Rapid-fire pistol has been an Olympic event since the first moderm Games in 1896. Shot with a .22 calibre pistol from 25 meters, competitors have eight, six, or four seconds to fire one shot at each of five adjacent targets. As an added difficulty, pistols must be held downward at a 45-degree angle until a the targets rotate from edge on to face the shooter. The 10-ring on this target is 10 cm wide.

The Guns: Rapid-fire pistols shoot .22 calibre short cartridges (ammunition) from a five-shot magazine. Ported barrels reduce recoil, and the gun's grip may completely envelope the shooter's hand for additional stability. World-class rapid-fire guns like the Walther O.S.P. and FAS 603 retail for approximately $1800.

Course of Fire: Two five-shot series in eight seconds, two series in six seconds and two series in four seconds comprise a half course, fired in one day. The following day, the same course is repeated.

Perfect Match Score: 600 is a perfect score, with 592 being world-class. Finals: After 60 shots, the top six shooters fire a final consisting of two five shot series at four seconds. The final is scored in tenths of a point and added to the match score to determine medal winners. A perfect final score is 109.

Finals are not competed in at club level.

Perfect Aggregate (Match + Final) Score: 709 points.