The Shooting Sports

In this episode of A Pirate Talks Guns, we delve into the dynamic world of competitive shooting sports, exploring their variety and relevance to shooters of all skill levels. Starting with an overview, the episode highlights the major shooting disciplines: practical pistol shooting (like USPSA and IDPA), precision rifle shooting, shotgun sports, and the intense 3-gun competitions. These disciplines each demand unique skills, from quick transitions in 3-gun to calculating ballistic trajectories in long-range rifle matches.  With emphasis on how IDPA and Steel Challenge competitions are particularly beneficial for concealed carry permit holders, as they closely mimic real-life defensive scenarios and build practical shooting skills.


International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA): https://www.idpa.com/
United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA): https://uspsa.org/index.php
Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA): https://scsa.org/
International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC): https://www.ipsc.org/
Precision Rifle Series (PRS): https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/
Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA): https://shootata.com/default.aspx
National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA): https://mynssa.nssa-nsca.org/
National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA): https://nsca.nssa-nsca.org/
International Multigun Association (IMA): https://internationalmultigun.com/

Loch Laur Photo: https://www.facebook.com/lochlaurphoto
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Transcript

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of competitive shooting sports. Now, if you've ever stood at the firing line and felt that thrill, you might understand the appeal. But competitive shooting? It’s a whole other game. There’s an entire universe here—practical shooting, precision shooting, shotgun sports, and yes, the high-octane madness of 3-gun. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just warming up to the idea, there’s a competitive niche with your name on it. We’ll cover all the ones available, but then we’ll focus on IDPA and Steel Challenge matches. These are the two that are the most valuable for concealed carry permit holders, as they’ll exercise and reinforce all the skills you need to defend yourself. And on the plus side, they’re a lot of fun to shoot. So let’s get to it.

 Before we get into today’s topic, today as I record this it is Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. I date this for posterity, as today we will have what will be the most important presidential election of the nation’s history. It will determine what direction the country will take, whether continuing the downward spiral or a return to normalcy. I encourage all of you to stay prepared and situationally aware as you go about your day after today. The forces of darkness the left has on tap will be unleashed regardless of which candidate wins. We’ve seen it before. We’ve experienced the riots, we’ve experienced the “progressive” mayors’ and governors’ refusals to do anything to stop them. If you live in a blue state or blue city, be prepared. The left’s shock troops don’t need a reason to do what they do best, only an excuse. And my prediction is that the country WILL see an extended period of the packs roaming unfettered causing their brand of death, arson, looting, and general destruction. If you haven’t voted yet, do so, and vote like your life depends on it, because it does.

 Let’s start with the sheer variety in competitive shooting. It’s like a buffet where every dish demands a different skill set. You’ve got pistol competitions like USPSA and IDPA, where it’s all about speed, accuracy, and mastering the art of clearing targets in record time. USPSA is all about unleashing calculated chaos—you’ll see shooters sprinting, crouching, moving through courses that are designed to keep them on their toes like a basement full of badgers on mescaline.

 Then there’s rifle shooting for all the precision freaks out there. Long-range rifle competitions like PRS, or Precision Rifle Series, cater to those who find satisfaction in connecting a shot with a distant target the size of a coffee cup. Here, “precise” is an understatement. Competitors here are the Jedi masters of ballistics, dialing in windage, understanding bullet drop, and even factoring in temperature and the rotation of the earth for shots that are often hundreds of yards away.

 And then we have shotgun sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays. This is where reflexes take the lead. In clay shooting, targets soar, dip, dart, and sometimes seem to tease you mid-flight. There’s nothing quite like calling “pull” and trying to obliterate that little disc flying through the air.

And for those who can’t pick just one, we have 3-gun. Imagine combining a pistol, rifle, and shotgun in a single course. It’s an intense blend that rewards speed, accuracy, and—let’s be honest—a love for pure chaos.

 I’ll put links to all the organizations mentioned in the show notes.

 Now, what makes a great competitive shooter? Sure, marksmanship matters, but if you think it’s just about being a crack shot, you’re in for a surprise. At its core, competitive shooting is about precision, speed, and mental endurance. The skill of hitting a bullseye matters, but it’s only half the battle. You need mental clarity to stay cool and calculated when the timer starts ticking.

 For example, USPSA and IPSC demand “flow,” where every movement, every draw, and every shot works in perfect harmony. In precision rifle competitions, there’s a psychological element—spend what seems like hours planning that one shot, considering the wind, bullet drop, humidity, and sometimes even the Earth’s rotation. It’s science meets art.

Competitive shooting forces you to master fundamentals at an elite level. You’ll find yourself drilling footwork, dry firing at home to shave milliseconds, and refining your trigger press to near perfection. Muscle memory becomes a second language.

