Most of the courses of fire in the NRA Action Pistol events are described here.

Advanced_Military_Event

Ambidextrous_Event

Barricade Event

Combat_Event

Crawford_Barricade_Event

Falling_Plate_Event

Los_Alamitos_Event

Practical_Event

Tyro Event (qualification match)

Advanced Military Event

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Type: Score, possible = 500 points, 45-X (no X's to be scored on Stage I)

Targets: Bianchi (NRA D-1) and NRA 50-yard slow-fire target

Range: 10, 25 and 50 yards Rounds: 5

PROCEDURE:

Stage I: Competitor fires 5 shots at an NRA 50-yard slow-fire target from 50 yards. Hits inside the 8-ring (in the black) count 10. Hits outside the 8-ring but inside the 5-ring count 5. Hits outside the 5-ring count Zero. Time limit; 30 seconds. No spotting. Possible 50 points. (No X-count)

Stage II: Competitor fires 5 shots at a Bianchi (NRA D-1) target from 50 yards. 15 Seconds time limit. Possible 50 points.

Stage III: Competitor fires one shot at a Bianchi (NRA D-1) target from 25 yards. Competitor then repeats for a total of 10 shots. Time limit is 2-1/2 seconds. Possible 100 points.

Stage IV: Competitor fires 5 shots at a Bianchi (NRA D-1) target from 10 yards, reloads and fires 5 more shots at the same target. 14 Seconds time limit. Possible 100 points.

Stage V: Competitor fires 2 shots at each of 3 Bianchi (NRA D-1) targets placed 3 yards apart (edge-to-edge) from 10 yards. Competitor stands in front of the center target facing 90 degrees to the right or left and may not look at the target until the signal is given. Upon signal to commence fire, the competitor must turn and face the targets, then draw and fire. Competitor then repeats for a total of 12 shots. 4 second time limit for each string. Possible 120 points.

Stage VI: Competitor fires one shot at a Bianchi (NRA D-1) target from 10 yards. Competitor then repeats for a total of 8 shots. Time limit is 1-1/2 seconds. Possible 80 points.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 points will be assessed for each procedural error and for each round fired overtime.

Ambidextrous Event

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Rounds: 48

Targets: 8" round white metal plates

Range: 10, 15 and 20 yards

Procedure: There will be 6 target plates spaced one foot apart, edge-to-edge. They will be four feet above ground level to the bottom edge. The starting position will be with the handgun holstered and both hands held shoulder high. The starting command will be an audible signal preceded by the verbal commands "STANDBY" and "READY".

10 yd stage: At the first signal to fire the competitor fires one round at each target, freestyle.

At the second signal to fire, the competitor will fire one round at each target with the STRONG HAND ONLY, unsupported.

At the third signal to fire the competitor will fire one round at each target with the WEAK HAND ONLY, unsupported. Competitor may use the strong hand to produce and exchange the gun for this string, but all six shots must be fired with the weak hand without any support for the hand and arm of any kind. Target must be knocked down to score. Time will be SIX seconds per string.

15 yd stage: Same as the 10 yard stage except that the time limit will be 7 seconds per string.

20 yd stage: At the first signal to fire the competitor fires one round at each target, freestyle. Time will be 8 seconds.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 POINTS will be assessed for a premature start, for each procedural error, for each round fired over the designated number and for each round fired overtime.

Ties: Ties will be broken by repeating the 10 yard stage with one second reduced from the time limit. If a tie still exists, competitors will remain at the 10 yard stage with time limits reduced by an additional second per string until the tie is broken.

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Type: Score 480 points, 48-X

Targets: NRA D-1 target

Range: 10, 15, 25 and 35 yards

Procedure: At each stage there will be a 6 feet high, 2 foot wide barricade. They will be placed in a line, one directly behind the other. Each barricade will have a clearly marked 2-foot wide by 3-foot long firing area on the up-range side. The competitor must be within the firing area at the "commence fire" signal and no portion of the competitor's body or equipment may touch outside the firing area until the competitor has finished firing the designated rounds. The barricade will be considered to be within the firing area and may be used as support. There will be two targets downrange. One will be placed 3 feet to the left of the center line and one 3 feet to the right (6 feet apart edge to edge).

The starting position will be with the handgun holstered and the palms of both hands on the face of the barricade. The starting signal will be an audible type (whistle, horn, etc) or turning targets and may be used, preceded by the commands "STAND BY" and "READY".

10 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires six rounds at either target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is 5 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 6 rounds at the remaining target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is also 5 seconds.

15 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires six rounds at either target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is 6 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 6 rounds at the remaining target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is also 6 seconds.

