Action shooting

Action shooting adds speed, and often movement, to precision. Competitors shoot timed courses of fire, and the score rewards both accuracy and speed. In IPSC practical shooting every match has different stages; in Action Match the events are shot at set distances.

Practical shooting (IPSC)

IPSC Australia, the body recognised by the Australian Government to manage practical shooting, explains how it differs from other target shooting:

• Stages. A match organiser designs a set of stages, each with its own layout of paper and steel targets, stationary and moving, including penalty targets.

• Movement. Stages usually make competitors move from a start position to see and engage every target.

• Scoring. Points from the scoring zones are divided by the time taken, so the clock is part of the score.

• One at a time. Only one competitor shoots a stage at a time, under the direct control of a trained range officer.

In Australia, IPSC competitions are most often for centrefire pistols and revolvers. Stages usually start with the pistol holstered and often need reloads. Rifle and shotgun matches are held occasionally. Men, women and juniors shoot the same stages.

A stage starts with the range officer's command "load and make ready". It finishes with "unload and show clear", then "if clear, hammer down, holster", and "range is clear" before anyone moves downrange. Eye and ear protection are worn at all times on the range.

Other action formats

• SSAA Practical Shooting is the SSAA's own practical discipline, mostly for handguns drawn from a holster, under its own rule book.

• Action Match follows the Bianchi Cup format of four events: practical, barricade, moving target and falling plates, shot within time limits at set distances (the practical event, for example, is shot from 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards). The SSAA and Target Pistol Australia both run Bianchi action pistol events.

How to try it

Clubs that run action shooting may ask for handgun training first. One Victorian club that runs IPSC asks new members to start with its introduction to handguns course, followed by supervised shoots. Brisbane Pistol Club, a practical shooting club, runs introductory sessions with one-on-one coaching and all equipment provided.

Most action shooting uses handguns, so expect the club's handgun probation and licensing steps. See Joining a club and getting licensed.