Competitors use 'centre fire' pistols (.32, .38, .357 calibre) to shoot precision and rapid-fire competition from a distance of 25 meters. The precision target has a 5 cm 10-ring, while the rapid-fire target has a 10cm centre.

The Guns: Centre Fire pistols shoot .32, .38 or .357 calibre ammunition from a five-shot 'semi automatic' pistols or revolvers without the advantage of ported baffles or wrap-around grips, as in rapid-fire. World-class guns for this event, like the Walther GSP, Hammerli, Fas. or Pardini, cost $1400. - $1800. Suitable used pistols can be obtained from $300.00+.

Course of Fire: The 60-shot match is divided into 30 shots precision and 30 shots rapid-fire. The precision, or slow-fire stage, is fired in six series of five shots, and competitors have six minutes per series. In the 30-shot rapid-fire stage, competitors shoot strings of five shots. Three seconds are allotted for each shot, followed by seven seconds of rest.

Perfect Match Score: 600 is a perfect score, with 585 being world-class.

Finals: Finals are not contested in this event, however, if two or more shooters are tied for 1st, 2nd or 3rd, a 'shoot off' is held This consists of 3 sets of 5 shots as per the rapid fire stage. A perfect shoot of score is 150.