The men's ISSF 50 meter pistol event at the 2008 Olympic Games took place on August 12 at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall.

[1] The event was won by Jin Jong-oh of South Korea, the first of his three consecutive victories in the free pistol.

Kim Jong-su of North Korea originally won the silver medal, but was disqualified after he tested positive for propranolol.

It was China's first medal in the event since 1992; Russia was on the free pistol podium for the third time in four Games.

Tan Zongliang of China was the two-time reigning (2002 and 2006) world champion, with Vigilio Fait of Italy the 2006 runner-up and Vladimir Isakov of Russia third.

The United States made its 20th appearance, most of any nation, having missed only the 1900 event and the boycotted 1980 Games.

To compete, a shooter needed a quota spot and to achieve a Minimum Qualification Score (MQS).