10 metre air pistol

Infobox Shooting sport


shots_m=60 + 10
shots_f=40 + 10
olympics_m=Since 1988
olympics_f=Since 1988
worlds_m=Since 1970
worlds_f=Since 1970
abbr_m=AP60
abbr_f=AP40

10 metre air pistol is an Olympic shooting event governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). It is similar to 10 metre air rifle in that it is shot with 4.5 mm (or .177) caliber air guns at a distance of 10 metres (11 yards), and the programme consists of 60 shots within 105 minutes for men, and 40 shots within 75 minutes for women. It is also similar to 50 metre pistol despite the shorter distance and the use of air guns, and most top-level male shooters compete in both events.

There are some restrictions on the pistol, and it must be operated by one hand only from a standing, unsupported position. The shooter decides his or her own tempo as long as the maximum time is not exceeded, but in the final round for the top shooters, separate commands are given for each shot so that the audience may follow the progress of the standings.

The major competitions are the Olympic Games every four years and the ISSF World Shooting Championships every four years. In addition, the event is included in the ISSF World Cup and in continental championships, as well as in many other international and national competitions. It is an indoor sport, and on the highest level electronic targets are used instead of the traditional paper targets.

Range and target

The air pistol range is the same as the air rifle range, giving each shooter a table, a 1 metre wide firing point, and a 10 metre distance between the firing line and the target line. [Rules 6.3.12 and 6.3.15. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/23_technical_2005_2nd.html
title = General Technical Rules for all Shooting Disciplines
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-18] The current rules require ranges to be built indoors, [Rule 6.3.6.3.4. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/23_technical_2005_2nd.html
title = General Technical Rules for all Shooting Disciplines
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-18] with specified minimum requirements for artificial lighting. [Rule 6.3.15.4. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/23_technical_2005_2nd.html
title = General Technical Rules for all Shooting Disciplines
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-18] Many of the top-level competitions are held at temporary ranges installed in versatile sporting facilities or convention centres.

The target, 17 by 17 cm (6.7 by 6.7 in), is traditionally made of light-coloured cardboard upon which scoring lines, and a black aiming mark consisting of the score zones 7 through 10, are printed. [Rule 6.3.2.6. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/23_technical_2005_2nd.html
title = General Technical Rules for all Shooting Disciplines
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-18] There is also an inner ten ring, but the number of inner tens is only used for tie-breaking in very rare cases. [Rule 8.12.2. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] The changing of these traditional targets is handled by each shooter, by means of electronic – or more archaically, manually-operated – carrier devices. [Rule 8.6.3.1.1.1 citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] In major competitions, only one shot may be fired on each target, [Rule 8.15.0. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] a number that can increase to two, five or even ten with lowering level and importance of the competition. Used targets are collected by range officials to be scored in a separate office. [Rule 8.6.3.1.1.2. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19]

During the last few decades, these paper targets have been gradually replaced by electronic target systems, immediately displaying the results on monitors. When using these systems, actual scoring lines are not printed, but the location of the impact hole (which can be determined acoustically) is automatically converted into corresponding scores by a computer. ISSF rules now require the use of these systems in top-level competitions. [Rule 3.5.1.4. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/06_genreg_2005_2nd.html
title = ISSF General Regulations
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = November 30, 2005
accessdate = 2008-06-19] They are generally used in other international competitions as well, [citation
url = http://www.sius.com/e_ref_anlaesse.htm
title = International Shooting Events
publisher = SIUS-ASCOR
accessdate = 2008-06-19] and in some countries they are even common in national competitions. [For example, the Megalink target system is used on club level in its native Norway. citation
title=Klubber
publisher=luftpistol.no
url=http://www.luftpistol.no/index.php?page=klubber
accessdate=2008-06-16]

Equipment

The pistols used are gas-driven with a caliber of 4.5 mm (.177 in). The minimum trigger pull weight is 500 gram (1.1 lb), half that of a sport pistol, and the grip restrictions are similar to sport pistols, but the box in which the pistol must fit is much larger: 42 by 20 by 5 cm (17 by 8 by 2 in). [Rule 8.16.0. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] This allows for longer sight lines and also gives room for cocking arms, although with a few exceptions (such as the Baikal IZH-46M) modern match air pistols use pre-filled air, or less commonly carbon dioxide, containers. [citation
url = http://www.pilkguns.com/aphp/comphis.htm
last = Rowling
first = Patrick
title = Air Pistol Competition – A Brief History
publisher = The Air Pistol Home Page
accessdate = 2008-06-19] The pistol must be operated by only one hand from a standing position, and may only be loaded with one pellet at a time. [Rule 8.4.3.1. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19]

As in other ISSF pistol events, special supportive clothing and shoes are not permitted. [Rule 8.4.7. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] Optical aids are allowed as long as they are not mounted on the pistol, which may only have open sights. [Rule 8.4.2.3. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] Ear protection is recommended by the ISSF [Rule 8.2.8. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] as well as by coaches, who sometimes stress their usefulness in shutting out distracting noise rather than their necessity for safety reasons (paramount in other shooting disciplines). [citation
title = Air Gun Shooting Sports Safety Guide
url = http://www.nrahq.org/education/airgun_safetyguide-1.pdf
publisher = National Rifle Association
accessdate = 2008-06-04
page = 5] [citation
last = Nesbitt
first = Graeme
title = Air Pistol Shooting: beginner to club level shooter
url = http://www.tetrathlon.ca/marksmanship.pdf
accessdate = 2008-06-04]

