Guides

Power factor explained: the bullet-weight-times-velocity formula, major vs minor scoring tiers, which divisions use each, and how power factor is chronographed at matches.

USPSA divisions explained: all eight handgun divisions from Carry Optics to Open, what gear each allows, the rules on optics and magazines, and which division a beginner should shoot.

What is IDPA? A plain-English guide to the International Defensive Pistol Association: how a defensive match works, the eight divisions, the scoring, and how to shoot your first match.

What is 3-Gun shooting? A plain-English guide to the multigun sport: how a match works with rifle, pistol and shotgun, the divisions, the guns you need and how to start.

What is Steel Challenge? A plain-English guide to the speed shooting sport: the eight fixed stages, the stop plate, time-based scoring, the divisions and how to shoot your first match.

What is PRS? A plain-English guide to the Precision Rifle Series: how a long-range match works, the divisions, the gear you need and how to start in the rimfire series.

How to get started in competition shooting: a step-by-step beginner guide to picking a discipline, finding your first match on Practiscore, what to bring and what to expect on match day.

What is USPSA? A plain-English guide to the United States Practical Shooting Association: how a match works, the divisions, hit-factor scoring and how to shoot your first match.

Last updated May 2026 · By Nick Hall, club-level competitor across USPSA, Steel Challenge and PRS The fastest way into competition shooting is a local Steel Challenge or USPSA pistol match, where you can run the gun you already own and learn the ropes for the price of an entry fee and a box of … Read more