MORE Action Pistol Pictures

We now shoot four action pistol disciplines at the Club: IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Assoc), USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Assoc.), Cowboy action and steel challenge matches.  Additional information can be found  at the IDPA, USPSA, or steel challenge websites.

So what’s the difference in IDPA, USPSA, and Steel Challenge? All require glasses and hearing protection. All require at least minimal equipment in terms of pistols, holsters, and magazines or speed loaders. All emphasize safety first then accuracy and speed. Several divisions exist for you to shoot almost any type of service pistol or revolver in IDPA and USPSA.  In addition to typical service and match guns used in IDPA and USPSA, steel challenge includes a division for rimfire pistols and even single action revolvers.  IDPA and USPSA matches involve shooting on the move, moving targets, disappearing targets, shooting through ports, under and around barriers, shooting prone, kneeling, and standing with left, right, and both hands at falling steel or cardboard targets.  Steel challenge typically requires the participant to stand in a box and shoot 5 steel targets that do not fall. Each shooter draws and shoots a particular stage 5 times discarding the worst time and keeping the 4 best.  All action pistol events at ORSA have between 5 to 7 stages, typically requiring 100 to over 150 rounds to complete.

This brief explanation does not cover all the details of the Action Pistol Club’s activities. The best thing one can do is to come and watch a match. Everyone in the Club will do their absolute best to make you feel welcomed and answer any question you might have.  Matches are open to any member as well as non-members. First time shooters at the matches shoot for free and will be given introductory safety and procedural information as well as special consideration during the match.

Monthly Matches

IDPA matches are held the 1^st Saturday of each month.  USPSA matches are held on the 3^rd Saturday of each month.  Steel challenge matches are held the 4^th Saturday of each month.  The 2^nd Saturday is Cowboy Action shooting, see www.smssgazette.com for information.  Registration for all IDPA, USPSA, and steel matches starts at 9:30 AM at the Action Pistol Range.  Competition begins at 10:00 AM.

A typical IDPA or USPSA match consists of five to seven scenarios requiring approximately 150 rounds of ammunition.  Competitors use semi-automatic handguns in 9mm or larger caliber, or revolvers in .38 or larger caliber.  Ammunition is typically required to be “full power” (near factory spec).  Competitors must have eye and ear protection, and a sturdy holster that covers the trigger guard.  Magazine holders, at least four magazines, and a sturdy gun belt are recommended.  Entry fee is $10 for ORSA members, $15 for non-members.   More information about the ORSA Practical Shooters can be found at www.orsaipsc.org.

A typical steel challenge match consists of 6 stages requiring a minimum of 250 rounds of ammunition to complete.  Equipment requirements are much the same as an IDPA or USPSA match.  Steel challenge can also be shot with .22 or .17 rimfire pistols and revolvers.  Entry fee is $10 for ORSA members and $15 for non-members.

What is “Action Pistol?” Action pistol scenarios include stationary and moving paper targets.  Paper targets may bob, swing, twirl, disappear, rotate, or advance on a wire.  Metal plates that fall and activate other props are also used.  Scenarios also include props such as walls, doors, windows, barrels, tables, chairs, tubes, Christmas trees, and many other things that require the shooter to move and engage targets. The shooter may engage targets from standing, sitting, kneeling, lying, or while moving.

Safety First.  The emphasis of action pistol competitions is SAFETY.  All action pistol matches are run under a range officer.  Participants will acquire (from holster, from a drawer, from a table top, etc) and maneuver with the pistol while maintaining a safe muzzle direction.  Safety is first, accuracy is second, speed is a distant third.  New shooters are always welcome and are given special attention by the range officers to assist them in learning the rules of the sport. Come out and join in the fun.

Directions to Action Pistol Range:

From Westbound on Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 95) from Illinois Ave (ST Rt 62)
3.4 miles to and turn left on Monterey Rd. - 150 +/- Yards past traffic light #15 (Montana Ave) at Big Turtle Park.
0.2 miles to and turn left on Hermitage Blvd.
0.2 miles to and turn right on first gravel driveway.
Continue on gravel road to range.

From Eastbound on Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 95).
When Hwy 95 expands from two lane to four lanes, at West Gate Apartments,
1.6 miles to and turn right on Monterey Rd, about 0.2 miles after traffic light #16 (Nebraska Ave) at Big Turtle Park.
0.2 miles to and turn left on Hermitage Blvd.
0.2 miles to and turn right on first gravel driveway.
Continue on gravel road to range.

For additional information please see :

www.orsaipsc.org

www.smssgazette.com  

www.orsaidpa.com

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Last modified: April 16, 2008