25 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires six rounds at either target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is 7 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 6 rounds at the remaining target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is also 7 seconds.

35 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires six rounds at either target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is 8 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 6 rounds at the remaining target from the matching side of the barricade; time limit is also 8 seconds.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 POINTS will be assessed for each procedural error and for each round fired overtime.

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Rounds: 60

Target: NRA B-18 (international rapid-fire)

Range: 7, 25 and 50 yards.

Procedure: For each firing position there will be a barricade at 25 yards and at 50 yards. When firing left hand from behind the barricade the competitors feet must be to the right of the left edge of the barricade and when shooting right-hand from behind the barricade the competitors feet must be to the left of the right edge of the barricade.

Stage I - 7 yds: At the signal to commence fire the competitor draws and fires 12 shots from the standing position without support in 18 seconds. The time starts with a loaded gun in the holster and includes time required for reloading.

Stage II - 25 yds: At the signal to commence fire the competitor draws and fires 6 shots from the kneeling position, 6 shots standing left hand from behind the barricade and 6 shots standing right hand from behind the barricade in 60 seconds. The time starts with a loaded gun in the holster and includes time required for reloading.

Stage III - 50 yds: At the signal to commence fire the competitor draws and fires 6 shots from the sitting position, 6 shots from the prone position, 6 shots standing left hand from behind the barricade and 6 shots standing right hand from behind the barricade in 2 MINUTES. The time starts with a loaded gun in the holster and includes time required for reloading.

Stage IV - 25 yds: At the signal to commence fire the competitor draws and fires 6 shots from the standing position in 10 seconds. The time starts with a loaded gun in the holster. No barricade or other support is used, however 2-hand hold is authorized.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 POINTS will be assessed for a premature start, for each procedural error, for each round fired over the designated number and for each round fired overtime.

Crawford Barricade Event

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO ( 24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Type: Score 480 points, 48-X

Targets: NRA D-1 target

Range: 10, 15, 25 and 35 yards

Procedure: At each stage there will be a 6 feet high, 2 foot wide barricade. They will be placed in a line, one directly behind the other. Each barricade will have a clearly marked 2-foot wide by 3-foot long firing area on the up-range side. The competitor must be within the firing area at the "commence fire" signal and no portion of the competitor's body or equipment may touch outside the firing area until the competitor has finished firing the designated rounds. The barricade will be considered to be within the firing area and may be used as support. There will be two targets downrange. One will be placed 3 feet to the left of the center line and one 3 feet to the right. (6 feet apart edge to edge). The starting position will be with the handgun holstered and the palms of both hands on the face of the barricade. The starting signal will be an audible type (whistle, horn, etc) or turning targets and may be used, preceded by the commands "STANDBY" and "READY".

10 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the right target, then fires 3 rounds at the left target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is 8 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the left target, then fires 3 rounds at the right target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is also 8 seconds.

15 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the right target, then fires 3 rounds at the left target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is 9 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the left target, then fires 3 rounds at the right target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is also 9 seconds

25 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the right target, then fires 3 rounds at the left target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is 10 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the left target, then fires 3 rounds at the right target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is also 10 seconds.

35 yard stage: At the signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the right target, then fires 3 rounds at the left target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is 11 seconds.

At the second signal to commence fire, competitor fires 3 rounds at the left target, then fires 3 rounds at the right target from the matching sides of the barricade; time limit is also 11 seconds.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 POINTS will be assessed for each premature start, for a procedural error, for each round fired over the designated number and for each round fired overtime.

Falling Plate Event

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Rounds: 48

Targets: 8" round white metal plates

Range: 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards

Procedure: There will be 6 target plates spaces one foot apart, edge-to-edge. They will be four feet above ground level to the bottom edge. The starting position will be with the handgun holstered and both hands held shoulder high. The starting command will be an audible signal preceded by the verbal commands "STANDBY" and "READY".

10 yard stage: At the signal to fire the competitor fires one round at each target. Target must be knocked down to score. Time will be 6 seconds. Competitor then repeats procedure.

15 yard stage: At the signal to fire the competitor fires one round at each target. Target must be knocked down to score. Time will be 7 seconds. Competitor then repeats procedure.

20 yard stage: At the signal to fire the competitor fires one round at each target. Target must be knocked down to score. Time will be 8 seconds. Competitor then repeats procedure.

25 yard stage: At the signal to fire the competitor fires one round at each target. Target must be knocked down to score. Time will be 9 seconds. Competitor then repeats procedure.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 POINTS will be assessed for a premature start, for each procedural error, for each round fired over the designated number and for each round fired overtime.

Los Alamitos Event

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes wll be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Type: Score possible 420 points and 42-X

Rounds: 42

Targets: Bianchi cup (NRA D-1), 3 targets spaced one foot apart, edge-to-edge.

