Buying a pistol is a decision that requires careful consideration. Whether for security reasons, sporting ambitions, or other reasons – anyone considering acquiring a firearm should take various aspects into account. In this article, we take a critical look at the most important considerations. This blog is about the quintessentially Swiss Stand shooting.

What is stationary shooting?

Stand shooting refers to shooting on a fixed shooting range (from the loading bench and at distances of 25 m and 50 m) .

While dynamic disciplines like IDPA / IPSC demand a lot of movement and speed, in stationary shooting the focus is clearly on calmness, technique and precision .

25m Pistol Disciplines – Overview & Rules

25m pistol shooting is one of the most popular disciplines in Swiss shooting sports. At this distance, shooters compete with small-bore, centerfire, or service pistols, measuring themselves in precision, speed, and consistency.

This article gives you an overview of the most important 25m pistol disciplines in Switzerland , their rules, and special features. The trigger system of the pistol is considered a simple aspect. Here, a distinction is made between three main systems:

25m Sport Pistol (.22lr)

• The sport pistol is one of the best-known 25-meter disciplines and is even an Olympic sport internationally.
• Caliber: .22lr (small caliber)
• Rules: Trigger pull weight min. 1000 g, weapon weight max. 1400 g
• Program: Combination of precision shooting (5 shots in 5 minutes) and dueling shooting (5 shots in 3 or 20 seconds)
• Popular with: Beginners and competitive shooters
• Ideal for learning basics

25m standard pistol

• The standard pistol offers a varied timing program:
• Caliber: .22lr
• Program: Series of 5 shots in
  • 150 seconds
  • 20 seconds
  • 10 seconds
• Focus: Technique and composure
• Perfect for shooters who routine and improve their shooting technique under time pressure.

25m centerfire pistol

• A discipline steeped in tradition for experienced shooters:
• Caliber: 7.62–9.65 mm (e.g. 7.65x21mm or 9mm Para)
• Program: identical to the sport pistol (precision + duel)
• Special feature: Recoil control plays a major role.
• Very popular with experienced sport shooters in Switzerland.

25m rapid fire pistol

• Pure dynamism: Here, speed with maximum precision is what counts.
• Caliber: .22lr
• Program: 5 adjacent targets – 1 shot per target
• Time series: 8 s, 6 s and 4 s
• Status: Olympic discipline
• One of the most demanding disciplines – reaction time and timing are crucial.

25m service pistol

• Probably the most traditional 25-meter discipline in Switzerland:
• Weapons: Swiss service pistols (e.g., SIG P210, P220); not all 9mm Para pistols are permitted. The rules are listed list of permitted aids
• Caliber: usually 9 mm Para
• Programs: depending on the competition, precision, series and combined scoring.
• Special feature: Very popular in field shooting and in clubs.
• A piece of Swiss shooting culture – for many sport shooters, the entry point into competitive shooting. Pistol shooting clubs usually offer this discipline. There are also clubs that offer several disciplines, such as 10m air pistol.

Conclusion

25m pistol shooting in Switzerland offers an enormous variety:

• From precise small-bore disciplines to traditional service rifle programs and Olympic rapid fire competitions .
• Each discipline has its own appeal and places different demands on technique, fitness and mental strength.

Whether beginner or experienced shooter: everyone will find a suitable pistol discipline at 25 m.