The competition was held on 18 and 19 October 1968 at the shooting ranges in Mexico City.

Two of the three World Champions since the last Games competed: Lira (1965) and Guy Rénard of Belgium (1967); Seničevs had taken bronze in 1966.

[4] Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ireland, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay each made their debut in the event; East and West Germany competed separately for the first time.

Great Britain made its 10th appearance, the only nation to have competed at each edition of the event to that point.

Bob Braithwaite of Great Britain tied the Olympic record at 198.

Defending silver medalist Seničevs hit 22 on the shoot-off, while Garrigus and Czekalla both were perfect.