Action Pistol was founded in the United States with the National Rifle Association (NRA) as its governing body. Action Pistol match competitions were first known as the ‘NRA 1920 Match’ because the highest possible score is 1920 points. The match rules were originally based on the shooting competition by United States’ Law Enforcement Agencies.
SSPC ACT was one of the original clubs in Australia to establish and compete in Action Pistol. Over the years, many SSPC ACT members have represented and competed in Action Pistol competitions at the state, national and international level around the globe.
Action Pistol is widely considered to be one of the most difficult disciplines of all the shooting sports. Action Pistol match competitions comprise of four different courses of fire: Barricade, Practical, Modified Mover and Falling Plates. There are 48 shots in each course of fire with a total of 192 shots. Each course of fire requires shooters to engage a different range of skills contributing to the discipline being dynamic, challenging, and exciting.
There are four divisions: Open, Metallic Sight, Production Optics and Production, with other divisions to be introduced soon. The Open division is the premier and most contested, although the Productions Optics division is increasing in popularly. Both centrefire and rimfire pistols (including revolvers and semi-automatics) can be used in all divisions.
The pinnacle event for Action Pistol Match competitors is the CMP Bianchi Cup (previously known as the NRA Bianchi Cup). Beginning in 1979, the Bianchi Cup is the second longest running pistol championship in the world. It is held at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in May each year in Missouri, United States.
Action Pistol shoots regularly so check the SSPC ACT Calendar for dates and times. Contact the Action Pistol Discipline Coordinator if you would like to try Action Pistol, shoot on a regular basis, compete or if you have any questions.
To obtain a further understanding of the Action Pistol discipline visit the Australian governing body Pistol Australia website.