Everyday Marksman Precision Pistol Course of Fire

This is the standard Everyday Marksman Precision Pistol course of fire used for postal matches and general benchmarking of performance. This course of fire has its roots in NRA Bullseye shooting. Whereas a traditional bullseye match involves multiple pistols and more than one type of target, we have slightly simplified things to make it more approachable for a shooter who doesn’t have the resources to commit to that.

Match Intent

Approach this match in the spirit of the Martial Marksman. You should shoot this match with a minimum of equipment and using a standard pistol that you might carry or keep with you for self defense purposes. Avoid the temptation to use extra equipment like special glasses, blinders, or purpose-built bullseye pistols to maximize your score.

We intend this match to take place at 25 yards. If you do not have access to a range that supports that, then there is an alternative for shooting at 50 feet using a different target.

Modified Bullseye Course of Fire (30 Shots)

Distance: 25 Yards (NRA B-8) or 50 Feet (NRA B-3)

Firing Position: Standing, Strong Hand Only

Stage	Strings/Rounds	Time Limit	Scoring Method
Stage 1: Slow Fire	1 string of 10 shots	10 Minutes	-1 Scoring: Subtract 1 point from ring value (e.g., X=10, 10=9, 9=8, 8=7)
Stage 2: Timed Fire	2 strings of 5 shots	20 Seconds per string	Point Value (X, 10, 9, etc.)
Stage 3: Rapid Fire	2 strings of 5 shots	10 Seconds per string	Point Value (X, 10, 9, etc.)

The Martial Marksman standard is hitting 240 points per run. Do this three times consecutively for a total score of at least 720 points.

Course of Fire Details

This course of fire consists of 30 shots fired. For a postal match, competitors use one pistol and perform the course of fire three times for a total of 90 shots per entry. This is different than a typical bullseye match where you might shoot a different pistol for each course (i.e. rimfire, .38 revolver, and a 1911). The maximum total points available is 900 per entry.

The Minimum Capable Citizen standard is 540 points (60% of max), while the Martial Marksman standard is 720 points (80% of max).

A competitor may submit an entry for as many pistol divisions as they would like, but only one entry per division.

Required Target(s) and Distance

This match requires the NRA B-8 target or a B-8 repair center if you think you can keep it all on the paper. This is the timed/rapid fire 25 yard target for bullseye matches. All shooting takes place at 25 yards with this target. If you do not have access to a 25 yard range, then you can use the NRA B-3 target at 50 feet.

Firing Stages

Score your target after each stage so you can keep track of how you did. If shooting a gun equipped with a double action/single action mechanism, you must begin the ready position with the hammer down. On start, you may cock the hammer into single action mode before the first shot. If using a single action only pistol with a manual safety, then the hammer may be cocked for the ready position with the safety in the ‘on’ position.

Stage 1: Slow Fire

This is a traditional bullseye slow fire stage, using -1 scoring. It consists of 10 shots fired in 10 minutes.

Time Limit: 10 minutes

Round Count: 10 shots

Firing Position: Standing, strong hand only

Start Position: Weapon loaded and held in the strong hand, pointed down at a 45 degree angle

Description: On start, raise the pistol and take aim with the strong hand only. Fire 10 shots at whatever cadence gives you maximum accuracy per shot.

Scoring: When scoring the target, subtract 1 point from the listed value of the target. This compensates for using an easier target than a typical bullseye match for the slow fire stage. For example:

• X = 10
• 10 = 9
• 9 = 8
• 8 = 7
• 7 = 6
• 6 = 5

Stage 2: Timed Fire

This is a traditional timed fire bullseye stage. It consists of two strings of five shots, each one with a 20 second limit, for a total of 10 shots.

Time Limit: 20 seconds per string

Round Count: 10 shots total fired in two strings of 5

Firing Position: Standing, strong hand only

Start Position: Weapon loaded and held in the strong hand, pointed down at a 45 degree angle

Description: On start, raise the pistol and take aim with strong hand only. Fire five shots within the 20 second time limit. Repeat for a second string of five shots within 20 seconds.

Scoring: Score the target after completing both strings, using the face value of each scoring ring (i.e. X, 10=10, 9=9, 8=8, etc.)

Stage 3: Rapid Fire

This is a traditional rapid fire bullseye stage. It consists of two strings of five shots, each one with a 10 second time limit, for a total of 10 shots.

Time Limit: 10 seconds per string

Round Count: 10 shots total fired in two strings of 5

Firing Position: Standing, strong hand only

Start Position: Weapon loaded and held in the strong hand, pointed down at a 45 degree angle

Description: On start, raise the pistol and take aim with strong hand only. Fire five shots within the 10 second time limit. Repeat for a second string of five shots within 10 seconds.

Scoring: Score the the target after completing both strings, using the face value of each scoring ring

Available Pistol Divisions

Here are the standard pistol divisions for postal matches.

For any division, allowed modifications include any ergonomic or common practicality (i.e. checkering, stippling, mag wells, trigger jobs, machined serrations, etc.) Lasers are not allowed to be used whatsoever.

Division	Max Weight	Capacity	Optics / Electronics	Notes & Restrictions
Practical Optics	45.0 oz	21+1	Slide-mounted & WML	SAAMI defensive calibers (>.32 to <.45). Disallowed Modifications: Compensators, porting, frame mounted optics, gas pedals, or any other conspicuous modification that wouldn’t typically be found on a factory pistol designed for service use.
Practical Irons	45.0 oz	21+1	Iron Sights only	Same caliber/mod restrictions as Practical Optics.
Carry Gun	32.0 oz	15+1	Slide-mounted & WML	Max barrel length: 4.1″.
Back Up Gun (BUG)	26.0 oz	6+1	Any	Max barrel for semi auto: 3.5″ Max barrel for revolver: 2.5″ Must be .32 caliber or larger.
Rimfire Optics	N/A	N/A	Optical Sights	Rimfire only. Comps/ports allowed.
Rimfire Irons	N/A	N/A	Iron Sights	Rimfire only. Comps/ports allowed.
Revolver	N/A	N/A	Irons or Optics	Any centerfire revolver. Limited to 6 rounds loaded.
Open	N/A	N/A	Any (Frame-mounted included)	Catch-all for comps, ports, gas pedals, or heavy builds.

Give it a Go

We run this postal match periodically to get the whole community involved. It’s simple enough that you can incorporate it, or portions of it, into your regular range trips and training regime. Set a goal to reach the Martial Marksman standard with your carry pistol.