Inner tens (X) in Air Rifle and Air Pistol, explained

An X is always a ten, but the Rifle and Pistol tests use different gauge dimensions and reference rings. One shortcut does not fit both events.

Published · Updated · Written and source-reviewed by the TargetIQ editorial team

An X adds information, not points

In full-ring paper scoring, an inner ten still has a shot value of 10. The X count is recorded separately for tie-breaking where applicable and gives training analysis a way to distinguish especially central tens.

A high X count does not repair a nine, and an ordinary ten is not downgraded. Report a result as total plus inner tens, for example 98 with 6 X, when that format is useful.

Air Rifle inner-ten test

The Rifle target's 10 is a 0.5 mm white dot. The official paper check uses an Air Pistol outward scoring gauge. If the gauge's measuring edge does not extend outside the Rifle 7 ring, the shot is an inner ten.

With ideal concentric geometry, the 7-ring radius is 7.75 mm and the Air Pistol outward gauge radius is 5.75 mm. Their difference gives a 2.0 mm shot-centre limit. This is an explanatory calculation, not a substitute for the official gauge on a disputed competition target.

Air Pistol inner-ten test

Air Pistol uses a dedicated inner-ten outward gauge with an 18.0 mm measuring-edge diameter. The outer edge must not extend beyond the Pistol 9 ring. The Pistol target and reference ring are much larger than Rifle's.

This is why an app must know the event before counting X. A generic rule based only on pellet diameter or distance from the visible black centre will be wrong for at least one target.

Common inner-ten mistakes

  • Calling every clean-looking ten an X without applying the event test.
  • Using the Air Rifle 2.0 mm centre threshold for Air Pistol.
  • Counting X from a scaled or cropped image without verifying target geometry.
  • Treating an X as an extra point in a full-ring total.
  • Letting overlapping holes hide whether more than one inner ten was fired.

Sources and scope

Official-rule references checked 6 August 2026. Use the current governing publication and authorised officials for competition decisions.

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