Get Started
Going to your first action shooting event might seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy to get started. Best of all, there's a large, friendly community who participate in shooting sports and are eager to welcome you and show the ropes.
what is action shooting?
Want to do something a little more fun that just standing stationary in a shooting lane at the range? Want to learn how to safely handle your pistol while moving, shooting through window ports, door ways, over or under tables, around walls? That's action shooting!
Starting from various positions, you'll engage stationary targets, those that appear, appear/disappear, swing, rotate, you name it. Usually you shoot till you hit the target the correct number of times, regardless of how many shots it takes. Learn to always be aware of where your shots are impacting.
If you've never shot like this before, don't worry! Most people haven't before their first event, so come on out, give it a try, and learn.
What should I expect my first time out?
Most action shooting events start around 9am and last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on how many courses of fire and shooters there are for the day (so don't forget water, sunscreen, and snacks!).
For your first event, you'll need to arrive about 60-90 minutes early to attend a new shooters safety meeting where you'll be walked through the key safety rules, given an overview of how courses are run, and paired up with a buddy to guide you through your first time. After you register for your event, make sure to email new-shooters@boulderactionshooting.com and let them know you're a new shooter and will be attending the orientation session. You are required to take an online safety course prior to attending orientation. To start your orientation, click here.
Most of all, be prepared to meet great new people and have fun!
What Equipment Do I need?
The exact equipment you'll need depends on what event you're participating in, but generally speaking as long as you have a gun, a couple of magazines, and in the cases of pistols, a holster, you'll be ready to get started.
The main categories of guns we use are:
Centerfire pistols chambered in 9mm, .40, or .45 (for USPSA and Action Steel)
Centerfire rifles chambered in any non-magnum round (for Long Range Rifle)
Rimfire Pistols and Rifles (for Action Steel and Long Range Rifle)
Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCCs) (for USPSA and Action Steel)
Also make sure to bring safety glasses, ear protection, 2 or 3 extra magazines, and a holster that securely holds the gun, trigger guard must be covered when holstered. The relatively inexpensive Kydex type holsters and mag holders are an excellent entry rig.
There more details on how the various divisions/groups for each event type work on the event pages