 Now, let’s talk about the big names in competitive shooting. USPSA and IDPA are household names among pistol shooters. USPSA? It’s all about speed and high round counts, where shooters are free to “game” the course however they want. IDPA, on the other hand, tries to stick closer to “real-world” scenarios with rules about cover and magazine changes.

 Then there’s the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), which adds an international flair. This is where top competitors from around the world gather, testing their skills on a global stage.

 3-Gun Competitions are the rockstars of the sport. Picture this: you’re running a course with your pistol holstered, rifle slung, and shotgun at the ready. It’s fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action where transitions are everything. Miss a target? That’ll cost you seconds, and in this sport, seconds are precious.

 Steel Challenge is a simpler concept, but deceptively so. It’s you, a pistol, and a lineup of steel plates. Hit them as fast as you can. Miss one? You’ll feel it in the time penalty.

 Let’s take a deeper look at 3-gun for a second. This sport’s explosive popularity is no accident—it’s like a three-ring circus where each ring demands its own set of skills. Transitioning from one firearm to another is no small feat. It’s like going from sprinting on foot to piloting a jet.

 In 3-gun, you’ll see competitors moving, reloading, adjusting sights—all on the clock. There’s a unique dance to the sport; each movement needs to be smooth, efficient, and calculated. The mental switch that comes with each weapon is fascinating to watch, and it’s even more thrilling to experience.

For anyone looking to dip a toe into competitive shooting, training is everything. It’s about consistency, agility, and practicing under pressure. Dry firing at home is a regular part of any shooter’s routine—working on sight alignment, trigger press, and draw speed without firing a round. And yes, at competitions, that extra edge makes a difference.

And then there’s gear—oh, the gear. Competitive shooters are fanatics about their equipment. Optics, holsters, mags, and ammo loads—everything is carefully chosen and, more often than not, customized. You’ll see tricked-out shotguns with extended magazines, optics with specialized reticles, and rifles that are tuned to perfection. Every piece has a purpose, and in the heat of competition, that precision-built gear becomes an extension of the shooter.

If you have your concealed carry permit or have another legal means of carrying concealed, IDPA is the sport you NEED to get involved in. IDPA forces you to practice every skill you’d need to be proficient at to survive a gunfight. Skills you’ll be glad to have if you ever find yourself on the verge of running out of gas on a desolate, serial killer laden wooded road.

 Imagine this: You’re standing on a range, holster loaded, mind buzzing, ready to take on a course that’ll test your wits, reflexes, and marksmanship under pressure. That’s an IDPA match in a nutshell. IDPA, or International Defensive Pistol Association, is where defensive shooting meets competition. It’s a world where real-world scenarios come alive on the range, and every shot counts—not just on the timer, but in how effectively you handle each challenge. 

 Arrive on match day, and you’ll notice a certain energy in the air. It’s a mix of focus, camaraderie, and just a little bit of nervousness. There’s chatter among shooters—some are veterans talking strategy, others are first-timers asking questions and looking around, wide-eyed. The range setup can vary, but you’ll likely find a series of barricades, barrels, and props designed to simulate environments you’d encounter in real-life scenarios. This isn’t some sterile, flat range with static targets. Here, each stage has been crafted to push shooters out of their comfort zones, to make them think, move, and shoot smartly.

 Shooters are grouped into squads, creating an instant sense of team spirit. No one’s there to watch you fail. Everyone’s rooting for each other to succeed, to hit each target cleanly, to improve. You’ll see folks of all experience levels: from beginners with basic gear to seasoned pros with custom setups. And the great thing about IDPA? There’s room for everyone to compete and have a blast.

 Now, let’s talk about the real meat of an IDPA match—the stages. Each stage is a scenario, a mini-world designed to simulate defensive situations. One minute, you’re engaging a set of cardboard “bad guys” while protecting a non-threat target. The next, you’re ducking behind cover to reload as you take on targets positioned at awkward angles. These stages are designed to make you think, to test your decision-making, accuracy, and ability to shoot under pressure.

 In IDPA, there’s always a challenge. For instance, you may have to engage targets in a certain order, simulating how you’d prioritize threats in a real-world situation. Or you might encounter “hard cover”—places you need to crouch or lean to get a clear shot. And then there are the “non-threats,” often cleverly placed to force you to tighten your aim. These are targets you don’t want to hit, as they represent bystanders. The penalty for hitting a non-threat? It’s steep, and it adds to your time—a solid reminder that in a real defensive scenario, every shot has a consequence.

 Each stage also has a start position, and sometimes it’s anything but convenient. You might start seated, hands on a table, or with your back to the targets. IDPA designers are constantly finding ways to make you adapt, to make you think on your feet, and to remind you that real-world scenarios rarely let you start with your sights lined up.

