As the name implies, Action Steel courses are made up entirely of steel targets, some static and some reactive. Targets include everything from fixed plates, Poppers, Knock Down Steel in all different shapes and sizes and moving steel plates! We even have Tombstone steel targets for the Cowboys out there…
As stage props we utilize walls, barrels, tables and chairs to mimic “real life”. Be prepared to move/walk/run around props such as walls, barricades, barrels and shoot through walls with windows.
Matches consist of three to six stages. Each stage will be approximately 20-50 rounds, so a total 150 to 300 minimum for the whole match (depending on the number of stages). With steel… it is easy to go to fast and shoot extras, so make sure to bring enough ammo and enough magazines, we suggest at least two, preferably three magazines minimum. If you are shooting single stack (max of 10 rounds per magazine), then consider bringing more magazines.
You can shoot any rimfire or pistol caliber centerfire gun you have for Action Steel. Divisions including
Pistol Irons or Pistol Optics (.380/9mm/.40/.45)
Pistol Caliber Carbine (these can be actual pistol caliber rifles OR braced pistols as long as they shoot 9mm/.40/.45)
Rimfire Pistol (with or without optics)
Rimfire Rifle (with or without optics)
We have NO magazine limit restrictions across all divisions!
Action Steel matches are scored using a "time plus" model meaning your score is the time it takes you to complete the course of fire, plus a 3 second penalty for each target missed. Targets with a straight edge will require 2 hits, circular targets only 1. Special "Double Trouble" stages if declared require 4 hits on targets with a straight edge, and 2 hits on circular targets.
This is a simplified version of Practical Shooting (USPSA) with an easy set of rules designed for everyone to enjoy.
Action Steel Matches take place on the 4th Sunday of the Month at the Boulder Rifle Club.
The schedule varies depending on Daylight Savings Time. We typically run three to six stages across two or three berms depending on availability. Please refer to the Practiscore registration page for specific details.
If you've never shot a USPSA or Action Steel match before, please read the Get Started page. Make sure you take our required online safety course, then take the online quiz. On match day, plan on arriving 1 hour before your start time for the new shooter orientation (NSO).
Match fee is $25. Boulder Rifle Club Members receive a $5 discount.
You may select from one of several divisions to shoot - Rimfire Rifle, Rimfire Pistol, Centerfire Pistol Optics, Centerfire Pistol Irons, Pistol Caliber Carbine, or Revolver. As always, safety is number one and there will be experienced shooters at the match to help everyone have a good time and be safe.
Since this is a volunteer sport, if you are helping set up the stages by 7:15 am on a match day, you'll receive a $10 refund as well.
Individuals who can help with setup Saturday at 3:30 PM will receive a special advanced registration code.
All of our matches have registration via the Boulder Action Shooting Club on Practiscore. Matches are generally posted ~1 week to several days prior to the date and emailed via Google Groups, which you can sign up for below.