The event was won by Karl Röderer of Switzerland, with his countryman Konrad Stäheli taking bronze.

This was the second appearance of what would become standardised as the men's ISSF 50 meter pistol event.

[1][2] All four of the competing nations were making their debut; none had a shooter in this event in 1896.

[citation needed] Prior to this competition, the existing world and Olympic records were as follows.

Karl Röderer set the initial Olympic record with 503 points.