Introduction:

Classic Target Pistols / Scheibenpistols

The German translation for a target pistol is ‘Scheibenpistole’ which is also known for its use as the ‘free pistol’ discipline at the ISSF-, Olympic-, and World Championships. We use the terms target-, free- or Scheibenpistols to mean the same type of pistol which are used for target shooting competition. They all have the same meaning.

Queen of target shooting

The classic target pistol or Scheibenpistol is the most accurate of any sporting- or match pistol. We say the most accurate, but this is only true in the hands of an experienced shooter, as they are not only very accurate but very delicately made for target shooting purposes only. The 50 meters free pistol discipline is considered by many to be the ‘Queen of all target shooting disciplines’, as it requires the utmost mental concentration, as well as physical control and great stamina from the shooter when competing. And yes, also an excellent fitting, well-balanced and extremely accurate pistol!

Distinction

I made a distinction between the more modern semi-automatic operated sporting pistols we so often encounter today. They are generally used for the 25-meter range and the fine single shot classic target pistols or Scheibenpistols or Free pistols which were especially made for the 50 meters range. The latter will be our main focus on this website.

History

Golden age

The Scheibenpistol became very popular during the golden era of target shooting, which was between 1870 and the -late 1930s when it became a popular past-time, especially in the European German-speaking countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Competition

Some historians contend that the popularity of target shooting stems from the fact that numerous soldiers who returned home after a battle or war opted to maintain and enhance their shooting skills. The need for social gatherings and sporting competitions played a big part in the rise in popularity of target shooting. Classic target pistols evolved from the flintlock to the percussion system and eventually became single-shot, rear-loading, cartridge pistols we encounter today.

Breech systems

Many makers used different breech systems during the evolution of the classic target pistol, while some artists made a living engraving and improving on them. The more expensive pistols were hand-fitted and especially ornamented to the customer’s specifications, nearly all completed pistol parts were made by third-party suppliers who were also highly skilled craftsmen and quite often excellent marksmen themselves. Some of the nicest and rarest examples are to be found across many international borders, although the Germans have made it a large part of their cultural inheritance. The classic target pistol is still being used and enjoyed in competitions to date.

I hope that many shooters and especially collectors appreciate them and keep shooting and enjoying them as much as I do –

Arjan van Baggum