Pistol configuration drawing
New ISSF rules for pistol grips:
Supplementary rules for the design of pistol grips in international competitions (ISSF) have come into force as of January 1st 2026!
These will likely be adopted by national shooting sports associations in the foreseeable future, provided they prove successful.
Original ISSF rules (pistol in chapter 8, from page 347)
Summary in PDF format
Essentially, there are four additions:
- On 10m-disciplines, the "horn" below the rear sight may only be 40 mm long (like at 25m-disciplines 30mm).
- On 10m- and 25m-disciplines, the trailing edge of this "horn" may only be at an angle of 45° or more, measured parallel to the barrel axis.
- On 10m- and 25m-disciplines, the end of the thumb ball edge may only be angled downwards (measured parallel to the barrel axis). Caution: A flat adjusted grip angle (if the pistol allows it) can lead to a rule violation!
- On 10m- and 25m-disciplines, the trailing edge of the palm rest may only be at an angle of 30° or more, measured perpendicular (right angles) to the end of the palm rest.
Our note: It is absolutely necessary to specify a permissible radius of curvature at the acute angle (e.g. ≤3mm)! Otherwise, the risk of injury from the sharp edge would be too great, or an unlimited radius would defeat the purpose of the rule.
Further rules:
According to the ISSF rules chapter 8.12 page 373, air pistols and sport pistols must fit in a corresponding test box/ measuring box!
In chapter 8.4 from page 349 of the ISSF pistol rules are drawing for the grip rules. All regulations for the pistol disciplines are described on it.
- This figure describes that in all 25m and 10m pistol disciplines, the palm and thumb rest must not be pulled up (greater than/equal to 90° measured downwards from the vertical axis of the grip).
- Likewise, the grip area holding the hand from above must not be pulled downwards (measured upwards from the vertical axis of the grip greater than or equal to 90°).
- Here you can see that seen from the side, the contours of the hand shape may be adapted.
- This is a failed attempt to present the new rules.
- At the left drawing is regulated the sight length at 25m disciplines to 220mm.
- The right drawing shows that the axis of the barrel must run over the bend (the tissue) between the thumb and forefinger in the shooting position.