Action Pistol Resource Hub
Action Pistol is a handgun shooting sport that combines speed with precision. Unlike many other fast-paced shooting sports, Action Pistol features a fixed course of fire with 19 designated events. Because each event uses a fixed time, your points are your score. Though there are many courses of fire in the sport, the most popular are the Practical, Barricade, Falling Plate, and Moving Target Events. These 4 events make up the most well-known Action Pistol match, The Bianchi Cup. With 48 shots per event and 4 events per match, competitors test their guns, gear, and skills for the goal of shooting the best score out of a possible 1920 points. Select the links below to learn more about the sport and how to get started.
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How to Get Started
The Course of Fire
Each of the 4 primary action pistol events is 48 rounds. 12 shots are fired from each distance at each event and make-up shots on targets are not allowed. All shooting is conducted under the supervision of range officers who issue all range commands. Competitors are responsible for ensuring that their firearms are loaded to the correct capacity for all stings of fire.
Choose a Division
Click on the buttons below for a description of popular divisions in Action Pistol. Be sure to read the rule book and any updated rule changes for specific details for each. Regional matches and many club matches use NRA rules, whereas Bianchi Cup uses CMP rules. Though this is confusing, generally the rules are the same except when it comes to equipment and division rules. Centerfire divisions include Open, Metallic, Production, and Production Optics. Rimfire divisions follow the guidelines of their respective centerfire divisions but firearms are chambered in .22 rimfire for Open Rimfire, Metallic Rimfire, and Production Rimfire Divisions. There is an additional division listed in the NRA rules (Open Modified) but this division is not recognized in most matches.
Prep for Your First Competition
Action Pistol Short Course
Don’t have the distance to shoot out to 50 yards at your range? Looking for a low round count pistol challenge? Or maybe you’re interesting in competing in Action Pistol? The Action Pistol Short Course is for you! Download the course of fire printables below. The Action Pistol Short Course (Mover) is best for ranges that have access to a moving target. No Mover? No problem! Try the Non-Mover option using stationary targets.
The Action Pistol Short Course is a great way to dip your toes into the sport. It features strings from the 10 and 15-yard lines from the Barricade, Moving Target or Non-Mover, Falling Plate, and Practical Events. Weak hand shooting is replaced with shooting with the strong hand (no transfer required).
Bianchi Cup
Club Resources
Downloads
