How does the 10 m air pistol event work?
B · Beginner · Events and scoring · 2 of 5Each athlete fires 60 shots in 1 hour 15 minutes at a target 10 metres away, standing and holding an air pistol in one hand. The eight highest totals go to a final of up to 24 shots, where the lowest scorer drops out after every second shot until two are left.
How it works
- The shots: 60 match shots in 1 hour 15 minutes on electronic targets.
- Before the start: athletes are called to the line 25 minutes before the start and have 15 minutes of preparation with unlimited sighting shots.
- Scoring: full rings.
- The target: the ten ring is 11.5 mm across with an inner ten of 5 mm. The whole scoring area is 155.5 mm and the black aiming mark 59.5 mm.
- The gun: any compressed air, CO2 or pneumatic pistol of 4.5 mm calibre, weighing no more than 1500 g, with a trigger pull of at least 500 g, that fits in a box 420 by 200 by 50 mm.
- One pellet: the gun "may only be loaded with one (1) pellet".
- Letting air go: releasing the propelling charge before the preparation and sighting time brings a warning the first time and a two-point deduction after that. Once match firing has started, a release of air with no hit on the target is scored as a miss.
- The air cylinder: an athlete may leave the firing point to change or fill a cylinder with the range officer's permission. No extra time is given.
- Relays: if there are more entries than targets, athletes are drawn into two or more relays. The top eight across all relays go to the final.
- The position: standing free, with the pistol "held and fired with one (1) hand only".
The rule book lists the event for men and for women with the status "Olympic".
Tricky cases
Two pellets were loaded by mistake. What happens?
If the athlete notices, they raise the free hand and a range officer supervises the unloading with no penalty and no extra time. If both pellets are fired and both hit, the higher shot counts and the other is annulled. If there is one hit, it counts.
The gun fires a puff of air and nothing hits the target. Is that a shot?
Yes, once match firing has started. It is scored as a miss.
Can the athlete refill the air cylinder during the match?
Yes. They must get permission from the range officer and leave the firing point to do it, and the clock keeps running.
Can the athlete steady the pistol with the other hand?
No. The pistol must be held and fired with one hand only, and the wrist must be visibly free of support.
Why the rule exists
Air guns need only a 10 metre indoor range, which makes this the event most clubs can offer. One time limit for all 60 shots leaves the pace to the athlete, who may rest between shots or put the gun down and start a shot again.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ISSF rules | As above | ISSF 6.11.9.1; ISSF 6.11.2 |
| The final | Up to 24 shots in decimals, with eliminations | ISSF 6.17.2 |
| Mixed team event | Each partner fires 30 shots in 40 minutes | ISSF 6.18.2.5 |
| Without electronic targets | The time limit is 1 hour 30 minutes | ISSF 8.11 |
From the rule book
ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations, Edition 2025 (second print 07/2026), General Technical Rules 6.3.4, 6.11.2 and 6.11.9.1, Pistol Rules 8.4.1.5, 8.7.1, 8.11 and 8.12 and the table of recognised events. Effective 1 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ISSF Rule Book (PDF).