"The
Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all
power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that
it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." -Thomas Jefferson.
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A match consists of several different
shooting exercises known as stages. In a stage
the shooter is confronted with a scenario such as being attacked using an ATM at
night, resisting an assault in your home or even dealing with a dangerous
animal. Stages usually require 10-15 rounds, rarely more than 20
rounds. A stage can consist of as few as one and as many as five or six
targets.
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You shoot at targets
located in an area about 25 yards wide by 50 yards deep, surrounded by high dirt
banks to absorb the bullets that pass through the targets.
During the course of
fire, you are accompanied by an RO, or Range Officer. The RO serves to
start the clock, monitor your safety and tally your score.
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How am I scored? How do I judge my
results?
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computed in one of three basic ways.
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In
the first method your final score is the number of points you gain
divided by the time it takes between the initial start buzzer and
your last shot fired. This method is known as hit factor and
it has the units of points per second. This is similar to
rating a race car in miles per hour. |
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The
second method uses the buzzer to start but only points are recorded
and your score is based solely on accuracy. This would be
similar to judging a car's performance by the smoothness of its ride
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The
third method uses only time, with seconds being added for for a poor
shot or a miss. |
What
kind of targets would I shoot at?
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Targets
consist of two major types, Moving and Stationary.
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Moving
targets consist of pop-ups and swingers. Pop-ups
rise up from the ground and swingers move in and out from behind
obstacles. |
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Stationary
targets are of two basic types:
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Steel, which topples
to the ground when struck and are scored as a hit/miss.
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Paper targets,
which are divided into zones having point values representing the degree
of incapacitation of the target. |
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shooting stage may also include No-Shoots, or targets that
represent hostages or innocent bystanders. To avoid hitting these
you have to move to a clear shooting position. These 'targets'
reinforce the old NRA safety rule that says, 'Be sure of your target and
what is behind it'. |
How am I rated? Are there different
classes of shooters?
Keep in mind that
Action Handgun is a physical entertainment, a Sport. The side benefit is
that while you're enjoying yourself with an outdoor recreation, you're
practicing the defense of yourself and your family. When it comes to recreation
you may evaluate yourself on the basis of your own improvement or against other
shooters if you like. If it should ever come down to the ultimate test,
actual self defense, Action Handgun will help you classify among the quick, not
the dead.
As far as recreation
goes...
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We typically classify shooters on the basis
of the firearm they use. |
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We don't expect revolvers to be as fast as
semi-automatics and we score them separately. |
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ability to shoot safely, swiftly and accurately will improve with practice
at Action Handgun. You will be able to judge your progress by
comparing your later scores to your earlier ones. |
If I'm new, will I be competing against
experienced shooters?
If you are new to
shooting sports WE WANT YOU!
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You will choose a mentor to help
you progress. He or she will let you know how well you're doing and
help you with the safety rules. |
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Many of our members are certified
instructors and will be more than glad to answer your questions and help you get
started. |
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In Action
Handgun, you only compete against
yourself. The purpose is to improve your skills and to have fun doing
it. If you want to bring a friend and compare results we encourage that
also. |
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