Range: 7, 10, and 25 yards

Procedure:

Stage I: Range: 7 yards. Time 2-1/2 seconds for each of 3 strings. Rounds: 2 each string

Competitor stands facing 3 targets and upon signal to fire, draws and fires 2 rounds at the CENTER target. Upon second signal to fire draws and fires 2 rounds at the RIGHT target. On the third signal to fire, draws and fires 2 rounds at the LEFT target.

Stage II: Range 7 yards:, time 5 seconds. Rounds, 6.

Competitor stands facing three targets and on the signal to fire, draws and fires 2 rounds at each target.

Stage III: Range 7 yards:, time 6 seconds. Rounds, 6.

Competitor stands facing three targets and on the signal to fire, draws and fires 2 rounds at each target using the STRONG HAND ONLY.

Stage IV: Range 10 yards:, time 18 seconds. Rounds, 12.

Competitor stands facing three targets and on the signal to fire, draws and fires 2 rounds at each target, RELOADS, TRANSFERS PISTOL TO WEAK HAND and fires 2 rounds at each target using WEAK HAND ONLY.

Stage V: Range 25 yards, time 10 seconds for each of 2 strings.

Rounds 6 each string - for a total of 12.

Competitor stands concealed behind barricade and upon signal to fire, draws and fires 2 rounds at each of 3 targets from the RIGHT side of barricade. Competitor then reloads and on the second signal to fire, repeats the procedure EXCEPT that the firing is done from the LEFT side of the barricade.

Barricade will be 6 feet high and 2 feet wide and will have a firing area 2 feet wide and 3 feet long. The competitor may not support any weight outside the area except that, this being a standard match from another source, the rules allow the competitor to use the barricade as a support.

Penalties: A penalty of 10 POINTS will be assessed for a premature start, for each procedural error, for each round fired over the designated number and for each round fired overtime.

Practical Event

Tyro Shooters: Competitors who have not previously done so will be required to satisfactorily complete the NRA TYRO (24 shot) safety-qualifying course before the main event.

TYRO course will be provided preceding each match for an extra entry fee. However NO prizes will be awarded in the TYRO match (see rule 10.17).

Match schedule:

Type: Practical event

Targets: D-1 (Bianchi-cup) target

Rounds: 48

Range: 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards

PROCEDURE:

Phase 1. Shooter faces two 2 D-1 targets at 10 yards, on the signal shooter draws and fires ONE shot at each target in 3 seconds.

Phase 2. On signal shooter draws and fires TWO shots at each target in 4 seconds.

Phase 3. On signal shooter draws and fires THREE shots at each target in 8 seconds with the WEAK HAND ONLY.

Phase 1. Shooter faces two D-1 targets at 15 yards on signal shooter draws and fires ONE shot at each target in 4 seconds.

Phase 2. On signal shooter draws and fires TWO shots at each target in 5 seconds.

Phase 3. On signal shooter draws and fires THREE shots at each target in 6 seconds.

Phase 1. Shooter faces two D-1 targets at 25 yards on signal shooter draws and fires ONE shot at each target in 5 seconds.

Phase 2. On signal shooter draws and fires TWO shots at each target in 6 seconds.

Phase 3. On signal shooter draws and fires THREE shots at each target in 7 seconds.

Stage IV:

Phase 1. Shooter faces two D-1 targets at 50 yards on signal shooter draws and fires ONE shot at each target in 7 seconds.

Phase 2. On signal shooter draws and fires TWO shots at each target in 10 seconds.

Phase 3. On signal shooter draws and fires THREE shots at each target in 15 seconds.

Penalties: A PENALTY of 10 POINTS will be assessed for each Procedural error and for each round fired overtime.

Match schedule: All firing done at ten yards at Bianchi (NRA D-1) targets, (3) targets spaced 3 feet apart.

Procedure:

Stage I: 6 rounds

On the signal, competitor draws and fires 2 rounds at CENTER target in 5 seconds.

On the second signal, competitor draws and fires 2 rounds at LEFT target in 5 seconds.

On the third signal, competitor draws and fires 2 rounds at RIGHT target in 5 seconds.

Stage II: 6 rounds

On the signal, competitor draws and fires 2 rounds at EACH target in 8 seconds.

Stage III: 12 rounds

On the signal, Competitor draws and fires 2 rounds at EACH target, RELOADS and fires 2 more rounds at EACH target, all in 20 seconds.

* Competitors must score 70% of possible (168 out of 240), and pass safety observation by range officials, to progress to the next level of competition. Also equipment must be inspected by officials for safety requirement compliance.