Speed Option
The Trigger Guard Steel Challenge will be held on the second Saturday of each month starting at 10:00 am and consist of five stages chosen from the S.C.S.A. stages listed above. Two of the stages will change each month.
The object is to shoot the stages as fast as possible. The person with the fastest, overall time, wins the match and bragging rights until the next match!
Scores will be posted on this site after the competition.
Scoring
Steel Challenge scoring is simple: your time is your score!
Each stage consists of five targets, commonly referred to as plates. Four are standard plates, and the fifth is designated as the stop plate. Each of the standard targets must be hit at least once before hitting the stop plate, and the time stops when the stop plate is hit. Competitors may fire as many rounds as they deem necessary for each string of fire. The worst string on each stage will be thrown out, and the total of the remaining times will be competitor’s score for that stage. The total of a competitor’s stage scores will be his score for the match. Total score for all stages will determine the order of finish for final standings.
The maximum time allowed for an individual string is 30 seconds. Any hits made after the maximum time allowance will not be counted. The competitor will be stopped and asked to reload if they reach the 30 second limit.
The maximum score for any string is 30 seconds, no matter how many misses or penalties may have been accrued during the string.
Misses (Standard Plates): Any standard plate which has not been hit before the stop plate will count as a Miss. Each Miss on a standard plate will result in a 3 (three) second penalty, added to the shooter’s time for that string.
Misses (Stop Plate): If the stop plate is not hit, the score for that string is 30 seconds. It is the competitor’s responsibility to stop the time by hitting the stop plate with a clear hit on the edge or face of the plate.
Tie Scores (Stage): Should a tie for fi rst place on any stage occur, the fastest single run of that particular stage will be used to break the tie. If still needed, the second-fastest and third-fastest runs will be used to break the tie.
Tie Scores (Match): Should a tie for overall placement occur, the higher number of fastest stage scores will be the winner
Range Rules
Safety Equipment
Eye and ear protection is required for all shooters and spectators.
Individuals observed without eye or ear protection will be required to
leave the shooting area until such eye and ear protection is worn.
Competitor Equipment Rules
Any revolver or semi auto pistol able to hold at least 6 rounds may be used Changing Equipment- The same gun, and equipment must be used throughout a specific match. If there is a mechanical problem requiring a change of equipment, equipment of similar make or model may be used as a replacement, subject to the approval of the Range Master
Ammunition Carriers
Each competitor is expected to come to the firing line ready to shoot, with an appropriate amount of ammunition in an appropriate number of
magazines or speed-loaders or other loading devices ( 5 prefered).
A competitor may have an assistant to help them in reloading, if needed.
Ammunition Rules
All ammunition used in competition must be safe, serviceable and appropriate for the firearm being used
No multiple-projectile or magnum loads allowed.
Bullets must be of lead or FMJ, no hollow points or armor piercing
Any ammunition deemed unsafe or likely to damage the targets will be
removed from use.
Stage Procedures
When called to the firing line, it is the shooter’s responsibility to come to the line prepared to shoot, and familiar with the stage procedures and range commands. If a shooter is unsure of or unable to comply with stage procedures or range commands they should direct questions to the Range Official before entering the shooting box.
Leaving the Line: No contestant may leave the firing line position until the firearm has been unloaded, inspected and cleared by the Range Official. The firearm will then be holstered or placed in a protective sheath or bag.
Start Position
The start position is standing in the box with both feet flat on the ground. When the competitor is ready they will assume the required start position to indicate their readiness to the Range Official. The competitor must remain in the appropriate position until the start signal.
In center fire competition, hands are to be held in the “surrender position” with wrists and hands above the shoulders and fully visible from behind.
In the Rimfire Match, there will be an aiming point (flag or sign) centered downrange directly in front of each shooters box approximately 10’ away and 2’ high. One aiming point will be required for each shooting box used. The competitor while waiting for the start signal, must be pointing/aiming their gun at the flag/sign with the finger outside the trigger guard.
Range Commands
The Range Official will direct the shooter using the following commands:
“Load and Make Ready”
This signifies the start of the competitor’s attempt at the stage. The competitor must face down range and prepare their handgun. The competitor must then assume the required start position. At this point, the Range Official will proceed.
“Are you ready?”
The lack of any negative response from the competitor indicates that he/she fully understands the requirements of the course of fire and is ready to proceed. If the competitor is not ready he must state “Not ready”.
“Stand by”
This command should be followed by the start signal within 1 to 4 seconds.
Start signal
At the audible start signal the competitor is to begin their attempt at the course of fire. If a competitor fails to react to the audible start signal, for any reason, the Range Official will confirm that the competitor is ready to attempt the course of fire, and will resume the range commands from “Are You Ready?”
“Load for your next string”
After the completion of a string, if the shooter has not completed the required number of strings he/she will be instructed to prepare for the next string. The shooter should reload if necessary and assume the appropriate start position.
“Stop”
Any Range Official assigned to a stage may issue this command at any time. The competitor must immediately cease firing, stop moving and wait for further instructions from the Range Official.
“If you are finished, unload and show clear”
After the completion of the final string, the Range Official will issue this command. If the competitor has finished shooting, he must lower his handgun, completely unload it and present it for inspection by the Range Official with the muzzle pointed down range.
Semi-automatic firearms must be presented with magazine removed; slide locked or held open, and chamber empty.
Revolvers must be presented with the cylinder swung out and empty.
“If clear, hammer down and holster”
After issuance of this command, the competitor is prohibited from firing.