to the horizontal.
Center aim Aiming the pistol so that the sights are lined up on the center of the aiming
mark.
Ciliary muscle The muscle regulating the shape of the lens of the eye and hence its
focusing ability.

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Circadian rhythm The rhythmic daily variations of body functions and skills.
Clavicle Collar bone.
Clean break trigger See under trigger.
Competition trigger See under trigger.
Conscious firing When the shot is released by a deliberate action of pulling the trigger.
Course of fire The particular conditions of each competition, specifying the number of
shots, the distance and time limits.
D.
Diaphragm (a) Anatomical: The muscle dividing the chest and abdominal cavities; the main
muscle used for breathing. (b) Orthoptic: A circular eyepiece in which the size of the central
aperture and hence the amount of light admitted through it can be varied.
Dominant eye The eye which centers on an object in binocular vision, dominating the other
eye. This is the eye usually used for sighting.
Doubling Firing a second shot while the pistol remains on aim.
Dry firing A practice exercise of aiming and firing the pistol without live ammunition.
Duelling Part of the Center-fire and Women's Sport Pistol Match, consisting of a series of
five shots at turning rapid-fire targets, allowing 3 seconds for each exposure with 7 seconds in
between exposures.
E.
Electromyography A measurement of muscle activity by electronic means.
F.
Fast rise A method of bringing the pistol on aim.
Firing pin Part of the hammer, or part activated by the hammer, which detonates the primer
of the cartridge by striking it.
Firing point An area from which the shooter may address the target.
Follow through The part of aiming and firing in which the aim is maintained after the shot
is released.
Full bore See under caliber.
G.
Glucose Dextrose or grape sugar, a naturally-occurring sugar important in providing usable
energy.
Glycogen Animal starch; the form in which carbohydrate is stored in the body.
Group A group of shots on the target: its size, shape and position each is significant.

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Humerus Bone of the upper arm.
Hyperventilation Overbreathing.
Hypoxia Low oxygen level in the blood or in body tissues.
l.
In-line stance See under stance.
Ischemia Oxygen starvation of (muscle) tissue.
Isometric Of equal measure. In isometric exercises (at the isometric bar) the muscle fibres
contract equally.
Isotonic Of equal tension. In isotonic exercises (with an elastic strap) the muscle fibres are
similarly tensed when raising or lowering the arm.
J.
Jerking A faulty action of operating the trigger.
L.
Lactic acid A by-product of anaerobic energy production.
Latency period The time elapsing between the arrival of a nerve impulse at a muscle and
the commencement of the muscle contraction.
Lock time The time elapsing between the activating of the trigger and the detonation of the
primer of the cartridge.
M.
Magazine A part of semi-automatic pistols, containing the cartridges which are fed into the
action by the magazine spring.
Mental rehearsal A form of mental training in which parts of the shooting
technique are learned by repetitive consideration.
Muscle tone The continuous slight tension of skeletal muscles present even at rest.
Muzzle Open end of the barrel.
Muzzle-brake An attachment to the muzzle designed to vent some of the Propellant gases
at an angle so that the recoil is reduced,
Muzzle flick A movement of the muzzle as a consequence of faulty trigger release
O.
Open stance See under stance.
Optimum period A period during which the shot should be released.

