FAQ
Got a question? We’re here to answer!
It’s my first match, what should I expect?
First, welcome! You should expect to encounter a super friendly group of like-minded people who will be willing and ready to help answer any of your questions.
Here are a few key things to expect and prepare for:
- Plan to arrive at the range early, at least 45 minutes prior to the match start time – as a new shooter, you will be required to complete a short safety briefing and orientation match rules.
- Do not, under any circumstance, handle your firearms in the parking lot, in your car, or otherwise. Bring your gear in a case up to the registration desk, and someone will assist you or locate the white table clearly marked SAFE TABLE – no ammunition should be brought to the safe table.
- There will be a shooters meeting for all competitors after the new shooters briefing; all must attend.
- You will start on the stage that matches your squad number. For example, if you register on squad 6, you will start on stage 6.
- Have FUN and get to know your squad mates! Don’t be shy about asking questions; if you receive constructive feedback, please accept it with the good intention it’s given.
Links
Wondering if you are ready for your first match?
When are matches held?
- 1st Saturday – Hit Factor Match
- 3rd Saturday – USPSA Match
- 4th Sunday – Steel Challenge Match
Links
Need help registering for a match? Click on this link for more information.
What Division and Classification should I register for?
Standard pistol with Iron Sights
If you’re shooting iron sights and this is your first match to USPSA or Steel Challenge, we recommend you register for Limited Division, so you’re not restricted to the magazine capacity rules of Production. Your classification will be U for Unclassified.
Standard pistol with a Red Dot
If you’re shooting a red dot on a standard pistol, your Division will be Carry Optics. Your classification will be U for unclassified.
Links
- The official USPSA rule book with Division and Classification definitions can be reviewed online.
- The official Steel Challenge rule book with Division and Classification definitions can be reviewed online.
What is a Cold Range?
All USPSA and Steel Challenge matches are run as a cold range, which means everyone is unloaded unless they are actively shooting a course of fire. You may not handle your firearm on any part of the range except as specified below. Violating this safety rule will result in a match disqualification.
- NO loaded firearms on the range. Please do NOT show up with a loaded gun in your holster or bag. Unload just prior to arriving or, if you must, find a match official or range officer to safely instruct you on unloading your firearm.
- Firearms are to remain unloaded and in a holster or bag at all times unless under the direct observation of a RO.
- You may handle your unloaded firearm only in the designated safe areas or under the direction of a Range Officer.
- Never handle or load ammunition in the Safety Area.
- Your car is NOT a Safe Area. Please holster/unholster your gun in the safe area.
Links
Learn more about what to expect on your first match.
What are the Range Commands?
“Make Ready” – This signifies the start of the course of fire. At this time the competitor can handle their handgun and do more than just hold their PCC with the muzzle up. The firearm is prepared according to the Written Stage Briefing and the competitor assumes the start position. The RO must not proceed with the next range command until the competitor is in the proper start position and has stopped moving.
“Are you ready?” – This is a question to the competitor, but a response is not required, if the competitor is ready. If there is no response, the RO proceeds with the next range command. If the competitor is not ready, he must indicate to the RO that he isn’t ready.
“Standby” – ROs should make sure the competitor is in the proper start position, and still, before issuing this command.
“Start signal” – The start signal occurs one to four seconds after “Standby”. For USPSA Competition and Multigun matches, the start signal should be varied between competitors to prevent competitors from jumping the start signal. For Steel Challenge, the interval between “Standby” and the start signal needs to be consistent for all strings of a stage for a single competitor, but can be changed between competitors. It is very important for the timer to be set to instant mode so the RO can control when the start signal occurs in case the competitor starts moving before the start signal. The RO should not give the start signal if the competitor is moving.
“Stop” and “Unload and show clear” – If the competitor commits a safety infraction (DQ), a range equipment failure happens, or if there is some sort of external influence (e.g. person/animal downrange), then the first command is “Stop” followed by “Unload and show clear.” It is very important to have the competitor unload the firearm and holster/flag before discussing why they were stopped.
“If you are finished, unload and show clear” – This the next command that is given if “Stop” is not used. If the competitor is finished, he/she should remove the magazine, clear the chamber, and lock or hold back the slide/bolt so the RO can see an empty chamber. Revolver shooters, empty the chambers and present the firearm with the empty cylinder swung out to the RO.
“If clear, hammer down, holster” or “If clear, hammer down, flag” (PCC) or “If clear, cylinder closed, holster” (Revolver) – The competitor cannot fire a shot after this command is issued. To confirm that the chamber is truly empty, semi-automatic handgun and PCC competitors must pull the trigger. Revolver shooters are exempt from pulling the trigger since is it is easy to see that all the chambers are empty. Once the firearm has been proven to be clear, handguns are holstered and chamber flags are inserted into PCCs. PCCs must be held vertically up or down after the flag is inserted.
“Range is clear” – This range command signifies the end of the course of fire and indicates that it is safe to move downrange to score and reset. This command should not be issued until a competitor has removed their hand from the holstered firearm and until PCC shooters are holding a flagged PCC vertically.
Where do I find match results?
We use PractiScore to score all our matches. The results are generally posted within an hour of completing the match and can be found on the PractiScore website.
- Click on Scores in the top menu bar
- In the Search bar, type in APSC
- Click on the match name for the scores to appear
Links
Can I come and watch a match?
Yes, you can. You must arrive before check-in closes at 9:00 AM so that you can sign the necessary waivers to be on the range. You must also wear eye and hearing protection at all times.
Also, if you are not an Austin Rifle Club (ARC) member, you must wear the blue band issued at check-in while on ARC property.
Links
Can I get a refund on my match fee?
Refunds will be automatically issued for match fees if you withdraw from the match by or before Friday morning at 8 AM. A refund will not be issued if you withdraw later than Friday at 8 AM or no-show the match without withdrawing on Practiscore by Friday at 8 AM.
APSC matches are regularly at capacity well before the match date. We ask that you be respectful of your fellow club members on the waitlist and withdraw as soon as you know you won’t be able to attend. If it’s by Friday at 8 AM, someone else can have an opportunity to shoot, and you can receive a refund.
Links
Withdrawals are initiated on Practiscore. You must log in to Practiscore, find the match in your upcoming events, and Request to Withdraw.