Explainers and guides on ISSF scoring, disciplines, gear, training drills, and getting the most out of TargetLog. Reviewed by the team, published in English.
ISSF 10m air pistol is scored on a 17 cm target with ten concentric rings. Qualification uses whole-number scoring (1 to 10) across 60 shots, while the top-eight final divides each ring into decimal tenths for scores up to 10.9.
ISSF rules require a minimum total trigger pull weight of 500 grams on 10m air pistols. The trick is distributing that weight between the first and second stages so the gun feels predictable, passes equipment control, and lets you release the shot cleanly.
A correct sight picture in 10m air rifle comes from a properly adjusted diopter, the right front aperture, and consistent eye position behind the rear sight.
Keeping a training log lets you spot score trends, identify recurring mistakes, and measure whether your drills are actually working. Shooters who record every session improve their averages measurably faster than those who don't.
Consistent breathing control lets you fire each shot during the natural respiratory pause, the brief moment when your body is most still. Mastering this one technique alone can shave points off your average without changing any equipment.
A solid, repeatable stance reduces wobble and fatigue across a 60-shot match. Most beginners sabotage their stability with locked knees, uneven weight distribution, or upper-body tension before they even raise the pistol.
ISSF Rule 8.6.1 permits 10m air pistol athletes to compete in ordinary sport clothing. Shooting jackets, special trousers, and stiff footwear are all prohibited in air pistol events.
Adjusting your rear sight is how you move shot groups on target. You change the sight, not your hold. Each click on your pistol moves the point of impact by a specific amount, and learning your pistol's click value lets you correct group center from any target you photograph.
A properly fitted grip aligns the pistol with your forearm bones so you hold it with minimal muscle effort. The result is less wobble, better trigger control, and more consistent scores across a 60-shot match.
Follow-through means holding your position, grip, and focus for one to two seconds after the shot breaks. It prevents the micro-movements that push pellets off the center by a ring or more, and it is trainable with a handful of specific drills.
Your dominant eye is the one your brain trusts for aiming, and it does not always match your dominant hand. If your dominant eye sits on the opposite side of your shooting hand, that is called cross-dominance, and it can quietly push your shots off center without you realizing why.
A structured weekly plan separates shooters who plateau from those who improve steadily. This guide gives you a concrete seven-day template for ISSF 10m air rifle and air pistol, balancing technique work, match simulation, and recovery.
Photograph a competition target and get an ISSF score on-device — free on iOS and Android.
Download Free