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Action Pistol

NRA Action Pistol Shooting is open to all individuals who are interested in Action-type courses of fire, which combine speed and accuracy with shooting at multiple targets. The NRA's program is similar to courses of fire used by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and will act to complement IPSC matches, providing more opportunities to participate in this exciting style of shooting.

Equipment

While many gunsmiths will customise pistols for Action Pistol Shooting, the beginning competitor does not need a lot of specialised, high-priced equipment to participate. The beginner can use an out-of-the-box automatic or revolver. The most important piece of equipment for Action Shooting is a safe holster, which will hold the firearm securely while moving, yet allow a rapid draw.

Ammunition

There are some specific rules for the type of ammunition used in Action Pistol competition. The lower limit of caliber shall be 9mm; all ammunition fired in a tournament must meet or exceed the power floor as described when checked by chronograph using the formula:

bullet weight X muzzle velocity = not less than 120,000

Courses of Fire

There are currently 16 recognized courses of fire, they are;

  1. The Tyro course is divided into three stages with three targets per stage, a total of 24 shots. All firing is from 10 yards. This course of fire must be successfully completed by all newcomers before advancing to record matches.
  2. The Los Alamitos Pistol Match is divided into 5 stages for a total of 42 shots fired at 7, 10 and 25 yards.
  3. The Flying "M" is conducted as a man against man: Targets are placed at 7, 10 and 15 yards. The 7 yard target is a metal plate. Four strings are fired, two strings to the right and two to the left. There is no time limit, and the 7 yard target stops the clock.
  4. The Moving Target course is shot in three stages, for a total of 24 shots, from 7, 15 and 25 yards.
  5. The International Rapid Fire (modified) consists of 30 shots at 25 meters. The course is subdivided into six strings of five shots each; two in 8 seconds, two in 6 seconds and two in 4 seconds.
  6. The Advanced Military Pistol course is divided into 6 stages for a total of 50 shots fired from 10, 25 and 50 yards.
  7. The Practical Event consists of four stages, each with three strings and 12 shots per stage (48 shot total) and fired from 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards. 

List your club’s competitions by emailing type of shoot, location, and other details to VSSA.