The event was won by Edwin Vásquez of Peru in the nation's debut in the free pistol.

Defending champion Torsten Ullman of Sweden earned bronze, the second man to win multiple medals in the event.

Ullman was the reigning world champion as well, having regained the title in 1947 after coming second in 1937 to break a streak of three victories in 1933, 1935, and 1937.

Cuba, Lebanon, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Spain each made their debut in the event.

Greece and the United States each made their sixth appearance, tied for most of any nation.

The three-way tie for second was broken first by bulls-eyes (7s and above, the middle 20 cm diameter); Benner had 58 while Schnyder and Ullman had both put all 60 shots in the target area, so the American placed fourth and the other two continued to the next tie-breaker.