Action Pistol

Shooting Sports

IDPA | PRACTICAL PISTOL | ACTION STEEL | COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING

Restricted Facility

INTRODUCTION

Action Pistol Shooting Sports originated in southern California in the late 1950’s. Its popularity has grown into various competition sports where a shooter engages targets in an obstacle course, combining the principles of precision, power, and speed.

NWCSA hosts a variety of Action Pistol formats, with IDPA events most prominent. IDPA rules focus on service or everyday carry firearms, with minimal modifications. Lower equipment costs mean greater accessibility, which in turn will improve the fundamental skills necessary for personal defense.

Our calendar typically extends from March through November and most matches are ‘open to the public’. We focus on skills improvement over prizes and awards and we welcome new shooters to join the fun.

Contact: AP Committee

AP RANGE | RULES & SAFETY

STOP: All shooters must read, understand, and comply with the following rules and policies.

  1. NWCSA:
  2. Match Rules:

More Information

Participant Release of Liability Form (PDF download)

New AP Shooters, please contact the AP Committee about your previous experience. An AP Orientation may be recommended.

ACTION PISTOL CALENDAR

COMPARING ACTION PISTOLS SHOOTING SPORTS

Sport Name Description Details
IDPA International Defensive Pistol Association Competitors use practical, everyday carry firearms with full power loads to solve self-defense scenarios. Scoring rewards speed and accuracy. More Info
GPA Galactic Pistol Alliance Very similar to IDPA but with a relaxed set of shooting rules. Scoring is based on par times. More Info
USPSA United States Practical Shooting Association Allows a wide range of firearms for competition. Target engagement is more free form with shooters allowed to move anywhere within a shooting box. More Info
PCSL Practical Competition Shooting League A USPSA format but rule set is open source meaning clubs can modify to suit their needs. More Info
SCSA Steel Challenge he course of fire consists of 5-6 steel targets of varying sizes and placed in varying patterns – the shooters will shoot at the targets 5 times. The 5 strings are timed, with your highest time being dropped, and your remaining 4 strings added up counting as your score. More Info
SASS Single Action Shooting Society Cowboy Action Shooting – Shooters dress in attire of the Old West and engage steel targets with pistols, carbines, and shotguns. More Info

ACTION PISTOL MATCH ACTION

Tim Herron 2 Day Practical Performance Class

Shooter’s POV at NWCSA

Shooting a Stage in Thomaston

ACTION PISTOL FAQ’s

The NWCSA primarily hosts International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) matches because they support simulated real world and self-defense scenarios. IDPA offers an exciting forum for shooters in which practical equipment, techniques, and courses of fire are mandated. If you are interested in using every day carry pistols to solve challenging and exciting defensive shooting problems, then IDPA is the sport for you!

In 2024 we will also be introducing PCSL which is similar to USPSA matches as well as Action Steel which is based on SCSA.

IDPA matches are held in the Action Pistol pits at top of hill opposite the Trap Range. Usually there are 2 squads of up to 12 shooters. Each pit will have a shooting scenario or ‘stage’ setup. A stage will have multiple paper and/or steel targets and will frequently involve moving targets. You shoot a stage under the supervision of a Safety Officer and your speed and accuracy will be recorded. There are usually 6-7 stages to shoot. In the end you will have a total score for the match so you can see how you stacked up against your fellow shooters.

No. You can ‘test drive’ this shooting sport in 3 matches before deciding to join the IDPA, or not. If you decide to join, just visit the IDPA website

All IDPA Matches are open to the public. We just ask that you read and respect the NWCSA Rules.

Yes, however they are nominal compared to the fun you’ll experience. You’ll find the price listed on each IDPA scheduled event

Yes. This is not a ‘learn how to shoot’ course. You must be able to demonstrate; 1) responsible firearm safety 2) familiarity of your firearm and be able to handle it safely 3) the ability to safely draw from holster and reload on the move.

If you haven’t participated in an Action Pistol event, you must attend a NWCSA Action Pistol Orientation; a free, 1-2 hour workshop to familiarize you with range protocols, equipment, safety considerations, IDPA rules, etc. Register for the next AP Orientation.

Anyone who does not meet all these requirements, will not be allowed to participate.

Essentials include:

    • Pistol or Revolver – center fire, 9mm or 38 special (minimum). No Magnum calibers
    • Holster – you may use Inside the Waistband (IWB) or Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters. It MUST cover the trigger guard – no exceptions. Serpa holsters are not recommended.
    • Magazines – at least 3, preferably 4, magazines or speed loaders
    • Ammunition – a minimum of 150 rounds
    • Concealment garment ‐ a shirt or jacket that completely covers your holster
    • Eye and ear protection – mandatory
    • Belt – although many belts will work, a quality shooting belt is recommended to support equipment weight and to minimize unwanted movement
    • Commitment – bring your A-Game – a Positive, Respectful Attitude for Safe, Responsible Shooting

IDPA Matches are generally held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from April through October. They will take place on the Action Pistol Range from 9AM to 2PM. Once you register for a match, you will receive Check-in details and other information via email. View all IDPA dates in the NWCSA Events Calendar or on the PractiScore website (search Matches for ‘NWCSA’).

Go to Practiscore.com click Matches and search for ‘NWCSA’. Payment is required at time of registration.

A walk through is a 4-5 minute period before shooting starts on a stage. During this time the course of fire is explained, and you have time to prepare a plan. You can learn the finer points here.