Steel Action Shooting Match Summary
Pima Pistol Club conducts an all steel action pistol match on the second Sunday of every month. There are usually five courses of fire (stages) in each match, requiring about 100 rounds of ammunition. Shooters should register by 8:30 AM. The shooters meeting begins at 8:45, and the match begins at 9:00 AM. Start times may be earlier in the summer. Participation of shooters in course design and setup before the match is crucial and appreciated. Many of the stages are elaborate and require everyone's help if the match is to be run efficiently. Setup usually begins about 7:30 AM. Spectators are welcome. If you think you might be interested in participating and want to learn more, or just want to watch a buddy compete, you are welcome to attend. EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION IS REQUIRED for all persons on the range, including spectators.

The steel match is an action (timed) pistol competition. Targets range from small reactive (falling) targets such as 6 inch plates and simulated bowling pins, medium sized reactive targets called poppers and large static (non-reactive) targets. Courses are designed to insure that competitors are at least 11 yards from all targets. All hits are scored with the same point value. Reactive targets must fall for the hit to count. Static targets usually require two hits to avoid miss penalties. Competitors draw from a holster, negotiate obstacles, shoot from a variety of positions and while moving, engage multiple targets and make rapid reloads. Speed is the element of the sport that separates the shooters by skill level and makes the event exciting and challenging. A competitors score is obtained by dividing the points scored by the time required to shoot the stage. A faster shooter will earn a higher score (called a hit factor) than a slower shooter with the same point total.

Safety is a hallmark of the practical shooting community and Pima Pistol Club. Although the courses of fire are challenging, and the competitor must negotiate obstacles with a loaded gun, the practical shooting community has an excellent safety record. Only competitors engaged in a course of fire under the direct supervision of a range safety officer may have a loaded gun. The range officer has complete authority on the range. Practical shooters train themselves to reflexively practice safe gun handling under stress, and they demand it of others.

Equipment in use by steel competitors ranges from the simple to the elaborate. There are several different divisions in which to compete, from stock service pistol to open class where expensive pistols specially built for competition are employed. The minimum requirements are a reliable handgun (minimum 9mm), spare magazines (sufficient to allow up to 40 shots in a stage), a holster and belt pouches for the spare magazines. Holsters that permit the muzzle to point more 3 feet to the rear of the competitor are not allowed (shoulder holsters for example). Talk to an experienced competitor if you have questions about equipment before you buy.