ISSF Standard Pistol Timer

Running order

1.150 second series 02:30
2.20 second series 00:20
3.10 second series 00:10

Total 03:00 across 3 steps.

25m Standard Pistol asks the same question three ways. Every series is five shots at the same target; only the time changes — 150 seconds, then 20, then 10, with four series at each^[1]. It is one of the purest tests in pistol shooting because the target and the shot are constant and only the process has to adapt.

One hundred and fifty seconds for five shots is thirty seconds a shot, which is a deliberate precision process. Twenty seconds is four seconds a shot, enough to aim but not to deliberate. Ten seconds is two seconds a shot, which is a rhythm. Shooters who carry their precision process into the ten-second series run out of time; those who carry their ten-second rhythm into the 150 waste the accuracy they were given.

Three processes, not three speeds

The mistake is treating the shorter series as the long one done faster. They are different processes: the 150 permits abandoning a shot and restarting, the 20 permits one settle and a decision, the 10 permits neither.

Deciding in advance what each series allows removes the moment of hesitation that costs the whole string. In the ten-second series in particular, a shooter who is still deciding whether the sight picture is good enough has already lost two shots.

The 20-second series is the hardest

Four seconds a shot is an uncomfortable middle: too little for a full precision process, too much to shoot purely on rhythm. Many shooters score worse here than in the ten-second series, which surprises people every time.

The usual resolution is to shoot the 20 as a rhythm with slightly longer intervals rather than as precision with less time. Rhythm scales down more gracefully than deliberation does.

Verify against the current rules

Standard Pistol has changed status within the ISSF programme over time, and the details of the course of fire should be confirmed against the current rulebook or your national federation's rules.

The series structure here is stated as I have it.

As I have it from the ISSF rules; verify against the current edition or your national federation^[1]. Per-shot figures are arithmetic.

Standard pistol series structure
Series	Time	Shots	Per shot	Process
150 second	150 s	5	30 s	Deliberate precision; can abandon and restart
20 second	20 s	5	4 s	One settle, one decision
10 second	10 s	5	2 s	Pure rhythm

Four series are shot at each time allowance, all at the same target.
The 20-second series is often the lowest scoring — it is too short to deliberate and too long to shoot purely on rhythm.

Source: ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations — 25m Standard Pistol

Sources

ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations — 25m Standard Pistol , International Shooting Sport Federation (Check the current edition or your national federation's rules) — accessed 2026-07-28

🔗 Related Timers

ISSF Rapid Fire Pistol Timer

ISSF Sport Pistol Precision Timer

ISSF 10m Air Pistol Match Timer

Bullseye Timed Fire Timer

Precision Pistol 10-Second Par Time Timer

ISSF 50m Three Positions Timer

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard pistol series times?

150 seconds, 20 seconds and 10 seconds, each for five shots, with four series at each allowance. Verify against the current ISSF rules or your national federation — the event's status has changed over time.

Why is the 20-second series so difficult?

Four seconds a shot is an awkward middle — too little for a full precision process, too much to shoot on pure rhythm. Many shooters score worse here than in the ten-second series, which surprises people consistently.

Should I shoot the shorter series the same way, just faster?

No. They are different processes rather than different speeds. The 150 allows abandoning a shot and starting again, the 20 allows one settle and a decision, the 10 allows neither. Decide in advance what each permits.

How do I approach the 20-second series?

Shoot it as a rhythm with longer intervals rather than as precision with less time. Rhythm scales down more gracefully than deliberation does, and a shooter still deciding whether the picture is good enough has already lost shots.

How many shots is a full standard pistol match?

Sixty — four series of five shots at each of the three time allowances. All at the same target, which is what makes it a test of process rather than of aiming.

Is this the same as rapid fire pistol?

No. Rapid fire uses five separate targets with one shot at each; standard pistol is five shots at a single target. Different problems — rapid fire is about transitions, standard pistol is about adapting one process to three clocks.