Practical Shooters

What is Practical Shooting?

Practical Shooting attempts to measure the ability to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full power handgun, rifle, and/or shotgun. Those three elements - speed, accuracy, and power - form the three sides of the practical shooting triangle.

By design, each match will measure a shooter's ability in all three areas. To do this, shooters take on obstacle-laden shooting courses (called stages) requiring anywhere from six to 30+ shots to complete. The scoring system measures points scored per second, then weights the score to compensate for the number of shots fired. If they miss a target, or shoot inaccurately, points are deducted, lowering that all-important points-per-second score.

If shooting has an "extreme" sport, USPSA-sanctioned practical shooting is it. Competitors move, negotiate obstacles, run, speed-reload, and drive their guns through each of several courses as fast as their skills will allow. Although most matches are held outdoors, in all weather, further taxing competitor skill, there are a growing number of indoor ranges conducting USPSA events.

Most of our competitors do not lift weights, or otherwise work on their physical condition with the sport in mind, but those at the very top of the game do. For them, the edge provided by physical strength and dexterity matters, much the way a ping-pong player will improve his stamina by running daily.

Most practical shooters are just regular Joes that enjoy shooting on the weekends - much the way the average golfer enjoys golf. There's no way the average golfer can do what Tiger Woods can do, but that doesn't limit their enjoyment of the sport and it's sure fun to watch Tiger. Where Practical Shooting and golf differ is that it's actually quite likely that you will meet one or two of the world's top shooters at any major match. What are the odds a regular golfer will meet Tiger Woods, much less play on his foursome?

We offer competitive divisions for most handguns, from revolvers, to scope-sighted, recoil-compensated "race guns" developed just for our sport. For more information check out Front Site Magazine.  The official journal of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). It will give you a little bit of history, some good pictures, and a membership application. Enjoy!

How Do I Get Started?

If you are interested in joining us, it is recommended, but not mandatory, that you watch a match before you shoot, so feel free to stop by the club during one of our matches.  All spectators are welcome.  Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  All spectators are required to wear eye and hearing protection.  Ear plugs are available at the club.

What Do I Need?

If you plan on shooting in a match you will need the following equipment.

Quality eye protection - preferably glasses designed for the shooting sports.

Hearing protection:  Ear plugs or ear muffs.  The club has a limited supply so it is recommended you provide your own to ensure you have them and can participate.

Firearm:  It may be that the firearm you already own will be just what you need to get started in practical shooting, but you may learn of other competitive opportunities that will give you that excuse you've been looking for to buy a new toy! USPSA has five competitive divisions, delineated by equipment rules. We recommend that you don't rush out and buy a gun until you've had the opportunity to learn enough about the sport to make an informed decision.  The pistol must be a 9mm caliber or greater.  40 S&W, and 45 ACP are common calibers.  These can be semi-auto or revolvers.

Holster:  Holsters must retain the firearm during any required movement, must cover the trigger of a holstered gun, must point to the ground when the firearm is holstered, and must be carried at belt level; shoulder holsters, fanny packs, et al, are not permissible at USPSA events.  The holster must be used on a sturdy belt -  preferably a belt designed as a gun belt.

Spare magazine or speed loaders: We recommend three to four belt mounted magazine/speed loader carriers, depending on the divisions in which you choose to compete.

Ammunition: Most USPSA members reload their own ammunition, although some use factory loads. Reloading is common for reasons of both economy and performance.  The round count of most matches averages approximately 100.  100 - 150 rounds of factory ammunition should suffice for your first match.

It is important to have realistic expectations as you approach competitive shooting. Many people, but most especially those without a lot of shooting experience, make unreasonable assumptions about this game.  Don't assume you know more than you do. Use your first visit to concentrate on watching, listening, and learning.  Practical shooting is an exciting, fun, safe sport.

Welcome aboard!