Maybe you’ve heard about practical pistol competitions from friends or seen videos of people shooting them online, and now you’re interested in trying one yourself. Matches are a fantastic way to improve your shooting skills in a safe environment, and you’ll enjoy spending time with others who share your interests while making plenty of new friends.
Getting started can be challenging (we know, we’ve been there!), so we created a step-by-step guide covering all the basics you need to know before shooting your first match. If you follow these steps, you’ll be much more comfortable when it's time for you to compete.
“Practical pistol” competitions are shooting events where participants navigate through courses of fire and engage targets as quickly and accurately as possible. They’re great for improving your shooting because they test your ability to shoot under pressure and help you learn how to move and shoot efficiently.
Before registering for a match, take some time to learn about the different types of competitions to get a sense of what to expect. The most popular practical shooting organizations include the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), and Steel Challenge.
You don’t need a ton of gear to get started. Here’s the basic equipment you’ll need:
A Reliable Pistol: A 9mm handgun is the most common choice for beginners because it’s relatively affordable to shoot and meets the minimum caliber requirements for IDPA and USPSA.
A Quality Holster: You’ll need an outside-the-waistband holster that securely holds your pistol and allows you to draw it safely. Look for holsters designed for competition. Magazines and Magazine Pouches: Most stages require multiple reloads, so bring at least 2-3 magazines and a way to carry them on your belt.
Ammunition: Check the match descriptions to find out how much ammo you’ll need. It’s always a good idea to bring a little extra with you so you don't have to worry about running out before the match is over.
Eye and Ear Protection: Safety glasses and ear protection are mandatory. Electronic earmuffs are a great choice because they allow you to hear range commands while protecting your hearing.
Safety is the top priority in practical pistol competitions. Here are some basic rules to follow:
Every range and competition has its own set of rules and procedures, but there are some universal commands you’ll need to know:
“Make Ready”: This is your signal to prepare for the stage. You’ll load your gun, holster it, and get into the starting position.
“Are You Ready?”: This is a courtesy check to ensure you’re prepared to begin. If you’re ready, you don’t need to respond—just nod or stay still.
“Standby”: This means the start signal is imminent. Get focused and be ready to move.
“Stop” or “Cease Fire”: If you hear this command, immediately stop shooting, keep your gun pointed downrange, and wait for further instructions.
You'll need to demonstrate your competencies in a couple of areas before you're allowed to compete:
Know How to Draw from a Holster Safely. This is a non-negotiable requirement for almost all practical pistol competitions. You don’t have to be an expert at this, but trying it a few times is not enough. You’ll need to practice this until you can do it confidently. Dry fire is great for practicing reloading (make sure to follow all dry fire safety rules). Taking a class or two can also help you learn to reload mags.
Know How to Reload Quickly and Safely. Reloading your mags while shooting or moving from position to position is a regular part of practical pistol competitions. Practice reloading your pistol by letting the magazine drop to the ground and inserting a new one over and over until it feels smooth and natural. Again, dry fire practice is a great way to do this.
Different competitions have slightly different rules regarding gear, scoring, and stage procedures. For example, USPSA tends to be more lenient with gear and emphasizes speed and accuracy, while IDPA emphasizes defensive shooting scenarios and has stricter rules regarding gear and the sequence in which you shoot targets.
Before your first match, take some time to learn the basic shooting rules for the competition. You don’t need to memorize everything, just get a general idea of important rules like shooting positions, time limits, scoring, and equipment restrictions. Knowing these basics will help you feel more prepared and confident during the match.
Most practical pistol competitions are open to beginners, and many clubs host matches specifically designed for people new to the sport. To find a match, check the USPSA, IDPA, or your local shooting club/range website, or visit PractiScore.com and search for matches near you.
Most matches use an app called PractiScore to manage registrations and match scores. Start by visiting PractiScore.com or downloading the app to search for matches near you (you’ll need to create a free account to search or register). Check the match details for payment instructions - some require online payment, while others are paid when you get there. After the match, your scores will be posted on PractiScore so you can track your progress.
After you register, contact the match director or club to let them know you're a new shooter. When you arrive, remind them so they can have experienced shooters ready to help you through your first match.
If possible, visit the range where the match will be held before your first competition. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the facility, ask questions, and even watch a match in action. If you get the chance, mention to the match director that you’re planning on competing, but you want to watch a match first.
While you’re there, make sure to learn about the safety rules at that particular range. While each shooting organization has its own set of range rules, the shooting range you’re at might have some additional rules you’ll need to abide by.
On match day, get to the range early so you’ll have plenty of time to register, ask questions, put your gear on, and get settled in. During your first match, your goal is to have fun and stay safe. Listen carefully and pay attention to the range officer’s instructions for each stage. Take your time and focus on safety and accuracy rather than speed. Speed will come with practice.
Ask for help! If you’re unsure about anything, ask the range officer or a more experienced shooter on your squad. They’ll be more than happy to help you through any issues.
Practical pistol competitions are open to shooters of all skill levels, but it’s important to be honest about where you’re at. If you’re brand new to shooting or haven’t practiced much, consider taking a beginner handgun class or working with an experienced competitor to build your skills first. Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll be able to compete with confidence and stay safe while having fun.
