Guide to Competitive Shooting Disciplines and Match Formats

Competitive shooting is a diverse and exhilarating sport, offering various disciplines to suit different skills and interests. Whether you’re drawn to the strategic planning of precision rifle matches or the fast-paced action of multi-gun competitions, there’s a match format for you. This guide will provide an overview of some of the most popular competitive shooting disciplines: IDPA, USPSA, IPSC, 3-Gun, PRS, NRL22, and NRL Hunter. We’ll delve into the key rules, the unique challenges of each, and provide tips for those looking to get started in the sport.

IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association)

Overview

IDPA focuses on real-world self-defense scenarios, emphasizing practical equipment and techniques. Competitors use pistols and revolvers to navigate courses that mimic everyday situations.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Stock Service Pistol (SSP): Factory-produced double-action and striker-fired semi-automatic pistols with minimal modifications.
• Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP): Single-action and double-action semi-automatics with more permissible modifications.
• Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP): .45 ACP caliber semi-automatics with specific modifications.
• Revolver (REV): Double-action revolvers with minimal modifications.
• Compact Carry Pistol (CCP): Smaller semi-automatic pistols that fit within specific size and weight limits.
• Backup Gun (BUG): Very small pistols and revolvers suitable for backup use.

Scoring: Time-plus scoring system; penalties for hits outside scoring zones and procedural errors.

Equipment: Concealment garments are required; equipment must be practical and not optimized solely for competition.

Challenges

• Realistic Scenarios: Courses are designed to simulate real-life self-defense situations, requiring quick decision-making.
• Equipment Limitations: Shooters must use practical gear, often under concealment, which can restrict movement and access.

Savage Firearm Recommendation

• Stance: Designed for concealed carry and personal defense, Stance is an excellent option for IDPA Compact Carry Pistol (CCP) division.

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USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association)

Overview

USPSA is known for its fast-paced, high-round-count stages that test speed, accuracy, and power. Competitors navigate complex courses, engaging targets from multiple positions.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Open: Highly modified pistols with optics, compensators, and high-capacity magazines.
• Limited: Iron sights only, with modifications allowed but no optics or compensators.
• Limited 10: Similar to Limited but restricted to ten rounds per magazine.
• Production: Factory-spec pistols with minimal modifications; stricter on what modifications are allowed.
• Single Stack: 1911-style pistols with a maximum of ten rounds in the magazine.
• Carry Optics: Semi-automatics with slide-mounted optics and limited modifications.
• Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC): Carbine rifles chambered in pistol calibers, with optics allowed.

Scoring: Hit Factor scoring system; a balance of speed and accuracy.

Targets: Mix of paper and steel targets; penalties for missed targets and procedural errors.

Challenges

• Speed and Accuracy: Balancing fast shooting with precise hits.
• Course Complexity: Stages often include moving targets, obstacles, and dynamic shooting positions.

Savage Firearm Recommendation

• Stance: While primarily designed for concealed carry, this model can be used in the Carry Optics or Production divisions due to its compact size, reliability, and ease of use.
• Savage 1911: This classic design is suitable for the Single Stack, Limited, or Open divisions.

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IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation)

Overview

IPSC, the international counterpart to USPSA, emphasizes "DVC" (Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas – Accuracy, Power, Speed). It features a wide variety of stages that test a shooter’s versatility.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Open: Similar to USPSA, with high levels of customization allowed.
• Standard: Similar to USPSA Limited; no optics or compensators.
• Production: Strictly regulated factory-spec pistols.
• Classic: Single-stack 1911 pistols with specific limitations.
• Revolver: Double-action revolvers with specific rules for modifications.

Scoring: Comstock scoring system; points per hit divided by time.

Targets: Mix of paper and steel targets, with an emphasis on shooting challenges.

Challenges

• Global Variation: Courses and rules can vary slightly depending on the country, requiring adaptability.
• Technical Skills: High level of technical shooting skills needed to excel.

Savage Firearm Recommendation

• Stance: While primarily designed for concealed carry, this model can be used in the Carry Optics or Production divisions due to its compact size, reliability and ease of use.
• Savage 1911: Depending on the use of optics and other modifications, the Savage 1911 could be used in the Classic, Standard, Production or Open divisions.

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3-Gun or Multi-Gun

Overview

3-Gun matches involve the use of three types of firearms: a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. Competitors engage targets using all three, often switching between them within a single stage.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Open: Highly modified firearms with optics and compensators allowed on all three guns.
• Tactical: Optics allowed on rifles and pistols but not on shotguns.
• Limited: Iron sights only; no optics or compensators.
• Heavy Metal: Larger calibers and heavier firearms with specific rules.

Scoring: Time-plus penalties for misses and procedural errors.

Targets: Combination of paper, clay, and steel targets, often requiring engagement at varying distances.

Challenges

• Firearm Proficiency: Mastery of three different firearms and the ability to switch between them seamlessly.
• Stage Complexity: Courses can be long and varied, testing endurance and versatility.