 Now, IDPA has its own unique set of rules designed to keep things practical. For starters, there’s the concept of using cover—a big deal in IDPA. The rules demand that you use cover while shooting, moving from one barricade to another, keeping yourself as shielded as possible. You’re penalized if you step out in the open or fail to clear cover when engaging a target.

Then there’s scoring. IDPA uses a points-down system. Each target has specific zones, and where you hit determines how many points you “drop.” Miss the center? That’s points down. Hit outside the primary zone? More points down. And time is added to your score for these “down” points. The scoring system keeps you accountable—not just for hitting the target but for hitting it accurately.

 Penalties are something to watch, too. You can get penalized for procedural errors, like failing to use cover or shooting targets in the wrong order. And let’s not forget the dreaded failure to neutralize, which happens if you don’t get enough hits on a target within the scoring zone. All these details add up, making IDPA more than just speed shooting—it’s a mental game as much as it is a physical one.

Gear plays a crucial role in IDPA, but this isn’t the place for flashy, impractical gadgets. Instead, it’s about carrying gear that you’d realistically use in a defensive situation. You’ll need a reliable handgun, a sturdy holster, and enough magazines to get through a stage without running dry. IDPA tends to favor more practical, everyday-carry gear, so don’t expect to see any race guns or oversized mag pouches. You will, however, see rifles in a pistol match. The IDPA rules allow pistol caliber carbines, and some shooters opt to use them. I’m personally not a big fan of having rifles in a pistol competition, but I don’t write the rules.

 When it comes to ammo, bring plenty. Courses of fire can burn through rounds quickly, like a fat kid hoovering down cupcakes. You’ll want to practice reloads. In IDPA, there’s no such thing as a casual mag change—you’re reloading behind cover, staying aware of your surroundings, and getting back on target fast.

 Beyond gear, there’s mental preparation. IDPA demands a tactical mindset. You need to think through each stage, decide how you’ll engage targets, and manage your time. Some competitors even walk stages ahead of time, visualizing every shot, every step. IDPA is one part marksmanship, one part planning, and one part problem-solving. IDPA will definitely show you if you have critical thinking skills or decision making skills that closely resemble a squirrel crossing the street.

 For first-timers, there’s definitely a learning curve, but don’t let that hold you back. Everyone starts somewhere. One of the most common challenges for newcomers is time management—figuring out how to move efficiently through a stage without sacrificing accuracy. Planning each shot, each move, and understanding how to prioritize targets is all part of the experience.

 Then there’s adapting to the stage once the timer starts. Things can go south fast. Maybe a shot doesn’t land where you intended, or you have to reload sooner than expected. It’s all part of the thrill. But here’s the secret: IDPA shooters love to share knowledge. Don’t be surprised if more experienced competitors offer advice, tips, and encouragement. The community is incredibly supportive, and there’s a wealth of knowledge to tap into if you’re open to learning.

 Shooting an IDPA match is more than just running through a course and hitting targets. It’s a test of skill, focus, and adaptability. It’s about learning to operate under pressure, honing defensive skills, and building confidence. So, if you’re curious, give it a shot—pun intended. Show up, gear up, and get ready for an experience that’ll push you out of your comfort zone and bring out the best in you as a shooter. In the world of IDPA, every shot tells a story—make yours count.

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 For the concealed carrier, Steel Challenge matches will help hone your accuracy and multiple target engagements. And in my opinion, they’re also the most fun matches to shoot.

 Steel Challenge—a shooting sport where speed and precision collide in a flurry of steel targets, rapid draws, and split-second transitions. Picture this: a row of white plates lined up on a range, each daring you to knock it down faster than you thought possible. Steel Challenge isn’t about complex tactical maneuvers or labyrinthine courses. It’s about simplicity and speed. The idea is simple—hit five targets in the right order, and do it fast. But in those few seconds, you’ll find a challenge that pushes your focus, timing, and reflexes to their absolute limit. So, let’s talk about what you’ll experience when you step up to the line at your first Steel Challenge match.

Steel Challenge is all about minimalism on the range. When you arrive, you won’t see barricades, paper targets, or a mess of obstacles. Instead, it’s just you, your firearm, and the iconic setup of steel plates. These plates are your only objective, and they make it clear: hit or miss, there’s no middle ground. Steel either rings when it’s struck, or it’s dead quiet.

 Steel Challenge has eight standardized stages, each with its own arrangement of targets. Every stage is named, each as distinct as a signature. For example, there’s Smoke and Hope, a fan favorite, where four large plates make for easier targets. It’s a stage that seems simple but invites you to pour on the speed, pushing your limits. And then there’s Roundabout—a deceptively tricky setup that tests your ability to transition smoothly from one target to the next. Each stage brings its own rhythm, its own set of quirks, and its own demands on your timing.

