Pistol and Revolver Shooting

by A. L. A. Himmelwright

Fig. 78—The International Union Target.
Diameter of 10 ring==5 Centimeters==1.9568 Ins.
Other rings==2½ Centimeters, about 0.984 In.
Diameter of 1 ring==50 Centimeters==about 19¾ In.

The International Union Target is used in the Olympic Games Matches, and has been adopted by nearly all the European and South American countries for pistol and revolver contests at 50 meters. It is without doubt the best target for the purpose in general use. The ten-ring represents approximately the average dispersion of the most accurate revolvers and pistols and with the concentric rings a uniform distance apart, the score has a proper relation to the dispersion of the shots. The size of the target, about 19¾ inches in diameter, is also well determined. The target could be improved by increasing the size of the bull’s-eye so as to include the 6 ring. This would make sighting on it less straining and would improve the scores. The target so modified would be better adapted for the United States Revolver Association Matches than the one now used.

Target L is the Regulation Pistol Target used in the prescribed target practice of the War Department. It is used also in the National Pistol Match.

For gallery shooting at 20 yards the Standard American Target is reduced so that the bull’s-eye is 2⁷²⁄100 inches in diameter, and for 10-yard shooting 1 inch in diameter.

Fig. 79—Target L. (U. S. Army.)
Diameter of Bull’s-eye Counting 10==5 Ins.
Concentric Rings Around It, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4, are 1¾ Ins. Apart.
Diameter of 4 ring==26 Ins. Diameter of 3 ring==46 Ins.
Rest of Target, 4ft. x 6ft. Counts 2.

An arm of large caliber has a decided advantage over one of small caliber in short-range shooting, on account of the larger hole made by the bullet, and, for this reason the large calibers are preferred for gallery shooting. For distances less than 25 yards not more than five shots should be fired on a paper or cardboard target. In case a close group is made, the scoring will be much easier and more accurate than when ten shots are fired at a single target.

The best grades of target arms are capable of making “possibles” or perfect scores on the Standard American Target, using regulation ammunition. To make high scores is therefore simply a question of skill on the part of the shooter.

A great many other targets designed principally for rifle-shooting have been recommended at different times by well-known and scientific marksmen. Some of these targets possess much merit and have become popular in certain localities. It is unquestionably a mistake to introduce new targets in this manner as long as satisfactory targets are in general use, and on which all the important matches and records have been shot. The merit of a score on a new target cannot be judged by those unfamiliar with it, and frequently a highly meritorious score fails to receive the recognition it deserves on account of having been shot on a comparatively unknown target.