Savage Firearm Recommendation

• Rifle: MSR 15 Competition is designed specifically for competitive shooting with a lightweight barrel, free-floating handguard, and a high-quality trigger.
• Shotgun: Renegauge Competition is a semi-auto shotgun tailored for competitive shooting, offering a reliable DRIV Gas System, adjustable stock, and extended magazine tube, which are crucial for the fast-paced nature of 3-Gun matches.  
• Handgun: Savage 1911 is a classic 1911 design with high-quality components. The Savage 1911 single-action trigger has a crisp break and short reset, which can enhance shooting speed and precision.

Savage ambassador Logan Toland shooting a Renegauge Competition in 3-Gun.

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PRS (Precision Rifle Series)

Overview

PRS matches focus on long-range precision shooting. Competitors engage targets at varying distances, often from unconventional positions, testing their marksmanship and equipment.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Open: Allows a wide range of rifle modifications and calibers.
• Production: Factory rifles with limited modifications; budget-friendly.
• Tactical: Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester or .223 Remington with specific limitations.

Scoring: Points per hit, with emphasis on accuracy over speed.

Targets: Steel targets at distances typically ranging from 100 to over 1,000 yards.

Challenges

• Wind Reading: Accurate wind estimation is crucial for long-range shooting.
• Position Shooting: Competitors must often shoot from improvised or unstable positions.

Savage Firearm Recommendation

• 110 Elite Precision: This rifle is built specifically for precision shooting with features such as an MDT ACC chassis, stainless steel barrel, and AccuTrigger. Its fully customizable stock and heavy contour barrel makes it an excellent choice for any division in PRS matches. 

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NRL22 (National Rifle League 22)

Overview

NRL22 focuses on .22 caliber rimfire rifles and air rifles, making it accessible and affordable. Matches emphasize precision shooting at shorter ranges, often in a variety of field positions with targets at multiple distances under time constraints.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Open: Allows extensive modifications and high-end optics.
• Base: Limited to rifles and optics under a certain price point, encouraging affordability.
• Young Guns: For junior shooters, encouraging youth participation.
• Ladies: For female competitors
• Old Gun/Adaptive: Any participant at the age of 60 or older or those with special needs/considerations
• Air Rifle: Anyone participating with an air rifle

Scoring: Points per hit, similar to PRS but at shorter distances.

Targets: Steel targets at distances from 25 to 200 yards.

Challenges

• Small Targets: Precision is paramount with small targets at varying distances.
• Varied Positions: Shooting from prone, kneeling, and standing positions.

Read: NRL22 101: How to Get Started in NRL22

Savage Firearm Recommendations:

• B22 Precision: This bolt action rimfire rifle features a modular chassis system, heavy barrel and the AccuTrigger, providing excellent accuracy and customization options for competitive shooting. The MSRP qualifies for the Base division, making it a great option for competing at a high level with a low barrier to entry.
• Mark II TRR-SR: This tactical version of the Mark II offers a fluted heavy barrel, threaded muzzle, and an ergonomic stock, designed for precision and comfort in competitive settings. 

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NRL Hunter

Overview

NRL Hunter combines elements of precision shooting with hunting scenarios. Competitors engage steel targets from natural field positions, simulating real-world hunting challenges. In NRL Hunter competitions, the "finding" aspect involves quickly and accurately locating targets within a designated area using optics and observational skills, often under time constraints. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for the subsequent steps of ranging and engaging the targets.

Key Rules and Divisions

Divisions

• Open Light and Heavy: Based on rifle weight and caliber.
• Factory: Factory rifles with limited modifications.
• Team: Pairs of shooters working together, simulating a hunting team.

Scoring: Points for first-round impacts; emphasis on practical accuracy and target identification.

Targets: Steel targets at various distances, often hidden or partially obscured.

Challenges

• Field Conditions: Matches are often held in natural terrain, requiring navigation and shooting from uneven ground.
• Target Identification: Competitors must quickly and accurately identify and engage targets.

Savage Firearm Recommendations

• 110 Ultralite: Designed for backcountry hunting, this model features a lightweight PROOF Research carbon fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel and an AccuFit stock, making it easy to carry while maintaining precision. 
• Impulse KLYM: The straight-pull action of the Impulse allows for quicker cycling of the bolt and the lightweight carbon fiber thumbhole and barrel make it ideal for moving through different terrains and positions. 

Savage Ambassador Matt Alwine has won several NRL Hunter matches in 2024 shooting a 110 Ultralite Elite

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Getting Started in Competitive Shooting

There is no shortage of variety when it comes to competitive shooting and it can be daunting if you don’t know where to get started. Here are some tips on getting started in competitive shooting.

• Research: Learn about the different disciplines to find the one that interests you most.
• Start Small: Begin with local matches to gain experience without the pressure of larger competitions.
• Gear Up: Invest in reliable equipment, but avoid over-spending on unnecessary modifications when starting out.
• Training: Focus on fundamental skills like accuracy, speed, and safety.
• Mentorship: Join shooting clubs or find experienced shooters who can offer guidance and support.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety, both in practice and competition.

Competitive shooting offers a wide range of disciplines, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether you prefer the strategic depth of PRS or the dynamic action of 3-Gun, there’s a format that will test and develop your shooting skills. By understanding the key rules and challenges of each discipline, you can find the one that best matches your interests and start your journey in this exciting sport. Remember to start slow, focus on safety, and enjoy the process of becoming a better shooter.