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What exactly is Bullseye shooting? Will my Ruger Hunter MKIII qualify? Do I have to have a 1911 also? Thanks for the replies.

Cheryl

Cheryl,

You might try going to this site. It should provide you with just about everything you might want to know about Bullseye competition.

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/

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"Bullseye" shooting is a common affectionate name for "NRA Conventional Pistol" competition. The name came about because the shooters fire one-handed at stationary targets with round centers in the middle called "bullseyes". That bullseye pistol link is a good one for understanding the basics of bullseye shooting. The USAMU Marksmanship guide is well worth the download effort as a reference on "how to" play the game. Also if you're into a shorter description on bullseye competition try this one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullseye_( ... mpetition)

Back in the day, bullseye was pretty much the only game in town for pistol shooting competitions. Later in the 1950's and 60's, the the introduction of "Action Pistol", by folks like Colonel Jeff Cooper, spun off and created IPSC/IDPA/USPSA which gave shooters more of an active role in shooting sports. (Here's a few links on that: http://www.shootingtimes.com/gunsmoke/0705/ and http://www.uspsa.org/ Click on 'what is?' then 'History')

R,
Bullseye

Thanks for the replies. I have read both of your sites and they give me all of the info I need. I want to upgrade my Ruger hunter to use eventually. Of course, I also have to learn to use a larger caliber gun before I can join. More fun to come!

Cheryl

There are some places that run .22 only leagues/matches. Your Hunter should be just fine for shooting bullseye. Although if you're planning to use iron sights and have one of those optical tube front sights, you may want to change it out with a regular solid front post.

R,
Bullseye

Thanks Bullseye. I have a red dot scope on mine already. My eyes aren't the greatest! Now I just have to practice with my ruger until I am a good enough shot to join. Can't wait! i will look into what our club offers now that I have the information. Cheryl

until I am a good enough shot to join.

No. You don't have to be "good enough" to join. Start shooting matches as soon as possible.
Remember this "the best practices are matches". Go and shoot. The amount of "stuff" that you will learn just by being at a match and surrounded by other shooters - and you won't be the least experienced, I'll bet - the amount that you will learn will change your shooting in short order.
In any endeavor, surround yourself with the best people and your game will improve just by association.
Don't wait. If you have only a .22, you can still shoot the .22 match that is part of the longer "three gun" competition called a 2700 match. You shoot the first part - 90 shots of .22 (900 possible). Get a .45 when you can and then you can shoot the other two parts.
The NRA has a competition oriented magazine "Shooting Sports USA" that is available online. At the end of it is a list of every sanctioned match in about every discipline as they are scheduled across the entire country. With contact numbers.
http://www.nrapublications.org/ssusa/
Pete

That's very sound advice, Pete's right, get out and shoot with a local league and you will learn a whole bunch about bullseye shooting. You'll also find that shooters are some of the most gracious folks in the world. I typically bring several 45s to matches so others can use them. I've "hot-gunned" some of my rifles for the same reason. Not only that but you will get some good advice on technique from your fellow competitors. The best thing about these kind of matches is there are folks in them at all different skill levels. That is one reason why the NRA has different levels established for Conventional pistol shooting.

We are always trying to develop new shooters into being better shooters. I've been in some leagues where your team had to have a new shooter every year or the team's score doesn't count. The top three best shooter's scores are added with the top new shooter's score to compile the overall team aggregate. That way each team has to bring out more shooters into the game and the same four or five top shooters don't dominate the league every year. This also gets the old fogeys into working with the new folks instead of just hanging on to all that good knowledge - kind of a forced mentorship program.

Go out and shoot! Shooting is the few sports where men and women compete on a fully flat playing field, and usually the women who've been at it a while are better shooters than most of the men.

R,
Bullseye

Bullseye, Pete, Thanks for the info. Our club has a league starting January 8th. I'm going down to see what it's all about! Cheryl

Cheryl,

Keep us posted on how you're doing. Good luck and keep shooting!

Y

Cheryl,
I started Bullseye this past summer.Although Ive yet to shoot in a actual match because the range isnt complete yet .....I find it very addicting.......I shoot every weekend practiceing .....Ive bought myself a timer and spotting scope and my scores average right around 260-270.....with the timed fire being the most frustrateing...all and all its a fun and rewarding shooting sport have fun.......Keith

Thanks for replying Keith. I am going January 14th and watch and just see what it is all about. I know someone who shoots Bullseye and, like you, she says it is addicting too. Thanks everyone for your encouragement!

Cheryl

By all means jump right in and start shooting. You have received some excellent advice. To add to it I have been shooting Rimfire Handgun Bullseye Competition since 1991. We formed a club, bought a building and transformed it into an Indoor Shooting Range at that time. I have also served on the board of directors since the beginning.

The one thing you are sure to learn from all the other shooters is everyone is a bit different. What works for me may or may not work for you. I have served as a shooting coach for new shooters and that is one of the first things I always tell them. I can tell you / show you what works for me, but you have to be the end word (finaly judge if you will) on what works for you.

The one thing I have noticed in all my years of working at the Indoor Shooting Range and my own shooting is that beginning shooters are very, very eager to learn and try new techniques. To add to that new shooters seem to improve at a much quicker rate that shooters that have been shooting longer (again cause they are more eager to learn and try new things).

However I have learned that once a shooter reaches their peak they tend to get lax in what and how they are shooting and seem to have to work harder to stay at that level of proficiency.

Good luck with your quest to begin Bullseye Pistol Shooting and most of all have fun and enjoy yourself.

Larry

Thanks for the input. One thing that has slowed me down in the expense involved in getting the proper equipment. Our club has Bullseye shooters that shoot 1911s. I've never shot a 45. Also, shooting boxes cost almost as much as another gun. So I think I am going to have to watch for a while. Not sure if I can just shoot .22 for now. Also, i was told I must get a medical waiver from the NRA because I am in a wheelchair and can not stand long enough to shoot. Any thoughts?

Cheryl

Welcome to the club cheryld,

I would also recommend continuing to use your 22 for the entire match, until you are comfortable with the normal match sequence.

Here's a link to a great Bullseye forum. You'll find a lot of help amongst the people posting there.

http://lists.lava.net/mailman/listinfo/bullseye-l

When you feel the urge to move to the 45, just let your fellow shooters know. Both on line and your personal contacts. If they don't already know of one for sale, you'll have a very large crew out looking for you.

FWIW