A Beginner's Guide to Practical Shooting Competition

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 II - 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 VII - 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 - Memberships
    66. USPSA and SCSA
    67. Clubs
    68. Resources