Getting into competitive shooting can seem overwhelming from the outside looking in. In fact, there are so many different types of competitive shooting, the acronyms alone can be confusing. IDPA? USPSA? Where do you start? We’re going to take a look at the different types of competition shooting to give you an idea of where to start, with some tips along the way.
What is competitive shooting?
The term competitive shooting is a blanket term that refers to every kind of competition shooting sport that exists. That means someone who says they’re a competitive shooter might be talking about handguns, rifles, or shotguns. The competitive shooting sports might involve shooting a mapped-out course or could include shooting clays from a single location. They might involve paper, steel, or clay targets, and distances vary. There’s quite a bit of variety which is what makes the shooting sports so fantastic, because there’s something for everyone.
What is 3 Gun?
3 Gun remains a popular competitive shooting sport. As its name suggests, 3 Gun involves using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle to shoot different stages. Targets vary by match and might include steel, paper, or clay, any of which could be moving or spinners. One target that’s known to cause a bit of frustration among many shooters is the Texas Star. This spinning target traditionally features five circular plates (it’s possible for it to have more plates in some cases). As the shooter begins to fire at the plates and strike them, the star begins to turn. Learning how to shoot the Texas Star quickly and effectively takes some practice, but it’s really rewarding once you figure it out.
Getting into 3 Gun does mean you need all three firearms, but just like any shooting sport those guns do not have to be extraordinarily high-end or tricked out. It’s absolutely possible to get into competition with a basic setup, so long as it abides by the specific rules of that division of the shooting sports. You’ll also need to be able to work from the holster and transition between platforms safely and smoothly. If you don’t want to commit to a single platform but prefer to do it all, 3 Gun is a great way to do it.
What is IDPA?
IDPA is the acronym for the International Defensive Pistol Association. The concept behind IDPA matches is that they mirror defensive shooting scenarios in some manner. Matches have one- to three-stage courses of fire and there are numerous divisions including REV (Revolver Division), SSP (Stock Service Pistol Division), CDP (Custom Defensive Pistol), and PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine). As you can guess by those division examples, while most IDPA divisions are for handguns, some are for PCCs. IDPA matches are split into two categories: self-defense scenarios and standard exercises. On average you’re going to be shooting from three to 20 yards. Shots might involve shooting around barriers, shoot/no-shoot targets, and getting into various positions. If you’re self-defense-minded, IDPA is probably the shooting sport for you.
What is USPSA?
USPSA is the acronym for United States Practical Shooting Association. The idea of USPSA is to focus on what the organization considers more practical shooting, focusing on speed and accuracy. USPSA has areas and divisions and separates things into major and minor power factors. Divisions include Open, Limited, Revolver, and Carry Optics. Major and minor power factors have to do with the ammunition itself and USPSA has a formula they use for that. It’s not quite as daunting as it might sound, but it does take some reading and learning about their rules and regulations. All divisions also have a minimum bullet diameter of 0.355 inches (yes, that’s 9x19mm Parabellum). Some divisions do allow the use of red dot sights but most do not. To shoot USPSA you need to be able to be able to handle moving quickly and getting on target rapidly. Long pauses to acquire a sight picture and get on target aren’t going to work, not to succeed in the long run. That said, there is nothing wrong with going slow until you gain the skills to move faster.
What is PRS?
PRS is the acronym for Precision Rifle Series, the organization that popularized, yes, precision rifle shooting. As you might have guessed, PRS is for rifle shooters. PRS focuses on bolt-action rifles but does have a gas gun division and also Open and Production for rimfires. Basically, you can shoot PRS with whichever rifle platform you prefer. There’s a division for you.
Because PRS is all about long-range precision shooting, expect to shoot at longer distances. The exact distance will depend on the match and the stage, but you could be shooting anywhere from 200 yards to 1000 yards or more, although those truly long shots don’t typically make up the majority of the stages. Keep in mind this isn’t shooting from a bench and sandbag rest, you’ll be moving and setting up on different objects, taking different positions as required to make the shot. A lot of details go into PRS which makes it fun and challenging.
You can get into PRS with a factory rifle and if you stay with it, you’ll eventually want a custom setup. Make sure your optic is up to the task, though. A subpar optic will sink you faster than using a factory gun.
What is Cowboy Action Shooting?
Cowboy Action Shooting’s highest governing body is SASS, the Single Action Shooting Society. If you’re a fan of revolvers, this might be the niche shooting sport for you. That doesn’t mean you can only do Cowboy Action Shooting with a single-action revolver, though. This is actually a multi-gun shooting sport that covers everything from single-action revolvers to lever-action rifles to shotguns. To shoot Cowboy Action, there are certain parameters for firearms — usually that they have to be the type of gun used in the 19th century, meaning no semi-auto shotguns — and guns can be originals or reproduction models. Stages will usually require more shots than your revolver will carry, so you’ll either have two revolvers or reloads. Yes, you need to work on your revolver and long gun reloads for Cowboy Action. In addition, you’ll have to dress in era-appropriate clothing. In some ways, Cowboy Action matches are an entire way of life and a different world, but they’re also enjoyable.
There are other shooting sports out there for competitors such as skeet shooting, bowling pin shoots, and even 2 Gun matches that focus on pistol and rifle. Some things remain true regardless of the specific competition, though. When you’re a competitor it’s important not to be that guy who doesn’t help re-set targets. Always help or offer to help. Don’t simply disappear or stand around while others are re-setting targets or tearing down. And if you’re new, admit it. For the most part, the competition world is friendly to newcomers and welcomes them. You might be surprised how willing people are to help.
Finally, don’t assume you need to invest an enormous amount of money into your competition gun or guns. Although it’s nice to have custom guns, it isn’t a must, and there’s nothing wrong with getting started with simple factory guns. Just make sure they meet the regulations of the governing body and that you know which division to enter (again, ask for help, we’re all happy to help). And if you find out a specific group isn’t for you, there’s no reason you can’t make the change from IDPA to USPSA, or vice versa — or make the jump into PRS. Competition shooting should be fun, so do what it takes to keep enjoying it.
Do you have tips for getting into competition shooting? Share them in the comments.
