Bullseye Pistol
Bullseye Pistol, formally known as NRA Precision Pistol, is a competitive shooting discipline that emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and marksmanship. Competitors shoot handguns at paper targets from fixed distances under varying time limits. Both challenging and rewarding, Bullseye welcomes shooters of all experience levels, from beginners to High Masters.
Getting started requires relatively little equipment. Depending on the competition, shooters typically use a .22 caliber rimfire or centerfire pistol, along with ammunition, eye and ear protection, and basic range supplies. While specialized target pistols and accessories are common among experienced competitors, newcomers can often participate with equipment they already own. Specific equipment requirements vary by league and match.
At Harrisburg Hunters & Anglers, we offer a variety of indoor and outdoor Bullseye competitions, including seasonal leagues, NRA-sanctioned matches, and the annual Walter Wise Memorial Police Pistol Match. Whether you're interested in improving your fundamentals, trying competitive shooting for the first time, or competing at a higher level, there's an opportunity for you at HHA.
Explore our leagues, matches, and resources below to learn more and get involved!
New Shooters Welcome
Bullseye Pistol, also known as Precision Pistol, is a rewarding shooting discipline that emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and fundamentals. Whether you're new to competitive shooting or an experienced marksman, HHA offers opportunities to build your skills in a supportive environment.
New shooters are encouraged to explore our Summer Pistol League or visit a William Penn Pistol League match to learn more. Previous competition experience is not required to participate.
Most Bullseye competition is fired one-handed, with slow, timed, and rapid-fire stages. Our Summer League also permits two-handed shooting for practice, although those scores are not eligible for awards.
Have questions about getting started?
Contact HHA or speak with a league representative before attending.
William Penn Pistol League
The William Penn Pistol League (WPPL), established in 1947, is a traveling indoor .22 caliber precision pistol league featuring teams from the greater Harrisburg area.
HHA participates through its HHA and State pistol teams. Competition typically takes place Wednesday evenings from September through March, with teams alternating between home and away matches.
Matches are fired at 50 feet and include slow, timed, and rapid-fire stages. New shooters and experienced competitors are welcome, and junior participants shoot free.
To get started, shooters generally need a .22 target pistol, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and basic shooting equipment.
Visit the William Penn Pistol League website for additional league information and current schedules.
Summer League
HHA's Summer Pistol League offers weekly outdoor Bullseye competition in a welcoming environment for shooters of all experience levels. Whether you're new to competitive shooting or looking to sharpen your skills, the league is a great opportunity to practice, compete, and connect with fellow shooters.
2027 League Schedule
- Free Practice Night: Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at 6:30 PM
- League Begins: Wednesday, April 21, 2027
- League Ends: Wednesday, August 18, 2027
- When: Wednesday evenings, beginning at 6:30 PM
- Location: HHA Outdoor Bullseye Pistol Range
The free practice night includes two relays, allowing participants to sight in their pistols at 25 yards and become familiar with the course of fire.
Competition Format
The league offers two handgun classes:
- Rimfire: .22 LR
- Centerfire: .32–.45 caliber
Shooters may participate in either or both classes. Each relay consists of the 30-shot National Match Course, fired at 25 yards using NRA B-16 and B-8 targets on turning target stands.
Four relays are offered each evening, weather permitting. Shooters may participate in as many relays as they wish.
Bullseye competition is traditionally fired one-handed. Two-handed shooting is permitted during the Summer League for practice, but those scores are not eligible for awards.
Registration & Fees
- League Registration: $10 for the first gun class; $5 for the optional second class
- Relay Fee: $1 per relay, including targets
- Eligibility: Open to the public; no prior competition experience required
Scoring & Awards
Scores and averages are recorded throughout the season. Cash awards are presented at the conclusion of the league using the Lewis Classification System, which provides opportunities for shooters across different skill levels to earn recognition.
To qualify for awards, shooters must complete at least 15 paid relays in the applicable gun class. Combined Class eligibility requires at least 15 paid relays in both Rimfire and Centerfire.
What to Bring
Participants must provide their own handgun, ammunition, eye and ear protection, stapler and staples, pen or pencil, target pasters or tape, and an empty chamber indicator (ECI). ECIs are available at the range for shooters who need one.
Any safe, appropriate ammunition may be used; standard-velocity ammunition is recommended.
League Resources
The following documents provide additional guidance for participants:
Questions?
Contact Bob Hempt, Summer Pistol League Match Director, at robjankate@aol.com.
All experience levels are welcome. Come shoot when your schedule allows, and feel free to bring a friend!
Walter Wise Memorial Police Pistol Match
The Walter Wise Memorial Police Pistol Match is one of HHA's longest-standing competitive shooting traditions, dating back to 1959. Named in honor of Pennsylvania State Police Sergeant Walter A. Wise, who helped establish the event, this annual two-day competition brings together pistol shooters from across the region and beyond.
Typically held in September, the match celebrates precision marksmanship, friendly competition, and decades of shooting sports tradition at HHA.
Equipment Requirements
One of the great things about Bullseye Pistol is that you don't need an expensive competition setup to get started! While experienced competitors often use specialized equipment, many new shooters can begin with a handgun and basic range essentials they already own.
Firearms & Ammunition
Bullseye competitions typically use .22 LR rimfire pistols and centerfire handguns. The specific firearm requirements depend on the league or match.
- .22 LR Pistols: Commonly used in indoor leagues and the rimfire portion of outdoor competitions. Popular choices include the Ruger Mark series, Browning Buck Mark, and Smith & Wesson Model 41.
- Centerfire Pistols: Depending on the event, competitors may use pistols or revolvers chambered in calibers ranging from .32 to .45.
- Ammunition: Shooters must provide their own ammunition appropriate for their firearm and the competition.
Sights & Optics
Both traditional iron sights and red-dot optics are commonly used in Bullseye competition. Red dots can make target acquisition and sight alignment easier for some shooters, but they are not required. Always check the specific match rules for equipment restrictions.
Essential Range Equipment
At a minimum, shooters should bring:
- A suitable handgun and ammunition
- Eye and ear protection
- Magazines or speedloaders, as appropriate
- Chamber flag or other required safety equipment
- A safe carrying case or range bag
Additional Competition Accessories
As shooters become more involved in Bullseye, they may find the following equipment helpful:
- Shooting Box: A dedicated case for organizing firearms, ammunition, and accessories during matches.
- Spotting Scope: Helps identify shot placement on targets, especially at longer distances.
- Brass Catcher: Collects spent cartridge cases for easier cleanup.
- Scoring Supplies: Pens, pencils, and other materials used when scoring targets.
- Shooting Journal: Useful for tracking scores, progress, and areas for improvement.
New to Bullseye?
Don't feel pressured to purchase specialized equipment before attending your first match. We encourage new shooters to connect with a league or match director to discuss suitable firearms, equipment requirements, and what to expect.
Equipment eligibility and safety requirements vary by event, so please review the applicable match information before participating.
Resources
Find information to help you prepare for Bullseye competition at HHA.
• HHA Event Calendar — Current match dates and activities
• NRA Precision Pistol Rules — Official competition rules and courses of fire
• NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program — Opportunities to develop and recognize pistol marksmanship skills
For questions about specific programs, please contact the appropriate league or match director.
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