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Orthoptics Optical devices such as shooting glasses, tinted lenses, adjustable diaphragms
etc.
P.
Photochromic Light and color sensitivity.
Positional memory Ability to reproduce certain positions in the stance, aim, and in the
placing of the trigger finger See also under body awareness.
Position sensors Sensitive nerve endings in the joints registering the minute position
changes which take place.
Primer Sensitive explosive substance which ignites the main charge of the cartridge.
Prone Laying face downwards. (Compare supine.)
Prove To show that a firearm is unloaded and hence safe.
Proving range A range area set aside to test the functioning of pistols.
Pushing/pulling (the trigger) Incorrect technique of trigger release.
Q.
Quadrant timing A method of practising fast and smooth trigger release.
R.
Ready position In all 25 meters timed events, shooting starts from this position: the
shooter's arm holding the pistol must point downwards at an angle of not greater than 45
degrees from the vertical, until the targets begin to face.
Renal system The kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Resting pulse The heart rate at rest, i.e. taken at least 10 minutes after any exercise.
Retina Light sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Roll-over trigger See under trigger.
Round A single cartridge.
S.
Scapula Shoulder blade.
Score index A training score recorded to indicate progress.
Second pressure Increasing the initial pressure applied to the trigger while on aim,
Segmentary static reflex A reflex action by which segments of muscles maintain tension
in turn against the pull of gravity (when holding a pistol on aim, for example).
Semi-automatic An action of a pistol where one shot only is released by each activation of
the trigger.

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Set trigger See under trigger.
Sight picture The visualisation of the sights and the aiming mark on the target sight ratio
the relative sizes of the front sight and the rear sight notch.
Six o'clock aim Aiming the pistol so that the sights are lined up immediately below the
aiming mark on the target.
Slide Part of the mechanism of a pistol including the breech closing part, the firing pin and
the cartridge extractor. It slides forward to close the action and backwards to open it. (The
latter is done automatically i.e., semi-automatic pistols and manually in some single-action
pistols.)
Slow-rise A method of bringing the pistol on aim.
Small-bore See under caliber.
Snatch A faulty action of operating the trigger.
Stance The interrelated position of the feet, torso and head when addressing the target. In-
line stance: A stance in which both feet of the shooter are placed on an imaginary line at 90
degrees to the target. Open stance: A stance in which the shooter is chest on to the target.
Step shooting A form of training where the shooter gives himself increasingly more difficult
goals to achieve.
Stocks The part of the pistol by which it is gripped by the shooter's hand. Usually made out
of wood and shaped to the contours of the hand.
Stroke volume (of the heart) The amount of blood pumped out by the heart with a single
contraction (beat).
Subconscious firing When the shot is released without a conscious effort on the part of the
shooter.
Supine Lying face upwards. (Compare prone.)
Synergic (action) complementary action; acting in unison.
T.
Tibia Shin-bone.
Training games A method of training practised by two or more shooters in which a strong
competitive element is engendered.
Trigger The part of the pistol which activates the 'sear', thus allowing the hammer to fall and
detonate the primer of the cartridge.
Clean break trigger: Trigger action where there is a minimum discernible movement of
the trigger when releasing the shot.

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Competition trigger: A trigger specially designed for competition use, giving a greater
degree of control and consistency. Examples: wider trigger, angled trigger, button trigger,
extended trigger etc.
Rollover trigger: A trigger action where there is a smooth gradual movement of the trigger
leading to the release of the shot.
Set trigger: A trigger mechanism where there are essentially two triggers: the main trigger is
released by a primary trigger which requires much less force to
Trigger shoe: A metal or plastic sleeve which, when fitted on the trigger, alters its shape,
angle or position, allowing greater control.
Trigger shyness A mental block which inhibits the shooter from releasing the shot, even
though conditions are favorable.
V.
Venous return The return of blood from the periphery of the body to the heart, through
the veins.
Venous stasis The pooling of blood in the periphery of the body, as a result of diminished
venous return.
Vertical rise A method of bringing the pistol into the aiming position.
Visual hallucination Retained images on the retina by overstimulation of the visual
receptors.
Vital capacity (of the lungs) the volume of air which can be expelled from the lungs after
the deepest possible inspiration. (Average for a healthy adult is 3.8 liters.)
W.
Wadcutter ammunition Ammunition in which the bullet has an almost flat face, and hence
cuts a clear punched-out hole in the target.
Z.
Zeroing An exercise by which the shooter brings the center of his (shot) group to the center
of the target by adjusting the sights on his pistol.

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