Pistol Competitions
STEEL CHALLENGE SHOOTING ASSOCIATION
The Steel Challenge Shooting Association (or SCSA) started in 1981. Their focus is on speed shooting for pistol and pistol caliber rifles. The Annual Steel Challenge Championship is called the World Speed Shooting Championships (or WSSC). The winner receives the title as the ‘World’s Fastest Shooter,’ and the SCSA maintains world records for each of the standard eight fire courses. To learn more about Steel Challenge and find an event near you, go to https://scsa.org.
UNITED STATES PRACTICAL SHOOTING ASSOCIATION
The United States Practical Shooting Association (or USPSA) started in 1976. Their focus is on practical shooting on the move for pistol and pistol caliber rifles. Practical shooting allows competitors to strategize how they will use speed, power, and accuracy in competition. The Annual USPSA Nationals competitions are divided into several large events by equipment divisions. These events span several days and test competitors’ wide range of skills. To learn more about USPSA and find an event near you, go to https://uspsa.org.
INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE PISTOL ASSOCIATION
The International Defense Pistol Association (or IDPA) started in 1996. Their focus is on sport-based defensive pistol techniques to solve simulated self-defense scenarios. Competitors use practical handguns and holsters suitable for self-defense. All pistols used in the competition start concealed. To learn more about IDPA and find an event near you, go to http://idpa.com.
INTERNATIONAL PRACTICAL SHOOTING CONFEDERATION
The International Practical Shooting Confederation (or IPSC) started in 1975. They have a number of major event locations around the world, including in Switzerland, Austria, Rhodesia, South Africa, the United States, Venezuela, England, Brazil, Philippines, Ecuador, Indonesia, Greece, France, and Thailand. A world event takes place every three years. World rankings can be found at https://ipscrating.com. To learn more about IPSC, go to https://ipsc.org.
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION BIANCHI CUP
The NRA Bianchi Cup was started in 1979. This event focuses on action pistols and is one of the most prestigious events in the pistol shooting sports community. It brings competitors from all over the world. Competitors engage once a year in four events over three days, where accuracy, speed, and precision are measured. The four events offered are Practical, Barricade, Falling Plate, and Moving Target. To learn more about the Bianchi Cup, go to https://competitions.nra.org.
INTERNATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FEDERATION
The International Shooting Sports Federation (or ISSF) started in 1907. The federation focuses on Olympic style shooting using air rifles and pistols, and shotguns for Trap and Skeet competitions. The ISSF cooperates with officials and committees that support the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Competitions include the ISSF World Shooting Championships, a World Cup, and a Junior World Cup. Other events are also held throughout the world across many supporting countries. To learn more about ISSF goto, https://issf-sports.org.
SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY - (Cowboy Action Shooting)
The Single Action Shooting Society is the home for Cowboy Action Shooting. This is an international membership organization that started in 1987. The organization serves as a governing body for Cowboy Action Shooting and ensures safety and consistency within the sport. Members share a common interest in preserving Old Western history and competitive shooting in a safe and friendly environment. To learn more about SASS, goto https://sassnet.com
