The competition was held on Thursday, 9 July 1908 and was extended after sunset to Friday, 10 July 1908 — it was the first shooting event of the Games. Fifty-four sport shooters from nine nations competed.
On Thursday, 9 July 1908, a shooting event took place; due to sunset, it continued into Friday, 10 July 1908. This was the inaugural shooting contest of the Games. A total of fifty-four skilled shooters from various countries participated.