 But here’s the kicker: every stage has a “stop plate.” That’s the one plate that ends your run and stops the clock. Miss it, and you have to go back and hit it, which can feel like an eternity when every split-second matters. In Steel Challenge, each stage tests not just your accuracy, but your ability to maintain control under the intense, unyielding pressure of the timer.

 Shooting steel is a rush. There’s something primal about it. You’re not calculating windage or guessing holdover like you would in long-range shooting. Here, it’s all about reflexes. Fast draw, quick sight alignment, smooth trigger press—again and again in rapid succession. When you’re shooting Steel Challenge, it feels less like a shooting competition and more like a race, where each fraction of a second matters.

 Speed shooting demands an almost instinctive feel for timing. When you start out, you’ll likely be hesitant, maybe even overly cautious. But as you practice, you begin to develop a rhythm. Muscle memory takes over, and your hand-eye coordination becomes razor-sharp. You’ll start finding that perfect moment—where time seems to slow down, and each shot flows into the next like a well-oiled machine. That’s what shooters in Steel Challenge are chasing: a flawless run where everything feels like it’s in perfect sync.

 The rules in Steel Challenge are straightforward. Each stage is shot five times, and the best four runs are averaged to determine your score for that stage. It’s all about consistency. You can have one blazing-fast run, but if the others fall apart, it won’t help you much. In Steel Challenge, you have to be fast, but you also have to be consistent. Every run counts, and every shot has to be on point.

And then there’s strategy. Some shooters prefer to start slow, getting their shots on target, then gradually increase speed as they get comfortable. Others take a “go big or go home” approach, going all-out from the get-go. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it, but once you find a strategy that works, stick with it. In Steel Challenge, repetition breeds success. The more familiar you are with the rhythm and nuances of each stage, the better you’ll perform.

Experienced shooters know that transitions are where you can make or break your time. Moving from one plate to the next in a fluid, controlled motion is where you’ll shave off precious milliseconds. In practice, this means drilling not just your aim, but your transitions, until moving from plate to plate feels as natural as breathing. The goal is to eliminate any hesitation, any unnecessary motion. When it’s done right, it’s a beautiful thing to watch—and even better to experience firsthand.

 Gear in Steel Challenge is all about efficiency. You don’t need a high-tech race gun, although many shooters eventually go that route. But at the heart of Steel Challenge is the idea that anyone can compete, whether you’re shooting a basic handgun, a rimfire rifle, or something more specialized. The key is reliability. You need a firearm that cycles smoothly, sights that align quickly, and a trigger that’s crisp and consistent.

 Ammunition choice is critical, too. You’ll be firing a lot of rounds in quick succession, so using reliable, accurate ammo is a must. Many shooters find that lighter loads can help reduce recoil, which in turn helps with staying on target and maintaining control.

 But perhaps the most important piece of preparation? Mental focus. Steel Challenge might seem straightforward, but under pressure, it’s easy to make mistakes. Practicing sight alignment, drawing smoothly, and maintaining a steady pace are crucial. Dry fire drills at home can be a big help in building up that muscle memory. And once you’re on the range, visualize each stage before you shoot it. Picture where each plate is, how you’ll transition, and exactly how you’ll engage that stop plate.

 Steel Challenge is a rush like no other. It’s fast, it’s simple, but it’s anything but easy. It tests your reflexes, your ability to stay calm under pressure, and your commitment to improving with every run. Whether you’re a competitive shooter looking to shave off milliseconds or a casual shooter looking for a fun, low-barrier way to challenge yourself, Steel Challenge has something to offer. Give it a try—get out there, step up to the line, and feel the thrill of chasing that perfect run. Once you hear the “clang” of steel and feel that adrenaline kick, you’ll be hooked.

One of the beautiful things about competitive shooting is that it’s accessible. Newcomers don’t need to be trick-shot legends to compete. Most events have divisions for beginners, and the shooting community itself is as welcoming as they come. You’re just as likely to see a teenager running a course as you are a retiree—and yes, some of them will have insane levels of skill.

 Competitive shooting isn’t only about winning; it’s about camaraderie, personal improvement, and, most importantly, having a blast. These events build communities. You’ll find shooters trading tips, helping each other improve, and sharing laughs after the match is over.

 So, if you’ve been on the fence about trying out competitive shooting, consider this your invitation. Head to your local range, look up a beginner-friendly match, and jump in.

 And that will do it for this episode. If you liked what you heard, consider telling a like-minded friend about us. We’re listed in all the podcast directories so you can hear us on the go, or you can listen to us at our website.

Our final class of the year is going to be a basic carbine class on Saturday, November 23rd.

 Until next time, shoot safe.