A new world record with a 9mm caliber pistol has been set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by shooter Julio Ricardo Villa, Document 28.756.983. The feat was achieved in an open field using the Olympic Shooting stance, targeting a white metal silhouette measuring 160 cm by 47 cm, with no time limit. The discipline requires the shooter to use only one hand with an unmodified factory 9mm caliber pistol. The first test begins at a distance of 150 meters, with only three chances to hit the target. If successful at that distance, the shooter earns the opportunity to attempt a new record at 160 meters, and so on, increasing the distance by 10 meters with each successful shot.
In this event, the shooter successfully hit targets at the following distances: 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, and a final 250.40 meters, without needing the third shot in any attempt. As the holder of the new world record in this category, he will have the chance to surpass his own mark before initiating the official validation process with the Official World Record organization and meeting its required conditions. The world record holder may begin his next challenge from a distance of 260 meters, having already proven his ability to reach that distance—not by luck, but through demonstrated skill.
For other shooters attempting to surpass the current world record, they must follow the OWR registration process and meet the same stringent requirements. This means starting the challenge 10 stations earlier, at 150 meters, with three shooting attempts at each stage, moving 10 meters farther each time until reaching the current record of 250.40 meters. Only after achieving this milestone can they attempt to set a new world record at 260 meters within the allowed three shots. If successful, they may then try 270 meters, and so forth.
With these rigorous standards and the magnitude of the event, the goal is to ensure that a world record is not the result of mere luck but rather a demonstration of consistent high-level performance. This proves that the shooter is the best in the world, not just fortunate in a single attempt.
The distances achieved by the shooter and current world record holder were verified and measured using manual metric units and digital rangefinders in the presence of witnesses and the president of the Official World Record organization. Additionally, it was confirmed that the pistols used on January 31 (Pietro Beretta 92 FS) and February 1, 2025 (Pietro Beretta Combat), had no modifications and were in their original factory condition. Both firearms were pre-approved after inspection by the organization, along with the 9mm caliber cartridges from Fabricaciones Militares FM, an Argentine industry. The Beretta Combat pistol that achieved the 250.40-meter world record is a firearm designed and manufactured by Pietro Beretta for the IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation). It is derived from the 92 FS model, featuring a long barrel (150 mm) and weighing 1,135 grams.
Once the weapons are approved, the shooter is not allowed to change them or modify their components throughout the event.
The event took place at the shooting range of Tiro Federal in the city of Mercedes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, starting at 4:00 PM Argentine time and concluding at 6:00 PM the same day.
It was witnessed by police, judicial, and executive authorities, firearms experts, relevant officials, journalists, television channels, the general public, and the highest authority of Official World Record, Mr. David Ventura Aparicio. Photographic and video recordings were made for official documentation and verification.
Recognition and awards were presented for the world record, including certificates, a medal, a trophy, and an OWR distinctive badge for use with military uniforms, formal attire, or similar outfits.
