A Beginner's Guide to Practical Shooting Competitions

Pistol Shooting Sports is a comprehensive guide for firearms enthusiasts of all levels and skills. The book and its companion website are the best resources to get you started in practical shooting competitions.

  • Master the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship

  • Experience the fun of organized competition

  • Get started with the firearm you already own or want to purchase

  • Become a consistent contender at Steel Challenge and USPSA matches

  • Learn how to measure your performance and improve your skills

The competencies learned in Pistol Shooting Sports translate to better competitive performances, gun handling skills, and firearm safety awareness. (Over 300 pages plus access to online resources - see the complete list of chapters below)

The book is designed to help you hit the ground running with the right tools so you can enjoy the sport as you sharpen your skills.

Part I - Firearm Safety

1. Rules and Responsibility
2. Storing and Securing
3. Get Training

Part II - Overview

4. Getting Started
5. Pistol Competitions
6. Divisions and Classifications

Part III - Shooting Gear

7. Eye and Ear Protection
8. Hats and Footwear
9. Belts and Holsters
10. Magazines and Pouches
11. Equipment Placement
12. Range Bags and Cases
13. Trigger Action Types and Pistols
14. Ammunition and Pistol Calibers
15. Shot Timers and Journals
16. Practice Targets

Part IV - Pistol Shooting Fundamentals

17. Overview and Training
18. Eye Dominance and Testing
19. Sights and Alignment
20. Grip and Trigger Control
21. Breathing, Stance, and Recoil Control
22. Draws and Reloading
23. Dry-Firing
24. Measuring Time
25. Malfunctions and Clearing
26. Unsafe Conditions

Part V - On The Range

27. Cold Range, Storage, and Carry
28. Safety Areas
29. 180 Rule and Safe Angles
30. Finger off the Trigger and Sweeping
31. Sportsmanship and Prohibited Substances
32. Safety Violations and Disqualification
33. Range Commands

Part VI - SCSA Competition - Steel Challenge

34. History and Game Overview
35. Divisions and Categories
36. Targets and Stages
37. SC-101 Five to Go
38. SC-102 Showdown
39. SC-103 Smoke & Hope
40. SC-104 Outer Limits
41. SC-105 Accelerator
42. SC-106 Pendulum
43. SC-107 Speed Option
44. SC-108 Roundabout
45. Scoring and Classification
46. Starting Positions and Strategy
47. Training and Resources

Part VII - USPSA Competition

48. History and Game Overview
49. Divisions and Categories
50. Targets and Power Factor
51. Course Types and Match Levels
52. Written Stage Briefings and Diagrams
53. Chronographs and Ammo Testing
54. Target Scoring and Penalties
55. Stage Scoring and Rules
56. Stage Scoring Examples
57. Match Scoring
58. Makeup Shots
59. Classification System
60. Training Outline and Resources

Part VIII - Your First Match

61. General Tips
62. Match Officials and Roles
63. What to Bring
64. What to Do
65. It’s Your Turn

Part IX - Membership

66. USPSA and SCSA
67. Clubs
68. Resources