The Steel Challenge is a speed shooting competition governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) that consists of eight standardized stages with steel targets in three sizes: small circular, large circular and square targets. Competitors are scored according to the time it takes them to complete each stage, and the match winner is the competitor with the lowest overall time.

There are 8 stages with 5 steel targets on each. Shooters get five runs on each stage. Each competitor shoots each stage five times, with their slowest run dropped. The counting times are totaled for their stage score, and the eight stage scores are added together to establish the competitor's match score.The various divisions are listed on the Steel Challenge portion of the USPSA website. Rimfire pistols, rifles, and pistol caliber carbines start from a "low ready" position aimed at a marker. Centerfire pistols are drawn from a holster.

A New Shooter Class is held the morning of the match before the competition starts. All first time Steel Challenge shooters are required to attend. The class emphasizes the rules for safe participation and the range commands that are used. We also give a few tips on how to approach shooting the match.

A great video explaining how Steel Challenge works can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fni4BlduAYY

SCSA is currently evaluating new stage designs, so some of the stages you shoot at our match might be different from what you see in the video, but the overall concept for each stage is the same. Understand that most of us are nowhere near as fast as the professional competitors shown in the video. At the club level we focus first on safety, and then on having fun. Speed comes with practice. You are really only competing with yourself. It's the ideal format for any shooter new to competition, regardless of age. It's also a great way for experienced shooters to challenge themselves against a standardized format used across the United States.

The match isn't conceptually difficult, requiring no complicated strategy or tactics. A match has 200 hits on the targets, and there is no limit on the number of shots taken to achieve the hits. For a first match we recommend bringing at least 300 rounds. Each shooter is under the direct supervision of a Range Officer when preparing to shoot and while shooting. All of the experienced shooters on each squad are happy to help new shooters and answer questions.

We email a match registration announcement early in the week of the match. Registration and payment are handled online through Practiscore with a link provided in the email announcement. You can sign up to a Google Group to receive the USPSA Eastern Colorado Section announcements which include our Steel Challenge Matches. Being on that list will get you all USPSA Front Range Match announcements, plus a few others. Join at ecouspsa+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

To learn more, contact us. We love to have new shooters and will gladly introduce you to the sport.

Steel Challenge Matches are held the 1st Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Check for cancellation information on our Website EVENTS page.

Shooting starts at 9AM during Daylight Savings time. 10AM during the Winter months.

Final Registration check-in starts one hour before first shots.

The High Plains' Shooting Range has an electric front gate which opens by entering the match code which is sent to contestants after online registration is completed. Access is available from 7:00 AM and is deactivated for range security after shooting starts.

A maximum of 80 competitors (8 squads of 10 on 8 stages) or 12 guns per squad will be allowed to register through Practiscore. No walk-up registrations or changes at the match. There is a two gun limit - any combination of a Rimfire Pistol, Rimfire Rifle, Centerfire Pistol, or Pistol Caliber Carbine. The match fee is $20 for WCFW members and $25 for non-members and $5 more for a second gun. Payment is made online with Practiscore registration. There is a $5 discount for ECO BOD members and competitors who arrive to help set up between 7:00 and 7:30 AM.

Match administrative information:

Match Director: Pat Miller

Range Master: Steve Hopkins

Stats Officers: John & Pam Burkholder

Stage setup starts at 7:00 AM. (8:00 AM Winter)

Match check in starts at 8:00 AM in the pistol classroom. (9:00 AM Winter)

New Shooters Class starts at 8:00 AM at the pistol pavilion. (9:00 AM Winter)

Shooters Meeting 8:45 AM at the pistol pavilion. (9:45 AM Winter)

Shooting starts at 9:00 AM. (10:00 AM Winter)

General Match information: Range/berm assignments and final squad assignments will be provided at check in. Squad rotation instructions will be provided at the Shooters Meeting. Each squad will self RO and score. Stage boxes and scoring devices will be provided at each berm and stay on that berm. DQ protocol: using the stage box radio contact the MD or RM immediately if a DQ situation occurs. Once your squad has completed shooting your final stage, and only when given the word to do so, each squad will tear down that stage and prepare the props for pick up.

If you are a new shooter to USPSA/SCSA email us so we can plan accordingly for the New Shooters class.

The following safety information applies:

1) WCPS runs a cold range. Firearms must be unloaded when not in use. This is defined as no magazine or ammunition loaded in the firearm with the slide forward or cylinder closed and hammer down. Rimfire rifles and pistols and PCC’s must have an empty chamber indicator inserted. The only time you may load or make your firearm "HOT" is under the direction of a range officer (RO). Concealed Carry is not authorized while participating in the match. Range #8 is our designated unload and load area. Please ensure your firearm is unloaded before checking in for the match.

2) Firearms can only be uncased, handled or cased in the safety areas or for rimfire and PCC under the direction of an RO at the table next to the stage starting box. Safety areas are located between North berms 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 and South berms 2 & 3 and 3 & 4. All other times your firearm must remain holstered or cased. Only one competitor is allowed in the safety area at a time. YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED SAFETY AREA!

3) No ammunition or loaded magazines can be handled in the safety area.

4) All safety rules defined within the USPSA/SCSA rule book will be strictly enforced.

Thanks and Have Fun!

Steel Challenge

Steel Challenge - Weld County Practical Shooters

Steel Challenge Director