It is each shooter's responsibility to get the pistol and shoes validated in a specific area, the equipment control, prior to starting the competition. Clothing is only inspected during the actual competition. [Rules 8.4.7.4 and 8.10.0. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] To discourage shooters from lowering the trigger pull weight after passing the equipment control, random controls are conducted after the match with failure resulting in immediate disqualification. [Rule 8.4.2.6.3. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19]

Air pistols in production

*Baikal IZH-46M
*Benelli Kite and Benelli Kite Young
*Feinwerkbau P44 and Feinwerkbau P58
*Hämmerli AP60
*Match Guns MG1
*Morini CM 162
*Pardini K2
*Steyr LP10

Course of fire

Shooters are generally divided into four classes: men, junior men, women and junior women. The junior classes are included in most championships, with some notable exceptions (such as the Olympic Games and the ISSF World Cup). A shooter remains a junior up to and including the calendar year in which he or she becomes 20 years of age, although a junior may opt to participate in the main class instead. [Rules 3.3.6 and 3.6.8.4.1. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/06_genreg_2005_2nd.html
title = ISSF General Regulations
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = November 30, 2005
accessdate = 2008-06-19]

In both the qualification stage and the final stage, all shooting is supervised by a Chief Range Officer, whose duties include responsibility for the correct behaviour of all personnel, dealing with technical irregularities, and cooperation with the jury. [Rules 8.2.7 and 8.5.1. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19]

Qualification

For the qualification stage, the shooters are divided as necessary into relays. [Rule 8.7.2. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] Each relay starts with a ten-minute preparation time, [Rule 8.6.4.1. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] followed by the Chief Range Officer's "Start" command, indicating the start of the competition time. [Rule 8.6.4.4.1. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] Before the competition shots, but within the time limit, the shooter may fire an unlimited number of sighting shots at specially marked targets. [Rule 8.6.4.4.2. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] Men and junior men shoot 60 shots (within a maximum time of 105 minutes) at all major competitions, while women and junior women shoot 40 shots (within a maximum time of 75 minutes). [Rule 8.15.0. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] At minor competitions, there may be other numbers of shots and time limits.

Final

A final is included in most air pistol championships, although not in the World Junior Championships. The top eight shooters advance to the final. [Rule 8.14.2.1. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] In case of a tie for eighth place, shooters with stronger ending are preferred. [Rule 8.12.2. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] The final consists of ten shots, and the score zones are divided into tenths (by means of a special gauge, in the absence of automatic scoring devices), so that each hit can give up to 10.9 points. After a three-minute preparation time, during which the shooters are introduced to the audience, and a five-minute sighting shot period, separate commands are given for each competition shot, with a time limit of 75 seconds per shot. [Rules 8.14.4 – 8.14.6. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] The final score is added to the qualification score with the aggregate deciding the final ranking. [Rule 8.14.7. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] Any post-final ties are broken by a single extra shot. [Rule 8.14.8. citation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/english/2006/25_pistol_2005_2nd.html
title = Special Technical Rules for Pistol Shooting
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
date = January 16, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19]

History

The air pistol event was introduced on the World Championship level in 1970,citation
title = World Championships
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/championships/world_championships.asp#ap10
accessdate = 2008-06-04] and on the Olympic programme in 1988.citation
title = List of Olympic medalists
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/_data/medallist/ALL_OG_Medallists_1896_2000.pdf
accessdate = 2008-06-04] Before 1985, when finals began to be used, championships were decided by the results of the 40 or 60 shot match. Before 1982, the men's programme also consisted of 40 shots.

As in many other ISSF events, the target for air pistol was reduced in size in 1989, also lowering the scores (although not by much), and thereby resetting all records. The development after this shows a contrast to that of air rifle shooting: whereas in air rifle the winning score of the 1989 World Championships would not have reached the final 17 years later, [citation
title = ISSF World Championships Zagreb: Final results, 10m Air Rifle Men
url = http://www.issf.tv/getresultpdf.aspx?mod=&pane=0&inst=2006&iist=571&file=C100000IA2407060900.1.AR60.0.001.PDF
publisher = ISSF TV
date = July 24, 2006
accessdate = 2008-06-19] the same result increase has not occurred in air pistol, and Sergei Pyzhianov's world record of 593 points, set in the first World Cup Final with the new targets, remains unbeaten. [citation
title = Men's world records
publisher = International Shooting Sport Federation
url = http://www.issf-shooting.org/update/_records.asp?record=WR&gender=M
accessdate = 2008-06-04]

Although competitions are no longer held outdoors, the most important competitions (Olympics, World Championships, World Cups) are still scheduled for the Northern Hemisphere summer season because they are combined with outdoor events. Many lesser international events, however, are held during the European indoor season between October and March, culminating in the European Championships each year. Most of these competitions are multi-day events held together with air rifle matches. [citation
title = ESC Calendar
publisher = European Shooting Confederation
url = http://www.esc-shooting.org/info/calendar.htm
accessdate = 2008-06-04]

Current world records

References